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Dog Problems |
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McLean Member
since 2004-01-05
Posts 484state of marital bliss |
I'm writing to you, my friends, because I need honest, un-biased opinions on a dog situation here. And although you know pieces of me through my writing here, as an outsider to all that I am, you can give me a response that is not coated to protect the expressions you may see in my eyes. I have a dog, Freckles, who has been part of our family since she was itty-bitty. She was a gift to me from my ex-husband, who was not my ex at the time, after one of our many arguments (probably about a flower pot, or something stupid). Anyhow, she is a mixed breed, looks like maybe a type of terrier and lab. Ice blue eyes. Many people have asked if she was blind. Yada...yada...yada... The meat of my offering here: she is unpredictable. Very loving, but will snap if she feels threatened in any manner, whether it is legitimate, or not. She doesn't go around snap happy, but she will bite if she feels her food source is being over taken (we don't feed her around the kids, and she is a back-yard dog)...she bites if she is hiding and you try to remove her (like if she hides under the bed when she sneaks in sometimes, and you try to get her out). She does not snap at me, but she does snap at my husband and at the kids. I've had her for 11 years. She's always been this way. It is not something that is aggrivating with age. Yesterday, after walking around the neighborhood and playing in the ice...she hid under the water heater in our garage. My son (11) went with her leash to take her into the back yard. She came out from under the water heater snapping at him, wihtout any sort of provoking. My husband interviened, thank goodness. He had on leather work gloves and as he tried to get her from under the thing, she was repeatedly chewing on his hands. Through the glove, she caused many punctures. Nothing worthy of stitches, but his hands were just screaming with pain, and today, one hand is swollen from the trauma. I know she needs to be not here. I have 3 kids, and their friends are in and out of our home... it is not a good situation. In my heart I know she's a good dog, I really do...but I need to get past the compassion and be able to handle a change that makes a safer environment for my family. I told my husband that I didn't want to know what he decides to "do"...we had talked about having her put down at the vet before. We cannot take her to the shelter, because I'm sure she would be euthanized right away, in cold, unfamiliar territory. We cannot find a home for her, because I'm afraid she would cause harm to someone else. She's only known me. I feel she's been my responsibility. Please offer me suggestions on how to get beyond my feeling of guilt for failing her...by allowing her absence from our family so abruptly. Thank you. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
My first thought was perhaps that Freckles is in pain. A lot of dogs will react as this one is doing because of some sort of pain unknown to us. I would have her fully checked out before, if you can afford it. Otherwise, she does appear to be a threat, albeit an otherwise good dog. What if a small child were to wander into your backyard, unsupervised. Here comes Freckles. Not a good scenario. If you can afford to do so, and have the vet check her out fully for any inner pains or problems she may have been having all of this time, I would go that route first. Then, I would have to buck myself up, and say that this is the best for all concerned, and have her put to sleep while you are there with her. It's not easy, but sometimes we have to do the rough stuff. I know. I had to do the same. |
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McLean Member
since 2004-01-05
Posts 484state of marital bliss |
You speak so wisely, and I thank you for that. You are right...when Freckles was just one or two, my oldest, who was then not much younger than she, stepped on her front paw, breaking two of the toes. She was treated for that then, but I was told that she would always favor that foot because of the injury. It may have something to do with her personality. I really can't afford to have her checked out completely for other possible causes, and then, couldn't probably afford to "fix" a problem if it existed. I have one dog now that is being treated for breast cancer (she is almost 13). Thank you for your kindness of response. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
We had a lovely, friendly, playful beagle. He was sleeping one fine afternoon, and our neighbor's small daughter bent down to pick up the beagles soft, silky ears, and startled Beauregard. With a face in his face, he snapped. He caught her jaw, and punctured a small hole in her cheek. The neighbors knew it was their daughter's fault for waking up the dog in that manner. The little girl knew [she was about 9] that she was at fault. We knew with a houseful of kids in and out all the time, we didn't dare take a chance on an otherwise wonderful dog, to have that happen again. Beau was a beautiful dog. I miss him to this day. I hope my thoughts helped. I know it isn't easy. I know you'll do the right thing. |
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Opeth Senior Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 1543The Ravines |
Too easy, the dog has to go. As for the girl who got bit by the Beagle... Judge Judy may believe otherwise, who was at fault.  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Opeth, Judge Judy didn't exist in our minds back then, and if she had, still wouldn't have known of this matter, as we were not dealing with reactionary people back in '84. Their daughter admitted to what she had done, our insurance covered all medical bills, we even checked with them the day before the statute ran to see if they wanted to sue... and all was well in our little world. Sorry to say, should something like that happen today? I'm sure it would have been blown out of proportion by the hangers-on of the Judge Judy's of the world. |
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McLean Member
since 2004-01-05
