RIP "Li'l Girl" (my dog died.)

[Guest]

~ Lil' Girl & her Daddies.

~lucky

from me too. but you know that.

 

[cloudy]

My condolances Carson..

I have a question about that rainbow bridge thing... What if your pet is waiting for you there and you go to hell? I mean.. wouldn't that kinda make it so your pet was in limbo forever?

-Tolyk, not trying to stir shit, just frankly curious (Seeing as how I don't believe in heaven nor hell)

Really bad form, Tolyk. Insensitive.

This is not the place, or time to ask that question.

 

[shereads]

Carson.

My heart received a hairline fracture just reading what you're going through. Yours must be shattered.

If she has any bigger worry than romping through fields right now, it's that you're in pain. Grieve, and then make peace with this, and she won't worry. Never forget that your animals beat the odds when they found a home that cared for them. People who grieve for the loss of a dog are almost as rare as people who celebrate the lives of dogs.

 

[carsonshepherd]

My condolances Carson..

I have a question about that rainbow bridge thing... What if your pet is waiting for you there and you go to hell? I mean.. wouldn't that kinda make it so your pet was in limbo forever?

-Tolyk, not trying to stir shit, just frankly curious (Seeing as how I don't believe in heaven nor hell)

I don't believe in heaven or hell either, so the question is sort of irrelevant to me.

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your kind words. The other dogs have been looking for Little Girl all evening and that's tough to watch.

 

[SeaCat]

Our condolences Carson, both for you and your Boyfriend. Both of us here know the feeling all too well.

Cat

 

[English Lady]

Aww hun *hugs* must have been and must still be very traumatic.poor little love. (I'm talking about your boyfriend here *chuckles*

remember the good memories and do what you have to. Don't be afraid to grieve, a pet is a part of the family. You helped me realise that when my Charlie died.

I'l around if you want to talk or not talk about it

 

[shereads]

Hey, Carson,
In a funny way it's important to be reminded of how truly animal so-called domesticated dogs are. German Shepherds used to be taken in by the police by law once they reached 12 years old in the UK. They can get a little crazed sometimes. It's a shame they took it out on your poor beagle.

It can happen with any breed of dog that finds itself in a new or changing pack. If the pack is your family, it can happen to a child. It's not that the dog is crazed; it's in a new or expanded pack and instinct kicks in: establish your place now, or be the one that suffers. Even the gentlest breeds aren't immune to the pack instinct. A baby was killed by a Golden Retriever that had never shown any aggression.

The risk arises when the numbers change. You can see it happening at the dog park on days when there are an unusual number of dogs. They get nervous and start forming groups. Passive dogs ally themselves with aggressive dogs. That's when I take my dog and leave.

Carson, don't be angry with yourself for bringing these dogs together. You did what anyone would have done. We think it's difficult to cause that kind of damage, but it can happen so quickly that even the aggressor is surprised. It's important to remember that the dramatic differences in size and power are unique to dogs, and not something they're programmed to take into account. Dogs don't know to pull their punches; instinct tells them that a rival is a rival, and there are no unfair matches.

This happened to a friend's toy chihuahua, also 13 years old. Same situation. It was killed by a new dog that had been brought home from a shelter - a Boston terrier that had probably never met a dog tinier than itself. Another dog joined in, but it was already over. A temper tantrum by a creature that doesn't know its own strength.

You and your boyfriend gave love where it was needed and appreciated. You're suffering for it now, but that doesn't mean you did anything wrong.

 

[carsonshepherd]

Thanks, sher...

really the ablsolute worst part of this is knowing that my other dogs, whom I love dearly, did this to Lil Girl. Are they dangerous? Will they do it to my other dog, my favorite, that I've had since he was a puppy? I feel like I can't trust Sierra ever again and almost, for a few moments today, thought it might be best it we put her down too. My BF won't hear of it, he says we need [ut that thought behind us because these are animals... but it's just hard to accept what she's done to Lil Girl.

 

[BlackShanglan]

Thanks, sher...

really the ablsolute worst part of this is knowing that my other dogs, whom I love dearly, did this to Lil Girl. Are they dangerous? Will they do it to my other dog, my favorite, that I've had since he was a puppy? I feel like I can't trust Sierra ever again and almost, for a few moments today, thought it might be best it we put her down too. My BF won't hear of it, he says we need [ut that thought behind us because these are animals... but it's just hard to accept what she's done to Lil Girl.

Keep an eye on her, dearest. Keep an eye on her.

I'd start a zero-tolerance work program with her, if you want a practical suggestion. Zero-tolerance means that all expressions of aggression (including growling and resource guarding) have a consequence (removal of treats, put outside, whatever); work program means that everything - food, toys, walks, attention - comes with a price of some sort of obediance work, even if it's only a sit and wait. This might help to set stronger boundaries on dominant and aggressive behavior. The goal is to reinforce the concept that you and your boyfriend are the dominant dogs of the pack, and that she no longer has the right to correct other dogs.

