Thinking of getting my dog put down, too harsh??

hayleyc_2

mrcol1000 wrote: »

I would contact your local council Dog Warden and see if they collect unwanted dogs.

As far as I'm aware the dog warden is there to deal with strays, not as a way of getting your dog PTS on the cheap! This dog has been part of the family for 9 years and if PTS deserves to be with her family in a calm and loving atmosphere, not palmed off to the dog warden!

Also, to label the dog aggressive is a bit much in my opinion. She has medical problems which could be making her impatient and has lost out on attention to the children. We don't know the circumstances of the bite and she hasn't been agressive with adults so could be rehomed to a home without children.

Aspiring

lynnexxxo wrote: »

I realise that some of your will think I am the most horrible person alive and the dog came into the family first, but its not that easy. I'm going to have four children and work full time so dog walking is not high on my priority list.

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Does anyone know if the vet would try and talk me out of it? If i build up the courage to take her I really don't want him turning round and not doing it.

Firstly, the vet. The vet will not try and talk you out of it. S/he will do his job and act on your instructions and you will pay the fee.

Second, it does not really matter what people on a forum think about you. They may know your user name, they do not know you the person.

Every pet owner has to make decisions according to their own personal circumstances. People on here can advise on alternatives and some will be compassionate to your particular circumstances: others will be very strong in their opinions (some more polite than others) especially if they are different from your own.

You must do what is right for you, your family and your dog. Its about all of you.

I don't think you are the most horrible person alive. It's not an easy decision to make. You rescued her in the first instance; you fought against advice to have her put down a few years ago. Sounds like you have given her a good few years of love and happiness.

Having 4 children (twin newborns!) and a dog that is as fit as a fiddle and the most well behaved, is a lot. Having 4 young children and a dog that bites and has bowel issues ...

Mutter_2

Sad post OP. It sounds as though you've taken good care of your dog.
Whether to pts or not, is your decision alone, your Vet will do so at your request I'm sure.
The kennel stress is worrying, I couldn't bear to think of mine behind bars without loads of love. I know the workers would do their best but it's not like being with their family. (Bit like me being put in a nursing home. Might suit some, but I'd rather be dead)

One thing I do hope, that if your present dog is pts, please do not be tempted ever to get another.
As for the sloppy poo, just throw some sand over it, makes it easier to pick up.
If the Vet won't come to your home to pts, make sure you stay and reassure your dog, whilst the Vet inserts the needle.

The only alternative I can come up with is to contact rescues, explain the problem and say that no way can she go into kennels but would like her adopted. I don't know if that is at all possible, as scant knowledge of rehoming gained from this site alone. Haley above, has given a link to dogpages.

You say that poor Dog poos every night in the boy's toyroom. Then keep her confined to downstairs. A stairgate shouldn't be too hard to find in your house with two children and another two on the way!
She sounds as though she would be suited to an older owner, maybe one living alone who could give her the attention she needs. Clearing off to the toyroom whilst you are watching TV, sounds as though she is thoroughly bored.
You do realise, that a dog would prefer to be told off, than ignored?

Stealing from bins? Nappies etc. Why is a bin accessible containing such muck inside the house. Mwahhh! Surely a nappy should be tied in a bag and deposited outside.
I'm saying no more at present as I see 6 of one and half dozen of another.

Topdogfran. Why do you feel unable to comment?

Mutter_2

Thanks button not working at present Hayley, but thanks.

mark13

Good luck in making the decision, whatever you decide I'm sure it will be best for the dog, its never easy, but its better to take action than to leave it and let things get worse..

callywally

Its your responsibility to decide whats best for your dog. speak to your vet and get his opinion on her illnesses and quality of life, but only you can make that choice. it is a very hard decision but you should make it basesd on whats best for her, If she has still got a reasonable quality of life you need to be honest with yourself, and face the fact that it would be the best choice for you not her and make serious enquiries in to trying to rehome her without her having to go in to kennels. Ask your vet he may know someone who has recently lost a dog and is looking for a older pet maybe.
You need to think very carefully because if you make the wrong chioce you will feel guilty. Only you really know if its the right time for her to go for her sake not yours. Speak to your vet regarding her diarrhoea maybe it a change of diet could help or it maybe more serious

mrcol1000

hayleyc wrote: »

As far as I'm aware the dog warden is there to deal with strays, not as a way of getting your dog PTS on the cheap! This dog has been part of the family for 9 years and if PTS deserves to be with her family in a calm and loving atmosphere, not palmed off to the dog warden!

