When is Enough, Enough?

I haven’t had too much to write about in the recent days but thought I could transfer a situation I am going through into something many of you have once questioned, or perhaps going through.
I recently adopted a new dog. If you've been reading our tales and misfortunes, you would understand what kind of step this was for me. I am an animal lover (cats not so much), and last month a woman was walking down my street with a leash in hand. She asked if I had seen a dog. I told her I've been out here for a while and have seen nothing. As she continued walking, a reddish colored dog comes up to me and sits down at my feet. I knew this must have been the dog she was looking for. She returned about fifteen minutes later and I asked, "Is this the dog you're looking for?" she said, "Yes, it sure is". We then talked about how her son had found the dog out in the Everglades and miles away from civilization. He brought it home in attempts to find it a new home with no avail. She then explained that she was going to drop his off at the humane society the following day. I knew due to the type of dog he was, he would be put down in no time at all. I then did what I "thought" was the right thing to do...I took him in.

I have now had him for over a month, spent over five hundred dollars on vaccinations, registrations, food, toys, a cage, and so much more. This is where I am going to try to translate it into a "relationship situation" for you to relate. There are many signs that indicate when and inevitably why enough is enough. However, many of us often fall victim to the classic case of denial. We allow ourselves to believe that he or she will change or that the situation will blow over eventually. We create continuous excuses that will only create false hope and wishful thinking. It is incredibly hard to just throw in the towel and call it quits, especially after investing so much time and effort into the relationship. This dog has been nothing but problems but due to my heart and how cute he is, I thought he would change. In relationships we think this same thing, or often think they are going through a "phase". Many are so attracted or lonely that we try to overlook these faults, but the reality is we are in denial of the facts.

Every relationship goes through hard times and manages through, making it to the other side with a bit more experience behind them. Not every bump in the road is reason to give the whole relationship up, but there are some things that are plenty of reason to say, "enough is enough" and move on alone. When is enough, enough? That is only for you to answer. Where is your tolerance level? I was raised with old school beliefs and while in a relationship will do everything in my power to make it work, but if I am the only one working to keep it alive, then all my efforts are going nowhere.

“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”

After dating someone for a while, you just know. It does not have to be a long time either. There are clues that will put a light on in your head. Don’t waste time waiting for something to happen that never will. On the other hand, if there is a guy/girl that you like but you find you are doing all the attempts to contact, they are not that into you! Relationships and getting to know someone are a two way street. If you're doing all the work, they may have turned off your road a long time ago. Be fair to yourself and don’t allow yourself to be mistreated. Vie said it a million times...IF A GUY REALLY LIKES YOU, HE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO BE WITH YOU. Women call me all the time asking for advice. I may not know everything, but I do know when a guy likes you he will show it. Don't search for excuses or believe his. If there is always a reason to not see you, it's as simple as: HE DOESN'T WANT TO.

So now I have had enough, and trying to figure out my options for this dog. I will not allow him to destroy everything I have worked hard for, but I will not let him be put to sleep as well. I have tried everything in my power to make him a happy home, but have received nothing in return except for grief. On a daily basis I am just counting the money he chews up or ruins. I have had many dogs in the past, and know how to train them, but this one has no hope. My frustration levels are high, and heart goes out for him, but something has to give. So when is enough, enough? I've hit my point!
The Man