Our dog bit the baby

Ernie52408 · February 2012

First off please no flames. I'm having a really hard time with this emotionally. I'm looking for some support- not judgement. I'm kicking myself enough right now.

She is normally great with kids. We never expected any problems from her. She nipped him pretty hard once before but he stepped on her tail while she was sleeping. (DH was supposed to watching him.) We figured she was just startled and reacted without thinking.

Since that incident we've made sure to keep DS and the dog separate when we are not right there with them. Today I was watching DS play and petting the dog when he came up behind her. He was patting her back (not hard at all) and she suddenly turned on him. It happend so fast that I couldn't stop her. She broke the skin and made horrible marks on his face. She was millimeters from getting his eye.

I told DH we have to get rid of her. I can't take the chance again. Who knows what she'll do next time. We have a very small house so keeping them separate is hard. She's an older dog with arthritis so I don't want to keep her outside.

Taking her back to the shelter is the absolute last resort, but we are having a really hard time finding someone willing to take her. I feel so bad- she's my baby too- but I feel like I need to protect DS first. I know this is going to break her heart. She's a shelter dog who has been rehomed twice before.

Thanks for letting me get this out. I just need someone to "talk" to.

kathymarie · February 2012

I'm sorry you're dealing with this.

Brosis · February 2012

I'm so sorry. Did you have the baby looked at by your pedi? Dog bites can become infected and special cleansing & antibiotics may be needed.

It must be very painful to have to part w/a fur baby, but you're right in making this tough decision - your son's safety definitely comes first. Hopefully you can find a home for her. Have you tried making a flyer & posting a pic of her at work or on FB?

martinimomma · February 2012

I'm so sorry. This is an incredibly tough situation.

VeilSdeGTO · February 2012

I hope you find a good home for your furbaby. ((hugs))

julesjb · February 2012

I'm sorry you are dealing with this...I have no flames at all this is an awful situation. I fear my furbabies won't know how to deal but have some time before DS is mobile. Do you have the ability to keep them separate? Baby gates etc??

itsmegin · February 2012

No flames from me, I adore dogs but people, especially babies, come first. This is part of why we don't have a dog. Even the sweetest most good natured dog can have a moment, often because the kid hurts the poor dog and it's a natural reaction. But you have to protect your kids. I may get flamed but I think people who say their dog would "never" hurt anyone are kidding themselves. All dogs are capable of biting.

pepomntpat · February 2012

Scout2005:
I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
Honestly, and this may not be well received, but if this is an older dog w/ health issues who has now bitten a child, she will not be adopted from a shelter. The most humane thing to do would to either find a rescue - although many will not take a dog who has a history of violence - or euthanize the animal.
I would pick euthanasia over taking the dog to a shelter, frankly.

This.

However, first I would get your dog a complete physical and make sure her pain meds for her arthritis are working. I would keep your DS and your dog separated. It really is not that hard. It was your fault you let your DS crawl up behind her. That was just a big mistake on your part...but it was YOUR mistake...not the dog's. Our cat, scratched Ro on the face. I did not get rid of the cat. I am more diligent about cutting his nails and making sure Ro is gentle.

If you absolutely cannot keep her and are unwilling to be diligent about keeping them separated than I think euthanasia is the best option with a poor, old, sick dog.

ksulli · February 2012

I'm so sorry. How's LO doing? I agree with PPs- no flames, and it's a sad position to be in, but you have to look out for LO first.

luvmyducks · February 2012

Poor DS

Sorry you are having to deal with this. I hope you can find a good home for your dog.

NY-allie · February 2012

I'm sorry you are going through this. I'll also add that in some states your dog will be required to be put down as soon as you report the accident to the pedi or the vet. When I was 16 my dog bit a neighbor's kid (10ish) who was teasing her through the fence. Based on the local law we had to put the dog down even though it wasn't her fault - we tried to fight it.

MissAutumn · February 2012

I am so sorry your going through this.

Sending hugs to you

TeacherVicky · February 2012

I'm so sorry you are in this all-around awful situation. I hope your DS is ok and that you are able to find a good home for your furbaby. No flames.