Also, to label the dog aggressive is a bit much in my opinion. She has medical problems which could be making her impatient and has lost out on attention to the children. We don't know the circumstances of the bite and she hasn't been agressive with adults so could be rehomed to a home without children.

Most Dog Wardens will collect unwanted dogs because its easier than the other way people dispose of unwanted dogs. Also if the Dog Warden decides a dog has to be put down then it will be taken to a vet who will do it humanely and stress free as any other vet. If the Dog Warden feels the dog can be rehomed it will do its best to do this through the private kennels or a rescue centre. To be honest though the large number of dogs which for one reason or another are looking for homes its only the young friendly ones from in demand breeds that get that opportunity. Also if you knew a dog has shown agression for whatever reason would you take the risk of rehoming it?

leiela

I totally feel for your situation,

I have a dog that was a less than perfect rescue match, like your's she bites my children not badly enough to break the skin, but still it means they are terrified of her. Mine can't be left in the house at all because she's not housetrained and nothing i've tried has changed that, and she eats the furnicher.

I keep my dog outside in the garden and not a single day pass's that i don't feel guilty for it, she's a very lovable dog, well at least to me she is but as im the only person she doens't growl at and bite i guess there would be few people who'd agree with me.

She recently had £500 worth of surgery against my husbands wishes and even though i knew putting to to sleep was for the best i couldn't go though with it and even the Vet said while she was with him she was "unmanageable" and had to be sedated several times just to keep her calm.

I;ve spoken the the RSPCA and dogs protection league about her and BOTH said that if she came to her they would put her to sleep. I was very shocked especially in the dogs protection league as i thoughts they never put a healthy dog down, however they said in her case even though physically she was healthy, mentally she was not and they would not be able to keep/rehome her.

I wish i had the courage to get her put to sleep because in all fairness i know it's probabally for the best i just feel too guilty and too ashamed to take her to the vet and ask it to be done, i keep thinking what a terrible person he'd think i was.

Right now i just take each day as it comes, i keep telling myself if she needs anymore treatment for ANY more medical conditions ill put her to sleep... but ive said that before and still managed to pay £500 in november.

mrcol1000

leiela wrote: »

I totally feel for your situation,

I have a dog that was a less than perfect rescue match, like your's she bites my children not badly enough to break the skin, but still it means they are terrified of her.

If nothing else don't you feel guilty that your children are at risk from this dog? As you said they are terrifed of the dog and it doesn't really matter if the skin is broken or not the dog biting them is dangerous. Addtionally if your dog is kept outside and manages to break free (or local yobs let the dog go free) if the dog bites anyone or goes for anyone in any way you will be responsible and could be prosecuted.

I love my dog dearly and our whole family (inculding the dog) snuggle up on the sofa in the evennings but I keep in mind that the dog is just an animal at the end of the day.

Kerriebaby

leiela wrote: »

I totally feel for your situation,

I have a dog that was a less than perfect rescue match, like your's she bites my children not badly enough to break the skin, but still it means they are terrified of her. Mine can't be left in the house at all because she's not housetrained and nothing i've tried has changed that, and she eats the furnicher.

I keep my dog outside in the garden and not a single day pass's that i don't feel guilty for it, she's a very lovable dog, well at least to me she is but as im the only person she doens't growl at and bite i guess there would be few people who'd agree with me.

She recently had £500 worth of surgery against my husbands wishes and even though i knew putting to to sleep was for the best i couldn't go though with it and even the Vet said while she was with him she was "unmanageable" and had to be sedated several times just to keep her calm.

I;ve spoken the the RSPCA and dogs protection league about her and BOTH said that if she came to her they would put her to sleep. I was very shocked especially in the dogs protection league as i thoughts they never put a healthy dog down, however they said in her case even though physically she was healthy, mentally she was not and they would not be able to keep/rehome her.

I wish i had the courage to get her put to sleep because in all fairness i know it's probabally for the best i just feel too guilty and too ashamed to take her to the vet and ask it to be done, i keep thinking what a terrible person he'd think i was.

Right now i just take each day as it comes, i keep telling myself if she needs anymore treatment for ANY more medical conditions ill put her to sleep... but ive said that before and still managed to pay £500 in november.

have pm'd you