----- 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