((Hugs))

D&D4Ever7 · February 2012

Hugs, this is a such a tough situation to be in.

erinlovesdavid · February 2012

I'm so sorry, Erin. This is one of my biggest fears now that S is getting more mobile and interested in our dog. ((hugs))

BritanyV · February 2012

Scout2005:
I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
Honestly, and this may not be well received, but if this is an older dog w/ health issues who has now bitten a child, she will not be adopted from a shelter. The most humane thing to do would to either find a rescue - although many will not take a dog who has a history of violence - or euthanize the animal.
I would pick euthanasia over taking the dog to a shelter, frankly.

I completely agree.

monica92603 · February 2012

I'm so sorry this happened to you and your baby. It is a huge fear of mine as well. We have a 90 lb American Bulldog who is the biggest baby a dog could be but he is still a dog. We make sure we don't let Grace jump on him too much b/c she loves him and wants to play. My mom is so afraid of him when she watches her she tends to keep them separated b/c she's not gonna let anything happen on her watch.

ellebelle2384 · February 2012

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I hope you can find a good home for your dog and that your LO is okay.

Ernie52408 · February 2012

Thanks ladies. DS is doing great. His face looks horrible, but he hasn't even needed Tylenol. I took him to SMIL who is an RN and she said I already did everything could I do with it (washed it well, Neosporin, and attempted to ice it). He'll probably have a black eye in the morning.

Right now I think we're leaning towards putting her to sleep. MIL said they would take her after their new house is built, but they haven't even broke ground yet. It could be a year or more and we don't have anywhere we could keep her until then. She has separation anxiety and high anxiety in general and I don't think she will be able to cope if we took her to a new home. When we went on our honeymoon she literally lost all of her hair from the stress of separation.
I would feel so guilty if she bite someone else after this and I don't think we can take the chance. She is the most loving dog and I don't understand how this happened.

We are so heartbroken right now, but I can't take the chance she'd hurt DS or one of us again.

Eris-Alexis · February 2012

I'm so sorry and I absolutely understand. My parents dog bit me when I started toddling and they ended up having to put him down (couldn't find a home for him). I know how hard this must be and I'm so sorry you are having to go through it. I hope you find a fantastic home for her. ((Big HUGS))

kathymarie · February 2012

Ernie52408:
Thanks ladies. DS is doing great. His face looks horrible, but he hasn't even needed Tylenol. I took him to SMIL who is an RN and she said I already did everything could I do with it (washed it well, Neosporin, and attempted to ice it). He'll probably have a black eye in the morning.

Right now I think we're leaning towards putting her to sleep. MIL said they would take her after their new house is built, but they haven't even broke ground yet. It could be a year or more and we don't have anywhere we could keep her until then. She has separation anxiety and high anxiety in general and I don't think she will be able to cope if we took her to a new home. When we went on our honeymoon she literally lost all of her hair from the stress of separation.
I would feel so guilty if she bite someone else after this and I don't think we can take the chance. She is the most loving dog and I don't understand how this happened.

We are so heartbroken right now, but I can't take the chance she'd hurt DS or one of us again.

fwiw, I'd do the same.

anonomity · February 2012

If its any consolation, I think you are doing the right thing. I love our dogs, but if either of them ever bit E they would be gone faster than they knew what hit 'em. I hope you are able to find a good home for her. Have you looked into no-kill shelters or rescue groups in your area?

Good luck. I cannot imagine how difficult this whole situation must be. ((HUGS)) Hope your LO makes a speedy recovery.

damabo80 · February 2012

Scout2005:
I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
Honestly, and this may not be well received, but if this is an older dog w/ health issues who has now bitten a child, she will not be adopted from a shelter. The most humane thing to do would to either find a rescue - although many will not take a dog who has a history of violence - or euthanize the animal.
I would pick euthanasia over taking the dog to a shelter, frankly.

I agree.

