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Kaiser was PTS this morning.

LeahC Oct 11, 2005 09:35 AM

He's never even tried to bite an adult in the 9 months we've had him. Lately we noticed he's been biting at us a little more, and Sunday night he bit one of my dad's friends at our Thanksgiving dinner. His first adult. We evaluated the situation very carefully, thought long and hard about it. We spent the day playing with him yesterday and took him in first thing this morning. We thought it was under control, it was getting worse. We're going back home soon where we're across the road from an elementary school. What if he got out one day? What if he really turned on us one day? What if we ever want to have children? It was just getting more and more impossible to keep it up.

I did most of my grieving yesterday. I'm devastated, but I know now that it was the best thing to do. We're very lucky that he never did any worse damage, he was certainly capable. In a small way it's a relief, I didn't realize how much pressure it had put on us until it was gone. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, as some of you know. He was only 18 months old, in the prime of his health. When there were no strangers around he was the most intelligent, loving dog I've ever met..

I'm really going to miss him. It occured to me that the shelter we adopted him from had to have known. He was there two months, and they walk them every day. When he's outside it's blatantly obvious that he has a serious aggression problem. And they never said a word.

I'll never adopt from a shelter again. I know that there are millions of dogs who need homes but you never know what you're getting from a shelter and I won't put myself or Matt through this again. I'm already considering eventually getting a puppy from a breeder. At least that way I'll know that it hasn't been mistreated...

Let this be a warning to anyone adopting a dog. You might not know what you're getting.
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Replies (10)

Rouen Oct 11, 2005 02:11 PM

sorry to hear about Kaiser, I know what you're talking about with shelters though, before I got Dingo we went to all the shelters here and they had dogs that were obviously not stable up for adoption, one dog didn't stop licking the door to it's kennel the whole hour and a half we were there, I know there are alot of people against back yard breeders or "oops" puppies but I'd much rather have a mistake than an unstable who knows what..
again sorry to hear about Kaiser, it's a shame.

PHFasDog Oct 11, 2005 04:48 PM

Oh Leah, I'm so sorry! I know I haven't commented much on your posts about Kaiser, but I've read each one. I know how difficult this is for you, but your head had to rule out on this one. You did everything you could possibly do with him. Sometimes it is the best for the dog. He will wait for you at the Bridge where he is playing, aggression free.

Melody

katieb Oct 11, 2005 06:43 PM

Leah,
I am so sorry for your loss! Kaiser is at peace now.

Please don't rule out adopting a pet in the future. There is a great deal of variability with both breeders and shelters. Some shelters are more responsible than others when it comes to matching up pets and families and/or evaluating the animals in their care. I think adopting adult dogs from foster homes is a great way to go. The foster home can tell you a good deal about the dog's behavior and with an adult dog you know what personality you are getting.

I have two dogs that I raised from puppies and both have their own unique personality. Only when I adopted an adult dog did I get the personality I wanted from the beginning. It can be a great experience.

Please accept my condolences on the loss of Kaiser. He was very lucky to have lived with you and been loved.

Shboom Oct 12, 2005 06:47 AM

Leah I know how much pain and grief you have to be going through. I know I hadn't read all of your posts about Kaiser but it seems that you were doing all that you could for him.
I know that things are very hard right now but please try to rethink your thoughts about adoption. There really are many wonderful dogs looking for good homes whether through shelters or rescue. I'll keep a good thought for you and will also say a prayer to St Anthony for Kaiser.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Chelle Oct 12, 2005 08:08 AM

I'm so sorry to be reading this post. So few words I can say will make any difference. I know you are going to miss him terribly. You did your very best for him. {HUGS}

I hope some day you can find another dog that will fit into your home and heart. This experience with Kiser will I'm sure hurt for quite some time, but there still are plenty of good dogs out there. In your case though, I might recommend a very good breeder- one that you can see all of the dogs and personalities of those dogs.

Again, I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

pharrow Oct 12, 2005 02:24 PM

I'm so sorry you had to put Kaiser down. I know it must have been a very hard decision.

brolem Oct 12, 2005 05:40 PM

I am so sorry about your loss, but please do not turn your back on another shelter dog. We had to put our dog to sleep on 10/8/2005. He was a shelter dog that allowed us to spend 8 wonderful years with him. I miss him terribly just as you miss Kaiser. Dogs are like people - some are more social than others. It just happens that way. I am sorry for the pain that you are experiencing now, but one day you will be able to remember him and smile at the happiness that he brought you.

perrtl Oct 13, 2005 04:13 AM

Leah I am SOO very sorry. I have "lurked" through many of your posts and know that you gave Kaiser the best home he could ever have. Kaiser was a very lucky boy to have been found by you.

As the time comes that you two are ready for another dog you will know the right choice for you. I currently have one 10.5 yr old "pound puppy." I have my challenges with Kayo and I agree that the hardest part was not "knowing" why or how some of her behaviors developed. Our latest two additions are both from very carefully selected breeders, it is very nice to have their breeders to refer to.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

.

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tabitha
Kayo, Kahla, and Dante'

DogTired Oct 14, 2005 06:29 PM

Oh my gosh, I am so very sorry to hear about this! I have been following along since you got him, and know how much effort you put into making him "agression-free" Please don't turn your back on shelters though!! I have gotten both of my girls from shelters, and I couldn't ask for more loyal or loving companions! I wish you well, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Jessie226 Oct 19, 2005 02:50 PM

Oh my god, leah I am so so sorry. I can't even imagine what you're going through. It's all I can do to hold back my tears, if I wasn't at work right now I would be bawling...and I am sure I will be later once it finally hits me. I never thought I could love a dog I didn't know, but I felt like I knew him. He was such a special boy...you all did the best you could to help him, and he tried he really did, he was just mixed up. I completely understand your concerns and have no doubt that you did the right thing.
I hope you do decide to get a pup, any dog would be lucky to have you for an owner.
Leah again, I am so sorry, I cant even imagine how heart broken you must be. As let down as you must feel, don't. For the time he was with you, he was happier that he would have been with anyone else. I've never seen such loving dedication in a dog owner and I am sure wherever he is now, he understands.
Keep your chin up, remember the love that you gave him and the love that he gave you.
I'm here for you if you ever want to talk.

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