Sad day

kleigh926 · February 2014

We had to put our dog down today. I don't know if any of you remember, but I posted a few weeks ago about my concerns with Sadie (our dog) and DD. Sadie was growling at her and things seemed to be getting worse. Sadie also had aggression issues with strangers. It was a miracle she hadn't bitten anyone, because she definitely tried. So rehoming her was out of the question. Our dog behavior specialist told us that since she started displaying aggression before she even turned one, we had almost no chance of correcting the behavior towards strangers. She was born that way and it was not environmental.

We tried many things to keep Sadie; ultimately gating her up when DH wasn't home since Sadie always behaved better around him. She wasn't allowed to be around DD unless we were both there watching like hawks.

On Saturday DD crawled past Sadie in the living room. She brushed past Sadie as she went by and it startled her because she didn't see DD coming. She jumped up and pounced on DD right in front of us. The side of her head was in our dog's mouth. DH got her off right away and by the grace of God, DD came away with only a few red marks, not even broken skin. But we knew what we had to do.

Sadie was put down today. She went with DH and I there, the people she loved the most. DH's immediate family was very attached to Sadie. They have basically disowned us for doing this. They put Sadie above their own son and granddaughter. They said horrible things about me and my parents. Luckily DH's extended family is ALL on our side, as well as my family and everyone else we know. So we have lots of support. But his parents and siblings (except for his one brother) are beyond furious and told DH they never want to see us again. It was a terribly hard thing to do, but we have to put our children's safety over our dog.

Thoughts and prayers would be appreciated. This is so, so hard.

TarheelMama202 · February 2014

Oh my gosh, Kleigh. I am so so sorry. There are so many parts of this that I know are incredibly difficult. Having to make that choice to begin with is heart-wrenching, but then to not have support from your DH's family is unfathomable. You did what was best to protect your child. I'm sorry you're having to deal with all of us.

I'll be thinking of you, mama. Hugs to you.

DublinMama · February 2014

I am so terribly sorry for all of this. I think your DH's family's reaction is absurd. But in the end, it only hurts them if they are serious, because they will be missing out on their beautiful grandchildren over an overly aggressive dog.

And if I'm being totally honest, if that had been our dog, I doubt he would have made it to the vet. If s/he had DS' head in his mouth, I think my husband would have taken the dog out himself. I hope your hearts are healed soon and DH's family gets smart and realizes what a terrible mistake they are making.

Rynleigh · February 2014

you did the right thing, for your family and for your dog. That kind of stress and anxiety can make for a very tormented life for an animal. I am so sorry that you were faced with that choice..

Drea926 · February 2014

I'm so sorry kleigh. You guys made the right decision though. Hugs friend.

jesuisfatiguee · February 2014

I am so sorry

StephPeth · February 2014

I am so sorry that you are dealing with all of this. Know that you made the right decision. You have to keep your family safe, even if it is incredibly painful. I am so sorry for your loss and for all the other crap that is coming with it. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You did the right thing Kleigh.

tamarar5 · February 2014

I'm so sorry Kleigh! I was in a similar situation with my crabby older dog a few weeks ago, so I know how hard that decision was! In sorry for your loss!

wifeofadam · February 2014

I am so so sorry. (((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

We had to put a beloved pet down after DS2 was born because it attacked our other dog. You did the right thing.

kbates85 · February 2014

This is so sad but you had no choice. Sorry you don't have more support during such a difficult time.

eriannc22 · February 2014

I am sorry for this situation. We too have a semi aggressive (although smaller) dog that is not adjusting super well to baby. I hope it doesn't come to this and will actively prevent it but ultimately your child's safety comes first. It must be heartbreaking though.

Rosebean · February 2014

What an aweful experience for everyone involved. But you honestly did what was best for your family. I hope you find comfort in knowing you will find her over the rainbow bridge. Big hugs my dear. It's always hard losing a pet no matter the circumstances surrounding it.

mishka29 · February 2014

So sorry! Hugs to you!

wells2010 · February 2014

If they liked the dog so much, they should have offered to take her.

I'm sorry you had to do this. It's such a horrible experience putting an animal down, no matter the reason.

kleigh926 · February 2014

wells2010 said:
If they liked the dog so much, they should have offered to take her.

I'm sorry you had to do this. It's such a horrible experience putting an animal down, no matter the reason.

They did offer to take her. We didn't give her to them because they don't take her aggressive history seriously. They never believed us when we told them about how she would go after strangers and almost bite people she didn't know. My FIL said that if she did anything he'd just give her to a farmer. We know that if Sadie would've gone to anyone else they would have put her down (probably in a much less humane way) and we couldn't do that to her. Plus, if they took her then we wouldn't have been bringing DD over to their house because we weren't going to put her at risk with a dog that has bitten her. Not that we'll be visiting them for a long time anyway.

SidraJedi · February 2014

I am so sorry.

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