With the separation anxiety, overall health, and age of your pet, I think it's kinda to put her down instead of taking her to a shelter. She's not going to be adopted from a shelter. Old, health issues, biting dogs is not on anyone's potential pet resume.

lauralew · February 2012

Your choice is the right one, but I can definitely understand how hard it is to deal with. I hope you find a loving home for her soon.

pottermommy · February 2012

I am sorry. I think you are doing the right thing but I know this can't be easy. Huge hugs.

happyhoopla · February 2012

I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this. I'm sure that she's not a bad dog, but you are definitely right that she can't stay with you.

BettyBookworm · February 2012

I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.

I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.

I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.

I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.

It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.

Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.

BettyBookworm · February 2012

RachaelA:
BettyBookworm:
I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.
I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.
I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.
I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.
It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.
Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.
We are all saying to euthanize if they cannot find someone to take her because its obvious the OP has made up her mind that she will not keep the dog. I do agree that the situation could have been prevented and it is not the dog's fault. A shelter will put an old dog with a bite history down. Why not let the dog die with her family rather than alone in a shelter?

I disagree with euthanasia in this circumstance. I don't know if you've ever seen a healthy animal euthanized, but it can be an awful scene even with family present for the dog. Its not the same as a dying/terminally ill animal.

Also, I'm not sure if the vet would do it unless you explained the situation, but even then they would probably have to have a court order or something. I don't know any vet that would do it just because you couldn't think of anything else.

Really, I know its a tough situation, and I don't want to make it harder on the OP than it has to be. She may not have a choice anyway if she explains the situation the dog may be ordered to be destroyed by animal control. I don't know.

I just think its an awful fate for a dog that sounds like its been through enough in this life. Then again, I am one of those people who adopted an "unadoptable" rescue dog that no one else wanted. So, I am not the greatest audience for this type of post.

I'll leave it there because I don't want to get all flamey about it. I really do understand the OP is doing the best she can in this situation and I hate it that it has come to this.

hopeandlove0417 · February 2012

First I just want to say how incredibly sad i'am for you. I know your faced with one of the hardest decisions and it can't be easy.

My mother in law runs a rescue for cats, and the rescue community is quite large. I would suggest contacting a few and asking them if they could help you find a new home. Some dogs just don't do well with children....but are perfectly content with adults. Being that your pup hasn't bit any adults I would assume that maybe he just doesn't do well with children. I have seen many rescue groups rescue dogs and adopt out to families without children. Perhaps an older couple would be a good fit.

Does he have trouble seeing?Or hearing?

Whatever you decide, it's your decision and I feel terrible that you are left to make a choice like this. *hugs*

HeatherPB1020 · February 2012

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this.

sarahscooty · February 2012

Been around a similar situation.. sent a PM

haziedaze · February 2012

Just wanted to offer ((HUGS))... I think you know your dog best and in the end you will make the right decision for your dog and your family. I'm so sorry this happened!

rjl07 · February 2012

I'm so sorry you are in this situation. I hope your LO is ok. I'm terrified of this same thing happening to us - we have a very anxious dog and while he has been great with the girls so far, I know he could easily snap at any time. I hope you are able to find the best solution for your family.

Izabella22 · February 2012

Scout2005:
I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
Honestly, and this may not be well received, but if this is an older dog w/ health issues who has now bitten a child, she will not be adopted from a shelter. The most humane thing to do would to either find a rescue - although many will not take a dog who has a history of violence - or euthanize the animal.
I would pick euthanasia over taking the dog to a shelter, frankly.

This. I have a cat who has scratched a couple people (who didn't have the sense to back of when he started growling at them and after I warned them he doesn't like strangers) and while he's got no interest in DS now, if he scratches DS we'll be in the same boat. I love my furbaby but I have to protect DS and when it comes down to it DS will always be my #1 priority and anyone who has a problem with that... well thats their baggage. I love my animals to bits and I will try my best to keep anything from happening but you can't be on top of them 100% of the time.

julesjb · February 2012

BettyBookworm:
RachaelA:
BettyBookworm:

I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.

I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.

I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.

I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.

It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.

Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.

We are all saying to euthanize if they cannot find someone to take her because its obvious the OP has made up her mind that she will not keep the dog. I do agree that the situation could have been prevented and it is not the dog's fault. A shelter will put an old dog with a bite history down. Why not let the dog die with her family rather than alone in a shelter?

