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Topic: Did I do the right thing?
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ChevyThunder
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posted May 25, 2004 09:12 AM
By Black lab of 12 years started biting. Within 1 year he had bitten 3 people, 2 of which required medical attention at the emergency room. He would be all happy go lucky wagging tail, etc., then suddenly snarl and quickly bite them with no warning. The people were family and friends, and they suffered some painful weeks of healing, as well as just the trauma of it. I loved my dog very much and know he loved me, but I could not take a chance on another flair up. He was just so unpredictable. I had him put down and my heart just aches. I miss him dearly. Did I do the right thing?
Posts: 4 | From: Coldwater, MI | Registered: May 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted May 25, 2004 09:33 AM
Absolutely!! The only alternative would have been to subject him to prison, muzzles, etc.
A lab is a powerful animal who when they become unpredictable are as dangerous as a loaded gun in the hands of a 2 year old.
Once a dog has bitten to the point of drawing blood they are unlikely to stop on thier own. You have my condolences and support. It is terrible to lose them no matter what the reason. Better that you put him to sleep than an upset parent dispatching him with a baseball bat which has happened in the USA more than once.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted May 25, 2004 10:06 AM
I do believe that you did the right thing.... I understand how hard it is to make that decision and how hard it is to say good-bye. A question for you, though... did the vet do any blood work, etc before putting your boy to sleep? Sometimes when an (older) dog starts biting for no reason it could be because of an un-seen illness or other medical condition, perhaps this was the case with your boy??
Sorry for your loss ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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ChevyThunder
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posted May 25, 2004 10:18 AM
Yes he had done blood work not more than 7 months ago. All seemed fine. He was showing the typical signs of a 12 year old dog though. Also had him on Rimadyl. He seemed always happy, but when he would bite, it was a dog I never seen before. I feel terrible, but seeing those peoples faces when they were bitten was bad as well.
Posts: 4 | From: Coldwater, MI | Registered: May 2004
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ChevyThunder
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posted May 25, 2004 01:58 PM
Just wanted to say thank you to those that have replied and expressed their kindness. This has been very difficult. Thanks again.
Posts: 4 | From: Coldwater, MI | Registered: May 2004
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lou3
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posted May 25, 2004 03:04 PM
Very sorry to hear this, yes you totally did the right thing. I had a pointer destroyed a few years ago because she bit my brother. I always say the first day my dogs bite anyone is their last on this earth, and i know now how difficult the decision can be. Would i make the same decision again? yes 100%. Again very sorry you had to lose an animal this way. My sympathies and best wishes to you.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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ellierat
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posted May 25, 2004 03:05 PM
Maybe your poor boy was in pain anyway, sometimes when they get old arthritis can set in, we can't see it, they don't show it, but the pain is real none the less.
Biting is one outlet for their pain, he may not have meant to do it.
You would have probably had to put him down anyway.
So put your guilt away where it belongs, focus on the good life you had with and gave to your best buddy, in time the pain will go and you will heal.
My prayers go to you and your friend.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted May 25, 2004 04:12 PM
12 years of age is not a short life for a lab. It sounds like he had a full life, was well cared for and loved. He will be remembered always. In the end, that's all any of us can hope for.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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dogluva_nz
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posted May 26, 2004 02:18 AM
You did the right thing. I had to make that same decision last year. I'm a dog behavorist and I knew there was nothing more I could do. Sometimes it is better to let them go. For their sake. Your dog must of been suffering in some way for him to have only started doing this in the last year. It sounds to me like idiopathic aggression when you say he seemed like a different dog. Nobody knows why it happens or how. So there is no cure.
Don't feel guilty. You are in my thoughts at this time.
Posts: 41 | Registered: Mar 2004
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ChevyThunder
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posted May 26, 2004 06:17 AM
Thank you again everyone. You have made this much easier for me. Thunder was a loving and loyal dog to me and I will never forget him.
Posts: 4 | From: Coldwater, MI | Registered: May 2004
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goombaya
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posted May 27, 2004 12:21 AM
Chevy,
roughly 6 years ago I had to do the same thing. I always second guess myself but I know it was the right choice.
Im sorry for you that you lost your companion, but I think you did the right thing.
Posts: 129 | Registered: Jan 2004
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Bobbi
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posted May 31, 2004 10:35 AM
Yes, you did the right thing! I'm sorry for your heart brake but just think how you would have felt if you dog killed a child.
Bobbi
Posts: 12 | From: Montana | Registered: May 2004
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