Posts 484state of marital bliss |
You too are making me smile, which is needed today! Sunshine: thank you for telling me of Beauregard's story. It's never an easy thing, I'm sure. I've basically been putting this off for about ten years. Oh, I'm so glad no permanent injury has come to anyone as a result of her disposition. I spoke with my vet today. She is a personal friend and I was able to talk with her at home. She talked to me in detail about making my decision as pleasant as possilbe and I will be staying with Freckles when she is sedated. It is a difficult thing, but it is what is right. You have no idea how comforting it has been to hear this probably is not a unique one. |
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Opeth Senior Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 1543The Ravines |
Agreed... you all handled it in the best way possible. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
God bless you sweetie. Some day I'll tell you about sick cows. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
well ~sighing~ here... knowing what a lawsuit can do to one's physical and emotional well being besides the loss of money. We can't even predict what humans will do to one another so why be expected to know what an animal would. My dog had never bit anyone... until a woman came upon her while the dog was tied and didn't notice the large Afghan laying on the back porch. She must have swatted at her as the dog raised up tearing her forearm skin and then she backed away and fell over lawn furniture...eventually splintering a rib into her spleen. It was a miserable next 2 years. I was sued for over 100,000...didn't matter the cause or fault. At least in PA a dog or animal, as is a swimming pool, are both considered nuisances and not necessities in life. Therefore even with warnings, a fence, a leash, a sign...the owner is responsible for the outcome of an injury. It is sad to put the dog down especially since that first incident as a puppy may have led to its personality or just maybe it needed some professional training when first noticed to have a biting or snapping habit. But it seems too late now. And unless you can give her/him to a home with someone who can retrain it at this age...then the best for all would be to feel safe...and sadly that may be the ending of the animal's life. I was lucky, they didn't make me put her to sleep...although later in her life we had to due to an illness...But did you know that sometimes these animals are sent to rendering companies????And they charge you to have them removed from the vets. I took Ginger home to be buried... Maureen |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
When Is It Time by Kit McCallum Kit's poems are always worth a read, of course, but you might also spend some time reading the comments left by some of our main site visitors. Your quandary is an all too common one, it seems. And rarely an easy one. |
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McLean Member
since 2004-01-05
Posts 484state of marital bliss |
Sincerely, I thank everyone for their words. Nakdthoughts: You understand the possibilities of "what if's" in this situation in a horribble way, and I'm so sorry that you experienced such strife over the incident. You're right, we can't predict what humans will do to another, evident in your example. Ron: I am so very touched and moved by the words you directed me to. Kit's writing is so perfect of the guilt I am feeling right now over my decision, even though I know it is time. Tonight my husband and I took the family out for dinner and after the bookstore, where we sat quietly with the kids and explained our decision. They are 11 and 6, and I felt they should know truthfully what we decided. When I was young, my love of animals was so great, that I had boo-coos of pets growing up. Every pet that died for one reason or another, I had buried in my back yard in my own pet cemetary of sorts. With a couple of my pets, though, I was told they just "disappeared", only to later find out that they had been disposed of by my father. One, for nipping at a neighbor (much like Beauregard had, it was a dachshund)...and the other due to terminal illness. It was years later when I found out the truth, and I held resentment for that for a long time. This guided my decision in telling my children, and also, to give them an opportunity to say good-bye in their own way tonight to Freckles. I know I made the right decision there, too. She has had a very good life, and probably better chances for having lived such a full life because of being with us. And although she is testy, I know our lives have been better because of her, too. Minus the biting episodes, of course. Again, heartfelt thanks. McLean |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Most dogs bite out of fear or pain...you mentioned her eyes...its entirely possible that she does have vision problems. But much as you love a dog you just cant have a dog that bites. I have three dogs now...a boxer, a rottweiler and a pug. I love all three but would not hesitate to put any of them down if they started biting without provocation. |
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McLean Member
since 2004-01-05
Posts 484state of marital bliss |
Today, January 29th, we said our good-byes to Freckles. It was a very peaceful departure and I am sure we did the right thing, even though it has been a difficult time. Thanks to all the compassion and thoughts during this trying time. Your presence here is very touching and reassuring. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I know what it feels like...and your decision was the best for you and all involved. hugss and peace M |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I know you did the right thing. I can't but help feel your heart.  |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
I agree to all the above and I respect you for taking this brave action, that takes courage. You would never have forgiven yourself if he had bitten whatever child or person. And at the age of 11 years, you may say he's had a wonderful life. You're in my thoughts. Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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