I have just returned home from our vets...I'm sad, my heart feels like it has been torn from my body, I am sick to my stomach, and I am ANGRY!
We have been fostering a dog for a little more than 4 weeks now. Although he has been a very sweet boy, he did have food and dominance issues. Last night he crossed the line...I knew at that moment Newfoundland Health and Rescue could never place this beautiful boy into an adoptive home.
He attacked our 2 y/o bitch. It took both my husband and myself to get him off of her...he had her by the throat. As soon as we got them separated, he turned his aggression towards me. I moved just in the nick of time as his jaws snapped. Had I been just 2 inches closer, he would have had me.
Rescue and I made the decision to have him euthanized. I will tell you, it doesn't matter how long you have had a dog...10 years, 10 days, 10 minutes...having to put a dog down is never easy and it is emotionally draining.
But here's the reason I am angry. This dog came from a backyard breeder who doesn’t appear to care about the kind of dogs they are selling...not the health or temperament of the puppies nor the long term effects on the puppies or the new owners (emotionally and financially); chances are good only the money the puppies bring may be of importance.
It's a shame this person was not present to watch this beautiful Newfoundland being put to his death..
I may not have a million dollars to fund a program that would eradicate some of these irresponsible people, but I do have a voice and I am prepared to use it. My voice is not for me, but for Max, this beautiful big Landseer boy, who didn't know any better...it was in his breeding.
I will certainly share this story with anyone considering purchasing a puppy from this particular "breeder" and those just like her.
I am absolutely sickened by this tragedy. Our girl is ok, no punture wounds, but bruised around her throat and neck. We are fortunate it wasn't worse. Patti Emmerling