Pets MEGA Cats VS Dogs - POLL!

[Jabberwocky]

100% agree. I also had a black labrador. She was the sweetest thing until she saw a squirrel or a bunny rabbit. Your dog was probably confused

I am having a baby next year--there is NO WAY that I am putting down our pit before or after I have the baby. We will just be very very careful. No need for corpral punishment 8)

You're not understanding people's views if you think they are saying that all dogs should be put down if you have a baby. Lots of dogs are GREAT with young children (even babies). Some dogs are not. Some are even dangerous (this dog of the OP's appears to be one of the latter).

Not all dogs are bad just because this one is (maybe).

 

[Johnny1]

[To those who suggested alicat keep the dog:] Do you notice that no parents have suggested keeping the dog? It's easy to say "keep the dog" if you're not a parent. But having a child is the ultimate responsibility -- and there's an even greater responsibility to the children of others if you're the source of any danger.

[To alicat72:] Something is wrong with this dog. Whether he's always been this way, or it's a new development, either his pack mentality took over his domesticity or his brain is broken. It's not his fault, of course. But you can't fix it, through a vet or training or otherwise. This is the way things are. You must accept them, no matter how painful.

If you keep the dog, can you really keep him, when he's very friendly and loving, away from your own children and their friends, or kids from the neighborhood, for the rest of his life?

I can tell you this, and I can't overstate it: If your dog bites your child or another child again, if it results in a serious injury, your life will be over. If it's your child, you'll never get over the guilt. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Can you imagine being in prison for the preventable death of your own child?

If it's another child, you'll lose everything you own and will have to declare bankruptcy to stop the child's family from garnishing your wages for the rest of your life following a lawsuit. Plus almost certain criminal prosecution. I know that if a dog hurt my child and I found out that it had seriously injured a child in the past, I might make it my purpose to destroy that dog owner's life. I'm a very loving and gentle person and would try hard to forgive. But if I lost that battle, I would ensure prison + all their money + whatever else I could think of. I would get revenge for my child, because she can't do so herself.

I'm sorry if I'm sounding harsh, I said above that I really feel for you and I meant it. But I need to counter some of the other advice you're getting with something strong enough to get your attention.

 

[alicat72]

Yeah, I wouldn't suggest putting the dog down at all! I hope I didn't come across that way. Look for a new home for him, someone you know so he can still be in contact with you.
Keeping him penned up in an outside cage is really unfair to him. He would be much happier in a home that wanted him to be a safe part of their family.

he will not be penned....he will have a large yard with a large kennel....believe me, i will make every effort so that he is comfortable....please read through my previous post considering other homes....i do not feel like typing it all over again.....
8)

 

[yossarian_is_sane!]

I think it's going overboard to say its criminal to keep the dog. If you say that, then it's criminally negligent to keep any dog in the same house as a child. All dogs are capable of doing what this one did, unless they are unable to because of size or other physical limitation. What's negligent is putting a child in a situation where the dog could attack it and do the type of harm that we're seeing here. It doesn't mean the dog is some sort of baby-killer, any more than all dogs have the potential to harm children, in that they are all carnivorous animals.

I totally agree that the dog is no killer. I also disagree with the statement that there is something wrong with this dog. It is a dog. It does not have human thought processes. However, I would agree that it is criminally negligent to keep any dog in the same house as a small child. It may seem harsh but one thing you have to remember is that the dog is not a human. It is not productive to seek 'reasons' as to why the dog has done/ could do this and there is no way to ensure that it does not occur again. Separating them is a good start but there is always a risk. I would suggest starting the search for a new home for the dog now.

While it is extremely sad to have to get rid of the dog, things need to be put into perspective. There was a case about a year ago here in WA where a family had a 'loving, gentle' siberan husky that snuck into their babies' room and ate it while they were watching tv.

 

[alicat72]

You're not understanding people's views if you think they are saying that all dogs should be put down if you have a baby. Lots of dogs are GREAT with young children (even babies). Some dogs are not. Some are even dangerous (this dog of the OP's appears to be one of the latter).

Not all dogs are bad just because this one is (maybe).

he was great and gentle with her for the past 8 months.....i never imagined he would do anything remotely close to this....

it's like something snapped.

i recently had him bathed and the "spa" guy said that he had some oozy stuff in his ear. i just recalled this today (my mind is just going over and over everything that has happened).....3 years ago, harry had a severe ear infection and had to have a $1,200 surgery.....during that surgery they had to burst his eardrum to relieve the infection.....

the point is that i wonder if his ear is causing him pain.

this is one of the main reasons why i want to wait for the vet to examine him. i know he didn't mean to hurt her that bad, BUT HE DID. i do not have many options outside of keeping him and just making sure he is separated from amelie at all times....

