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Barnyard Buddies:  When it's time for the dog to find a new home.....  |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 1:38:08 PM
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Five years ago, an exBF and I found a really super cute puppy on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere in the snow. Well, of course I just had to have it. My dad said no more animals, but the guy was a real deadbeat, and I ended up keeping the dog, which turned out to be a Blue Tick Coonhound. That was five years ago., She will be 6 this fall. Two years ago, Maggie wanted to play with some week old kittens, and killed three of them. Then a few months ago our neighbor who has two wonderful and obedient dogs came to our house, and Maggie didn't want his dogs on HER property, so she chased and faught at the one until she drew blood. This has happened maybe 4 times. Maggie is supposed to stay on a zip line because she will run away and her hunting instincts take her very far away and she comes back all cut up and covered in ticks and a huge MESS. So she has been on a zip line about 75 feet long her whole life. She can get onto the porch and under a few trees and she's got quite a yard just to herself. If maggie breaks loose and escapes, she will not come to me and plays hard to get. She has a terrible "want" for freedom. This morning, she pushed the storm door open and got loose. So I went to town not worrying about it, and came home about an hour later and found one of my neighbors baby piglets dead in my horses' pasture. They aren't too big, maybe 20 pounds or so. So I call my husband and he calls Amanda, the neighbor who works for us sometimes, and tells her. She called her husband who was home at the time and he went looking for the other pig and it was dead in his backyard. So I called my husband back in tears and said, it's time for Maggie to go. I first said to have her put to sleep because she's becoming more and more aggressive, but I'm not so sure she wouldn't just make some hunter guy a good coon dog. I'm worried that when my other neighbor, the one with the nice dog, when his cows start having calves in the spring that Maggie may have a taste for blood and debilitated animals, and I couldn't bare the thought of her killing his calves that he actually makes money off of. The kittens were bad, fighting another dog several times, was worse, but now killing things???
I've never NOT had a dog, and I know I want to get another, but I don't want to rush into it and make ANOTHER mistake.
Any advice? consolement, ideas, anything will help. I knowmy husband will be glad to see the dog go, but he wants something huge like a sheppherd or a malamute or a husky.
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 1:53:07 PM
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| Oh my goodness I am so sorry to hear this that poor dog, he must be a hunting dog or part wolf. I am so sorry u have to make a decision like this. I think the authorities will end up making the decision for you if you do nothing. It would be hard I have two dogs and do not know what I would do either. I do think you need to do something soon before someone else does again I am so sorry. Keep me posted as to your decision |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 2:00:02 PM
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Maggie is a Blue Tick Coonhound. It's a raccoon hunting dog. My neighbors with the pigs didn't really care. They knew their pigs were coming over here, and digging in my garden and trash bags, and we're friends, so there's no problem with them. The old guy next door with the dogs, just said, oh well, that's what dogs do. We wouldn't have two dogs at once. At least not with this ONE that is half crazy, but she's deadly smart...:( yuck.
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 3:19:59 PM
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Cristine-
I am so sorry to hear about your doggie problems! I know how hard it is to make decisions like this when you have an animal that you have loved for a long time.
If you know of someone that hunts with dogs, talk to them about your situation. I am not sure if a dog of Maggie's age would be a good hunter or not. Also contact your local humane society- Sometimes they are able to help find a good home or rescue that could help you out. I wouldn't resort to putting her to sleep right off the bat.
It sounds like you have provided a wonderful home for this dog, but perhaps next time around you will be able to pick a dog that is a better match for your family. I think you were great to help a dog that you found along side the road though!
I also think you are wise to see this situation as a problem before it escalades into something that will need to involve the authorities and someone's loss of income or beloved pet.
Good Luck!
Alee
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primjillie
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Jill
Antelope
CA
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 08:20:20 AM
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| I'm not a dog expert, but it sounds like she is lonely and bored. Does she gets much exercise (besides being on the line)? Is she in the house with your family most of the time? I have read that dogs that are tied up outside for long periods turn aggressive very easily. I think she needs a lot of exercise (long runs or walks), spend much of her time in the house with her family, and a few sessions with a dog trainer. She is a hunting dog and it sounds like she is just doing what she is bred, just not the right way. Is she spayed? Sometimes, that makes them a little mellower. If I were you, I would contact a trainer that specializes in aggressive behavior and get some advice and training. I think it is unfair at this point to put her down and unfair to transfer her problems to someone else. |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 12:27:03 PM
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Christine,
As a girl I had a beautiful German Shepherd who got a taste for killing chickens. My parents gave her away to a walnut rancher who lived far away from anyone's livestock. It broke my heart but was the responsible thing for them to do. On an even more extreme note, I know of someone's dog who got in a frenzy when they weren't home and killed their two pigs, all their chickens, and their prize baby foal. They shot the dog, had a mass burial and were sick to death about the whole thing. Once a dog gets a taste for chasing and killing other animals, the risk becomes too great and the habit is too hard to break. It becomes a game and an obsession. It's only a matter of time before she kills something that someone does care about and then you could have a serious mess on your hands. She could end up shot and you could end up with angry neighbors or worse. I'm so sorry because I know it's saddening and stressful. Best wishes in making the decision you think is right for you.
