Some of you may remember Louie, a St. Bernard I know who has had a hard go of it--both his parents had aggression issues, he was taken from his family before 6 wks, was badly handles and raised by his owner--never walked, never socialized, owner's response to any training issue was smacking him on the face/with a horse lead line, eventually became aggressive and began attempting to attack/biting, and was finally relegated to the front porch on a 6 ft horse lead....
Recently (I just found all this out last night) his owner had her electricity turned off and moved herself and her kids back in with her dog-hating boyfriend and had left Louie at the house--the landlord's barn staff fed and watered him daily, but he was still by himself there for nearly a month apparently.
However, Louie's troubles are now over. His owner's mother decided that since his owner was broke and could not afford it if he bit again and they were sued, that he should be put to sleep, and so he has been.
Although it makes me sad to think of how Louie was made to live his life, I don't think that it is appropriate to be sad for Louie's passing.
Now he can run freely and play with the other dogs without being screamed at, he can sleep in the tall grass rather than on a hard porch, he doesn't have to be mistrustful, he can finally be safe.
Here's to you Louie! May the love and safety denied to you in this life greet you with open arms in the next! Run free!!!!!!!