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Our hearts our broken

131 replies

3rdtimeinflorida · 30/04/2024 10:26

Our 3 year old cockapoo has had tendencies every now and again to show signs of nervousness, anxiety and high levels of resource guarding which has appeared in signs of aggression. He can snap at other dogs and always seems like he is in high alert. We have tried behaviourists, figuring out his triggers and knowing how to handle him and not putting him in situations that he can’t handle. We have done all this because we love him so much and wanted to keep him with us for as long as possible. As a family of 2 ad and 2 teenagers he has been showered with love and affection and our world has revolved around him.
Now the hard part- On Sunday night he bit my son unprovoked on the leg badly which led us to call an ambulance. They have obviously had to call the police who turned up and said from what has happened we feel it is everyone’s best interests and our dogs that we sign him over to them and they will put him to sleep.
We were all shocked, upset and traumatised obviously in the moment and thought we were doing the best. (At no point could we have him back in the house), but now we are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken beyond words that he will be PTS without us there to hold him and cuddle him. The police have said please be assured that he is being well looked after but under no circumstances can we go and see him as it is unfair and upsetting for everyone involved including our dog. He will. be held and cared for as he is PTS.
We know he had his faults but he loved his walks and his orange ball, laid on the sofa cuddling (where he was at his most relaxed) and giving paw for treats. His recall was excellent but he just had that side to him.
We look around our house now and it is just empty. Reminders of him everywhere. We haven’t eaten or stopped crying for 24 hours.
We are grateful that our son’s injuries weren’t as bad as they could have been and we fully realise this situation could have been so much worse. But we are broken that it had come to this.
My husband cried this morning as he would usually have taken him out for his morning walk round the block.
I work part time and am dreading being in the house on my own as he was my little shadow.
Thank you so much if you are still reading this and not judging. Please be kind.

OP posts:
Potentialmadcatlady · 01/05/2024 11:36

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 11:26

Thank you for this post and kind words.
We have kept telling ourselves this, that unfortunately some dogs do not get the love that he had and never will and also the holidays he went on. We had booked a few dog friendly holidays for this year and next year and at the moment I just want to cancel them, as the thought of walking on the beach without him just overwhelms me with grief x

I wouldn’t cancel them just yet.. let them sit.. there is time and you never know what will happen.. the world is a v funny place and things happen

Potentialmadcatlady · 01/05/2024 11:36

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 11:29

Thank you, yes I feel that this is a good idea.

I know my emotions are all over the place, but I’m determined to make some good from this- I have two days a week spare so thinking of going to volunteer in an animal shelter. It’s either that or going full time as the thought of being at home on my own just kills me x

I think this would be a great idea.. healing for you all..

Youllnevergetabetterbitofbutteronyourknife · 01/05/2024 11:53

I am so genuinely sorry for your loss, OP. Your post is heartbreaking and the picture of your gorgeous boy made me shed a few tears, what a tragic loss. 💐 As a PP said, allow yourself time to grieve, he was a member of the family, regardless of the problems he had. He was your boy and nothing will ever take that away. You gave him a wonderful, fulfilling life, and he gave the same to you. I do wish your son a speedy recovery and hope that he can heal mentally, too. Sending you lots of love 💐💐💐

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 11:56

Shekissedagirlandshelikedit · 01/05/2024 11:31

So sorry for your loss, op. He was such a beautiful boy.

We had darling cat pts last year after a very quick illness and decline. I feel guilty that I should have noticed she was ill earlier and should have pushed for more testing rather than letting her go, even though the vet agreed. I KNOW logically it was the right thing for her but guilty feelings that I let her down still come. It becomes easier with time and she isn't the first thing I think about when I wake anymore, but reminders of her are everywhere and some days are still really hard.

You've done the right thing and you know that logically in your head, but your heart is grieving. Sending lots of love and hope for peaceful days to come xx 💕

Yes, I’m now going through the stages of intense guilt where I’m thinking I should have taken him to the vet to see if he had an illness but it’s a bit late now so I have to live with that.

