[Epsilon]

Originally Posted by ladyj

My thoughts exactly. I could never feel the same about a dog that killed another animal like that. I have a friend who adopted a Bichon from a rescue organization. They didn't know all of his history, but he was skittish. They had two teenagers and the dog got along fine with the family, was sweet and friendly. The teenage girl had friends over a lot and one day the Bichon bit one of her friends. There wasn't any teasing or anything, he just bit her out of the blue when she approached him. It wasn't a serious bite, just broke the skin a little and didn't require a doctor's attention. The owner took it very seriously and did everything she could to keep the dog happy and calm. As time went by, he seemed to be fine, but then on another occasion he bit another friend of the family the same way. At that point, the owner began to think about what to do with the dog and kept him away from visitors. Some time later, he bit again and she immediately took him to the vet and had him euthanized. Some of her friends really put her down for euthanizing the dog and said he should have been put into rescue and given another chance. But she said she didn't want anyone else to have to deal with him and she didn't think he would ever be safe. He had been through rescue once and it would not be possible to ever place him in another home. A dog that bites is not a happy dog and I think she did the right thing. They loved the dog and the whole family was devastated. She still cries when she talks about the dog and it's been three or four years ago now. You just can't live with a dog that bites. You can't take those chances, even with a small dog. And having a dog that you can't interact with defeats the reason for having a dog. It's sad, but you have to live with the dog every day and you have to do what's best for the dog and your family.

That is a very responsible owner.