As difficult as it is, you're doing the right thing. I had to have my black and tan hound/lab mix euthanized a few years ago because he was like that, he killed a neighbor's cat in our backyard and a few weeks later he bit the paperboy. He snapped at the Vet when we took him in, there really is not much choice in these situations.Our Vet said he could only recommend euthanasia.

So terribly sad.

Maybe the dog has distemper?

TheResistor said:

OMG- I am soooo sorry to read about this. So sorry to hear what you, family-friends are going through...
My 3 dogs are like my kids- I can so relate. We adopted a dog about 3 years ago, she tried a couple times to attack our miniature schnauzer. We ended up getting past that but there are some days I wonder if we are all safe with her in the house.
Dogs are animals so we never really know what they might do. This is so tough- I am so sorry..


[Edited 7/24/06 10:56am]

HereToRockYourWorld said:

I know. I always feel bad for the dogs though. Dogs always seem innocent to me no matter what they do.

My parent's had a beagle mix that had distemper. My mom took it in, in spite of that because she liked the dog and felt bad for it. My sister and brother grew up with the dog. It died before I was born.

Then when I was younger we got a little white mutt (shitzu mix maybe?) from someone that was giving away puppies. My parents built a dog house in our backyard right in the garden for it, and they tried to leave it outdoors. The neighbor kids used to mess with it all the time and throw crab apples at it and tease it, so she became real agressive. She used to attack us and tear up the house anytime we brought her indoors. One of my dads coworkers lived on a big property out in BFE, so he adopted the dog, and kept in touch with my parents to tell them how she was as she grew older, and let them know when she passed away. She was a lunatic dog, but she would run around in their back yard all day and play till she was wore out.

I'm so sorry to hear this, but I agree with the people who've said that euthanising the dog is right. I'm impressed that you're doing it too, and that you're not trying to find excuses. All the best and you'll all be in my thoughts.

Tom said:

Yeah, that's the worst part. . . it's not the dog's fault . . . but they lose their lives. Eh.

Stuff like this reminds me of why I think keeping pets is morally sketchy to begin with. I say that as the adoring owner of a sweetheart Rottweiler. As long as they're around, they deserve homes and happy lives. But I wish that we would stop breeding them. It's too often bad for them in the end.

HereToRockYourWorld said:

I blame a lot of breeders many do not care about the temperament or health a lot just care about the monies they can make.

katt said:

Absolutely. At this point, I pretty much feel like breeders are evil. I get in trouble every time I say that, but. . . it's my experience. I would never, EVER buy from a breeder.

We're back...

We could not go through with it...

We've talked to both an animal psychologist and an animal right activist...they're going to help us find a place for her. The shelter was of no use...they were rude and said they would put her down in four days and basically they did not seem to wants us there. To top it all off while we're waitng this other man comes in with a Chihuahua dragging by the leash and throws the dog by the door as this poor dog is having some sort of fit and foaming at the mouth. That did it. We got the hell out. After many phone calls friends were able to get us in touch with the psychologist and the animal rights activist. Hopefully these connections can help us out...

I'm numb and dazed. I had no idea I would react this strongly...

Thanks for sharing...

TheResistor said:

Sadly, that's the same sort of experience I had at the SPCA with my dog. Very rude attendants.

TheResistor said:

hopefully they'll place the dog in a place where it will be happy, and you'll feel less of a loss...sorry for your pain

TheResistor said:

... I mean, it's horrible what happened, but it's nice to hear you are trying to give the dog a second chance with a new home.

Your vet should be able to direct you to local animal charities in your area, he/she may even know someone that recently lost their pet and are ready for a new one?

a big hug for you resistor what a nightmare circumstance

TheResistor said:

There is a gentleman in the UK his name is Colin Tennant and he is a canine behavioural practitioner he and his team are absolutely fantastic. You could contact him someone there maybe able to give you advice, not sure if they would as you’re in the USA but u never know they may know someone that could help u in the USA, it maybe worth a try.
Email: colin@colintennant.co.uk
Link: http://www.colintennant.co.uk/

TheResistor said:

I am very relieved that you guys came to this conclusion for now..
I know it has got to be so hard on all of you. You guys are doing the right thing. Thanks for keeping us informed!

TheResistor said:

I was going to suggest to try to find a new home for Isabel if possible instead of putting the dog down. It would probably be a bad idea to keep Isabel around when you still have other dogs.

I do feel your pain, we have a Chihuahua and a Chihuahua/Lab/Dachshund mix. We have only had both dogs for about a year now but I would miss them greatly if we lost one or both of them.

TheResistor said:

Sounds like that dog had rabies! Yikes! I hope it was put down to get it out of its misery. I would have gotten the hell out of there too.

I'm sorry that the people working at the shelter were so rude to you (uncalled for!), but at least you're going to find a new home for Isabel. I know that you're doing the right thing. I take it that you brought her back home with you instead of leaving her there?

I just wanted to give you a hug that's all, for your loss and your heartache.