Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Some time out, and sad news...

Hello friends.
This is what is running its way through our home at the moment. First Bloss, then Sam, now me, and Mr E is on the way to join us.
Summer colds are just not fun. 

On a more personal, and very sad note, we are all feeling gutted right now. 
Our Lily Rose is being put down tomorrow. 
She has mauled our little Bob-the-dog. He will recover, but at the moment he is very sore with a large gash in his shoulder and a puncture wound through his muscle. He's quite fragile and needing to be right at our feet all the time...I'm not sure how this will affect him long term, but he will not be the same confident dog. 
We have known for a while that Lily Rose cannot be trusted around children because she 'corrals' people and tries to dominate them. We had advertised for her to be given away as a hunting dog out bush, but no responses came. Now she has shown an aggressive side and is not safe. 
We would appreciate your prayers for us as we are all deeply grieved and tomorrow will be a very difficult day for each of us. 
The main lesson we are learning from this is not to 'rescue' an animal you have no knowledge about, not to take on someone else's problem when you're not sure what you are doing. We were led by emotion at the time, not common sense. 
We love her, but we cannot change what has happened or prevent an escalation of this type of behaviour in the future. We are acting as responsibly as we know how.
~~~~~
Bless you all,
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

59 comments:

My Life and Quilting said...

Hi Jenny... First I hope everyone is feeling much better soon... I know how hard it is to have to go through with animals... My heart goes out to you and I know you are doing the right thing... Good advice about dogs... We have two cats and it is so much easer... My heart is with you.... :)

Terry said...

Oh no Jenny...I'm so sorry about Bob-the-dog and Lily Rose! I can only imagine how difficult this must be for all of you. Sending hugs and prayers.

Patricia said...

my thoughts will be with you as you do what you must. My DD had to put down a rescue she had also. Very aggressive and didn't respond to some very expensive training

retdairyqueen said...

A very hard thing to do but of course it must be done
My thoughts are with your family
I know what its like to lose a much loved pet
One of the family really

By Hoki Quilts said...

Oh Jenny how I feel the pain that you and your family are going through. We have been in the same situation and our vet told us that er gave Anuk a chance which was much more than the ound would have done. we kept him for 7 months and he attacked our old Golden Rretriever and killed all of our chooks too. So with that in mind, remember you gave him a chance in a loving home where never once did he experience cruelty - you all did what you could and probably more besides.
My prayers to ease your sadness are on their way.
hugs
Miche'le

By Hoki Quilts said...

Heck, I've just read my last entry, the finger gremlins must have been at work - I do hope you can understand it, oh dear1
hugs
Miche'le

Sheila said...

Jenny ,my thoughts will be with you , I know how difficult this decision has been for you but it is for the best , it could have been so much worse if it had been a child so I understand why you have to make this choice . I went through a similar situation when our dog killed our kitten , it was horrible .

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Hi Jen...sorry you have not been well, I do hope you are feeling stronger each day...and my heart does go out to you, having to put down one of our fury mates, no matter what the reason, is just so devastating....thinking of you...xx

Dot said...

Oh, Jenny, I'm so sorry. It's hard enough to let them go when when they're old and ill...a reason like this is much more difficult to accept, even though we know it is the morally responsible thing to do. A former poster was right; you gave that dog a chance. You cannot, however, take a chance with your family.

And it is so much more difficult when you don't feel well yourself! I'm so, so sorry. Many, many prayers going up for healing and comfort.

Dot

manda said...

Oh Jenny, I am so sorry. It is the hardest decision to make, my heart goes out to you and your family. I shall be praying for you all! To know that you did your best with her, to have given her love and affection when she needed it. I pray your hearts will not be troubled. Big hugs to you, Blossom, Slicer, Mr.E and to little Bob.

Jan said...

Oh Jenny, that's so sad for you all - what a difficult decision to have to make but you know it is the right one. I hope Bob-the-dog recovers soon and that those summertime blues (and sniffles) don't overshadow your Christmas. Hugs from Jan

Jeanette said...

