I Feel So Guilty, I put my healthy dog to sleep Options

[jillybeanrod]

58 hours ago I had my best friend put to sleep. He had a long history of biting and aggressive behavior. I had rescued him from the special needs section of a shelter 3 years ago. He was such a wonderful companion to me. Oh, how he loved me and I loved him. Friday, he bit my 22 month old daughter. I called the vet, and they strongly recommended putting him to sleep. My family has been pushing me to do it for over a year now. They were scared he would hurt my baby. Even though I was so careful when he was with her, I couldn't protect her. The weird thing is that he loved her so much. I think he was just scared of people in general. I'm the only person he was completely comfortable with. But, Friday he scared me. I reacted way too quickly. Within 2 hours of him biting her, he was gone forever. I have been regretting it every minute since. I don't know how to deal with my guilt. I miss him so much. I can't stop crying. He was always there for me. Everywhere I went he followed. He was always by my side. I am sooooooooo lonely. I don't know what to do. I can't stand being in my house. Every where I turn is a reminder of him. Just sitting here at my computer I miss having him in "his" spot next to me on the bed. I have another dog, whom I love dearly, but his personality is so different. Braxton was such an emotional support for me. He loved me unconditionally and trusted me completely, and I had him killed. How do I move on? How do I continue without him? My family is no help. They don't understand why I would miss him. I'm a single mom, and I can't function. Does anyone have any suggestions? I hurt so much. I had thought I was doing the right thing. How could I have made such a terrible mistake? He really was a sweet dog to me and I miss him terribly.

[LittleGirl's...]

Oh I'm so sorry about your pain!!! You must be so heart-broken. I know you loved Braxton dearly, and you have been an awesome Mom to him. You adopted him from certain death 3 years ago and gave him a loving home.

It must have been so difficult to be put in that predicament. You asked a vet's advice and it's understandable that you followed that advice (sometimes it's also extra-confusing when family is sort of telling us how we should feel and what we should do. I'm 41 and I still tend to lose sight of what I want if my family is swaying me because they're so controlling).

Since Braxton had had a history of aggressive behavior, it's possible that he could have bitten again and caused serious injury or death. Of course, Braxton wouldn't have intended any harm (and I'm sure he did love your daughter), but there was probably something in him---either a hereditary thing, or something as a result of early abuse from a former owner---that he didn't totally have control over. And since it has been a long-standing behavior, it's doubtful that it would have gotten any better.

You really acted with good intention, and Braxton understands! I'm sure he doesn't blame you. Very very few people would have adopted a special-needs dog. He probably couldn't believe his luck! He is now experiencing only bliss---no sadness whatsoever. Thanks to you, he got to experience the height of earthly love. Now, he's enveloped by such love we can't even imagine, because it's the ultimate. There's no physical or emotional pain for sweet Braxton. I believe that with all my heart. He's fine and wants you to be fine. And you will be reunited when it's your time! For now, experience as much love as you can--with your daughter, your other dog. And don't feel bad if you need to take a break from your family. It doesn't sound as if they're particularly sensitive to the love of a precious pet.

Keep coming to this board for support. We're all here for you!!

Sending you comfort and love,
Little Girl's Mommy, Kathy