Unbiased reality check needed - PTS

[lostlostlostinthegreyfog]

I've gone round and round in circles so many times. I can't seem to get to a decision as all options are heartbreaking. I'm going to put everything in bullet points and hopefully those outside our situation can help me see clearly.

• dog was rescues as a puppy 13/14 weeks from an overbreeding situation
• dog displayed high levels of anxiety from day 1
• could not be crated or enclosed as dog would hurt themselves
• struggled to sleep at night or properly relax during the day - always "on high alert"
• at 6/7 months became reactive on leash - training school done - no improvement
• at 9m was neutered
• 1 year reactivity became worse - private training plus fluoxetine begun
• 18m no improvement on high doses , change of trainer and involvement of qualified behaviour vet
• change of meds to Clomicalm - no change in dog behaviour
• covid lockdown - reactivity become worse - escaped leash and attached a much larger dog, no injuries
• at 2yr he cannot be walked on the street as will try and get loose from leash to attack any dog
• bit me twice as I tried to remove him from situations involving other dogs
• got into fight with a neighbours dog, no injuries

--- other health issues

• hip and both knee displasia - surgery already happened on one knee
• recent endo concluded large scale inflammation of stomach, colon and digestive track - dog is already on hypoallergenic kibble - will not tolerate other foods (throws up & has constant loose bowels).
• toileting regression after being house trained

--- l
Options A: try and rehome - spend the next 10 years wondering if he's ok or if he's hurt a dog or been hurt by a dog

Option B: PTS - spend rest of my life feeling guilty

OP, I had a client recently who has two 5yo dachsie crosses, brothers, who are desperately fearful, aggressive, hate everyone and each other. One has severe chronic skin issues and the other GIT issues. This woman has been unable to leave the dogs for nearly 4 years as they will wreck the house and attack each other. They cannot cope with leaving the property either. She has turned down a university place, a couple of good jobs, cannot even think about having children. It has severely damaged her marriage and friendships.
When I pointed out that these dogs could easily live another twelve years, she burst into tears. It is no exaggeration to say that she is utterly wasting her life in order to keep two very stressed and dogs alive but very unhappy. How would you advise her, OP?

Pts is far and away the most responsible option here. He sounds like a very unhappy ill dog, you've tried your best and he's still not suited to being a pet. I think pts would be a kindness. Certainly before he attacks someone or something else and the decision is taken out of your hands. There are worse things for a dog than being kindly pts in his owners arms where he feels the most safe and secure and loved.

Having a dog is supposed to enhance your life. Regardless of his breed, he's ill and in a constant state of stress. If nobody else in your life will tell you then as a total stranger - It's ok to end his suffering, it's the right choice.

Option 3 PTS and know you have done your best for a very unhappy dog.

It's not his size that's the issue. It's that he is unhappy, mentally and physically unwell, and almost impossible to live with.

PTS is never an easy choice, even when it's clear that it's the best one.

There's a Facebook group called Losing Lulu for people who have had to have their dogs PTS for behavioural reasons. You might find it helpful.