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.