Our boxer attacked our child

[ZeusMamma]

I am so heartbroke right now. We've had Zeus for 3.5 yrs and he is/was just a wonderful and amazing dog. We have a son of nearly 2 and the two have been best of friends. Zeus has been nothing but perfect with our son- aside from 1 snap at him 1 time from being touched in the flanks while sleeping. I mean this dog put up with ear tugging, eye poking, you name it... well, today, that all changed. This morning out of NOWHERE and I mean NO provocation Zeus attacked our 2 y/o's face and shoulders. He did not draw blood, thank God, but did cause severe bruising and swelling. Our child was doing nothing- standing by him and playing and all of a sudden Zeus flipped out. We obviously cannot keep him- no matter how much we love the dog our child comes first... my question is who do I call/how do I go about this? Right now he's outside and must stay there and away from our child until I find him a new home- but what is the best way to find that new home and fast (I don't want Zeus to have to stay outside for days but he's NOT coming near our baby ever again)? Any advice

 

[harlie'smom]

Im so sorry to hear about your child being attacked by your dog. Has your dog been checked by a vet recently? The reason i ask is beacuse i hear alot about when animals are sick they may become aggresive so maybe something is wrong with Zues. I know it breaks your heart and right at this moment you dont want to take the chance of your child being hurt again but would you consider taking Zues to his vet to be checked? Good luck, i know this must be very hard on you right now.

 

[Dham]

I would check out your local boxer rescue.
I am glad you are not taking any chances. I know it's hard but it is the best thing for the safety of your son.

 

[FletchersMom]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that this happened. It is a heartbreaking situation for you to be in . Thank God your son wasn't seriously hurt though he must have been frightened. I am a mom myself and I agree with keeping him away from the baby. I love Fletcher but if he ever did that there would be no second chances. I would definitely check out your local boxer rescue and be sure to let them know he shouldn't be around any children. Good luck sweetie and let us know how it goes.

 

[SandyHG55654]

WoW that is shocking! :( How is you baby now? Did he need to go to the doctor? Were you right there when it happened? I have 3 skin boys and that is a scary thing to have happened. I would contact a rescue because if you take him to a shelter they will probably have him put down if they hear he attacked a child. Rescues will try and work with him and place him in a child free home if they have all the facts. Good luck!

 

[ZeusMamma]

Thank you so much for the suggestion- we weren't sure if a rescue would take him considering what happened and we fear a shelter b/c of it. My mom was watching him when it happened- and she completely loves Zeus also :( We just recently did take him to the vet and he's in better health than ever- no tremors lately even so I just have no idea why this happened- I'm constantly raving about how perfect Zeus is with our boy. Our baby is good- but seriously traumatized... as you can imagine Zeus is his best buddy. He keeps talking about how the dog gave him an owie and Zeus made him have pain- and every time he hears him bark now he jumps. It's so sad for everyone, but I just can't risk this happening again- it was completely unprovoked and uncharacteristic (or so I thought) of Zeusy.

 

[SandyHG55654]

What are the tremors you mentioned If you don't mind?

 

[NShea]

I'm so sorry that this happened....It makes me cry to read that story...I agree with you 100 percent..you can't take any chances. I love my two fur babies...but my skin kid comes first and anything that harms him would never get a second chance. Big hugs to you..I imagine you are very torn up inside...Here's hoping Zeuz can find a trainer at a rescue that will work great with him and find him a home without children. and also here's hoping your family knows what a wonderful Mamma you are! *hugs*

 

[Louie's Mom]

does your mother have dogs? I am not taking sides or anything but there very well could have been signs and your mother didn't see them if she isn't dog savvey - that wouldn't mean that she doesn't like dogs, it just means she doesn't know the body language and signals.
99% of the time there are signs and signals but people don't see them.

I am very sorry this happened and I hope your son will not have a fear of dogs in the future.

 

[Biff]

OMG! I am so sorry about this.....I don't know what I'd do if Biff attacked a child.....of course I agree, you can't keep him, but my heart is breaking all the same.

Good luck, I'm sure the rescue people will look for a home with no children for him


Take care - Big (((Hugs))))