Oh Jenny that is sad news indeed. Will be thinking of you. Poor Bob-the-dog. I hope he recovers soon. Also hope all of you get over your illnesses soon. Hugs. (((())))

Anonymous said...

Jenny, my heart goes out to you. We had to put our 2 year old rescue down in May when she attacked and severly bit a guest in our home. It is a very difficult decision to make, and breaks your heart, but ultimately is the only decision you can make.

Cheryll said...

Jenny I'm so sorry...

Janice said...

Oh Jenny. My heart goes out to you. Even though you know it is the only responsible thing to do, it is still so difficult. I hope Bob the Dog heals soon and gets back to his old self. Likewise, I hope all of you get over the sniffles quickly.

KaHolly said...

Oh, Jenny. Am thinking of you!! ~karen

Anonymous said...

Chris said

Hi Jenny....

We are a cat house, here in Welly...N.Z.....but can feel for you and your family at this time....
it's such a hard thing to have to do for Lily Rose...but the right choice for now...

Looking back your family gave the dog some joy in her life...that perhaps she didn't have before...

Get Well & thinking of you at this sad time...
Hugs and Christmas wishes to you and yours over that side of the ditch.

Debbie said...

Dearest Jenny, I am nearly crying myself reading your post, I can feel the pain you and your family are going through. We have a large furry family ourselves and only last week our cocker spaniel bit my daughter on the toe as he was protecting me. There is no way we could put him down, we have certainly made some new rules for him. He is our life and I can only imagine how hard that decision was for you to make. Poor Bob I hope he will be ok.
I will be thinking about you and the children tommorrow and hubby and hope that this experience bring you all closer.
I wish all the sickness away as well and will say a few prayers for you. Love and take care Deb.

DIAN said...

thinking of you during this horrid sad time. Everything has already been said.
I hope you feel better soon.

Allie said...

Oh my darling Jenny.....I'm so, so sorry to hear this. I'm glad that Bob-the-dog will recover, but you are doing absolutely the right thing.
And at a time when you're already feeling low - I will keep you all in my prayers, sweetheart.

FlourishingPalms said...

My sympathies are with your family, in so many ways. I cannot imagine how this must be tearing you apart inside. And to not even be feeling well through all of it, doesn't make anything easier. I'm terribly sorry for what you're going through. My prayers are with you, and Lily Rose and Bob-the-dog too. God loves all creatures.

BubzRugz said...

Oh Jenny - so hard for you all.... I do know as I have had to put down perfectly healthy dogs and cried bucketloads....
Lots of thoughts with you all
Hugz

jugglingpaynes said...

Oh Jenny. I am so sorry. How terribly sad for all of you. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

If you want to talk about it, I'm here.

Peace,
Cristina

Jo in TAS said...

Oh Jenny that's sad news, you and your family have tried and Lily Rose has had plenty of chances in life but you cannot put yourself and others including other beloved pets at risk. It's going to be ae extremely hard day for you all, I will be thinking of you. I hope Little Bob makes a full recovery and gains some confidence in his own backyard.
Hugs to you all and I hope you all feel better both in health and heart too.
Jo

Cattinka said...

Oh Jenny,
I know this was a tuff decision to make, but you have to do it.
Hope you all feel better soon.
KATRIN W.

Lurline said...

Jenny, I can only commend you and your family for letting your heads rule your hearts! We are serious animal lovers and know how very sad and difficult this will be for you all!
Hugs and blessings - Lurline♥

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Hi Jenny! Sad news- I'm so sorry. I hope Bob will soon feel better. Thinking of you all.

Sheila said...

Other people have said everything. So just sending lots of <> for tomorrow.

Susan said...

Big hugs - how sad for you all

Sew Useful Designs said...

