We had to put down two dogs today as they were becoming more aggressive. Not a risk we could take with the small folk around. They had shown no tendency to aggression to people, but on the advice of the vet…Brutus and Betty are no longer with us. We had a good nine and a half years.
We had the dogs about twice as long as we had most of the children. But the dog recently nearly decapitated a goat who had the audacity to stick his head through the fence. Not something I wanted for the children who tend to stick their hands through fences.
So sorry mumsee, I had to do that with one dog, a beautiful, long-haired Australian shepherd mix, Mercy, who became very aggressive with my other dog, Ellie, some years ago. It was so hard to do, but the vet, who kept Mercy at the office for a few days for assessments, said she really couldn’t be trusted. I cried and cried, second-guessed my decision a couple times later, but I still believe it was the wisest thing to do, all the way around.
Kim is right, my vet at the time (I still go to him now) told me that he “hardly ever” recommended putting an animal down for behavioral issues. But in this case, he believed something had ‘snapped’ in her brain — very rare, he said he’d only seen it a couple times in his practice, but it can and does happen.
When I asked him what he’d do if it were his dog — and he said he’d have her put down — I knew I could trust his judgement.
Wandering Views 
We had to put down two dogs today as they were becoming more aggressive. Not a risk we could take with the small folk around. They had shown no tendency to aggression to people, but on the advice of the vet…Brutus and Betty are no longer with us. We had a good nine and a half years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry for your loss. Continuing to pray for Mike and the all of your brood.
LikeLike
Thanks, I will probably stop crying eventually. I keep reminding myself that the potential was definitely there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sorry, Mumsee. {{{Big hugs}}}
LikeLike
Nine and a half is a good life for a dog.
I think I told you about the guy I know who had to get rid of his dog when his baby was born.
LikeLike
We had the dogs about twice as long as we had most of the children. But the dog recently nearly decapitated a goat who had the audacity to stick his head through the fence. Not something I wanted for the children who tend to stick their hands through fences.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sorry, Mumsee. How very sad for you.
LikeLike
So sorry mumsee, I had to do that with one dog, a beautiful, long-haired Australian shepherd mix, Mercy, who became very aggressive with my other dog, Ellie, some years ago. It was so hard to do, but the vet, who kept Mercy at the office for a few days for assessments, said she really couldn’t be trusted. I cried and cried, second-guessed my decision a couple times later, but I still believe it was the wisest thing to do, all the way around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having been personal friends with a vet. The last thing they want to do is put an animal down. They only do it as a last resort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It doesn’t make it any easier and I am sorry you had to do that today.
LikeLike
Kim is right, my vet at the time (I still go to him now) told me that he “hardly ever” recommended putting an animal down for behavioral issues. But in this case, he believed something had ‘snapped’ in her brain — very rare, he said he’d only seen it a couple times in his practice, but it can and does happen.
When I asked him what he’d do if it were his dog — and he said he’d have her put down — I knew I could trust his judgement.
LikeLiked by 1 person