Eval. with Behaviorist for Abby DID NOT go well either

[TexasTini]

Well...I do not know what to say...

I took Abby for her evaluation this afternoon and she displayed EXTREMELY aggressive behavior.

Whatever her aggression stems from, the fact of the matter is that this is an unpredictable dog and that makes her a dangerous dog to have around children.

I really have only two options left:

1) I can do the classes with the understanding that while she is trainable, there is absolutely no guarantee that it will work with her, given her unpredictability. She will go thru the training and will have to be by my side on a leash in command 24/7. It will take A LOT of my time and I just don't have it to give to her. (I have already posted why) It is not recommended for this animal to be in a home with children and the possibility of children coming in and out of the house. I have a 9 year old...if she were 16 or older the story may be a little different.

The cause of this behavior? BAD BREEDING!!!!! I really want to jump on a bandwagon and get this person that runs these pet store chains here in Massachusetts put out of business.

She was also, most likely, removed from her litter too early and was never taught the correct way to socialize with other dogs. It is extremely likely, with the behavior she is demonstrating, that at some time, given her not reading Sugar Pie correctly, that she will either hurt her badly or worse.

My other option: I don't want to talk about. I'm just so sad for this little girl.

 

[Vela]

I know what your other option is and I'm truly sorry. I don't realy have any advice to give you about making such a horrible decision. THIS STORY like many others, is just another very sad example of what happens when "breeders" don't breed for temperament as well as confirmation and soundness. There has to be soundness of body AND mind for dogs to be bred. Too many people just don't care and keep on breeding away and this is the result. I am really truly sorry you are having to make a decision like this. It's a tragedy=(

 

[Shakira's Ma]

Linda Sue, I really hate to hear that, was really hoping that this baby could be rehabilitated to get along with children and other animals. That is just so sad that she had to start out a life like this and we can credit that to Puppy Mills and BYBs, this is a very good reason why we need to, somehow, get these guys out of business, not just that pet store, but ALL of them. So sorry, hope that you will be able to make the right decision for this little lady. :(

 

[Gus's Teah]

Wow, what a tough decision you have...if I had not been following your story for awhile now then I probably would not even believe that it was possible for such a young puppy to be exhibiting those behaviors. I guess that she truly is a result of a bad BYB situation :( I know that you've done everything you can for this little girl and it breaks my heart to keep seeing you hit one brick wall after another. I'm so sorry.

 

[sgbtab]

linda sue, I am so sorry that you have to make this choice.:( but you know what is best for your family. you can not have a dog that is out of control with a child who has a disabiltiy. this is the first time that I have heard of a dog with aggression problems at such a young age. but with bad breeding it is possible. all I can say is do what is best for your family. gracie was a nut and I guess you could say it was since birth. but my children were not young and she ended up becoming a fighter.and that is how she died. she was always so wound up I could never leave her alone. towards the end I felt like a prisoner in my own home. she would do tons of damage. I hope everything turns out well.

 

[Johana]

Hi Linda,
I was the one that evaluated Abby from the rescue. I am very sorry to hear that things are not going well. Just remember that everything happens for a reason and it was obvious to me that Abby loves you guys so think of yourselves as her little Angels, sounds like she probably didn't have a very good start to life and you were able to show her what love is all about. And keep in mind that she is probably in such a state of confusion all the time and with every new thing that she has to encounter being so absolutley frightening to her that she is probably mentally better off at peace. Maybe she needed someone like you who would do what is best for her instead of someone else who would just have sent her back so that she could live a short life in and out of pet stores and kennels with no place to call home. I wish you the strength to do what ever is best for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please give Abby a little snuggle and kiss from me. It is so unfortunate that we can't put a stop to situations like this. Call me if you need/want to talk.

Johana

 

[hanley]

I'm sorry, but I don't agree on your other option, there is a home for a pup like this. Sounds like she needs to be the only dog in the home,with no children,with someone who has time for her & only her. I don't blame you one bit, you can't run the risk of her hurting your daughter or any other child. But Abby is a pup with special needs,don't give up on finding her a home. She would be wonderful for a retired man,that had the time to work with her 24/7 & keep her as a companion dog for himself. I'm thinking about someone like Tulsa Dan, he had a great compassion for dogs.Please give this a lot of thought, Abby is still just a baby,with special needs.Hanley

 

[TexasTini]

I'm sorry, but I don't agree on your other option, there is a home for a pup like this. Sounds like she needs to be the only dog in the home,with no children,with someone who has time for her & only her. I don't blame you one bit, you can't run the risk of her hurting your daughter or any other child. But Abby is a pup with special needs,don't give up on finding her a home. She would be wonderful for a retired man,that had the time to work with her 24/7 & keep her as a companion dog for himself. I'm thinking about someone like Tulsa Dan, he had a great compassion for dogs.Please give this a lot of thought, Abby is still just a baby,with special needs.Hanley

Please forgive me if I come across as disrespectful to your thoughts.

With all due respect, I have tried and tried time and time again to find another home for this little girl.

Because of her issues, she is unadoptable. I know there is probably someone out there that could probably help her work through her issues, but I keep hitting brick walls trying to find that for her.

I feel like a prisoner in my home and have for the past few weeks! My daughter wanted to have a sleep-over last night and I just couldn't risk her friend getting hurt. Just can't live like this.

 

[Draymia]

Linda Sue, I am so sorry you are having to experience this. Sadly, I think your ultimate choice is the only responsible one available. No matter what you try little Abby will never be a totally happy and safe dog. What would happen if in a year or two she badly bit someone? No matter where she could be placed, there will always be a danger of a child visiting or coming to the door. You would never be able to say that she could be placed somewhere that is 100% safe. Abby has a mental illness that will cause her a lifetime of confusion, sadness and pain.

This is a no win situation that ended up in your lap. Do not feel guilty about putting her to rest. You have given her love and tried everything that was possible.