Free Dog to Good Home

I got to bed very late last night - or this morning, however you want to put it. Only two hours after I finally laid down to sleep, I was awakened by Maddie's cries inside and a strange, desperate mewing outside. I was feeling very foggy and it took a while to put two and two together. Finally I snapped awake, realizing that Maddie needed me and that there was a terrible thing happening to one of our kittens outside. I scooped Maddie up and then hurried to peek out the front door.

I found a dirty, terrified kitten and a very sheepish dog. Maya had been "playing" with one of the kittens who accidentally stepped out a little too far from protection. The poor little fella was so frightened it wouldn't even move. There was no bleeding and from what I can tell - unless it has some internal damage, the kitten will actually survive - but only because I woke up in time to save it. I mean, the poor thing was dragged all the way from the back of the house up to the front door. I've seen how Maya plays with things in her mouth. It couldn't have been a fun ride.

I know "dogs do these things" but that doesn't make it any more pleasant to wake up to the sound of a near-dead kitten shrieking for its life. Maya has torn up plants, eaten cookies and other food off our kitchen counter, torn up innumerable rugs, knocked Brooklyn off her feet a few times a day, eaten the arms off the wooden bench on our front porch, and caused all manner of temper tantrums by Sean and me but this was too much.

I didn't have to do much for Maya to know she was on my bad side. The moment I opened that door she crept away to "her bench" and hid her face in shame. She must have seen it in my eyes that she didn't want to be within reach. She's stayed away from me so far this morning as well and gets a very guilty look about her the moment anyone opens the door. Guilty conscience or did the look in my eyes really convey such a fearful thing?

I'll forgive her but not anytime soon. Maya is a great dog. She's still a puppy, even if she is almost a year old. I know she gets bored all by herself and we've considered getting another dog to keep her company but our yard is just too small. She looks for friendship from the cats...usually they aren't so easy to get a hold of. Brooklyn plays with her every day and we try to get her out for walks. I don't know what to do with her. She's had bones and chew toys and balls and all manner of plant life to chew on, why does she need a kitten?!

The kittens will be going to their new home in about a week. Pray they survive.