Having to give up the dog we adopted

[prozacnation]

We have three dogs now.. Our oldest Australian Shepard Jake is a very sweet boy aged 8. We adopted a 3 year old Aussie (Kit) a few weeks ago from the shelter. Then last week we decided to keep one of our foster puppies. I know crazy, crazy.

Anyway, at the shelter Kit seemed very friendly and sweet. We brought our dog to meet her and she seemed fine. However, since we have gotten her home she has proven to be a very aggressive alpha dog. She attacked Jake numerous times. I thought maybe she would outgrow it when she was comfortable. We worked on different techniques with her to establish the pack order.

The icing on the cake was the day before yesterday.. I left the puppy on hit leash tied to a door near his bed, toys, etc. I had to run upstairs for just a minute and didn't want to crate him because he hates the crate. Anyway, the next thing you know I hear growling, barking and the sounds of attack.. The next thing I hear is the puppy crying in pain. Sure enough she went after the puppy and I left him trapped. At first I thought there was no damage but it turns out she must have hit his eye with her paw. We took him to the vet yesterday because his eye was looking strange and he has an ulcer in his eye (caused by rough play, paws, etc). Since he doesn't play rough with the other dogs (they avoid him) or with sticks it must have happened when she went after him.

I understand that adjustment periods are necessary but I can't take the risk. I foster kittens, have young children, etc. Who knows what she could do.

She loves people and we have found her a good home with someone else. I feel like we failed but I guess things don't always work out. She is such a sweet girl she just can't be with timid dogs or cats. In any event I feel badly.

[legally blonde]

1. I'm sorry

I'm sure it was a hard decision for you. But, sometimes aggressive dogs can't be around other pets or small children. You found her another home, and I'm sure she'll be happy.

[prozacnation]

2. Thank you.

It was a hard decision but I can't have all of the other creatures in my house living in fear.

[China_cat]

3. Not every dog will do well in every home.

It took courage to admit that and help her find a place of her own. A lot of people would have turned her back in for being aggressive and killed any chance she might have had at another adoption.

Be kind to yourself. You did the best thing you could. For everybody including Kit.

[ernstbass]

4. Good for you for not having the dog put down

and finding it a good home.

[Merope215]

5. You did the right thing

That must be very hard, but you found her a good place. It sounds like you did what was best for everyone, and Kit will be happier where she can be the center of her people's attention. You found her a good place, and I'm sure she'll be fine there.

You did everything you can do. I'm sorry that you feel bad, but you helped everybody out, and she'll have a good life. :hug: