Tough Decision

I'm just seeing this thread and my heart breaks for you.  We know someone who faced the same agonizing decision many years ago.  They had a beautiful dog who was so smart and perfectly behaved when alone with them.  She had aggression issues that they addressed with tremendous responsiblity, she was always supervised, incredibly well trained, etc.  Despite all their efforts, a few bite/attack incidents happened that led them to realize the threat of serious injury to others was too high.  Rehoming her wasn't an option because they already had the best arrangement (no other pets, no kids, and someone home during the day).  But, the only way they could keep her was if they never had a single houseguest, never went on vacation and left someone else to care for her, never took her to a vet, etc.  They exhausted every option before deciding to euthanize her.  It was so sad because the three of them loved each other . . . but the next incident could result in her being confiscated or someone suing them, not to mention a major injury to a person or animal.  It still hurts me to think of their decision, just as it makes me feel so sad for you.

I wish I had something helpful to offer --- but all these posts show you have the support and understanding of lots of people  Hugs to you and your special dog.

glenmar

It almost sounds to me like she's got a little kink in her "wiring" and can't help herself, and will never be right.  Perhaps the kindest and most humane thing to do IS to release her from that torment.

The more I watch her and the more think about it, I really think Glenda is right.  Because its not like she always wants to attack Blaze.  As a matter of fact, most of the time she pays her no attention.  Even now, after everything, when she sees me let Blaze out of her crate to go potty, she makes absolutely no move toward her.  As of right this moment you can't even tell that there has been any kind of issue between them. 

So, to use Glenda's analogy its like everything can be great for awhile and then something misfires and she becomes this vicious beast.  And just as quickly she snaps back into her big lovable self.

And OMG, I can't even begin to tell you how lovable she is.  She is just so sweet.  And playful.  And so good w/ people.  We took her to the carnival last year and she was totally bomb proof.  There was flashing lights and music and smells and random people just walking up to her and fireworks and she was totally chill all night.  I take her to my church sometimes and the kids just love all over her and she sits there and just eats up all the attention.  Everyone completely loves her and is crushed by this.  95% of the time she is just 80 lbs of joy.  But that 5% is just devastating. 

I'm feel like I'm rambling and all over the board topic wise since that's what my brain has been doing lately.

Anyway, after talking to that rescue and  giving it more thought, I think the safest/best choice is to put her down.  For several reasons, her chances of getting adopted are slim.  And if she did get a home and something happened again, I would feel awful, knowing it could have been prevented.  And if she doesn't get adopted, spending the rest of her life in a shelter environment is no way to live, esp. since other dogs seem to make her so unhappy.

So next wednesday I'm taking her to our humane society to be euthananized.  My sister works there and she'll be the one doing it and I can go back with them and be w/ her while its happening.  We're doing it next week so that I can have the weekend w/ her to have fun.  The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend so I think the BF and I are going to take her and Co-Co (who she adores, btw, they are like doggie soul mates, she has *NEVER* had any issues w/ Co-Co, I think Co-Co is going to feel lost for awhile w/o her) to the canal and walk the trail.  Sadly, it will be the first and last time he sees her, but I wanted him to meet her before she goes, b/c she is just so wonderful.

Tonight we're going out to the church so that the priestess' kids can see her and say goodbye.  I called her last night to tell her and see if she thought that would be a good idea, she said yes and is going to explain to them today what's going on.  I know they are going to be so upset.

This choice seriously breaks my heart, but I feel like it is the right decision.  I can't thank you all enough for all of your kind words and support.  Its more than I could have ever have hoped for.  I do feel like I failed her, I promised to take care of her and I can't.  As I've mentioned, I learned so much from having her.  I got in over my head, had I known then what I know now I would never have gotten her.  I don't say that to imply I regret her, just that I did it wrong.  For starters, she came from a pet store, I know better now, but didn't then.  And I researched her breed *after* I brought her home.  If I'd talked to breeders, or researched first, I would have learned that I was not a good fit for her.  I will never make these mistakes again.  I will never let down another dog so completely.

