No Good Deed Goes Unpunished - Again − 25 February, 2008
So, a friend contacted me a few weeks ago with a situation she thought I could help with – a family nearby with a Malinois pup that was not “working out” and they were looking to sell her. I ended up taking her on a co-ownership to provide a loving, dog-active home where she could get plenty of exposure and socialization, I would work with her, show her and love her.
She is a lovely girl – an excellent bloodline, though from perhaps not the most well-thought-of breeder, but her temperament is not great (due to lack of socialization more than inherent traits) and she is missing some teeth, so she is really not show-quality. But, early on, I made a commitment to work her through some of her issues (as many as I could – some things just can’t be changed) and entered all the local shows – at my own expense – no small fee.
Now the original (and co-) owner want her back “ASAP” because I said she is missing 6 teeth and not show quality. I have no idea what is really going on between the original owner and the breeder, but something is up, and there are accusations and insinuations flying around. Absolutely ridiculous.
I was planning on keeping her through at least all the dog shows so that she could get socialized and exposed and I could provide another dog for points. She needs all the exposure she can get and certainly a “dog-active” home like mine is perfect for that.
Now, this original owner says she heard I “did something” (she won’t tell me what it was) and wants the dog back. Fine. I asked for my entry fees. She won’t give them back. Fine. I wash my hands of it.
A very expensive lesson to learn – here I am doing something for the breed I love – helping a family and a lovely little Malinois who needs lots of socialization and gaining experience. The woman totally believes the hearsay – switching her allegiance like I change my underwear. The whole time I had talked to her, helped her understand the breed, and tried to give her guidance – all for “doing the right thing.” And what do I get? Screwed, that’s what. I should’ve known better – no good deed goes unpunished.
And what a shame for the pup – she has totally fit in to my household – bonding with the other critters – the other dogs and even my Siamese cat. So she will be ripped away from that and go to another home – a “better” home according to the original owner. Perhaps it is, and I certainly wish them the best – Malinois can be a challenge to own.
I have, hopefully, learned my lesson and will not ever get in to this sort of situation again. I tried to do something good, and look how it turned out. Never again.
