I have 2 dogs - a 3 year old female English Pointer mix and a 3 year old female chihuahua. They were raised since puppies together and have always gotten along. Last year, I adopted an old, grumpy, (but absolutely amazing) female chihuahua. She did not like my other dogs and would often growl at them. The younger dogs were hyper sensitive to the fact that she didn't liked them and would growl back at her. I kept the senior dog with me at all times and did not leave her unattended.
The English Pointer began getting aggressive toward the senior dog. She scared her once and caused her to get her nail caught in a blanket and nipped her once. I was there when both incidents happened and they all occurred at night in bed.
A few nights ago, the old chihuahua jumped off my bed to go for water. The English Pointer jumped off the bed and attacked my senior dog and killed her instantly. I can't begin to express the horror and sadness I feel. I'm absolutely devastated. The old chihuahua was very special to me even though I only had her for a year.
I'm incredibly guilty as I know now that I was given ample warnings that I did not heed. I NEVER thought in my wildest dreams that my English Pointer would kill my senior chihuahua. I've owned dogs my entire life. My last two dogs, a 100 lb. lab and a 12 lb. min pin lived together for 12 years without incident.
I'm asking for constructive advice. I already feel like complete crap for not protecting my other dog. I know it's my fault. The English Pointer and young chihuahua have never had an incident and often cuddle and play with each other but now I don't trust the English Pointer at all. A side note - my daughter is absolutely in love with our English Pointer and sobbed when (in a state of shock) said I wanted to get rid of her. I love the EP and want to keep her but not if I can't provide a safe environment for both dogs.
Here are some of my questions:
Should I be concerned about the safety of my other chihuahua?
If yes, how can I keep both dogs if I would be risking the safety of the chihuahua?
What about my kids? Should I be concerned for their safety? The English Pointer is very tolerant MOST of the time but will growl if agitated. I cannot get out of my mind the ferociousness of the attack on the old chihuahua.
Thank you for your support and advice.