Sarah
"i believe in god, only i spell it nature." - frank lloyd wright
http://www.myspace.com/svgrrrl |
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Woodswoman
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Jennifer
Altamont
NY
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 6:42:10 PM
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Hi! So sorry to hear about your problem! It sounds like you've been trying hard to give Maggie a good home. Just a thought-
I adopted my dog, Zena, from the local animal shelter when she was 9 years old. She had been brought there when she was 7. Apparently, the people who owned her got divorced, Zena moved with one of them, but got into a lot of trouble at her new home-attacked and killed a cat and two rabbits.
I live in the middle of the woods, and didn't have any other animals, and ended up adopting her. She is WONDERFUL-great with kids, adults, and dogs. We just don't let her get around cats. With no neighbors,its easy to keep her away from small tempting mammals!
Anyway, I guess my point is, dogs can end up in situations that they just aren't well suited to, but, if they end up in a different situation, they can be fine. So it may be worth looking into finding her a different type of home. Again, not that it is your fault at all-it just might not be the right place for Maggie.
Best of luck-I hope it works out for ALL of you.
Jennifer |
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simpler1773
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Ricki
Ashland
Wisconsin
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 8:33:14 PM
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Coming from someone who recently had to give her dog away:
I'd look for a new home for the dog first (make flyers, and post on www.petfinder.com), list the dog's attributes and drawbacks up front. If you don't get any takers in a week (or how ever long you and your husband decide), then call the humane society, if they can't take the dog then consider putting her down.
We lucked out and a friend wanted our dog and she fits in perfectly to their lives. At our house she was very destructive. I felt if her life was going to consist of being tied up and getting into trouble every day, she'd be better off.........somewhere else.
Good luck. I know how much it hurts.
~Ricki~
You can't pour anything out of an empty vessel, take care of yourself! |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 9:31:48 PM
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Well, here's the rest of the story...and it's no more pleasant than the first part. After I posted on here, I went outside and did some chores, and put Maggie back on her line. This line I speak of is a 65' zip line from trea to telephone pole on which she has about 25 feet on both sides, so about a 50 by 75 area. When I got her back on her line, she was totally out of breath, and slobbering, and panting, seemed kinda normal. About 2 hours later she was litterally vibrating, with long strands of slobber, and looking absolutely terrified. Well, I called DH and he was busy, so I stayed on here, and pondered what to do. She got worse, so I tried feeding her, adn when she walked up to her food bowl and accidentally bumped it with her paw/claw, it scared her to death. So I fed her her last meal, and told her I loved her and left. I couldn't stand to deal with the situation, DH came home a while later, and took her to a no kill shelter. I don't knwo if she was poisoned, or what, but he said she was much worse than what I described. We had the same thing happend to a Boxer mix last year. All after a crappy neighbor has a problem with us.
So we are dogless now, and it feels a lot better than worrying and wondering. I hope no one thinks I'm a real hoohah for doing all that, but...well...God can judge me for that....
Thanks for the support,
Cristine :( |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 9:43:11 PM
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Cristine-
First of all a big Farmgirl hug! {Hugs} I know it was a really hard decision for you to make. I know I said it before, but I think you are a wonderful person for adopting her in the first place.
Since she was getting in trouble with your neighbors, and it sounds like she wasn't completely happy- I think you did the right thing. And since you took her to a no-kill shelter you don't have to worry about her having a time limit on her stay there.
Also if you have a neighbor that is possibly poisoning your dog then that is a whole different scary situation.
If you don't mind me throwing in my unsolicited advice, I would let your local Sherriff know that your dog was acting like she could have been poisoned. Be honest with him and let him know that she was an escape artist and you have since surrendered her so that a more suitable home could be found. If it does turn out that she was poisoned (the shelter will be dealing with it) it might help him to know what area she roamed in so they can narrow down a culprit.