I disagree with euthanasia in this circumstance. I don't know if you've ever seen a healthy animal euthanized, but it can be an awful scene even with family present for the dog. Its not the same as a dying/terminally ill animal.

Also, I'm not sure if the vet would do it unless you explained the situation, but even then they would probably have to have a court order or something. I don't know any vet that would do it just because you couldn't think of anything else.

Really, I know its a tough situation, and I don't want to make it harder on the OP than it has to be. She may not have a choice anyway if she explains the situation the dog may be ordered to be destroyed by animal control. I don't know.

I just think its an awful fate for a dog that sounds like its been through enough in this life. Then again, I am one of those people who adopted an "unadoptable" rescue dog that no one else wanted. So, I am not the greatest audience for this type of post.

I'll leave it there because I don't want to get all flamey about it. I really do understand the OP is doing the best she can in this situation and I hate it that it has come to this.

I was avoiding responding to this because I can tell you have a strong opinion about the subject and I generally don't like to get into it. I just had to highlight a few points.

If a euthansia is done properly than the scene should not change physically at all only emotionally. All pets should be properly sedated and feel little to no physical pain at all.

I do not know any situation where a court order is necessary to euthanize your pet. A hot debate is that to this day animals are considered property which had led to very limited punishment for cruelty to animals due to their definition to our lives. To most of us they are family but the fact of the matter is they are your property and you can make the decision without a court being involved.

The part about not knowing a vet that would do this "just because she couldn't think of anything else" really gets me the most. I am a vet and have used my right to not euthanize many animals that people bring in for convience euthansia. Because they are moving and not allowed pets, the dog costs to much, barks to loudly, ruined the carpet.....in these situations I help the owner make a choice to either turn over the pet to our clinic or seek other homes. As a veterinarian the truth of it is if an owner brings their pet to you to be euthanized and is not willing to turn the pet over to you then sometimes euthansia is the most humane situation because it is one you can control. If people have decided to do this they often will go to any means to make it happen and I would rather be able to give that pet a humane peaceful end than other alternatives. OP's situation however does not fall into this category of convienence...her dog bit her LO in the face. I will not argue that this could probably have been avoided and I am sure OP is beating herself up enough but she is not considering saying goodbye to her dog out of convienence. I am sure that she will exhaust her other options but if she came into the clinic and told any collegue I know that her dog bit her baby they would help her through probably one of the hardest decisions of her life with support and understanding. The situation could have god forbid been worse, would that have made her decision ok??

The fact of the matter is a mistake was made. It sucks horribly and if there is a way to avoid it happening again while keeping the dog I encourage it. However if you are afraid for the well being of your LO and you are not able to find a home that would suit your dog who you already stated has separation anxiety and other age related changes than I support you and virtually hold your hand during what I can only imagine is a very difficult decision for your family. I am sorry that this happened....it could have happened to anyone.

OregonPachey · February 2012

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I am glad to hear your LO is ok.

EmKo0210 · February 2012

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. ((HUGS))

KCKSarah · February 2012

((huge hugs))

Ernie52408 · February 2012

BettyBookworm:
RachaelA:
BettyBookworm:

I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.

I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.

I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.

I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.

It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.

Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.

We are all saying to euthanize if they cannot find someone to take her because its obvious the OP has made up her mind that she will not keep the dog. I do agree that the situation could have been prevented and it is not the dog's fault. A shelter will put an old dog with a bite history down. Why not let the dog die with her family rather than alone in a shelter?

I disagree with euthanasia in this circumstance. I don't know if you've ever seen a healthy animal euthanized, but it can be an awful scene even with family present for the dog. Its not the same as a dying/terminally ill animal.

Also, I'm not sure if the vet would do it unless you explained the situation, but even then they would probably have to have a court order or something. I don't know any vet that would do it just because you couldn't think of anything else.

Really, I know its a tough situation, and I don't want to make it harder on the OP than it has to be. She may not have a choice anyway if she explains the situation the dog may be ordered to be destroyed by animal control. I don't know.

I just think its an awful fate for a dog that sounds like its been through enough in this life. Then again, I am one of those people who adopted an "unadoptable" rescue dog that no one else wanted. So, I am not the greatest audience for this type of post.

