Deciding to put down a pet - advice/thoughts? (1 Viewer)

[jb1020]

Alright, We have a situation with an aggressive dog.   We've pretty much been dealing with it for 14-15 years now.  I've always discussed having her put dog because of her aggression, but I always opt out of it.  I think its finally time.  

Shes a boxer/terrier mix, looks like a scrawny pit from a distance.  Shes never ever been aggressive to people, in fact shes the opposite.  Shes a big lap dog.  

We've always been able to avoid having her around other dogs.  We just can never take her anywhere, can't take her to the dog park cause she'll fight, we can't even walk her on a leash cause she'll try and fight if another dog crosses our path.   

So this time last year we moved.  We now have a house that has no fenced in back yard.  We put an electrical fence in, but she doesn't care, she runs right thru the damn thing.   We've had 2 major incidents with her bolting out the front door.  I always go out with her, but sometimes she sneaks past me.  We had a 3rd minor incident this morning.  I was able to grab her before a fight broke out.   These events have ore or less just become embarrassing.  

I just feel like shes turned into a liability.  Shes never hurt another dog, in fact shes always the one that comes back bloody.  We have two kids, 9 and 7 and we're about to finalize an international adoption of a 4 year old.  Its already tough enough to make sure the kids don't let the dog out.  With the new kid on the way I feel like I should nip this situation while I have a chance.  

Anyone every dealt with this?  I'll feel guilty putting down a relatively healthy dog, but its become too much for me.  I don't think anyone would take in a 15 year old aggressive dog.  Most people that take in dogs have other dogs...plus this dog is at least 15 years old.  We got her in Sept 2005 and the shelter told us she was at least a year old. 

The wife and kids are making a day trip tomorrow.  I've already told the wife I think I'm gonna do it when they're gone, to make it easier on the kids.   I'm not sure the kids will miss her...they've always known her as the dog that fights and can't go outside.  

TLR-  Considering putting down my 15 yo dog cause shes aggressive.   She's become a liability and an embarrassment with her constant fighting.   Shes old and gonna die soon anyways right? 

 

[CurlyNight]

I couldn't do it. In my mind the quality of life for the pet has to be pretty low for me to pull the plug. Maybe you can look at adopting her out. Here in SF there is Muttville, an org for older dogs healthy or not. Check out alternatives before you pull the plug. 

 

[Foosball God]

I would probably go the Curly route of at least investigating if there are any alternatives that would consider taking him, but I agree with the jb1020 that the likelihood of someplace taking in a dog that is aggressive to other dogs is probably going to be very rare.  If it is a danger to other people's pets and you can't find an alternative then I don't think you should feel overly guilty about the decision if it comes to it.

 

[jb1020]

We went down this road when we first had kids.  Obviously we knew the dog was aggressive so we thought we should give her away then, but we couldn't find anyone suitable.   No one wanted to adopt a 6 or 7 year old dog with aggression problems.  She had never been aggressive towards people, but we didn't want to chance it.   Turns out she was great with the kids.   

I'm feeling its time to put her down.  She's had a good life and I'll miss her, but shes a liability at this point.  I can't have that in our neighborhood, or in our family.  I don't want to bring in the adopted child and have to break up a dog fight and scar her for life. 

I don't know, this is a tough one.  We kept thinking she would just get  old and die, but she's a fight (pun intended).   Shes 15 now and still in fine shape, but she pretty much sits in her room all day, she can't go out and enjoy the sunshine or anything.  Its not much quality of life left.        

 

[Warrior]

We went down this road when we first had kids.  Obviously we knew the dog was aggressive so we thought we should give her away then, but we couldn't find anyone suitable.   No one wanted to adopt a 6 or 7 year old dog with aggression problems.  She had never been aggressive towards people, but we didn't want to chance it.   Turns out she was great with the kids.   

I'm feeling its time to put her down.  She's had a good life and I'll miss her, but shes a liability at this point.  I can't have that in our neighborhood, or in our family.  I don't want to bring in the adopted child and have to break up a dog fight and scar her for life. 

I don't know, this is a tough one.  We kept thinking she would just get  old and die, but she's a fight (pun intended).   Shes 15 now and still in fine shape, but she pretty much sits in her room all day, she can't go out and enjoy the sunshine or anything.  Its not much quality of life left.        

Don't kill your perfectly healthy dog just because it's an inconvenience to you. Put the dog up for adoption.

 

[jb1020]

Turn it into a no-kill shelter and let them know she's dog aggressive. Someone will adopt. Jeez man...

Thought never came to mind that a no kill shelter was an option.  I'll give them a call.  

 

[CurlyNight]

Don't kill your perfectly healthy dog just because it's an inconvenience to you. Put the dog up for adoption.

Yup. There are people who love all dogs, aggressive, sick, etc. Check with your vet. Maybe they'll let you post a pic of him there. 

 

[Foosball God]

Don't kill your perfectly healthy dog just because it's an inconvenience to you. Put the dog up for adoption.

I think you're being a little harsh here.  It isn't just an inconvenience, it is a potential threat to other people's pets.  As a responsible dog owner he is rightfully concerned.  I agree he should look to see if anyone is willing to adopt but don't paint it like this is just a nuisance.

 

[Dragons]

I gave our 10 year old (not lab) mutt and 4 year old Shepard? mix mutt extra love tonight in Tikka's honor.

Romey has surgically enhanced (both) ACLs, a heavily scarred ear from a Hematoma and a greying muzzle and feet and he will be very hard to let go when it's his time.

Romey is also developing fatty tumors all over his body, so he's quite a bit lumpy. He's got heavy arthritis in his back legs, which are very weak.  We help him up and down the stairs (not physically, but as a safety net in case he stumbles), when he's not being stubborn and refuses. I'd prefer if he would just sleep downstairs, but (after refusing to go upstairs) he doesn't make it through the night without barking at us to let him up. One day soon, someone will probably need to sleep downstairs with him. He's become extra food obsessed and will hound and hound you if he thinks it should be feeding time. This can be anywhere up to 5 hours ahead of the normally scheduled feeding time if someone's home. I've cleaned up more dog #### in the house than when he was a pup, it seems like the weakness in his back legs also is affecting his ability to always know when he has to go.

He still enjoys laying out in the front yard, hoarsely barking at passer-bys. 

It does feel like the time is very close, but it has felt that way for almost a year now. I keep telling myself that we will know when it's time and hopefully we do.

 

[Dragons]

I think you're being a little harsh here.  It isn't just an inconvenience, it is a potential threat to other people's pets.  As a responsible dog owner he is rightfully concerned.  I agree he should look to see if anyone is willing to adopt but don't paint it like this is just a nuisance.

I agree.

 

[johnnycakes]

You have a 15 year old lap dog that is healthy and friendly towards people. I couldn’t even think of putting him down. I sincerely hope you either change your mind or find some alternative.