Reached my breaking point...

[inkjunkie]

As many of you know we have 4 dogs. 2 Rebone Coonhounds that are littermates, a Blue Nose Pitbull, Daisy and an American Bull Dog Pit Mix Shelby. Daisy & Shelby have had issues getting along. Have had a neighbor threaten to call the Sheriff, have had our neighbor that brings our newspaper have to use the paper to keep Shelby from coming over the fence at him. Recently I started training Shelby. Was surprised at how willingly & quickly she picked things up. Last night we were outside with the dogs. Shelby attacked Daisy. With how bad my back has become I didn't try to break them up, just headed inside to get the 12 gauge....one round into the air has always made them all scatter. Not last night...Daisy managed to break free...Shelby chased her down...Daisy escaped only to be attacked again. Had the 12 gauge drawn at Shelby...but it is loaded with birdshot and I was concerned about collateral damage as the hounds were in the area.
My temper flared last night and told Ernie that they were both going to be put down today. Spent most of last night laying in bed, replaying what happened. Spent some time talking with Ernestina this morning. Decided it was foolish to put Daisy down as she was the one that got attacked. We bought them both to the Vet. To have Daisy sewn back together and Shelby put down. We did what we could to work with her. I mentioned attempting to rehome Shelby to Ernie. She told me that she would have a very hard time doing this for fear of Shelby injuring somebodies pet...or worse yet a child. And I agree with her.
Our vet was amazed at the amount of damage Daisy had...and how little Shelby did. Both of Daisys ears are damaged, one is missing a large chunk. Has a very large gash on both of her front shoulders. Various pieces of flesh missing.

 

[toplscuda]

You did what needed to be done. Hope Daisy recovers ok.

 

[diymirage]

man, thats rough
ive been following the story of the pups as you've posted it here and i was really pulling for those dogs but in the end, they are pets and it is up to you to keep them safe
it is really to bad about Shelby, but you did what needed to be done

 

[Gamedog]

I've been there before. Tough decision for sure, but you have to look out for what's best "Big Picture" wise.

Had a dog that just could not get along with my other 2. Got to the point where my Pops tore ligaments in his shoulder while trying to break up a fight - that was the last straw.

At the end of the day, a lot of us look at pets as family members. It was hard for me to do, I imagine with you trying so hard to fix her, that you saw her as a family member as well. You did what you could. Know that your other pups will now have a better life now that she's not around, and you'll likely get a few more hours of sleep because of it.

Remember, time heals all.

 

[yellow rose]

You tried to save a dog. Sometimes they can't be saved.

 

[4spdragtop]

Now itll be safer, less stress and more enjoyable attention to the other ones.
Guilt free Doug, you did the right thing. My condolences Doug.

 

[inkjunkie]

I feel like I have failed.
When we get a young pup I promise myself that I will do my best to keep the pup happy, healthy and safe for its entire life. I feel that by putting Shelby down I took the easy way out...that is til I go to stand up and wince in pain. This will then trigger a mix of rage & depressoon...51 years old...I should not be this trashed physically...i have failed myself...I obviously didn't take proper care of myself...
I have failed...

 

[dart_68]

I feel like I have failed.
When we get a young pup I promise myself that I will do my best to keep the pup happy, healthy and safe for its entire life. I feel that by putting Shelby down I took the easy way out...that is til I go to stand up and wince in pain. This will then trigger a mix of rage & depressoon...51 years old...I should not be this trashed physically...i have failed myself...I obviously didn't take proper care of myself...
I have failed...

No...you only fail if you fail to learn from your experiences. You can't predict the future...you can only hope that you can cope with it when it comes.

You feel bad..and you should...but don't think that you failed. Learn from it and come back stronger.

 

[LocuMob]

You didn't fail. Failure would have been keeping Shelby and hoping for the best. You made the right, albeit tough, choice for the well being of every animal (you too) under your roof.

 

[Roadcuda]

As hard as it was to do, you did what was best. My friend had a 5 year old male, and 1 year old female Pits. The Female attacked the male several times in knock down drag out fights and put a hurting on the older and larger male. Now these dogs are the most important things in her life but she knew that something was not right with the female. She consulted with her Vet and both agreed that the dog should be put down. It took a lot out of my friend but she knew it had to be done. So I know it wasn't an easy decision but it was the correct one and I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Louie70Dart]

No, you did not fail. You made the best decision you could at the time based on the information you had. If you hadn't tried to do the right thing, and you did try, that would of been a failure. Remember, YOU DID TRY!!!! That is not a failure.

 

[Back in Time]

Sorry for your loss but sometimes the right thing to do hurts the most.....