{Hugs}
Alee
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 07:45:48 AM
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| Oh I am so sorry Christine we are not here to judge you it is not our place. I am sorry for the loss of your pet I understand as I have lost pets and have had to put some down when really ill and dying. We are connected to our pets. Again I am so sorry. |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 3:41:41 PM
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Cristine, ((((HUGS)))). What a rough experience. I agree, you've done your very best.
XO,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 5:36:33 PM
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I am so sorry for your loss Christine. Not to be mean or cruel, but I think it happened for the best. I have gone through my dog biting people and having to put him down. Also I have tried to take other peoples problem dogs and help them, but I never knew exactly what to do. They have all caused me alot of heartache. That's why I decided to go through a school to become a dog trainer. Now I see all my mistakes and should have dones.
It would have taken you many hours of positive training to get her to come back to you consistantly. And I doubt you would ever be able to trust her around small animals. Mostly her problems came from not enough exercise physically or mentally. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty at all! Hunting dogs were bred for alot of stamina and it was common for them to go miles and miles everyday. Something that is just not realistic for most owners. Have you ever heard the saying a tired dog is a good dog? It really is true.
I know people that have had dogs their whole life (like me) don't usually feel the need to spend money on obedience classes, but they have changed my life with my dogs and I have watched other people change too. When you get a new dog I highly highly recommend going to a positive reinforcement dog trainer it is worth the $100. Your life will be so much easier. Oh yeah, Husky type dogs usually have a stronger prey drive than most dogs (they are closer to the wolf) and are known to be cat killers. I never thought about it much until the neighbors husky broke his chain and came to our house. He almost killed my cat right in front of me and I couldn't stop him. I was hitting him and thought he was going to bite my hand if I grabbed the cat. His owner was right there the whole time too and couldn't do nothing, luckily my cat found a hole in the wood pile and the owner kicked the dog at the same time. The same dog has also killed the neighbors chickens, and the other neighbors kittens.
I second, the no one here is judging you. You did the best you could do. I'm truly sorry.
http://love-in-a-mist-shannon.blogspot.com/ |
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simpler1773
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Ricki
Ashland
Wisconsin
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 8:45:14 PM
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No judgements, just great big (((hugs)))!!!!
~Ricki~
You can't pour anything out of an empty vessel, take care of yourself! |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2007 : 05:43:48 AM
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I know exactly how you feel. We had a beautiful, wonderful, loving Akita that would (I feel) give his life for me. BUT not for anyone else. He bite my husband pretty bad & we had to give him up. I wasn't home & both my husband & daughter were really frightened & I understood 100% but it broke my heart & I cried for MONTHS. Its extermly hard but sometimes you have to do it. Im so sorry for you.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 07:50:36 AM
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(((((HUGS!))))
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 11:37:38 AM
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Christine,
So sorry to hear of the problems and so sad for Maggie. I hope she wasn't poisoned, but it sure sounds like it. Hugs to you.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 05:40:33 AM
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I'm so sorry about your dog woes. you are better off if she spent most of her time tied out and you constantly worrying
The two dogs I have ever owned were like children.....although I am a huge proponent of training anything that lives with you and raising it to have its manners!
I'd reserach the type of dog you want then see how it matches up with your lifestyle.
Hunting dogs need to run and to trying to break them of this does an injustice. Was your dog spayed??? Sometimes the roaming can be curtailed when they are "fixed".
We have a friend who recently got a Brittany spaniel. They live in an apartment situation and it drives them crazy whenever Callie tries to "swim" in her water bowl. She's just doing what's natural....and again is better suited for running after hunted quarry and retrieving in the water. My Belgains were bred for sheep herding, so it's in their nature to "herd" and run after small quick moving things but not kill.
this next go round too, if you do decide to get another dog, you'll be able to learn from past mistakes.
We lost our dog of 8 yers last summer due to a goof I made when Abby was a puppy. she was terribly afraid of loud noises and was always running away too. It's a sick feeling. I still beat myself up. and we live on 13 acres and are surrounded by woods. Now with this new pup (5 months ) Jasmine is fearless, and rather than turn away from someting scary, she stands her ground and investigates or just listens. We are into the second round of obedience training, and we'll continue after this as well. Jasmine also has many friends both human and 4 footed, so when we walk, i'm not constantly holding my breath afraid she will attack another person's dog. Again, another lesson learned the hard way.
