Well, so far today SUCKS! I was just sitting down at work to enjoy my piping hot Starbucks when hubby calls. I assumed he was calling to tell me how much he luvs me and to apologize for being a bit snippy this morning, but that was hardly the case. I should have known by his tone. I should have known when he asked me to make sure I was sitting down. Then came the verbal blow - our dog Barley bit Drake's face. "What do you mean he bit Drake's face? Why?? He loves Drake?" "We are going to have to put him down....I'm sorry. I can't take that risk again." By now I am sobbing, heck I am crying as I type this! Guess I should give a little background as some of you may not know Barley. We have had him for seven years. He is the biggest, dorkiest dog known to mankind, or at least high up in the rankings. He is a good 130 pounds of gentleness and often confuses himself for a miniature lap dog instead of a Malamute. He is Grady's face cleaner extraordinaire.
But for some reason he bit Drake. Drake was playing with our neighbor while they were waiting for the bus, minding his own business, typical day in the hood. Barley was out on his chain, like he is every morning, enjoying the morning rays of sunshine and some fresh air. Drake was shooting baskets, missed and went to retrieve his ball. This scenario has happened countless times and with many different children. As Drake was turning to go back to the driveway Barley growled and then attacked his face. There was no instigation and no need for the dog to feel threatened - just Drake walking by. I guess his glasses took the brunt of the bite, though Barley did break skin on is cheek. There was blood, there were screams and there were tears. Hubby said it was the worst screaming he had ever heard, glad I missed that.
So that puts me in the dilemma that I am in right now. What if it was the neighbor or one of the kids' friends? What if he had gotten Drake's neck or eye? What if... what if... what if.... The possible shitty outcomes are endless. The possible reality is even shittier. So now I have to sit here and contemplate ending the life of one of our family members, the soft and snuggley one. The one who is my running companion and keeps my feet warm in the winter. The one who has grown up with Drake. The only one who doesn't talk back.
GAWD.THIS.SUCKS!!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
struggling
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6 comments:
Hi,as hard as it is, the descision has already been made for you.
You can never really trust a dog, ANY dog with kids, I have both so I know how you feel.
Imagine how you would feel if you didn't have the dog put down, and he did it again, only worse.
Good luck.
Is it possible to contact your local no kill shelter and re home the pooch with a family who has no kids? Also check out a dog trainer or "dog whisperer" if you will, to see what kind of behavioral things you can do for your fuzzy family menber. A bite is serious, but you don't have to kill the dog. I'm sorry for your youngster. I hope this doesn't make him fear animals. I love my fuzzy!
I'm not a dog person, but I can imagine how hard it would be to consider getting rid of a long time pet. I would talk to my vet first, he might have some good suggestions. And I do think the other comment had a great idea, with possibly sending the dog to a hme with no kids. It's hard no matter what I am sure.
OMG! I can not believe super sweet Barley bit Drake. What a hard decision to make. I can't even think of what I would do. Bridget hopes Drake is ok.
I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this...
Having been through something similar with one of our dogs, I agree with the recommendations to look for a home without kids -- or call your vet or a dog trainer and see if they have any suggestions.
The biggest lesson I learned was that in the end, as much as we loved our dog, he was a dog. All I could think about was how much we'd be kicking ourselves IF this happened again.
Good luck...
Sorry to hear about Drake getting bitten. Keep me posted on what's up. :(
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