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Comment by Anna Morelli on May 31, 2013 at 7:41pm

Happy for the update I was hoping to read and also to know you are in an amicable divorce. All is well.

Comment by Stephanie Lonning on May 31, 2013 at 5:14pm

I wanted to update on my post.

First of all, thank you so much for all your kind words and inspiration. 

I am keeping my Boo.  As one person commented, "A dog as nice as Boo is doesn't come around often"  It's true.  As I didn't do too much in regards to training him, but just loved him.  i think his temperment played the biggest part.  My 14 yr old was very upset when we talked about re-homing Boo and i think between her and I things are going to be just fine.

A side note --  my divorce was my choice --  I married my best friend and as the years went on, and kids grew up and out of the house we just didn't have much in common any longer.  He still remains my best friend, and eventhough I asked for the divorce last year, he said, "Steph...  I know you all too well and money is a very important aspect in your life.  If you leave now, get a job and try to finish school.  Money will win and school will lose.  I will give you the divorce after you've finished college, and you get your job and we move you to Des Moines.  But until then, you will remain in our house and i will continue to support you financially and emotionally until you are ready to leave." 

He still remains my best friend today and he is the first person I call when I have good news or bad news.

I wanted you all to know..  that I am keeping my Boo and if I have to go away for the weekend...  My mom will dog sit for Boo at her house...  complete with his doggie door and doggie heaven backyard.

Comment by Heather & Ellie on May 30, 2013 at 3:13pm

I know you've already gotten a lot of comments like this, but I wanted to add my support too.  What you're going through is really, really hard, and when you're under that kind of stress, it's easy to lose hope in anything and everything. Maybe I can be one more voice of encouragement?

I live alone in a one bedroom, 800 sq. ft. apartment and work 40 hours a week.  My Ellie doesn't go to daycare or have a dog walker.  Sometimes I feel like I'm being horribly unfair to her, but when she greets me with her wagging nub and kisses, it's a reminder that she's the sweetest, happiest dog I've ever had.  Corgis can definitely flourish in apartments, even if they're alone most of the day.  Actually, I think Ellie likes it when I'm gone for a few hours so she can get an uninterrupted nap instead of having to follow her human around everywhere and observe everything I'm obviously too dumb to notice on my own. :)

We do a lot of walking together and playing in the morning/evening. I had to adjust my schedule and get a little less sleep to give her all the attention she needs, but it's been worth it.  When I'm at work, I leave on the TV for some background noise, which she likes a lot. When the weather's nice, we play outside on a tie-out (because of leash laws).  There also might be a dog park you could go to if the tie-out isn't an option.

I wanted you to know that it can work, and while you might have doubts about it (like I do sometimes), Boo probably won't.  Wishing you the best.

Comment by Maria & Reggie on May 30, 2013 at 1:02am

I agree with everyone. Think it through a little bit more. It sounds like you love Boo and that you really need him.

I have a friend who owns a Corgi and lives in an apartment; she does just fine. I'll also be keeping Reggie in an apartment. The apartment will be fine if you get the opportunity to go on walks. When I was looking into dogs (I reaaaaaaaaally wanted a Corgi) I read up that Corgis are great with apartments as long as you keep them exercised and have plenty of toys for them to chew on during the day.

I currently am gone a decent chunk of day at work and in class without my Reggie. It took him a couple of weeks to get used to, but now he knows that I'll always come home and that I'm not leaving him because I necessarily want to.

The greatest part of my day is coming home and having him run out to greet me. Especially now that my boyfriend is out west for an internship. There are some days I just need to hug my pup and I always know he'll be there to cheer me up.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but Boo may be what you need to help you through this. Animals are great companions during rough times and he'll always be there for you :)

Good luck and do what's best for the two of you. 

Comment by Jennifer Markley on May 29, 2013 at 6:10pm

Stephanie-

I agree with the others....don't just give him up because you are moving to an apartment.  He'll adapt.  My best friend ever (Dillon) moved with me to an apartment when I got divorced, and he did just fine.  Besides that, I don't know what I would have done without him.  We made it through all the hard times together.

If it would help, I live in Cedar Rapids and would be willing to foster him until you could get back on your feet.  Or find him a new home for you- whatever your wishes are.  

Just don't make any rash decisions....I think your heart needs him, and I think he would adapt just fine.  They say dogs have no concept of time, (which I'm not sure I believe), but I really think he would rather have you part of the time than not at all.  *hug*

Comment by Anna Morelli on May 29, 2013 at 10:48am

Sorry you are going through a difficult time, but this is what friends are for. Your little friend will help you get up and smile each day and evening and be there for you 100% through thick and thin. Look at it from his point of view: if given the choice of going to live with someone else who had a big house and yard, or staying with you in an apartment, even if that meant being alone in the day, what do you think he would choose?

A dog as nice as the one you describe in your post does not come around just by chance, it means you have put a great deal of time and love into him and love runs strong both ways. We all need love more than creature comforts and dogs are no exception.

I hope you can make it work because he can still make a difference in your life and most certainly wants to. Once you decide to keep him, you will find that avenues and ideas and resources will come your way that may not be apparent now. The fact that you feel so bad about doing it is exactly what is telling you you don't have to. I know it's hard to think positive when life thoughts you such a monkey wrench, but you can start with realizing you do not have to lose your beloved and faithful dog.... Best of luck in achieving what will be best for you and Boo.

Comment by Linda on May 29, 2013 at 10:30am

I agree with the others...don't be too quick to think you have to give him up just because you are moving to an apartment.  I worked full time for over 25 years and had my dogs from mutts to Irish Wolfhounds to corgis and all did just fine.  Everyone of them was happy and well adjusted. 

You are going thru one of the roughest times in a person's life, you will need your Boo to be there when you come home from work, to share kisses and the tears I know you will shed while adjusting to your new life.  Please try to make this work...for both your sakes.

Comment by Beth on May 29, 2013 at 10:11am

Corgis are very adaptable and many can do very well in apartments, as long as they get a long leash walk every day. We have a house, but we don't have a fenced yard and mine are very happy and well-exercised. Maybe like the others say you can find a way to make it work?

Comment by Jane Christensen on May 29, 2013 at 7:59am

So sorry, I would also  suggest trying to keep him. Corgis can adapt to situations quite well and I understand you wanting the best for him but that might still be having him in your life:) If you can't I hope you can find him a wonderful home and post more than once and don't forget to post on other groups you may belong to also. Good luck...I'm sure this is hard for you!

Comment by Bogart the Cardigan on May 29, 2013 at 6:11am

Stephanie, don't give your dog up without first exploring some ways to make his apartment dwelling life ok for both of you. Research dog walkers and dog daycare facilities. Perhaps once or twice a week he can go to daycare, and the other days you have someone come and take him for a nice walk in the middle of the day. I don't think that would be a bad life for him.