ours was hand shy and wary of my husband. so one thing we did was have him hand feed her meals. it went a long way to developing trust.

WW, save your receipt for the crate. Chances are you won't need it at the end of the year, and you can donate it to a rescue for a tax deduction

Once she gets used to the crate, take the door off and leave it where she can use it as her den. Our rescue still seeks the safety of her crate in thunderstorms because they scare the begeebers out of her. We think she was in a pole shed (metal barn like structure) during her years as a puppy mill brood dog.

If you have an old t-shirt, put it in the crate with her to make a bed out of. In fact, throw in one from your husband too. The scent of both of you paired with the security of the crate will work on her brain in a positive manner.

And walk her...a lot. The more exercise she gets, the more she'll work off energy and tension.

Let us know how it goes.

Everyone gave great advice, but I've decided to take her back to the shelter this weekend.

My husband is adamant. He doesn't like her and isn't going to give her another chance. Once he makes up his mind, that's it. Good and bad trait, but that's a different thread....

I tried finding another family that I know is good with animals to take her, but no luck.

Thank you again to everyone for being so helpful and supportive.

sometimes returning the dog IS the right thing to do. kudos to you for seeing this. i know you already love that precious dog, but know giving her a different environment is showing love. don't be too heartbroken.

Why wait till the weekend? If you've decided, it's probably best to get her out of the negative atmosphere asap. Just sayin'....

The weekend starts tomorrow. Just sayin...

I'm sure she has her reasons, and I'm sure she'll take good care of her hubby & both dogs until she's able to take the rescue back.

Maybe the shelter needs to get a "space" ready for the pup? It might have filled said space after the adoption.

Many shelters require 2 weeks until they can take a returned animal back.

There may be a breed specific rescue group that would take it...there's usually less chance she will be put down there. Just google it, you'll find it if there one nearby.

If you go the rescue-route, I recommend checking your adoption papers and contract. Some organization require the pet to be returned to them if you decide to give it up.

*W*W*, sorry to hear things aren't going to work out. Been there, done that, didn't get the t-shirt but almost lost a couple fingers in the process. Sometimes a rescue just doesn't work out and you shouldn't feel bad about it. Your little dog will find the best home for her, I truly believe that!

My friend's 82 year old mother lives alone, has been considering getting a small dog, and has agreed to "try her out." I offered to take her back if it doesn't work. Keep your fingers crossed!

WW, manimal is right. If you got it from a rescue and not a pound, check your contract. You may have to return it to them. BUT, if you have a potential adopter to take over because it isn't getting along with your older dog, let the rescue know and they will almost certainly facilitate the transfer to the new owner. That is, as long as the 82 year old can handle having a dog.

B_F, the Babcia here is 83 and walks three dogs at once. She started after her knee replacement last year and, except for ice and snow, she's does it often. So I'm betting on WW's 82 year old neighbor.

Truffle, I'm not saying at all that 80+ year olds can't handle dogs, but SOME of them can't, and it is always a concern when you get an adoption application for a young dog to an older person.

I know a couple in their early 70s. The local rescues would not place a dog them. Said they were too old. They went out and bought a dog.

I checked with the shelter before I started looking for antoher family to take her. They didn't ask me who I was or which dog I had. They said it was fine to find a new family for her, just to be picky and contact them so that they could update the microchip system with the new owner's contact info.

This isn't your average 82 yr old. She's a hair dresser and just retired last year! She's taken care of her husband who has alzheimers for the last 11 years. He's in a nursing home now, so I think she's a little lonely. She's had small dogs before.

If it doesn't work, she'll let me know.

Good luck, *W*W*! Maybe you were meant to be the "stepping stone" that pairs this woman with the dog. Sometimes things have a funny way of working themselves out.

^^^ I like that idea. Best of luck to you and your friend's mother!

God Bless Her WW! Good for her. I'll bet she would be very happy for the company. I hope it all works out.

I'm happy to report my friend's mother says the dog is a keeper. She said the dog is just what she needed and exactly what she was looking for.

Thank doG it all worked out. Sometimes things work out great, but in ways we just do not expect. You've learned that your hubby is just not at a point in his life that he wants to have a young willful dog in his life, but is ready to be serious about starting a family. The dog found a good home, and the new owner got just what she needed. Who could ask for more?

That's the best possible news. Thanks for letting us know.

yea! Points to you for homing a rescue...even if it wasn't in your home. Good luck on your future family.