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Sweet Denise,
When you open yourself up so much to others as you
have done in your letter...concern for your heart wells up. There's so
many bigger issues that have to do w/ what one's perspective is on life, death
and what will come in the future, plus you already have a stressful
job. The folks on this list who have urged euthanization are
some of the smartest and insightful folks about dogs that I have ever heard, and
they have heart...but you are the ones in the heat of decision...and, luckily,
you will chose for yourselves about the long term ramifications and
precautions you will take. Remember, this must never happen
again. I am responsible for the actions of my dogs, and you are
responsible for the actions of your dogs. Peace.
3pyrs&barb
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2001 4:06
PM
Subject: [pyrnet] A long story
revisited
Pyrfolks,
I have been reading the replies To "a long story"
and felt the need to write. I am Jerry's fiancée and Angus' mom. I
must preface this by saying that Jerry was absolutely right, I am head over
heels in love with this dog, so my statements are highly biased. I have
read all of the replies and am curious. I am in no way definitive or
convinced that this isolated behavior is a harbinger of doom in regards to his
temperament or behavior. All the responses seem to refer to dogs that
showed a tendency to be aggressive behavior with strangers or a tendency to
bite. We have had Angus for about eight months now and he has never
displayed an aggressive nature. Two weeks ago, I took a piece of chicken
out of his mouth and got not so much as a growl from him, and Jerry is
the master, I'm the mommy. Also, unless I misread the replies, these
dogs have not had exposure to children or strangers. Angus has been
excessively exposed to both. He is a beautiful animal and people
approach him without ever asking, "is it safe?" (idiots) and has been
manhandled/mauled/petted and otherwise loved on by all species of strangers
and never once been even remotely irritated let alone aggressive in these
situations. I must also say that Angus was out of his routine
environment when this happened. He has played with this boy on numerous
occasions when in our back yard, and though the resultant behavior is
inexcusable, I cannot believe that he didn't believe that this was what was
expected of him in THIS environment. And before you jump to the
conclusion that I am one of those wingnuts who puts the well-being of dogs
before the well-being of human, might I remind you that I am a physician, one
who has dedicated her life to the care, well-being and love of the human
breed. I am extremely distressed regarding this situation and am
desperately trying to come to the "right" decision. This is the first
time in nearly two years that we have come to a parting of the ways and I feel
very isolated and confused. I feel almost forced to choose between the
man I love and the fuzzy love of my life...and this is no small statement
considering the fact that I though that Elmo was THE ultimate dog of all time,
and I would likely not be engaged to his daddy had it not been for his undying
charm-Elmo's that is. I have often thought that in the grand scheme of
things, Elmo sent Angus to us. So...I need some unbiased, less black and
white opinions about this situation. I am sorry this has gone on so
long, but this is truly one of the more distressing decisions I have ever
had to make...and remember, I make life and death decisions for a
living.
Warmest regards,
Denise
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