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Dogomania

I let her go yesterday

Guest Anonymous

By Guest Anonymous
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Guest Anonymous

Guest Anonymous

Posted
Posted

Her being Ariel our 6 year old Chow/Shep mix. I really can't rehash it again so below is what I originally posted to a close circle of friends.

"After expensive medical testing, behavior modification (NILIF) and pulling my hair out over her increasingly unpredictable behavior we have decided it is time for us to let her go.

For the last 5 years I have dealt with her uneasiness and unpredictability with strangers, her intolerance of other dogs playing, her small animal aggression, chasing cats, and even a rather nasty scratches to AJ's face as she tried to run past him. (The scratches were not intentional).

I have for the past year discussed with my husband and vet about letting her go. Thankfully my vet goes easy on me with prices because of all the tests that were run on her costs (even with discounts) enough to keep me in debt for a while.

Sunday was the last sign that I need to let her go. She came into my room where hubby's dog Bobbie (who is only 3 months younger than Ariel and they have been raised together) was lying asleep. Ariel looked at her (from across the room) growled then launched herself at her, knocking AJ over. It was the first time she didn't back off with a verbal command.

I'm terrified that one day a child will get hurt. I can't take that chance. She is becoming unpredictable with humans also. It was not but a few months ago I could call her and have her sit in front of me, pick up her foot and trim her nails. I tried that Saturday night and she snapped at my hand.

There are too many children in my home for me to risk it.

I've tried. 5 years is a long time to try and deal with an issue such as this and for it to be getting worse instead of better with age."



I released my baby girl to the bridge yesterday. She had what we call a good day, she wasn't crabby, she wasn't cranky, she didn't snap or growl and anyone or anything. I'd been through that several other times and had decided that it wasn't time. Now I have to wonder if she was telling me she was happy to be going. She didn't seem afraid at the vets as she normally would be. She didn't fight me when I put her on the table, when he gave her the sedative she only looked at me. When he gave her the final shot she licked my hand.

I'm torn to pieces over this. I know I did the right thing but it doesn't help the pain any. If she had been sick in body it would have been a hell of a lot easier. If it was something the world could have seen instead of just the demons that I saw.

Run Free Ariel, say hi to Bosco I know he's up there waiting for a play mate. I love you baby girl.



Yesterday before leaving for the vet. She was watching the squirrel that always seemed to know when she was outside. She loved trying to catch them crazy things!

Sorry the picture is blurry...I was crying when I took it.

xavierandrea Newbie

xavierandrea

Posted
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Oh my God Tammy. I never knew that you were also having problems with your little girl. I know 1st hand how difficult it is to work with a dog that has "issues". My heart goes out to you 110%. :buzi: I am so sad right now that I'm crying for you and yours. I know that you have made the right choice. We as owners know when the time has come. :puppydogeyes:

Guest Anonymous

Guest Anonymous

Posted
Posted

xavierandrea napisał(a):
Oh my God Tammy. I never knew that you were also having problems with your little girl. I know 1st hand how difficult it is to work with a dog that has "issues". My heart goes out to you 110%. :buzi: I am so sad right now that I'm crying for you and yours. I know that you have made the right choice. We as owners know when the time has come. :puppydogeyes:


I didn't talk about her issues often. Up until this weekend I was in a good case of denial. Always on guard but still in denial. I called my mom about the incident with Bobbie and she asked me "What would you do with her if she were not YOUR dog but a FOSTER dog". I laughed and said it was easy, with her history of snapping at people, growling at people, and fighting with other dogs I would have her put to sleep...the last word kind of dragged out. She then asked me what I would tell someone who called me with her issues...Nothing in life is free....mom pointed out I'd already been there. She also asked me something that really kicked me in the gut..."What would you say if she were a Pit Bull and showing these behaviors". Mom has heard me many times state what I expect of my pit bull and the behaviors towards humans would NOT be tolerated.