As far as the symptoms go for Maggie. I'd have to guess heat stress/ heat stroke If she had been running hard, it would have taked a while to really cool back down to normal.
and I'd echo love-in-a-mist Spend good money on a good dog trainer and you'll never regret it. It does take time and a ton of patience
I'm sad and relieved for you at the same time so sorry
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primjillie
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Jill
Antelope
CA
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 08:55:52 AM
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| I'm not sure I understand your post. Was she sick? Do you tell the people at the shelter of her symtoms? If she had rabies or something contagious, they need to know. Wouldn't it have been better to take her to the vet to get checked and if necessary, had her put to sleep to stop her suffering? I guess I'm not sure why you took her to the shelter with those symptoms, instead of the vet. I am sorry for what happened - my dogs are my family and I can't imagine having to deal with something like that. |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 09:08:31 AM
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Oh, I appreciate all of your kind and encouraging words. It's so nice to have a "family" of people who WILL support and not judge me. (sometimes find that hard to come by at home)
Here is yet another update on the situation. When this dog this happened lastweek, right after she killed the pigs and was still at home, I tried really hard to get in touch with my dad because I know he is rational and thinks things out thoroughly, and always tried to make the best decision. Well, he was out of town for work, and his cell phone was dead. My dad really liked Maggie a lot, so I knew he was the one to talk to, but just couldn't get up with him. So I called his friend Tammy and left her a message. I was trying to figure out what to do. Well, in the heat of the moment, and being scared for the neighbors baby, and the other neighbors calves, I asked Josh to being her to a shelter. I intentionally wasn't home when this happened. He said her symptons were worse, and wanted to just shoot her to end the misery, but his brother, my BIL, convinced him to bring her to the shelter to give her a chance. Well, when my dad got back, and I told him what happened, he was saddened, but the next day he was very disappointed in my decision, and called the shelter to "check" on her condition. The woman there informed him that she had to get the law involved because it's illegal to drop a dog off and what she called a private shelter. Her point was that if the dog had rabies and bit an employee, that we would be liable. Since I didn't go to the shelter I don;t know if there was signs posted not to drop animlals off. The stupid lady could have read her rabies tag from last fall which I scratched our phone number onto the back of, and talked to us, but instead, now we have a whole nother set of problems...and now my dad takes the womans side and said I was being irresponsible and should have thought more about the repurcussions of dropping off an aggressive and violent animal.
Am I just lucky or what?
*SIGHS*
Cristine |
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primjillie
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Jill
Antelope
CA
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 09:29:08 AM
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| I'm not trying to take sides, but I see your dad's point. What if your dog was so sweet at the shelter and they adopted her out, not knowing her problems? What if she bit and seriously hurt someone? That is why I questioned why you took her to the shelter and not the vet first to see if something was wrong with her. I know you were just trying to protect your family, but you might have set yourself up for some problems, it sounds like. Sometimes, it just more humane for everyone to have her put to sleep. That is hard for me to say, since I am a hard core dog lover and truly believe dogs should be part of a family and treated as such. I hope you get things worked out. |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 7:06:01 PM
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Oh I definitely understand his point too, but he has come down on me pretty hard. Hindsight is 20/20. After the piglet massacre, I called DH crying, and said we should have her put to sleep, of course, he acts like no big deal, and is like, Ok...
If I would have known then what I know now, I could have made a better decision.... |
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simpler1773
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Ricki
Ashland
Wisconsin
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2007 : 06:48:50 AM
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What a hard time for you Cristine (((hugs))).
It really bothers me when people say "you should have done this, or that". Hind site is always 20/20 and when emotions are running high, it's hard to know what to do. You can always say, "next time you might want to try this or that", but to tell you what you should or should not have done is just plain hurtful to you.
(((hugs))) Hang in there.
~Ricki~
You can't pour anything out of an empty vessel, take care of yourself! |
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primjillie
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Jill
Antelope
CA
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2007 : 11:10:03 AM
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| I think it is hard to not reply when you feel strongly about something (like pets). Do you walk away or do you try to give advice gently? It is a hard decision and you just hope someone benefits and learns something. I've learned so much by reading other people's advice and learning from their wisdom and knowledge. I also think when you post on a public forum, you do open yourself up a little to advice (even though sometimes it is unwanted). |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2007 : 12:21:34 PM
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I just think it's kind of pathetic to get in trouble with the law for trying to do something humane. If Josh had shot her we'd be frowned upon for that too...What are shelters for if you can't drop off a pet in need of help during a time of desperation??
I really appreciate all your support. Sometimes it's hard for me to say my dad was wrong, but this was definiety one of those times.
Cristine |
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Barnyard Buddies: When it's time for the dog to find a new home..... |
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When it's time for the dog to find a new home.....
