Absence

Although I'm not certain of how many people out there are still reading this blog (LOL), I'm sure that those of you that are--that don't talk to me everyday, anyways--are wondering why I don't post about Moss much anymore.

Sometimes, the best decisions, the RIGHT decisions, really suck. Even when the outcome is better for everyone involved.

Since the end of July, Moss now lives with a friend of mine, we'll call her E, in a town about 45 minutes away from where I live.  E lives on a small farm that butts up to acres and acres of rolling farmland. You've seen it, in many of the working dog photos I've posted over the past year or so.

It was not an easy decision to place Moss.  I fully expected, and wanted, to keep him for his whole entire life. I never even considered the idea until E asked if we might consider letting her have him. Because of a rather shitty set of circumstances, as well as the fact that I've been focusing mainly on agility for the last few years, Moss and his herding training have been on the back burner. I had a lot of guilt about that, because he is truly happiest when he has a job and work to do every day. I felt that it wasn't fair to keep him a pet, when he had so much talent for herding. But still, he was my dog, and I loved him a whole lot. I still do.

When E's offer came up, I agonized about making a decision for weeks. Ultimately, even though it completely broke my heart, I decided to do what was right for my dog, and stop being selfish about keeping him when he had such a great opportunity. I felt it was only fair to give Moss the opportunity to do what he loves every day instead of occasionally... and with someone who had the time, resources, and ability to take him as far as possible while still keeping him as a pet and member of her family.  Basically, he would have everything I gave him, plus a steady job. It seems like the stars happened to align for him right when he needed them most.

When I finally called E to give her my answer, I choked out something to the effect of "I've decided to let you have him" before breaking down and crying so hard that I had to get off the phone.  But immediately afterwards, even though I was still incredibly, profoundly sad, I felt a huge sense of relief and peace wash over me. I knew immediately that I'd made the right decision. And that has proven to be the case. E texts me all the time to tell me how he's doing, and she's thanked me many times for him. He adores her, and she him.  Sometimes things are just "right," ya know? I know that this is one of those times.  I doubt he's given me a second thought...even though I miss my big, sweet, goofy, talented boy every day.

In his new home, Moss gets to work sheep every day. The two of them are currently competing  in USBCHA trials and doing awesome, recently placing in the top 5 out of 42 dogs in Pro-Novice, on a tough course with range ewes.

I wish them all the success and happiness in the world.