Tough Decision

  I'm glad she crossed over the Bridge peacefully. I'm sending you huge cyber hugs; you absolutely did what was best for her and it took an incredible amount of love and courage.

Steph, you have our love and support.  I know how tough this was.  I'm glad we got to know her, and you too.  Come on down anytime and visit if you want to get away. 

Our heart is with you Steph. ((HUGS))

Run free and happy Mystic.

Im crying for you... Im so sorry.  She went to the Bridge getting loved on which is more than some get... so if nothing else it was a peacful and happy way for her to go.  She is free now. 

WOW. I just read this. I can't believe how hard this must have been for you. When I was younger, two of our dogs did not get along at all, and caused each other to bleed once. We kept them separate 24/7.

I am must say, I am surprised at how quickly euthanasia was decided, and I would not put my dog to sleep because it attacked my other one, but Mystic obviously wasn't my dog and you knew her best.

Godspeed, Mystic. Rest In Peace, sweetie.

 Run free, Mystic

I haven't replied to this thread yet, as I was dealing with a loss of my own.  I just wanted to tell you I'm so sorry about Mystic.  It is very sad, but you know she is in a better place and very happy.  I know what you mean about expecting her to be there.  It will be a week tomorrow that Buster was pts and I am still not adjusted to the absence of him in my home.  After 14 years, he is not greeting me at the door, or asking to go out, and I have to make one less meal.

You know we are all here if you need anything.  It will take time.

I too, have chosen not to reply to this thread.  I do want to say that I thought about Mystic on Wednesday.

Heartbreaking...... run free Mystic!!

Bless your heart and that of your family. And bless Mystic, too, he's in a better place.

 

IrishSetterGrl

I am must say, I am surprised at how quickly euthanasia was decided, and I would not put my dog to sleep because it attacked my other one, but Mystic obviously wasn't my dog and you knew her best.

Edited myself. Anyway, with time comes wisdom and understanding. The OP did make the best decision she could make and will certainly have a tough go of things and recriminations won't always help.

Might I just point out to everyone that this was a very difficult decision to make and not one that was made lightly.

I have a dog who could not be rehomed, ever, under any circumstances.  Sheba and I have worked with a behavioralist and she's safer than she was, but she still isn't SAFE.  She is a sweet, wonderful and loving girl to US, but even my eldest son lands squarely on her LIST when he comes to see us.  If something worse happened and we couldn't keep her, well, Sheba would simply have to go to the Bridge.  Not a happy thought, but perhaps that's why I can understand the absolute anguish this caused for Steph.  As can many others.

Sometimes, for lack of the proper term, a dog just isn't wired right from the start, or something severe happens that totally changes a dog into a fearful and not safe animal.  And when people or other animals are in danger from that dog, a really hard decision has to be made.

Mystic left this world with the greatest love any dog could know.  I'm betting she's at the Bridge kicking up her heels and LOVING that she doesn't feel compelled to attack the other dogs, but is FREE from her demons and thanking her lucky stars the SHE had a loving enough Mom to free her.

glenmar

Mystic left this world with the greatest love any dog could know.  I'm betting she's at the Bridge kicking up her heels and LOVING that she doesn't feel compelled to attack the other dogs, but is FREE from her demons and thanking her lucky stars the SHE had a loving enough Mom to free her.

Agreed. ((big hugs)) to Steph.

I'm always so sorry when things have to come to this, but it takes a very strong person to come to this decision, and carry it through with love and respect for the dog.  After all, she WAS just being a dog, and not evil or untrained, or unloved.  This is a dog aggressive breed, genetically, and sometimes we humans cannot predict or modify such a dog within the boundaries of our lifestyles, finances, knowledge, or support systems.  So, the most *humane* and responsible thing is to relieve the dog of angst (not to mention the other dogs in the household) and to keep humans safe, too (one of the most frequent causes of bites to humans is interruption of aggression in dogs).  This was a difficult and gut wrenching decision for Steph, loving both dogs but realizing her, and their, limitations.  I think that this thread should serve as a classic warning to anyone who comes here.  Never buy from a pet store.  Research a breed before you adopt or purchase.  Understand the dynamics involved in owning more than one dog, and if you are new to it, make sure that the dogs are opposite gender, well spaced in age, not from the same litter, and not of similar status.  Get a trainer or behaviorist to help you.  There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance from a pro *before* you get a dog.  Steph was lucky - sure, she made mistakes -we all do - no one is born with this knowledge.  Coming here was fortuitous for her, not only because she did learn, but because she received support in this hour of need.  The reason she did, was because she is humble about her mistakes, did her best to correct them and manage her dogs properly.  Her realization that this dog could not be protected in her care was accurate, and unrelated to anyone else's situation or abilities.  The only thing separating her from some of you is blind luck.  My heart goes out to Steph, but I know that her dog is waiting for her, as faithfully as any other heart dog, at the Bridge, where all will be well again someday...

I got teary eyed reading your last post. This is such a hard time for you but I support and understand your decision fully. Be at peace and free, Mystic.