----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 5:52
AM
Subject: [pyrnet] RE: Denise/Bear's own
aggressiveness
Denise, so very sorry that you had to make such a
heart wrenching decision. I've been having similar issues with
Bear. It's gotten to the point that I put him in his room when company
comes over until I can get everyone seated and then lead him out and have him
sit with me until he's comfortable with who's here.
It started when he decided to become overly aggressive with a little boy
that comes here all the time. I thought that he was just trying to play
and accidentally hurt him. Well, let me say it didn't really hurt him
badly. He nipped his stomach and I honestly thought it was because he
was jumping. He has always given this little boy hugs (jumping and
putting his front legs on your shoulders) and I just assumed that was what he
was trying to do.
Since then he has snapped at the hands of two people that were petting
Sugar and then tried to pet him. While they were petting Sugar Bear he
was sniffing the back of their hands; when they moved their hands and tried to
pet him he snapped.
I really don't have a clue as to why he's started being nasty.
Other than telling him that was a bad thing to do and putting him in his room
I don't know what I can do. I would be lying if I were to say that
having him put to sleep had not entered my mind. However, I don't know
that I will be able to do that. What I thought was that it was an
isolated incident and it's not been the case. He just seems to have
become more aggressive.
I'm wondering if I have him neutered if that would help. He's going
to be two this October 31 and I think that's old to have him neutered but I
also think it MAY help with the aggressiveness.
Any input you may have, having had personal experience with this issue
will be greatly appreciated. If you choose to write off-list, my addy is
below.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family,
Bridget, Bear & Sugar Bear
Alabama Gulf Coast
kaiser4@ gulftel.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2001 3:12
PM
Subject: [pyrnet] A very sad day
I must say that I am a little hesitant about
posting this because I don't think I can handle a single I told you so, so I
will only ask that you be kind and compassionate and not take this
opportunity to gloat. This is Denise (of Jerry and Denise, Angus'
mom). We just got back from putting him down. He has been living
with a friend of ours who has an 80 lb 8 mo old German Shepherd who
desperately needed a companion to keep her from eating the siding off of
their house when left alone. He has been there about a month and they
have bonded and everybody was happy. However, today Angus attacked a
little girl who visits their home regularly. They have played together
and loved on each other numerous times since his relocation, but today he
jumped her. He did very little damage but, needless to say, convinced
me he must have issues with children. I could no longer assume that
the first incident was an isolated one. I didn't even allow Jerry the
time to voice an opinion. I decided he needed to be put down and we
did it. I am sure that we have done the right thing even though my
heart hurts. We will absolutely be getting another puppy to love (no
more strays) and it is very likely, thanks to Angus' love and devotion we
will likely get a Pyr. So thanks for not using this painful time to
say I told you so, and hope that we will be able to share future Pyr puppy
stories soon.
Denise