Our boxer attacked our child

[Abbey's Mom]

I think you made the right decision

Well, after long talks with my DH and 5 too many inappropriate new home canidates calling, we decided that local rescue was best. We discussed sending him to you Abbey's Mom but our worry is climate- he's lived in SD all his life where it's pretty warm year round (80 today), and also we would worry about how he'd do with a long transit. The lady from the local rescue came and picked Zeus up yesterday. She made us feel very comfortable with our decision and that he would be placed in a great home. When I let Zeusy in our lil guy completely lost it and started bawling so although a horrible situation that reassured me more that Zeus having a new home is best for everyone. Thank you all for your support and suggestions. We did let the lady know what happened and he will be placed as in a home with adults. This will be a hard thing for our family for a long time I'm sure- I miss him already, but I really felt there was no other option :(.

While I'm disappointed, I have to admit the logistics (making contact alone) of transport are quite daunting. Not that I wouldn't have found a way to carry through, but I think a local solution is the best for all involved. I was imagining the challenge and stress of a cross-country CUR and I can't say I was feeling very secure. On the other hand, I've always wanted to see San Diego, so very excited about flying out as an alternative. Still, I'm sure the local rescue will do a fine job of finding Zeus a suitable home. I'm just glad you were able to find someone locally that felt as though he could be placed. Obviously there are more people than we realized that would take a chance on him.

I can't imagine what it must feel like to have to have made this decision, but ultimately you have to do what you feel is best and I think you have. Hugs to you and the family as you adjust to life without him and hugs to Zeus that he finds a great home!

 

[elleathree]

I know accidents happen but you did the right thing in removing Zeus from the family, believe me I understand how hard that must have been to do.

The hardest thing I had to do was hold my daughters face together while we took an ambulance to the hospital. My daughter (7 at the time) was bitten by a friends medium sized dog on the face and she needed surgery to close up the wounds.

Afterwards, everyone asked me what happened to the dog - I said that it was removed to a child free home and the new owner puts it into his own yard whenever any children are around. I get lots of disapproving looks and comments of "you should of had it put down".

As I saw what happened I know it was an accident and that can happen to anyone or any dog. Every dog can bite and maybe never will but the thing is they can. It only takes one time to do damage.

It took about 6 months for her to even pat another dog again. We purposefully found people with puppies and introduced her to them and eventually she became more confident and of course the puppies grew bigger and so did her confidence with them.

It's been 12 months since then and she is looking forward to our new puppy so much. She helped to pick her out, too.

I'm so glad that the rescue understood, I hope they find him a good home. My thoughts are with you.

 

[SadieSue]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your child. That is sooo scary. I have two little girls that are 2 and 4 and Sadie is a saint with them, but I do know how fast something can change. Good luck with everything.
Jennifer and Sadie

 

[MxRxSth]

Had I only seen this post earlier. We have a wonderful rescue here in Orange County (which is not to far from San Diego) that people foster quite a few of the Boxer's until they find the proper home for them.

 

[Simmons99]

After reading this long thread - I am really glad that DH and I waited until our children were older - we have two boys 7 & 11. While we still catch our youngest teasing (which results in him being sent to his room) - both of them are old ehough to understand what they are supposed to do and not supposed to do and why.

Actually the breeder we got Chloe from wouldn't sell any to homes with children younger than 6 - I think that is probably a good rule of thumb to go by.