I'll leave it there because I don't want to get all flamey about it. I really do understand the OP is doing the best she can in this situation and I hate it that it has come to this.

I'm not trying to get defensive here, but what exactly do you expect us to do? The dog almost took out my son's EYE. Yes, I made a mistake letting him get that close to her. I thought I could trust her more. I am living with more guilt than you could probably imagine.

The dog cannot be trusted around children. Bottom line. We are doing our best to find a loving home for her. We are even offering to take care of all her needs financially the rest of her life. We have not found anyone interested in a 10+ year old, 70lb dog with a history of aggression towards other animals and children. We cannot even find anyone who will take her for a week until we make other arrangements.

I have another 90lb dog and an active, extremely mobile 10 month old in an open concept house. Keeping everyone in separate areas is much more difficult than it seems.

I can't make someone else take her. She will die if I take her to a shelter. Euthansia is not my first, second, or third choice but I frankly am running out of options.

I would love to hear any brillant solutions you have.

luvmyducks · February 2012

Ernie52408:
BettyBookworm:
RachaelA:
BettyBookworm:

I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.

I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.

I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.

I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.

It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.

Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.

We are all saying to euthanize if they cannot find someone to take her because its obvious the OP has made up her mind that she will not keep the dog. I do agree that the situation could have been prevented and it is not the dog's fault. A shelter will put an old dog with a bite history down. Why not let the dog die with her family rather than alone in a shelter?

I disagree with euthanasia in this circumstance. I don't know if you've ever seen a healthy animal euthanized, but it can be an awful scene even with family present for the dog. Its not the same as a dying/terminally ill animal.

Also, I'm not sure if the vet would do it unless you explained the situation, but even then they would probably have to have a court order or something. I don't know any vet that would do it just because you couldn't think of anything else.

Really, I know its a tough situation, and I don't want to make it harder on the OP than it has to be. She may not have a choice anyway if she explains the situation the dog may be ordered to be destroyed by animal control. I don't know.

I just think its an awful fate for a dog that sounds like its been through enough in this life. Then again, I am one of those people who adopted an "unadoptable" rescue dog that no one else wanted. So, I am not the greatest audience for this type of post.

I'll leave it there because I don't want to get all flamey about it. I really do understand the OP is doing the best she can in this situation and I hate it that it has come to this.

I'm not trying to get defensive here, but what exactly do you expect us to do? The dog almost took out my son's EYE. Yes, I made a mistake letting him get that close to her. I thought I could trust her more. I am living with more guilt than you could probably imagine.

The dog cannot be trusted around children. Bottom line. We are doing our best to find a loving home for her. We are even offering to take care of all her needs financially the rest of her life. We have not found anyone interested in a 10+ year old, 70lb dog with a history of aggression towards other animals and children. We cannot even find anyone who will take her for a week until we make other arrangements.

I have another 90lb dog and an active, extremely mobile 10 month old in an open concept house. Keeping everyone in separate areas is much more difficult than it seems.

I can't make someone else take her. She will die if I take her to a shelter. Euthansia is not my first, second, or third choice but I frankly am running out of options.

I would love to hear any brillant solutions you have.

I completely agree OP. Again, I'm so sorry and I know this is an impossible and difficult situation.

BettyBookworm (not even sure who you are....I'm on here almost daily and do not recognize your SN), please keep your "flamey" responses to yourself. If you have a helpful solution, then by all means, speak up.

BettyBookworm · February 2012

julesjb:
BettyBookworm:
RachaelA:
BettyBookworm:

I have to disagree with the decison to euthanize. The dog is not terminal ill. How would you like it if someone decided to terminate your life based on one split-second startle reaction? I am honestly not flaming, but I think that the best thing you could do is find her a new home with someone who is patient and loving.

I think its a horrible idea to euthanize based on this one thing. I am guessing that the dog didn't hear the baby creeping up behind him and got scared.

I sympathize with you OP-- I know this must be an awful position to be in, but for pete's sake your dog is relatively healthy and doesn't deserve lethal injection just because of this incident. See if you can rehome her please.

