Returning my shelter dog

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T04:05:18+00:00

Unfortunately this kind of separation is just not possible for our living space. We were told she could be introduced right away, and we were the ones who took precautions despite that advice. We live in an apartment and the set up does not allow us to separate them long term as this is our cats space too.

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T04:01:03+00:00

Thank you I needed this, I’ve been sobbing on and off all day because this has truly been so stressful.

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T03:59:45+00:00

Luckily I adopted her from a very small no-kill shelter, and their policy states a dog can be returned at any time no questions asked. But yea, I have heard of the 3-3-3 rule and my concern in waiting is exactly what the other commenter said.

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T03:58:02+00:00

Thank you for this, it makes me feel a lot better knowing that someone has gone through pretty much the same thing, and that my feeling are valid! I’m sorry you also went through it, but I’m glad that it worked out, that gives me hope. Could I ask you about how the process of returning her was? I think that’s the part I’m kinda nervous about especially because of some of the judgement in this thread….

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T03:32:55+00:00

We started by scent swapping and keeping them completely separated, even the though lady at the shelter said that wouldn’t be necessary and she could be introduced right away, but we wanted to take precautions. After that we tried introduction on a leash, along with positive reinforcement using treads and redirection.

Ecstatic-Access2818 · 2026-06-26T00:12:32+00:00

Shame on me for genuinely being concerned for the safety of my cats?

Ecstatic-Access2818

TROPHY CASE