I have to euthanise my dog tomorrow - handhold please

[Frankier88]

I've posted about her on here before, maybe under a different username, I don't know.

We took her on from a friend of a friend, she's 5 years old. We've had her for four years. She's always had issues with other dogs and has bitten myself and my partner before when encountering other dogs, we always muzzle her when out now. It's difficult but we love her so we have been handling it.

We've been to obedience classes over the years. Had a behaviourist. Lots of training.

She bit my 2 year old this morning. Completely out of the blue. My daughter didn't even go near her, she just lunged and bit her on the elbow. Luckily it wasn't a serious bite and my daughter is fine.

But I fully understand the dog needs to go now. I'm not prepared to take that risk around my children (I have a 5 month old also).

We took her straight to the vets this morning and discussed it. The vet was so so kind and understanding, but she recommended we go down the euthanasia route.

Battersea have said they would put down also. Other local rescues are full and cannot help.

She's booked in for tomorrow afternoon and I feel sick. Don't really know why I'm posting this, just wanted to vent I guess. We are heartbroken, what a horrible situation. We have tried so hard to help her but don't think we've got anywhere 😭

[TeacupRex]

I'm so sorry :( If it makes the blow ever so slightly softer, you are 100% doing the right thing, for your family and your dog and have tried all the other options. Awful situation all round, but the kindest and most honourable thing is putting her out of that pain - her existence is not a happy and relaxed one if she bites family without warning. Better for you to make that decision, than a rescue or another family. Hugs x

[missbattenburg]

Tough decision, OP.

To me it looks like you've done all the right things. You've worked with trainers. You've tried to help your dog. You've consulted professionals about today's incident. You've ruled out other options (e.g. rehoming) with their advice.

You've then made a tough call with the dog's and your family's best interests at heart. There is no happy ending for this dog, so better a peaceful one. IMO anyway.

Best of luck tomorrow. xx

[Winterdaysarehere]

'Managing' a ddogs behaviour is tough op. Ours isn't the friendliest outside of our family. I made a mental note many years ago I would make the decision you have if she ever bit one of us.
You really have done your best and you know it . Trust that knowledge.
Sorry this is happening to you op..

[Frankier88]

Thank you all! Your words really have made me feel better.

[adaline]

So sorry OP - hope you're all okay

I also think you're doing the right thing. There are much worse fates for a dog than simply falling to sleep.

[Boristhecats]

I had to give up my dog for this exact reason. He jumped off the sofa and went for the back of my sons neck. Like you I did trainers , behaviourist vets. I was going to make the same call as you when a spaniel rescue said they would take him and see what they could do.
When they bite unprovoked you can never trust them again. You are doing the right thing. Never forget that. You would never forgive yourself if you passed him on and this happened to someone e else. Xxxxxxxxx hugs xxxxxxxxx

[VimFuego101]

sorry OP. It's much kinder to do this than to hand him over to a shelter who would struggle to re-home him given his issues.

[Jolonglegs]

I'm so sad for you Frankier. Its so gut wrenching when a dog has to go, whatever the reason. I'm sure you're doing the right thing.

[Perunatop]

You have made a sensible decision. So glad your DC wasn't badly injured.

[fivedogstofeed]

That's incredibly hard, but when you've exhausted all options it's genuinely much kinder that he's put to sleep with people he knows than ends up in an emergency situation with strangers.

[Majorcollywobble]

Concentrate on the last four years you have given her . As happy a time as possible for the dog . You have come to the end of the line now and tried everything humanly possible . Thank you for sticking it out so long - many others wouldn’t.
It’s very sad but you will have averted a potential tragedy in future . It would have been easier on you to pass her on but it’s not in the best interests of anyone long term.
Sending you hugs x

[Ginger1982]

We were in the same situation at the start of the year.

3 year old DDog was very aggressive and we could no longer take the risk with DS having tried everything. We had minimised his issues for years but I was walking on eggshells all the time. We agonised over it and were devastated for a good while afterwards, but I suddenly felt relaxed and realised just what a hold he had had over the family, to the extent that nobody could visit us and I was already panicking about when DS would want to invite friends over.

I truly believe that DDog is happier now than he ever really was when he was here and I comfort myself by thinking that we gave him as wonderful a life as we could for the time he was with us.

It's hard, but you're doing the right thing

[Faez]

Can I ask what area you're in OP?

[carly2803]

100percent doing the right thing

your dog would probably thank you for not living a life of fear and anxiety

big hugs OP - wish there were more people like you

[TopDogs2019]

Aww bless you, holding your hand and knowing that in your situation, I'd be doing the same. Hope your little one is ok, these things are so difficult for all the family. X

[talia66]

I would make the same decision as you have x you have tried your best x sending you lots of love x

[Frankier88]

Thanks so much everyone.
Didn't really sleep last night, I have now let her come upstairs for a cuddle in bed while the little ones are downstairs with their Dad. She's never usually allowed upstairs so she is very happy but definitely knows something is up.
Absolutely dreading today. Thanks for the handholds!! I love Mumsnet at times like this ❤️

[Jouska]

Battersea have said they would put down also. They would not say this without a full behavioural assessment and that would be performed in house over several days who from Battersea said this?

[Frankier88]

@Jouska I spoke on the phone with a man from Battersea who said as she has a bite history, they would put to sleep. I was quite surprised but I understand they won't put their staff at risk.

[Motorina]

A friend of mine had to make the same decision for similar reasons a couple of years ago. She beats herself up, but I think it showed courage and love.

Far better she slips off with you than she lingers in kennels without her family, or is put down by police vets after biting a stranger.

Thinking of you.

[Boristhecats]

I have been thinking of you today xxx

[Frankier88]

Thank you all. We have just got home. We are very sad but I definitely feel relieved it's over. She was such a sweet girl but I'm glad we've freed her from a life of anxiety.

Going to have a whisky now and toast her.

Thank you so so much for all your kind words, you have helped us more than you realise ❤️

[Winterdaysarehere]

Op I sent you a PM.
A toast to your lovely ddog...

[Inthemoment38]

You have done the right thing and the kind thing. And like a PP said you gave her a lovely 4 years and sh knew kindness and love. That's a good innings.
Hand hold

[Frankier88]

@Winterdaysarehere smiling through the tears. Thank you 🍷