 

[Rogue Robot]

if you think your dog has some kind of problem, take him to the vet. infections are painful in people and are a 1000 times worse in dogs and can cause them to break out of their normal behaviors.

take. him. to. the. vet.

 

[QuestionEverything]

Do you notice that no parents have suggested keeping the dog? It's easy to say "keep the dog" if you're not a parent. But having a child is the ultimate responsibility -- and there's an even greater responsibility to the children of others if you're the source of any danger.

Something is wrong with this dog. Whether he's always been this way, or it's a new development, either his pack mentality took over his domesticity or his brain is broken. It's not his fault, of course. But you can't fix it, through a vet or training or otherwise. This is the way things are. You must accept them, no matter how painful.

If you keep the dog, can you really keep him, when he's very friendly and loving, away from your own children and their friends, or kids from the neighborhood, for the rest of his life?

I can tell you this, and I can't overstate it: If your dog bites your child or another child again, if it results in a serious injury, your life will be over. If it's your child, you'll never get over the guilt. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Can you imagine being in prison for the preventable death of your own child?

If it's another child, you'll lose everything you own and will have to declare bankruptcy to stop the child's family from garnishing your wages for the rest of your life following a lawsuit. Plus almost certain criminal prosecution. I know that if a dog hurt my child and I found out that it had seriously injured a child in the past, I might make it my purpose to destroy that dog owner's life. I'm a very loving and gentle person and would try hard to forgive. But if I lost that battle, I would ensure prison + all their money + whatever else I could think of. I would get revenge for my child, because she can't do so herself.

I'm sorry if I'm sounding harsh, I said above that I really feel for you and I meant it. But I need to counter some of the other advice you're getting with something strong enough to get your attention.

+1 to that.

You were right next to your baby when *this* happened. It was an accident. Accidents can not always be prevented no matter how extreme the preventative measures you take are, unless the dog is kept away from your child (and all other children) - permanently. There was no way to know this would happen, but now that it has you have to expect it again. It would be completely irresponsible to assume otherwise just because he always was kind and gentle in the past.

What are you going to do when your baby is walking, and that will be coming very soon, and she takes off running to the dog? What if you don't catch her in time? Have you ever chased after a toddler? If so you know exactly what I'm talking about. It takes one split second, literally. This time she was right next to you, but you can't keep her there forever. Furthermore, toddlers are pretty mean to animals. It's unintentional of course, they don't know any better, but they pull hair, hit, try to climb on, poke them, etc. until they learn how to interact with them properly.

Look, I realize you love your dog, but don't let that cloud your judgement here. Your first priority is to protect your child's life.

I have pets and I love them to death, but not to my own child's death.

Why don't you put an ad in a local paper or online? Be honest about the situation and see if anyone is interested in rescuing him again. I think you do have other options here. I too feel for you and can only imagine the stress you've experienced due to this, but you have to deal with it in a responsible, logical way.

What do the parents of children killed by their family dog always say on the news? ''He was always so gentle, he's always been great with kids, he's never bitten anyone before, he just snapped, . . ."

 

[syymphonatic]

he will not be penned....he will have a large yard with a large kennel....believe me, i will make every effort so that he is comfortable....please read through my previous post considering other homes....i do not feel like typing it all over again.....
8)

I have read every one of your posts regarding this matter, as it's an issue that I feel very strongly about. And believe me, I'd love for you to be able to have your dog and keep everyone safe, happy, and comfortable. But, I don't feel that this will be the case. I know how most animals react to being treated differently (all of the sudden), and I don't think that, after an event like this, "every effort so that he is comfortable" will be enough. He seriously harmed your daughter, and no matter how much you try to treat him the same, that little monster will always be in the back of your mind. I don't think he'll be able to have a life with the same amount of fulfillment as he had before, and I don't think you will get the same amount of fulfillment out of his companionship. I think you are clearly trying to take the middle road here with the best of both worlds option (keeping him and caring for your daughter), and this is Not a middle road situation. I think you need some time for the situation to recover before you can make a reasonable decision, and I hope that you will make the most reasonable one. However, I would like to point out that you asked for advice, and you have done nothing but put up defenses for your favored opinion, which makes me wonder if you were hoping that people would side with you so that you could justify keeping him.

I have nothing more to say on the matter, best wishes with all you're going through.