Thank you for your kind post x

OP posts:
3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 11:59

Youllnevergetabetterbitofbutteronyourknife · 01/05/2024 11:53

I am so genuinely sorry for your loss, OP. Your post is heartbreaking and the picture of your gorgeous boy made me shed a few tears, what a tragic loss. 💐 As a PP said, allow yourself time to grieve, he was a member of the family, regardless of the problems he had. He was your boy and nothing will ever take that away. You gave him a wonderful, fulfilling life, and he gave the same to you. I do wish your son a speedy recovery and hope that he can heal mentally, too. Sending you lots of love 💐💐💐

Thank you, thank you xx

OP posts:
spiderlight · 01/05/2024 12:02

Just so very sorry. I can't imagine how hard this must be for all of you. It sounds as if you did absolutely everything you could to help him and he had a lovely, lovely life. Sometimes there are neurological issues or deep-rooted traits that just can't be helped, no matter how hard you try - and you clearly did try very hard. I hope your son heals well, physically and emotionally.

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 12:45

spiderlight · 01/05/2024 12:02

Just so very sorry. I can't imagine how hard this must be for all of you. It sounds as if you did absolutely everything you could to help him and he had a lovely, lovely life. Sometimes there are neurological issues or deep-rooted traits that just can't be helped, no matter how hard you try - and you clearly did try very hard. I hope your son heals well, physically and emotionally.

Thank you for your kind words. It really does mean so much. We did try and give him a lovely life.
A lot of my grief is for him on what he will be missing out on- long, muddy walks, days at the beach. He could have had it all and I just feel so desperately sad for him on what could have been x

OP posts:
Nannyfannybanny · 01/05/2024 13:04

You did the right thing,he could have killed a small child, people underestimate the power of the jaws of even quite a small dog
It only takes one bite of the neck. I firmly believe some dogs are beyond help
We had 3 rescues as well as our puppies. The one I mentioned here,a long haired collie from The Blue Cross, she was aggressive,we went to meet the owner, she told us she was too old to walk the dog, which wasn't true. We signed an agreement for 6 weeks, she would go for you as soon as you tried to put your feet on the floor. Rang the Blue Cross, they you have to keep her 6 weeks. ex H said you either collect her now,or we have her PTS. They didn't, but sent some people round who adopted her,we stipulated NO CHILDREN, they didn't have any. The Blue Cross have a policy they won't put a " healthy"dog down no matter how many people it bites!

EdithStourton · 01/05/2024 14:34

It is tough, OP. A friend of mine had to have a dog PTS a year or so ago when his biting (which had been clearly linked to certain items) became unpredictable and dangerous. Sometimes it is the only safe solution, but I know from a friend who went through similar that it is bloody tough. 💐

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 15:14

EdithStourton · 01/05/2024 14:34

It is tough, OP. A friend of mine had to have a dog PTS a year or so ago when his biting (which had been clearly linked to certain items) became unpredictable and dangerous. Sometimes it is the only safe solution, but I know from a friend who went through similar that it is bloody tough. 💐

Thank you. Yes, the toughest thing I have ever had to do xx

OP posts:
3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 15:15

Nannyfannybanny · 01/05/2024 13:04

You did the right thing,he could have killed a small child, people underestimate the power of the jaws of even quite a small dog
It only takes one bite of the neck. I firmly believe some dogs are beyond help
We had 3 rescues as well as our puppies. The one I mentioned here,a long haired collie from The Blue Cross, she was aggressive,we went to meet the owner, she told us she was too old to walk the dog, which wasn't true. We signed an agreement for 6 weeks, she would go for you as soon as you tried to put your feet on the floor. Rang the Blue Cross, they you have to keep her 6 weeks. ex H said you either collect her now,or we have her PTS. They didn't, but sent some people round who adopted her,we stipulated NO CHILDREN, they didn't have any. The Blue Cross have a policy they won't put a " healthy"dog down no matter how many people it bites!

Gosh, that sounds shocking, I am
surprised at the Blue Cross!

OP posts:
ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 15:36

ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

Please read the post carefully.

Well good for you.

OP posts:
marzipanlover81 · 01/05/2024 15:41

How’s your son doing?

Shekissedagirlandshelikedit · 01/05/2024 15:51

ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

Did you read all of OP's posts? She had no choice and her beloved dog was pts this morning. She is obviously traumatised and has her DS to think about. Have a heart.

TinselSniffer · 01/05/2024 15:54

Wow @ESAby what a spectacularly cruel and ignorant post, have you even read the OP's first post properly never mind her others?

I'm so sorry OP, I can't imagine how sad your family must all be feeling now. He was a gorgeous dog and you gave him everything he could want and a marvellous life, but it sounds like there was something wrong that you couldn't do anything about.

Hoppinggreen · 01/05/2024 15:55

ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

Read the whole thread and then perhaps you would like to come back and apologise to OP

fieldsofbutterflies · 01/05/2024 15:56

ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

Jesus. Read the thread.

