I am not posting this with the intent to push you in any direction regarding Carey, I just want to share with you the story of my beloved dog Mia.
I first saw Mia at the local animal shelter's Adopt-a-Thon weekend where I was volunteering with my 4-H group. She was a beautiful 4 year old, 97 pound St. Bernard/Collie Mix. I fell in love with her and after talking with her owner for over 2 hours I decided that she would fit right into my family and I took her home. Over the next few weeks it became apparent that Mia had severe aggression issues with other dogs, but I had always believed that if you adopt a dog, you adopt all of their issues too. If you would have asked my opinion before I got Mia, I would have told you that I would never put a dog to sleep unless they were in extreme physical pain.
We immediately started working with a trainer on Mia's aggression issues, and although it was always one step foreward and two steps back, she was always devoted to my family including my 3 year old sister, and loved everybody regardless of size or age.
Then, one day I was taking her on a walk and we saw one of my little sister's friends who had met Mia on many previous occasions. But this time was different, the boy bent down in her face and started to growl like a dog and before I could pull Mia back she lunged at his face. Although she did not bite down hard, he had marks above his eyelid and under his chin (if she had bit down, he would have no face left). At this point in my heart I knew that something was wrong, but I was in denial and blamed it on the boy growling like a dog and told myself that Mia didn't mean it (please do not flame me for this, I know now that I was completely and utterly wrong to think this).
Then a few months ago, she started to periodically snap at my little sister (now 5), but I told myself that it was her fault for bothering Mia and would make excuses for her. At this point Mia could not be trusted around any people and when we had visitors she was locked in my room. Then about 3 weeks ago Mia almost dragged my mom off of the front porch trying to get at a little boy who was just walking by and minding his own business.
After this I knew that it was time to put Mia down. It was the hardest decision that I ever had to make, Mia was my constant companion and my main support system when my Dad passed away from lung cancer. But I knew that she was a dangerous dog and that I didn't have the right to put other people and their pets lives at danger. So last week we took her to the vets and put her to the sleep (she was in all her glory at the vets with all the attention she was getting, so at least I know she was happy at the end). I truly believe that there was something wrong with Mia in the head, when she would go after people and other dogs, there was nothing in her eyes and there was no response to anything I said or did.
Even though I am only 16, I know in my heart that it was the right thing to do, no matter how much my 17 year old sister tells me that what I did was wrong and that I gave up on Mia. I gave her 2 years, and by this point I knew it was not going to get any better. I am starting the healing process, but I can not help but feel anger towards Mia's first owner, we talked for over 2 hours and she never mentioned anything about Mia's aggression issues.
I am sorry for such a long post, but I wanted to share Mia's story with you. I would also appreciate it if I don't get any posts telling me everything that I did was wrong, I get enough of that from my sister.
Lauren
I don't believe it's downing you in the slightest, rather peoples strong emotions on such an issue. Asking advice on issues like this can bring very strong heated emotions.
