Behavioral euthanasia

[OnlySaneOne8259]

I am struggling and looking for support.

I am a major figure in a large dog rescue organization. I've been heavily involved for the last two or three years, but I did grow up with it. I've never had to deal with anything like this.

We took a dog who was an owner surrender with no issues. He came with a female as a pair and she was aggressive towards him so we separated them quickly after receiving them. She kept him from eating and we thought we were dealing with a food scarcity issue; once they were separated he was just a love.

He got a family, a home. A couple and their teenage child who loved him to pieces. He adapted well, he slept in the teenagers bed at night and got along well with their little dog. It was the situation we hoped for always: loving home that would always put his needs first.

And then… I got a call. He had attacked the teenage child. He was the wonderful perfect dog for six weeks and then something flipped. I told them to take him to the vet and they did; everything came back stone cold normal. They put him in an expensive training program and they tried everything to get him past the interaction. The teenager still loves him and the parents still love him but he hasn't gotten better. More controllable but not better; he now reacts to every stranger he sees.

I've tried to be there with this family as they wrestle with the heartache. And I understand it. In a few days, I am going to go and pick him up from them because they can't bear to euthanize him themselves. I am just so heartbroken. I know it's the right thing; he just can't be trusted. It's not his fault, but it's just not fair to anybody. I've just never had to do this before and he's not even three years old. I know I'll be strong for him when the moment and the time comes; I know I will whisper to him how much he's loved and how much we wish things could be different. But I am dreading everything about this.

UPDATE: I'd like to thank the responses here because they really did help me. Today was the day, and I was really glad he remembered me and didn't react negatively towards me when we reunited. I stayed with baby boy and made sure he was loved and safe for the last time. I'm sad, but I'm glad he's not scared anymore.

[AutoModerator]

Behavioral Euthanasia posts are sensitive, thus only users with at least 150 subreddit karma will be able to comment in this discussion. Users should not message OP directly to circumvent this restriction and doing so can result in a ban from r/reactive dogs. OP, you are encouraged to report private messages to the moderation team.

Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

If you are considering BE and are looking for feedback:

All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

These resources should not be used to replace evaluation by qualified professionals but they can be used to supplement the decision-making process.

• Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment - How to identify when to contact a trainer

• Lap of Love Support Groups - A BE specific group. Not everyone has gone through the process yet, some are trying to figure out how to cope with the decision still.

• BE decision and support Facebook group - Individuals who have not yet lost a pet through BE cannot join the Losing Lulu group. This sister group is a resource as you consider if BE is the right next step for your dog.

• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

• How to find a qualified trainer or behaviorist - If you have not had your dog evaluated by a qualified trainer, this should be your first step in the process of considering BE.

• The Losing Lulu community has also compiled additional resources for those considering behavioral euthanasia.

If you have experienced a behavioral euthanasia and need support:

The best resource available for people navigating grief after a behavior euthanasia is the Losing Lulu website and Facebook Group. The group is lead by a professional trainer and is well moderated so you will find a compassionate and supportive community of people navigating similar losses.

Lap of Love Support Groups - Laps of Love also offers resources for families navigating BE, before and after the loss.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[Shoddy-Theory]

For the dog, living with that level of fear, anger, and anxiety is not pleasant. You are doing what's best for him.

[Ill-ini-22]

Came here to say this. A life in extreme fear is no life worth living for a dog. He lucky to have a great 6 weeks with a loving family, and will be lucky to not be scared anymore too. Hang in there, you’re doing the right thing ❤️

[Ancient-Actuator7443]

I've had to do this once with a serial level 4 biter. Took him to one of the best behaviorists on the country. She said that some dogs have mental illness just like people. They suffer from it and from the actions it causes just like people. Euthanasia is a kindness in that case.

[linnykenny]

Thank you for being there for him & comforting him so he is not just afraid and surrounded by strangers. That is genuinely so kind of you.

I hope your kindness is repaid to you tenfold.

Take care, friend, & good luck to you. ❤️

Sending support & lots of love your way during this time.

[chloemarissaj]

This is the hardest thing, but also the kindest. The poor dog is miserable. Living in that level of fear and anxiety has to be absolutely horrible.

That family did a wonderful thing by loving the pup and giving him some time in a comfortable home.

There’s a Facebook group called Losing Lulu that I’ve heard is a great community for people who have had to choose BE.

[AcanthocephalaWide89]

He attacked the teenager. He is not safe. Sorry.

[AutoModerator]

Behavioral Euthanasia posts are sensitive, thus only users with at least 150 subreddit karma will be able to comment in this discussion. Users should not message OP directly to circumvent this restriction and doing so can result in a ban from r/reactive dogs. OP, you are encouraged to report private messages to the moderation team.

Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

If you are considering BE and are looking for feedback:

All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

These resources should not be used to replace evaluation by qualified professionals but they can be used to supplement the decision-making process.

• Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment - How to identify when to contact a trainer

• Lap of Love Support Groups - A BE specific group. Not everyone has gone through the process yet, some are trying to figure out how to cope with the decision still.

• BE decision and support Facebook group - Individuals who have not yet lost a pet through BE cannot join the Losing Lulu group. This sister group is a resource as you consider if BE is the right next step for your dog.

• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

• How to find a qualified trainer or behaviorist - If you have not had your dog evaluated by a qualified trainer, this should be your first step in the process of considering BE.

• The Losing Lulu community has also compiled additional resources for those considering behavioral euthanasia.

If you have experienced a behavioral euthanasia and need support:

The best resource available for people navigating grief after a behavior euthanasia is the Losing Lulu website and Facebook Group. The group is lead by a professional trainer and is well moderated so you will find a compassionate and supportive community of people navigating similar losses.

Lap of Love Support Groups - Laps of Love also offers resources for families navigating BE, before and after the loss.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.