okay Steph's post is really

I am upset about it too and can understand you being even more so, since you have a history with the breed.  I had no idea Mystic was that young, but isn't that about the age at which dog aggression in prone breeds really cements itself?  It seems to be a turning point for a lot of breeds on various things (it's when Maremmas mature into their full guarding instinct)...and it baffles me when people are unprepared for what might happen and then the dog suffers for it. 

You're one-up on me...I couldn't even bring myself to respond at all.  Yes, dog ownership often involves some very difficult decisions, but this one could have been avoided.  As you say, an Akita in a same-sex household...from what I know of the breed there is a better-than-50% chance that will cause problems.  

It sounds to me, reading between the lines, that Mystic came from a really shoddy breeder - would a reputable Akita breeder even place a female in a house with another bitch, Akita or not?  Sorry if that's a silly question, I don't know.  Mostly that combined with the severe HD at a young age tells me that returning the dog to the breeder might not be an option. 

Benedict

It sounds to me, reading between the lines, that Mystic came from a really shoddy breeder - would a reputable Akita breeder even place a female in a house with another bitch, Akita or not? 

That'd be a NO! Unless there was some sort of kennel set up or with another breeder, or super experienced person, of course.

I am pming with her and she sounds like she is willing to hold off while I work on it...I asked her for more specific info including breeder since rescue will want that. We'll see. It is hard doing the nice thing via PM but I will...poor dog.

 Ah, well, she posted again and that explains, she got Mystic from a pet store.  So the breeder route is a no-go but thank you for helping her out with rescue contacts, I know how hard it can be to bite one's tongue and type at the same time. 

 Gina I think you are doing a great job in trying to help her.  She seems to realize (too late) the mistake she's made and I don't get the idea that she wants to put Mystic down, she is feeling hopeless about any other solution.  She sounds completely overwhelmed and over emotional at the moment.  Which at a human level I can understand.

I do think it is important to remember that not everyone has tons of breed knowledge (or any) and we can all despise it but many, many dog owners get dogs on impulse, from despicable places, for the wrong reasons and then have problems.  Once they have taken on the dog the best we can do is try to educate and motivate them to be better owners.

I know you know that but sometimes (like me with Dyan & Gibby) when it is a breed you know and love it can make you ready to burst.  And I dont' have the experience with any breed that you have with Akitas so I imagine your feelings are even more intense.

Breathe deeply and keep doing what you are doing to help

ohm oooooooooooooohhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 Man, how upsetting!  Gina, no wonder you're through the roof... i mean, this was your breed. I get super upset when people get weims and give them up cause they are "too active" ... it's like Umm, DUH! But, this is 100x's worse.  You're doing a great job of being helpful... i hope your tongue is still in one peice by the end of this.

Wow. Ignorance is just no excuse in this case... it's a living being.  I can't post there.