Rocknrolla21 · 01/05/2024 16:02

ESAby · 01/05/2024 15:17

Couldn't you have taken him yourself to be PTS?

There's no way I would have handed my dog over to be left alone.

I wouldn't belive he will be looked after.

I've seen multiple posts of dogs being seized and being in a disgusting state when they're returned.

I think steps could and should have been taken before it got to this. And that’s including for pp’s who have replied that they’re in the same position, one even saying she knows her dogs going to injure someone but then she’ll put it to sleep? I know we all want to think the dog is happy and it’ll be done peacefully. Realistically though it’s alone, terrified and traumatised in police kennels where it’s having to piss and shit where it sleeps and eats. And it’s going to be drugged and wrestled into a muzzle and restrained before it is killed so it doesn’t attack the vet. Why people not only keep pets that are becoming dangerous, but not only do nothing about it AND allow it access to their children is beyond me

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/05/2024 16:11

Rocknrolla21 · 01/05/2024 16:02

I think steps could and should have been taken before it got to this. And that’s including for pp’s who have replied that they’re in the same position, one even saying she knows her dogs going to injure someone but then she’ll put it to sleep? I know we all want to think the dog is happy and it’ll be done peacefully. Realistically though it’s alone, terrified and traumatised in police kennels where it’s having to piss and shit where it sleeps and eats. And it’s going to be drugged and wrestled into a muzzle and restrained before it is killed so it doesn’t attack the vet. Why people not only keep pets that are becoming dangerous, but not only do nothing about it AND allow it access to their children is beyond me

Edited

Thank you for your viewpoint.

OP posts:
fieldsofbutterflies · 01/05/2024 16:22

Rocknrolla21 · 01/05/2024 16:02

I think steps could and should have been taken before it got to this. And that’s including for pp’s who have replied that they’re in the same position, one even saying she knows her dogs going to injure someone but then she’ll put it to sleep? I know we all want to think the dog is happy and it’ll be done peacefully. Realistically though it’s alone, terrified and traumatised in police kennels where it’s having to piss and shit where it sleeps and eats. And it’s going to be drugged and wrestled into a muzzle and restrained before it is killed so it doesn’t attack the vet. Why people not only keep pets that are becoming dangerous, but not only do nothing about it AND allow it access to their children is beyond me

Edited

Bloody hell, read the room.

This thread is not the time or place for comments like that. Have some empathy.

Changingplace · 01/05/2024 16:30

OP my heart is breaking for you, what an absolutely awful situation to be in.

Sending you lots of love, I hope time heals x

Rocknrolla21 · 01/05/2024 16:32

fieldsofbutterflies · 01/05/2024 16:22

Bloody hell, read the room.

This thread is not the time or place for comments like that. Have some empathy.

I have empathy for the children and dogs in this situation. The op has kept an aggressive dog for years, and done nothing about it apart from planning on making a vets appointment. Now there’s a seriously injured child and a dead dog. The dog was removed as the other option would be to involve social services to remove the child after what’s been allowed to happen in its home. And the op wants to believe the dogs having a nice time in police kennels before they destroy it. And a few comments down is someone replying ‘yeh we’re gonna have to do the same when my dog attacks someone which is likely’. My heart bleeds for the actual victims.

Babadook76 · 01/05/2024 16:36

Rocknrolla21 · 01/05/2024 16:32

I have empathy for the children and dogs in this situation. The op has kept an aggressive dog for years, and done nothing about it apart from planning on making a vets appointment. Now there’s a seriously injured child and a dead dog. The dog was removed as the other option would be to involve social services to remove the child after what’s been allowed to happen in its home. And the op wants to believe the dogs having a nice time in police kennels before they destroy it. And a few comments down is someone replying ‘yeh we’re gonna have to do the same when my dog attacks someone which is likely’. My heart bleeds for the actual victims.

That reply was absolutely fucking mental. She actually KNOWS her dogs going to hurt someone, but instead of saving a victim getting injured or even killed, and put her dog first and having it humanely pts in her arms, she’s just going to let it hurt someone and get seized/shot by police. If the ops dog was bigger she could have hard armed police at her door!

marzipanlover81 · 01/05/2024 16:37

Babadook76 · 01/05/2024 16:36

That reply was absolutely fucking mental. She actually KNOWS her dogs going to hurt someone, but instead of saving a victim getting injured or even killed, and put her dog first and having it humanely pts in her arms, she’s just going to let it hurt someone and get seized/shot by police. If the ops dog was bigger she could have hard armed police at her door!

agreed