 

[alicat72]

johnny1-

"Do you notice that no parents have suggested keeping the dog? "

honestly, that was a very patronizing statement.....of course i have read all the post and i realize who of the posters are parents.....

i am trying to consider everything....all perspectives and options.....

initially, if i would have had my 9mm next to me, i would have shot him in the head. no suffering. i know that sounds really harsh, but there have been many harsh suggestions in this thread.....my first priority was to take care of amelie, access her wounds and get her to a care provider....

now that i have had a few days to think about it, i can't help but think that harry is also a sentient being (not more important than amelie in any way).....but he def deserves my consideration and thought before i decide to take his life......

 

[Johnny1]

johnny1-honestly, that was a very patronizing statement.....of course i have read all the post and i realize who of the posters are parents.....

I'm really sorry I didn't make my post more clear. I wasn't addressing you with that statement, not even one bit. I have tried to put myself in your shoes and I know my head would be spinning and my heart would be breaking. I don't judge you for considering all options. I believe that in a short time you will come around to the point of view I posted, and in the meantime I wanted to weigh in rather heavily on what I believe is a continuing danger.

I had started my post off as a response to those who, either as dog lovers or from their empathy with you, were trying to help by suggesting keeping your dog. So I was pointed with them: "Do you notice that no parents..." Then I changed my approach because I felt more like talking to you directly, and I didn't edit the first part to make it clear who I was addressing. Again, I apologize, alicat.

 

[alicat72]

I have read every one of your posts regarding this matter, as it's an issue that I feel very strongly about. And believe me, I'd love for you to be able to have your dog and keep everyone safe, happy, and comfortable. But, I don't feel that this will be the case. I know how most animals react to being treated differently (all of the sudden), and I don't think that, after an event like this, "every effort so that he is comfortable" will be enough. He seriously harmed your daughter, and no matter how much you try to treat him the same, that little monster will always be in the back of your mind. I don't think he'll be able to have a life with the same amount of fulfillment as he had before, and I don't think you will get the same amount of fulfillment out of his companionship. I think you are clearly trying to take the middle road here with the best of both worlds option (keeping him and caring for your daughter), and this is Not a middle road situation. I think you need some time for the situation to recover before you can make a reasonable decision, and I hope that you will make the most reasonable one. However, I would like to point out that you asked for advice, and you have done nothing but put up defenses for your favored opinion, which makes me wonder if you were hoping that people would side with you so that you could justify keeping him.

I have nothing more to say on the matter, best wishes with all you're going through.

on the point of me being defensive-

sure. i have reservations about putting my dog to sleep. i do not have any close friends or family that can take him.i am a very analytical person. i am exploring every option i have.....

i have also expressed appreciation for all of the input i have received....if you did not notice then please go back thru the many pages of postings i have made. this is of upmost priority for me......and i have taken every suggestion to heart....i have seriously thought about every post you guys have made and weighed the pro's and con's.....

again, i do appreciate all the input i have recieved. i hope i never seemed ungrateful......

 

[alicat72]

I'm really sorry I didn't make my post more clear. I wasn't addressing you with that statement, not even one bit. I have tried to put myself in your shoes and I know my head would be spinning and my heart would be breaking. I don't judge you for considering all options. I believe that in a short time you will come around to the point of view I posted, and in the meantime I wanted to weigh in rather heavily on what I believe is a continuing danger.

I had started my post off as a response to those who, either as dog lovers or from their empathy with you, were trying to help by suggesting keeping your dog. So I was pointed with them: "Do you notice that no parents..." Then I changed my approach because I felt more like talking to you directly, and I didn't edit the first part to make it clear who I was addressing. Again, I apologize, alicat.

thank you for making that clearer....i wish i had the energy to continue this conversation....my kitchen is trashed and i should probably sleep soon....

amelie may come home tomorrow, so i will post an update then.....

namaste.....

A

 

[Mariposa]

mariposa....

i also did a google search on lab rescue....the closest one is two hours away....

It may be impractical for them to come and get the dog, but when I got my two kittens (the mom was feral, a good-hearted soul rescued them and adopted them out, as she does with many feral litters) there is no way distance would have become an issue. She did all this at her own expense, on a teacher's salary. We her, and our kittens are growing up to be fine young feline sons. I am SURE that a member of a rescue group would drive to pick up your dog if you're not able to take him to the rescue yourself.

Also, when little Amelie is a bit older, I'm sure you'll be bringing her to neighborhood playgroups and preschools and whatnot and so you'll be meeting other parents so that your children can socialize together (bonus for you: shared babysitting duties). What about when Amelie's friends come over and the children want to play in the yard? In confining the dog to the yard, Amelie is deprived of the opportunity to play outside. I don't think this is fair.

