"It's me or the dogs" a husband's ultimatum to his wife: she leaves him and chooses to open a shelter for dogs
Can love for animals really surpass what we feel for humans? It's better that the two categories should never have to be compared, but it can happen that you change your life and choose to put your energies into a dog shelter rather than into your marriage. Liz Haslam, a resident of Suffolk, an English county near Cambridge, does not seem to be regretting her choice after her now ex-husband asked her to choose between her marriage and dogs. The relationship between Liz and Mike had been a twenty-year love story - the two even had a child together - but their relationship hasn't been able to last in the face of life's obstacles. In the end, the woman chose to follow her dream and open a shelter for problem dogs and so far she couldn't be happier.
via Dailymail
Liz and Mike met when she was just 16 years old: Mike was the love of her life, so they wasted no time and got married as soon as possible. In 1991 they had their first and only child, Ollie. The family was always surrounded by a few small dogs that Liz had rescued from the street and their cottage in the English countryside made it easier to look after animals than living in an apartment. After so many years, however, the constant presence of these animals in need of affection annoyed Mike, who even went so far as to issue an ultimatum to his wife: "It's me or the dogs: choose". Liz's choice, after a twenty-year history with Mike, was well considered, especially in light of recent years: she and Mike had been going on two different tracks already.
Liz chose dogs, a choice that has made her truly happy. She doesn't blame Mike for the ultimatum, because she knows they were both going in different directions. Taking care of thirty or so dogs is not easy and can be considered a full-time job. For this reason, Liz has decided to create a real refuge, "Beds for Bullies", where she can take care, in particular, of Bull Terriers, dogs often abused and used in clandestine fighting. Thanks to her choice, Liz can rescue them and in addition to taking care of them, she tries to resolve their behavioral problems.
Liz has always lived in close contact with dogs since she was a child: her mother raised a particular breed of dog, while her father had a pet food company. A destiny which has been on the cards since birth!
A woman who has been able to evaluate the pros and cons of a very tiring and expensive endeavour, and who in the end has chosen to pursue her dream and be happy.
