Devastated

[rockyracoon]

You might remember that I recently adopted a rescue dog. On Monday morning, whilst playing in the garden, he went for me, growling and snarling, baying and lunging. I was absolutely terrified, so he's had to go back to the rescue. We're all heartbroken as he was doing so well and had settled in like he'd never not been here. It's the first time we've taken an adult dog, and I'm not sure I could do it again.

[teacake44]

On occasions, this can be a reaction to a sharp pain from a decaying tooth. ??

[ladybirder]

Zac what do you suggest we do with all the thousands of rescue dogs if everyone buys a puppy?

[Zak51arc]

Hi! Ladybirder,
I understand what you say. However, obviously, far too many people, when they get a dog don’t realise the huge commitment they have taken on and sadly these poor animals end up in rescue centres. I really don’t know what the answer is. It’s a shame that people just cannot be more responsible. It’s worrying thinking about how the dogs may have been treated prior to being taken into the rescue centres. Of course some will have come from perfectly good homes and need rehoming possibly due to their owner having sadly passed away.

[rockyracoon]

I'm far too emotional at the moment to think about getting another dog, be it a rescue or otherwise. I'm pretty sure I'll change my mind in the future though as the use is so empty without a furry friend.

We got Ricky when we did as my daughter will be going off to uni in September and I wanted to make sure that she and the new dog would be fully bonded before she went.

Thank you all for the kind words, they mean a lot.

[ladybirder]

Have a big hug Rocky. XXX

[wolf63]

This is too sad, he was a gorgeous lad. :-(

I hope that the rehoming place can get him to change his ways.

[lankeela]

So sad for you and the dog. I do hope the rescue do the right thing and don't rehome him again. This is the reason I get cross when I see well meaning people tell others they should not buy a puppy but get one from a rescue - and before you tell me I am wrong I am actually a rescue coordinator for my breed so do know what I am saying. There are some dogs that should not be rehomed and there are plenty of homes that should not have a rescue dog. Taking on a dog without knowing its background can be fraught with difficulties and as in this case you often don't know what the trigger is until it happens. I would be very surprised if this is the first time this dog has done anything like this. I heard of one this morning that has been in its new home for just over a week. The owner was told it did not like men and to be careful if there were any visitors to the house. Yesterday the postman knocked with a parcel, the owner opened the door, the dog flew out and bit the postman. Now the dog may well be put down because the owner cannot trust it and did not listen to advice.

[Zacs-Master]

It can just be a 'trigger' which sets them off. This can be as daft as a piece of clothing / arm gesture / word.

Don't beat yourself up. You tried.

[hereIam]

A rescue dog for me every time. I have had four of my own (Mum and Dad had them too when I lived at home) and we have had no problems with any of them, all loving, friendly, happy dogs. So, always rescue for me based on my experiences. I hope the rescue centre now spend some time on this poor dog and try to help him with his problems, something they maybe should have done in the first place.

[marval]

I am sorry to hear this rocky, how sad for you all.

[10ClarionSt]

A dog's not for me. Not even for Christmas.

[rockyracoon]

The rescue contacted my husband. Ricky was PTS as the behaviourists didn't feel that they could rehabilitate him so that he could be rehomed.

An inevitable outcome, but I'm very, very sad. I feel like a complete failure.

[ladybirder]

RR I'm so sorry to hear your news and I completely understand why you feel the way you do. I too would be devastated under those circumstances. However, what happened could/would have happened to ANYONE at any time once that trigger point was ignited. Unfortunately it happened to you but is in no way your fault. You gave him probably the happiest days of his life which he wouldn't have had if not for you. Please try and look at it that way. Time will help heal. xx

[rockyracoon]

Thanks LB. I can't stop flippin crying. We only had him for just over 7 weeks.

[ladybirder]

Once they get into your heart there's no going back, however long you have them. That was a wonderful 7 weeks for him though and I'm so pleased for him that he had that time with you. Cry all you want to RR and then, in time, take another into your heart and home if you can.

[wolf63]

RR, I really feel for you, you did nothing but love the boy. Rescue dogs sometimes come with baggage, but most of them just want a family and to be loved.

I think that the rescue place made the right decision. It is just SO sad as he was the most adorable looking mutt.

♥