I just wrote this email to my family. I spoke to my Dad this morning (who is working in Singapore for 3 months) and he made me promise I would investigate all other options before deciding to have him put down. So I will speak to some experts today. I think my decision is made, but I need a clear conscience to do it.
Hi Family,
Calvin attacked a little girl yesterday, resulting in a bad bite on her foot. As we all know, this isn’t the first time he’s acted agressively and bitten someone. I have been thinking of nothing else since I was told and I know that something needs to be done.
I have just spoken to Dad and he hopes I will try everything before deciding the worst.
Mum, can you please give me the details of the vet and I will call him today and ask him a few questions. I have contacted a dog training/behaviour company who works out of Canberra (which services the Riverina) and am waiting for them to call me back as well. I guess we need to assess whether or not his behaviour can be changed.
My main concern is that he has had constant upheaval in the last 2 years – Alex and Coco disappearing, moving to Kincaid, Rocco and Beau appearing, Rocco and Beau disappearing, moving out of Kincaid and in with you after Camille died, me disappearing to Melbourne and now Dad disappearing as well. He is unsettled and his behaviour has been getting worse. He was so unhappy when I was home this weekend. I worry that another move will make things worse.
I am full of guilt, as I know I can’t have him in Melbourne. But I don’t think him moving to Melbourne would be beneficial at all – he would spend long amounts of time alone, in a small space. The reality is that I won’t be able to find/afford a house with a yard and even if I did, I won’t be home to be with him, which is what he’s used to. I think another massive change and upheaval would do more harm than good. I feel like the worst dog owner in the world.
The fact still remains that he attacked a child, unprovoked yesterday. She didn’t frighten him or pull his tail. And this just shows how out of sorts he is. He is frightened.
I really don’t know what to do. I’m struggling with what is right. The mother of this child could very well make the decision for me, but even if she doesn’t, I couldn’t live with myself if he did this again – what if it’s not a 4 year olds foot next time? What if it’s her face? And is it fair on Calvin, when he is so unsettled and stressed?
This is probably the worst decision I’ve ever been faced with. And I will talk to the vet and some experts before I make a decision. But whatever happens, I need your support. I won’t ask Mum or Dad to make this decision, because Calvin is my responsibility. I will look into every possible option.
Suggestions welcome.
I am so heartbroken today. Words can't describe how much I love this dog
Aimz, it's the hardest thing you'll have to do. Make a decision on the life of a healthy, fit, much loved pet. I've written about my dog before and what happened (story short, he was aggressive, got worse, started to bite and not let go. He was a spoodle and not yet two when we put him to sleep, after him being with behaviourists, vets, trainers and us). I was gutted, but we knew that if we had kids, he would be banished outside to live a life of misery, with nobody going near him. He couldn't be rehomed. When he was good, which was 80% of the time, he was a sensational dog. It was so hard. But looking back, and looking at the dogs we have now, he was so unhappy. He didn't want to be like that. I felt like I'd set him free from his own demons, released him from a life full of fear and anger. I never expected I'd feel like that when initially I got so angry with myself for not trying harder and giving up on my dog. (even though there was nothing else we had left to try).
Oh babe i am so sorry! its definitely not an easy decision!
My mum once took a dog in, he was abused from a young pup by little kids and so was very snappy. One afternoon i took him out for a walk, the lead got tangled between his legs i went to untangle and he bit my hand, quite badly too! I had blood pouring from my hand, when i got home my mum was upset but didnt want to give up on right away. The very next day, my brother was playing in the backyard and the dog went straight up to him and started attacking him. But only went for his hands. He completely mauled my brothers hands, he was lucky that no tendon damage was done but he now has some pretty gnarly scarring. My mum made the choice then and there as soon as it happened.
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