[TrishB]

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm so sorry that you had to go through this. It shouldn't have happened and wouldn't have happened if the owner had remembered one thing: This was a dog; which includes type, standard, mind, temperament, ability and intelligence. Only paying attention to one quality is a gross disservice to any animal.

I feel sorry for the dog, who was ill-wired at the beginning by being weak nerved. I feel sorry that he was put into a situation where his warning signs were either ignored or unable to be acknowledge. I feel sorry that he was put before you, unable to cope with what was facing him. I feel sorry that he's gone beyond the point of any return and had to be put to sleep (I'm assuming that - simply because I don't believe I read that he specifically was anywhere in this post).

I am a first time owner of a Rottweiler and accepted the massive responsibility that is borne of that acceptance. I have socialized, I do supervize, I train regularly and often. I love him with all of my heart, as a human can love a dog - but as a human to a dog. My dog succeeds because I love him enough to help him to succeed.

The greatest gift that we can give our dogs, is the acceptance and acknowledgement of their potential and limitations as dogs. If your dog presents a danger to yourself, your family or your community - the most responsible, loving thing you can do is to accept the responsibility of that danger, and put the dog to rest.

Best wishes for your continuing recovery Elizabeth.