my best friend hurt me...

[44silly]

I need to share my story. I'm at this moment having to say goodbye to my friend. I bought Midas about two years ago after I had a very sad goodbye to my other Rottie of 8yrs. My first Rottie put up a true fight against cancer but eventually she had to leave me.

Now here I am little over two years later saying goodbye again. Midas was a different kind of puppy. He showed signs of aggression from the beginning. I knew I had a challenge on my hands and I took on the responsibility. He didn't care for many other dogs and it came to the point where everything began to bother him and he felt necessary to bark and growl at anything. I got a trainer and it was explained to me it was probably fear aggression. I was also told that he had a problem with being too possessive. It was upsetting because I was losing the joy of just walking my dog or taking him to a park it became almost impossible.

My training sessions stopped and I was left with the belief that as long as I continued to be consistant with the training tips there was hope for him. It was a week later when I was sitting on the floor petting Midas when his face turned to mine and before I had a second to question the moment his teeth were clipped onto my face. Thank God for a moment of sanity and instead of pulling away I grabbed his jaws and held them open and I quickly got myself up and went to another room. I can't explain the saddness and shock I am still going through. This was my best friend. I knew he had issues but I trusted him. He would lick my face all the time I never feared he would hurt me.

I spoke with my vet and a trainer that deals solely with Rotties and was explained it is a dominant issue and when it reaches this level there is a minimal chance of currecting the situation. There is a great chance that it will happen again. I needed for myself, my dog and others make the hardest decision and that is to put him to rest. I don't know if anyone has been through anything similar but the pain of deciding to put your best friend to sleep is overwhelming. I know I have to. My face will have its scars and I think that is the reality of what keeps me going. I could be a lot worse or dead. If I take the chance of trying to save him and he hurts someone else that I could never forgive myself.

Midas will be in the next few hours leaving me forever. Please if someone has signs that a dog is aggressive get help quickly. I would hate for someone to get hurt physically like me and additionally have to deal with the emotional pain. I still believe in Rotties and it is ashame that people have to see my face and know a rottie did this. Some times even the greatest love to a dog can not stop from what they are. I understand now.

[BrandiJ]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. My first rottie was not well bred, and seemed to have fear issues too. I was only about 13, and my stepdad had him put to sleep by the age of 2 1/2. I was so sad, and angry, but I know now that it was necessary. He had tried more than once to bite, although not immediate members of the family. I remember how painful it was to see my baby act that way, so I can only imagine how horrible it must've felt to have it directed at you. I'm glad to hear you aren't blaming the breed, and I'm very sorry about what happened.

[observer]

44silly-

My heart is breaking for you. My sister had a very similar situation years ago with a new Dobie pup she got to replace her beloved one when he died. He bit her face, too.

Others here have faced a similar decision with their Rotties. (do a search on "Santo" for one of them).
Know that you are freeing him from his demons, and he will be at peace. You also must know that you are doing the right thing, despite the pain it causes you. He will remember that you saved him, from himself.

Peace to you, as well.

[JuneyB]

Feel so bad for you....but you are probably making the right decision. I am not experienced in this area at all, but from reading posts on dogs with fear aggressive issues....it sounds like something that is rarely "changed", and only with a lot of hard work can it be kept under a semblence of control.

I am sure you have made the proper decision. Just wanted you to know that its those tough decisions that are always the hardest.

[damp]

You have my deepest respect for making the right decision.

Knowing your friend has peace, will help you to recover both emotionally and physically.

[BigBark]

Sorry about you and your boy. Take comfort in that others here(including me) know exactly the pain you feel by losing your companion under any circumstances. You are doing the right thing for you and him. And also for the breed as a whole.

I hope you will stay here and continue to get encouragement from others.

[rottix2]

I had to do the same thing, for a slightly different reason, with a young rescue dog that I loved dearly. It was, without a doubt, one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.

[ElsasFamily]

Your story is truly heart breaking. You are doing one of the hardest things imaginable. Thank you for giving him peace before he hurts another. I'm sure you have many fond memories of your friend. After it's all over I hope you'll honor him with the good memories you have shared together.

We really do need a sad crying

[C Ross]

Think how horrible life must be when you're always afraid, so terrified that you think you have to act first. You are doing the right thing by freeing Midas of his demons.

Godspeed, Midas.

[rottgirl]

I am so sorry and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I respect you for having to make one of the hardest decisions in your life, but take comfort in freeing Midas from his evil demons.

Remember the good times the two of you shared and the dignity you gave him to leave this world for a better place.

Fly demon free sweet Midas.

Michele

[Tysonko1]

I am truly sorry to hear about midas. I know there is a pup out there that you will love and that will appreciate your good home and caring one day.

I think you have helped us all appreciate what we have a little more.

My thoughts are with you

Tyson.

[StephanieandToby]

Courage. We are here with you.

[MontanaRott]

I am so sorry this happened to you. And as others have said have nothing but respect for you in making the hard decision to do the right thing for Midas.
Godspeed Midas, you will be free from your demons at the bridge.

[Luvs]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. You have my utmost respect for having the courage to make such a difficult decision.

[kaylynn143]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

There are many here how can offer you their support and advice as you travel down this difficult path. You have my respect and support also.

May peace be with you and Midas.