"A dog is a man's best friend".. I would never argue that quote. But what that neglects to mention is how much time and responsibility a dog takes up for a single teacher living in Bush Alaska. Gently put, I am me, ready to travel and explore the North, South, East and West of Alaska and of the world. I've been weighing the alternatives of what to do for a while.. here are some reactions to my final decision:
Dad: "Why are you getting rid of him?" "Bring him back home and we will try to find a home for him."
Grandparents: "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! Give Cocoa's uncle away????????"
Sister: "Now do you understand how mommy felt all those years?" (This was a painfully annoying question to answer but she has a point..)
Friend: "Also, because I have few opportunities to be "miss-know-it-all" with you. I would like to point out that a certain someone discouraged you from adopting the dog. Okay, now I feel better." (Took me a little bit longer to realize this then she did...)
Room mate: "You don't have to justify what you are doing. He is annoying." (I censored the language here.)
Anonymous: "I feel bad for her. Her frontal lobe isn't fully developed yet."
Over all, I'm glad I tried to make it work.. but I'm even more glad that Sprout is a dog and not a baby... at least I could put Sprout outside, on a leash outside when he wouldn't shut up.
And Ah, Aunt Jane.. although this is was a rough decision to make, I am still have a lot of work to do on the getting rid of dog front. I love how wonderful family makes you feel!