we are going to keep him. I just can’t go through that again. We are looking at solutions to the issues four dogs present … chain link fence, doggie door, and one of those anti-bark collars that mists a citronella-based deterrent when they bark. (We think that we’ve been “pegging” the wrong dog for barking … we thought Willie was doing most of it, but we’ve discovered that Jami’s five month old chorkie has a very deep bark and may be the instigator to some of the “symphonies” that we’ve been “enjoying”.) Also, everyone but our Golden Retriever will be scheduled for surgery (spaying, neutering) as soon as fiscally possible in hopes that that will help, too.
He came and sat with me for a good while this morning. I don’t think he was mistreated while he was gone, but I think he was wondering, “Why do I keep going for these long car rides with strangers?” 
And thank you to everyone whose comments have been such a comfort and encouragement. I really appreciate your friendship.
A Scribbler & A Shutterbug 
I never used to like shock collars until I ended up having to use one. Same situation only it was with Sasha, our outside dog. The neighborhood dogs would howwwwwwwwwlllllllllllllllllll alllllllllllll niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight long. I couldn’t take it anymore. I have one where it trains them it’s ok to bark? But not with such force that you wake the neighbor a block and a half away. The first bark sends a little tickle, the second sends an uncomfortable feeling, and the third one zaps them. I don’t have to use it on her any more….I only have to show it to her and she’s quiet the rest of the night.
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Yay for you! I hope you can solve the problems.
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I was just coming to tell you that maybe you are supposed to keep him, when I read you are keeping him. I think that’s the right thing. Of course, I’m the one that had 6 dogs and 20 plus cats. Three of our dogs have died now. Don’t count of neutering cutting down on the barking. Didn’t work for us.
Discovered today that I’ve got to take one of the kittens in for spaying. She’s in heat. Great. Whiskers jumped her today, and he’s been neutered for years.
One of our dogs is a Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix. The other 2 are humongous. They stay outside.
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@triciaplumley – Hey, Tricia! Clarification on that collar — it doesn’t shock them, it just lets out a little burst of citronella-scented mist. They don’t like the smell and begin to associate barking with the unpleasant scent. I’m going to check into it further. 🙂
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Awww … poor doggie! Well, at least you know he’s got a good home with you! I hope it all works out.
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Loving people with a happy pooch. Not a bad combination. I hope everything works out.
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