I realize that having to give up your dog of 6 years is difficult, and I'm not trying to negate the fact that you will feel a sense of loss, but I have offered you a solution that will allow the dog to live while ensuring that Amelie's safety remains first priority. I do hope you will consider this -- you are tough enough to carry and raise a child; you are tough enough to rehome your dog to a family without children.

I am pleased to hear that Amelie received wonderful care and that she is expected to make a full recovery.

 

[vibr8tor]

like i stated before, i have considered the lab rescue, but there is a waiting list and it is 2 hours away.

if there's a waiting list, get on it now. by the time an opening comes up, perhaps you will have found a better home, but it doesn't hurt to get your dog on the list immediately and keep it as an option.

and a 2 hour drive is not long at all.

 

[alicat72]

if you think your dog has some kind of problem, take him to the vet. infections are painful in people and are a 1000 times worse in dogs and can cause them to break out of their normal behaviors.

take. him. to. the. vet.

please read my previous post.....i have a child in the ICU....but as soon as i can, harry will be evaluated by his vet.....

 

[Hypnotik1]

WOW. maybe an expandable gate/fence to put in the doorway so the dog cant enter the room that the baby is currently in. but you would be moving it around alot... i dont know.
whatever you do dont put the dog to sleep, but i also would never let the dog in the same area with your baby again. the dog has probably never been agressive because it has learned that agression directed at humans is WRONG however, a dog may not 100% see a small(helpless/defenseless) baby as a person.

sometimes dogs get confused when they dont understand something: a sound, an animal, a baby,ect.. and they just snap into pure instintive mode and try to destroy a confusing and not understood "possible threat"

when i was a kid i was swinging around a basketball hoop pole, and my hands were making a high pitched squeel from friction. my aunts dog (normally nice) who i played with all day freaked out. and instantly attacked me with the most primal intensity.
i escaped, but it would have hurt me bad.

never did it before, and nver again. it was just confused and snapped. dont know why.

I think this is spot on.....

Ive grown up around a lot of animals and if an animal gets confused and/or frightened, you can throw out its normal personality out the window....

I think thats the reason but unfortunately I have no useful solution

 

[DarthMom]

ali, you keep resorting to the euthanasia excuse for keeping him, and i can feel your pain.......and yet you seem to forget it has been only a few days, and you aren't going to find a home without a lot of work. if you really do love that dog, find a loving home without children.

it will be harder than putting harry in the backyard alone but will be better for him and you and amelie.

at age 4 my 5 yr old all of the sudden discovered asthma. one night in the hospital was all it took to find new homes for our cats...one, we had as long as my son. i loved them, you have never met sweeter animals. frankie would literally hug us with her paws and lick us and kiss us till you laughed.

we loved those damned cats, and miss them to no end. the kids have cried over it, but you know what, it was the right decision. the childrens health are worth more than their lives. i was lucky to find homes for both. we have "cat sat" them a few times to be around them again, and we miss them again when they leave, but it was still the responsible choice.

 

[LoveAlways]

Also, when little Amelie is a bit older, I'm sure you'll be bringing her to neighborhood playgroups and preschools and whatnot and so you'll be meeting other parents so that your children can socialize together

There will be dogs at friends houses and at parks, etc I also think its important for Amelie to learn how to properly fear/respect animals in a healthy way....

 

[Cyc]

I think Pennywise made some good points. I'd go back and read them. I still think people are anthropomorphizing the dog in question, even if they don't realize it.

 

[happyus]

i'm sorry but your dog punctured your daughter's skull and she needed brain surgery. what part of this sentence makes you think it's okay to keep the dog and child in the same house??

a) you are being selfish and putting your daughter's health and safety at risk by keeping the dog. she needed brain surgery ffs... when i was a baby my brothers dog attacked me and burst my tummy button open, luckily i was mended fine and could come out of hospital relatively quickly, as soon as my mother's back was turned the dog tryed to get out of the kitchen and back at me again. my parents did the safe and sensible thing and gave the dog to a couple with no children.

b) you're being selfish by suggesting that it's okay to take the now house dog and segregate him from the rest of the family. if this is a jealousy issue between the dog and child then this will only further re-inforce that the child has taken his spot..... you can't explain to the dog the reasoning behind what you are doing it will only see that it is being shunned for no good reason whilst the child gets free run of the house.

imo this situation is a no brainer, the dog has to go, i would not even have the dog in the house when the child gets back from hospital....i mean really all this was going on with your child and you come on bl to ask for our opinion with what to do with the DOG??? i just don't get it.