I know babies come first, but please realize that your dog most likely was just frightened and terminating his life for a medical reason (ok) is way different than putting down a healthy dog. Obviously, the decision is yours and I am sending you lots of warm T&P while you agonize over it.

It just breaks my heart for the dog. Then again, my dog is old and toothless. The baby can do way more damage to him than the blind old bat could do to her.

Good luck OP-- I strongly disagree with your decision to euthanize on this criteria alone, but depending on your state, you may not have a choice. Still, I would definitely advocate rehoming over euthanasia.

We are all saying to euthanize if they cannot find someone to take her because its obvious the OP has made up her mind that she will not keep the dog. I do agree that the situation could have been prevented and it is not the dog's fault. A shelter will put an old dog with a bite history down. Why not let the dog die with her family rather than alone in a shelter?

I disagree with euthanasia in this circumstance. I don't know if you've ever seen a healthy animal euthanized, but it can be an awful scene even with family present for the dog. Its not the same as a dying/terminally ill animal.

Also, I'm not sure if the vet would do it unless you explained the situation, but even then they would probably have to have a court order or something. I don't know any vet that would do it just because you couldn't think of anything else.

Really, I know its a tough situation, and I don't want to make it harder on the OP than it has to be. She may not have a choice anyway if she explains the situation the dog may be ordered to be destroyed by animal control. I don't know.

I just think its an awful fate for a dog that sounds like its been through enough in this life. Then again, I am one of those people who adopted an "unadoptable" rescue dog that no one else wanted. So, I am not the greatest audience for this type of post.

I'll leave it there because I don't want to get all flamey about it. I really do understand the OP is doing the best she can in this situation and I hate it that it has come to this.

I was avoiding responding to this because I can tell you have a strong opinion about the subject and I generally don't like to get into it. I just had to highlight a few points.

If a euthansia is done properly than the scene should not change physically at all only emotionally. All pets should be properly sedated and feel little to no physical pain at all.

I do not know any situation where a court order is necessary to euthanize your pet. A hot debate is that to this day animals are considered property which had led to very limited punishment for cruelty to animals due to their definition to our lives. To most of us they are family but the fact of the matter is they are your property and you can make the decision without a court being involved.

The part about not knowing a vet that would do this "just because she couldn't think of anything else" really gets me the most. I am a vet and have used my right to not euthanize many animals that people bring in for convience euthansia. Because they are moving and not allowed pets, the dog costs to much, barks to loudly, ruined the carpet.....in these situations I help the owner make a choice to either turn over the pet to our clinic or seek other homes. As a veterinarian the truth of it is if an owner brings their pet to you to be euthanized and is not willing to turn the pet over to you then sometimes euthansia is the most humane situation because it is one you can control. If people have decided to do this they often will go to any means to make it happen and I would rather be able to give that pet a humane peaceful end than other alternatives. OP's situation however does not fall into this category of convienence...her dog bit her LO in the face. I will not argue that this could probably have been avoided and I am sure OP is beating herself up enough but she is not considering saying goodbye to her dog out of convienence. I am sure that she will exhaust her other options but if she came into the clinic and told any collegue I know that her dog bit her baby they would help her through probably one of the hardest decisions of her life with support and understanding. The situation could have god forbid been worse, would that have made her decision ok??

The fact of the matter is a mistake was made. It sucks horribly and if there is a way to avoid it happening again while keeping the dog I encourage it. However if you are afraid for the well being of your LO and you are not able to find a home that would suit your dog who you already stated has separation anxiety and other age related changes than I support you and virtually hold your hand during what I can only imagine is a very difficult decision for your family. I am sorry that this happened....it could have happened to anyone.

The nest ate my other response. That is frustrating. Thank you for posting from a vet's perspective. I did not realize that pets were considered property etc. I know the OP must be going through a tough time. So I feel it is inappropriate to go any further. No matter what the outcome it will be heartbreaking.

I pray that if the rehoming idea doesn't work that that OP is able to let her dog go peacefully. T&P-- this situation is awful.

Want a personalized experience?

Our dog bit the baby

Re: Our dog bit the baby

Choose Another Board

Search Boards