Mom also pointed out that I gave her three extra years my parents weren't going to allow her. She was suppose to be put to sleep at the end of 2000 but I announced I was getting married and buying a house and I was taking her with me (Yes folks I went into debt to buy a house for the dog because apartments wouldn't accept her). My parents allowed her to stay at their home until we bought our house. She was only allowed outside off leash and in the house she was on lead.

You know I learned this week that it is VERY easy to tell someone what they should do with their dog but when it comes to doing it with your own dog it's a totally different world.

My heart is sad but some how lighter. I know she was ready to go. When she didn't fight me at all or show any fears at the vets I knew I was doing the right thing.

James said he saw her in a dream last night and that she is fine and happy, he said the light is in her eyes. Something that had been slowly going out.

Now I'm having to worry about her companion Bobbie. Bobbie kept going to Ariels crate (still set up in James' room, he doesn't want it moved) and back to our room. When Jeremy let the dogs out this morning Bobbie just stood at the door waiting for Ariel as always. She seems to be still looking for her. She has been laying with my socks I was wearing yesterday....Poor girl seems lost with out her.

Shenanigans Newbie

Shenanigans

Posted
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I'm very sorry for your loss and what a difficult decision that had been laid at your doorstep.

I don't think there are any rights or wrongs in such a case and you just simply did the best that you could, some dogs just have so many problems that even perfection couldn't fix them. I'm glad that your heart is a bit lighter, even though it is terribly sad.

My sympathies.

pLaurent Newbie

pLaurent

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I"m very sorry Tammy. :cry: NO matter what the reason, it's always so very hard.

At least with you, she knew a kind and loving home. Many other people may have abused, neglected and dumped her.

Guest Anonymous

Guest Anonymous

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Oh tammy i'm so sorry for you loss, but it sounds like it was for the best, she is running free up there waiting until the day you guys can all be together again *hugs* :angel:

Carolk9s Newbie

Carolk9s

Posted
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Tammy,
I feel you did the very best possible for Ariel and gave her a wonderful quality of life. Your decision was a tough one but I think it was most definitely the right one.
I am sure the light is shining clear in her eyes and she is happily running about with other dogs doing wonderful doggie things, no fear, no stress, lots of toys and bones and crystal clear streams to drink from and splash about in.
She is free from whatever demons tormented her in this physical world, free and happy.

Guest Anonymous

Guest Anonymous

Posted
Posted

Thank you everyone.

I know she is at peace now. No doubt re writing the rules up there to fit her needs :-)

Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day our hearts will heal.

I hope Ariel doesn't send us another pup. I'm not ready for that and don't know when I will be.

I know that without the support of my online friends I never would have made it through this.

Thank you all so much.

marion Newbie

marion

Posted
Posted

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

I read this earlier but couldn't reply for the tears in my eyes. :cry:

You did the right thing by her and she'll be running and playing with all her new friends waiting for you to join her. :angel:

R.I.P. Ariel

Horsefeathers! Newbie

Horsefeathers!

Posted
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Tammy, you wrote my story right down to the age of the dog (5 years old). I went through the exact same thing last year with the testing, behavior modification, behavioralist consulting, diet changes, meds, etc., etc., etc., and still had to make the same decision you did. It's never an easy choice. One thing that MIGHT make you feel better.... in hindsight, as horrible as this sounds, I'm glad we did it. I was in so much denial beforehand, but once the grief and feelings of "failure" subsided, I realized how much less stress my entire household is suffering. It was almost a sigh of relief, not only for us, but for Penny who couldn't possibly have been happy living a life of trying to be a good girl, but not quite being able to control her outbursts.

If you ever need an ear or a shoulder, I'm only a PM away.

Mutt_Lady Newbie

Mutt_Lady

Posted
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Oh Tammy, I'm so sorry that I didn't reply to this earlier. My condolences to you. You did what you had to do...May your Ariel rest in piece. I know this must be hard for you. Hugs.

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