I know it's not what your mind is on now. *nuzzle* But once you're thinking of practical steps, give it close consideration. It will be important to carefully and objectively assess her behavior, and to keep in mind possible human ramifications.

Shanglan

 

[cloudy]

Keep an eye on her, dearest. Keep an eye on her.

I'd start a zero-tolerance work program with her, if you want a practical suggestion. Zero-tolerance means that all expressions of aggression (including growling and resource guarding) have a consequence (removal of treats, put outside, whatever); work program means that everything - food, toys, walks, attention - comes with a price of some sort of obediance work, even if it's only a sit and wait. This might help to set stronger boundaries on dominant and aggressive behavior. The goal is to reinforce the concept that you and your boyfriend are the dominant dogs of the pack, and that she no longer has the right to correct other dogs.

I know it's not what your mind is on now. *nuzzle* But once you're thinking of practical steps, give it close consideration. It will be important to carefully and objectively assess her behavior, and to keep in mind possible human ramifications.

Shanglan

I agree completely.

I haven't worked with dogs, but with horses , and the concept is much the same, since horses are herd animals, and extremely social and sensitive to social order. You have to be the lead animal in their mind, end of story. In fact, one very well known trainer recommends (with horses) reacting as if you are a horse yourself to transgressions.

It's worked for mine.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Just want to add my condolences, Carson. I feel for you.

---dr.M.

 

[shereads]

Keep an eye on her, dearest. Keep an eye on her.

I'd start a zero-tolerance work program with her, if you want a practical suggestion. Zero-tolerance means that all expressions of aggression (including growling and resource guarding) have a consequence (removal of treats, put outside, whatever); work program means that everything - food, toys, walks, attention - comes with a price of some sort of obediance work, even if it's only a sit and wait. This might help to set stronger boundaries on dominant and aggressive behavior. The goal is to reinforce the concept that you and your boyfriend are the dominant dogs of the pack, and that she no longer has the right to correct other dogs.

Good idea. If you want to keep her after the shock has worn off, you might want to consider an obedience class or trainer. I couldn't have trained the dog I have now without professional help, despite havingt had no problems at all with another spaneil. This one was in charge of the house from the day she first peed in it at seven weeks. A trainer helped me take charge of her. Made me cry, too. I thought he was being mean to her. He said, "Mean is letting her think she can cross the street when you're screaming at her to stop." It made all the difference.

My friend whose chihuahua was killed ended up keeping the terrier. She never leaves the dogs alone together. It's been 3 years, and she loves this dog as much as any of the others. But it took time. A breed rescue group might find a home without dogs or children, and without risk, if you decide once the shock wears off that you're not comfortable keeping the dog. If you end up with no other recourse than having her put down, you'll do it out of love.

Right now, just be kind to yourselves. The rest will wait.

 

[logophile]

My heart goes out to your family, Carson. You've had a rough passing and more decisions to be made yet. I know that whatever you and BF decide will be the right thing.

 

[sweetnpetite]

Losing pets is the price we pay for having them to love.

so true (and with all loved ones)

<<<hugs>>>

Time doesn't heal, but talking about it and being true to your feelings does.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I recently thought I was going to have to put my little girl (a 95# Alaskan Malamute) down because of a sudden paralysis in her back legs and hind quarters. I was broken up pretty bad about it. Fortunately she'll get better.

I feel for ya, man. Let the others know that you still love them just as much. They'll be there for you.

 

[Guest]

 

[Rhys]

Thanks, by the way, to everyone who's been kind enough to either talk about it or let me NOT talk about it.

The hug from last night still stands.

 

[Belegon]

My friend:

I know nothing I say can be enough, but please know that my thoughts and love are with you and the BF tonight. To others she may have been "a pet", but she was a part of your family and always will be. Remember her fondly. Big *HUGS*.

 

[Kassiana]

Oh, hon, I am so very sorry. I've owned pets since four days before my eighth birthday. Remember her and be glad you got to be such an important part of her life.

 

[Liar]

Damn.

 

[scheherazade_79]

I cried while I was reading this. I'm so sorry, Carson. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. You have my total respect for staying with her while she was being put to sleep. I hope I can be that strong when the time comes

 

[carsonshepherd]

I cried while I was reading this. I'm so sorry, Carson. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. You have my total respect for staying with her while she was being put to sleep. I hope I can be that strong when the time comes

You will. You'll have to, so you will.

 

[Guest]

 

[SensualCealy]

So sorry to hear about Lil Girl , Carson. Comfort each other in your loss and think of all the happy times you three had together.

Cealy