When Damien, my Red Setter of 12 years, had to be put down - cancer - I was one of those that said - "never again, it is too hard..." And for many years I said no. But we got Roscoe (against my wishes) - a rescue mutt almost three years ago.
He is a PITA for everyone but me. He and I spent his time growing up working together. He is rambunctious, and unfortunately very protective. But he does accept me as the alpha (wish my wife did...
) We work on this and if I can work with him when he meets a new person, we can get past it and move forward.
But when taking in a rescue, it is important to understand what you DON'T know and be ready to work with it. I love this guy and I will always do rescues, but it is important to understand what it takes.
I think of Le Petite Prince and how to tame a fox... so true.