I am thankful for the time I have had w/ her.  As much of a struggle as it has been, I can't even begin to tell you how much joy she has brought to my life.  I have so many wonderful memories w/ her.  I hope she'll understand how sorry I am.  And that she'll forgive me.

All that any of us can do is offer uninformed opinions based on what we know of her through you.  YOU are the one who knows this girl and who knows what is going to be best and kindest for her.

This is a horrible decision to have to make, but it sounds like the right one for Mystic.  Poor sweet girl will no longer be tormented by her own demons.

We'll be thinking of you, and offering up prayers for strength.

 Steph, Mystic forgives you and thanks you for releasing her from this pain. Do not  beat yourself up you gave her a 110%.

i am so sorry to hear this! please give her a hug from me! she will forgive you and wait for you at the bridge!! you are doing the right thing!!

TheDogHouseBCMPD

I do feel like I failed her, I promised to take care of her and I can't.  As I've mentioned, I learned so much from having her.  I got in over my head, had I known then what I know now I would never have gotten her.  I don't say that to imply I regret her, just that I did it wrong.  For starters, she came from a pet store, I know better now, but didn't then.  And I researched her breed *after* I brought her home.  If I'd talked to breeders, or researched first, I would have learned that I was not a good fit for her.  I will never make these mistakes again.  I will never let down another dog so completely.

Steph, you did not let Mystic down.  You were a loving guardian to her and her problem may have been there since birth as Glenda said.  Someone else would have bought her from the pet store, someone less loving and willing to make this work as long as it has.  Please, please don't blame yourself.  You gave Mystic more love, joy and happy days than many dogs have in a full, long lifetime.  There is nothing to forgive, she knows you love her. 

 I can not imagine having to make this decision. Hope all goes well, let us know if we can do anything else.

I am so sorry you are going through this please stop beating your self up you did not fail her she had a wonderful life with you and you have done all you can for her. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you.

TheDogHouseBCMPD

Because its not like she always wants to attack Blaze.  As a matter of fact, most of the time she pays her no attention.  Even now, after everything, when she sees me let Blaze out of her crate to go potty, she makes absolutely no move toward her.  As of right this moment you can't even tell that there has been any kind of issue between them. 

It's the same with my two. It'd be easy to work with if you knew what the triggers were, but when you don't, it's impossible. The last fight our two had was sparked (we think) by 2 dogs fighting next door. I think the sound just set Sassy off and she went after Buffy. Had DH not been there, it could've ended much worse. I'm not sure it's a wiring issue but these are dogs and as much as we'd love to figure out all their thought processes, sometimes we just can't.

I know this will be very difficult for you but I admire you for being so strong. Please don't ever feel like you've failed. The joy that she has brought to you has also been given back to her, and I know she's thankful for the life she's had. Hugs to all of you and of course we'll all be here for you each step of the way.

(((HUGS)))

Lynn

Give a kiss on that lovely face from me.

I know these days are going to be hard. Please don't hesitate coming here and share your thoughts. You know you will get lots of support, as all of us understand and feel love for every dog and owner that comes around  (((Hugs)))

I'm so sorry you have to go through this.  Although next week will be tough for you...the decision is just.  Let us know how you are doing.  {{{hugs}}}

I am very sad with you. It is so very clear how much you love both Mystic and Blaze and, for Mystic, that love will free her from whatever unexplicable twist of her being provokes that side of her and makes her a danger both to other dogs and potentially some person. I can only imagine what you are going thru right now but your decision, in my eyes, is valid, wise and well-thought trough. You will all be in my thoughts in the coming days.

My personal opinion?  There is NOTHING for Mystic to forgive.  I'm thinking she'll go dancing to the Bridge thanking her Mom for freeing her from her demons.

Quality of life is far more important than length of life for dogs (and humans, but especially dogs). Your responsibility is to keep the dogs you've had the longest safe, i.e. Blaze, no matter how heart-wrenching it is.