Re: [pyrnet] A long story revisited

[DMB7490@aol.com]

I have been reading the responses to the original Angus email and now have 
read yours, Denise. At the risk of being taken to task, my opinion differs 
from others.  Since Angus has never exhibited this type of biting, aggressive 
behavior prior to this one occurrence, and has never been aggressive with the 
boy who was bitten prior to this episode, I would not euthanize Angus.

There is a very good chance that something else was going on in his mind.  I 
have had 3 Pyrs.  Each had a different personality some friendlier than 
others. Some more territorial than others.  Our current Pyr, Cody, was a 
registered Therapy Dog - I called a halt to our therapy visits to nursing 
homes, etc. because after six months, Cody absolutely hated the attention and 
petting and noise surrounding the visits.  He was beginning to plaster 
himself to the wall and head for the exit within five minutes.  My point is 
that the other Pyr in our group did not stress out as therapy dog the way 
Cody did.  For a year after I retired him I was very watchful when someone 
approached him because he just did not want to be petted period. He is fine 
now -- so perhaps a watchful eye over Angus and behavioral and/or obedience 
experts are the answer.  If Angus should ever exhibit any type of aggressive 
behavior that would be it.  It goes without saying that you may not be able 
to relax your guard - But I would have a difficult time making a do or die 
decision now.  Something was going on.

I am not a careless dog owner, I have been attached by dogs myself so I am 
not taking this lightly.  But I caution on the side of time.

Diana