Awwwwwww darling, thinking of you xxxx I know this must be such a hard decision and a painful time for you all. My heart goes out to you Jen, to all of you. xxxxxxxxxx
Love and hugs sweetheart xxxxxxxxxx
Vikki xxxxxxxxxxxx

RobynLouise said...

I hope you all feel well soon. You can't change Lily Rose's instincts and you tried to find her a home that would appreciate her temperament and that's all you could do. You gave her a chance she wouldn't have had but it's best you don't take more chances with something she has no control over.

Abby and Stephanie said...

A difficult decision for sure. I'm sorry for Bob's injury as well as Lily Rose not being able to fit into the loving home you've provided. Good thing is there is a higher percentage of positive rescue dog stories. I applaud anyone who gives it a try. Be well.

Pam said...

Hi Jenny,
Hope you and your family are feeling fit and well again very soon. So sorry to hear about Bob the dog and hope he doesn't suffer too much from this experience. It's a difficult decision I'm sure but it must be for the best. At least Lily Rose has had a caring home and you can do no more.

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, sorry you all have red noses colds can make you feel awful. How sad about Lily- Rose I know you are doing the right thing but that does'nt make it any easier. Love to you all. Jillx

Amanda said...

What a shame for you all; sometimes making the right decision is so hard. But at least Lily Rose will have spent some very happy times with you, and you'll be able to remember those. Poor Bob-the-dog, but he'll be very happy to have your undivided attention again, and all the love and support will bring him through I'm sure.

Tudy said...

You have my thought and prayers at this time of pain for all of you. I have had to put a pet down because of illness and that was hard enough. This has to be harder. But you are right and there is no other solution. Hope Bob-the-dog gets better very soon.

Colleen's Blog Long Island NY said...

Hi Jenny, so sad to hear about Lily Rose. Our pets are members of our family and it is so hard to lose them. You are doing the best for her that you know how. My prayers are with you all.

Maria said...

I am so sorry to read your sad story. Hope Bob gets better soon.
Sending you all loving thoughts.

Get well soon. Nothing worse than summer colds.

Phyllis said...

It's a very difficult decision to have an animal euthanized when they are physically healthy. I've gone through it a couple of times myself.

I'm so sorry Lilly Rose has a dark side to her. Just remember, every animal is unique - just like we are. Rescuing/saving an animal isn't necessarily a risk. You just have to be aware of their traits as they mature.

Give Bob the Dog a pat on his head for me. I'm so sorry he got hurt.

Stephanie said...

My heart goes out to all of you. Hugs & prayers for you.

LfsAlot said...

Jenny, I am so sorry you and your family have to go through something so hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love and peace,
Shelley

Carrie P. said...

Oh, what a sad time for you all and to be sick on top of that is not good at all.
Saying a prayer for you all.
Hugs!

Wendy said...

Hi Jenny, hope your family is feeling better soon......I hope Bob the dog makes a full recovery. I am so sorry that you have had to make such a sad and tough decision. You are doing the best thing for all concerned even though it breaks your heart. Hugs to you all.

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
Oh dear, I'm sure the whole family is grieving for Lilly Rose as well as Bob the dog. Soo sorry to hear such bad news.
I hope you all get over the dreaded cold real soon and you're spirits are lifted for Christmas time!
Big hugs to you all,
Anna

Mrs Shepo said...

Feeling for you and all your family, Jenny, hope the joy of Christmas will help to ease your sorrow and that Bob makes a full recovery, hope the flu bug flys away soon. Cheers Pat.

Marie said...

Feeling your pain and many prayers are coming your way. Hope you all will also feel beeter health wisw soon. From our hoome to yours much love for the season. Hugs,Marie

Robin in New Jersey said...

Oh Jenny, I am so sorry. Putting an animal down is never easy. You are making the right decision. You would not want her to hurt a person. I hope your other dog will heal and be OK in time.

Sorry about the colds. :(

Thinking about each of you...

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Oh Jenny...
I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart is sad for you. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers.
xx,shell

Alice said...

Oh Jenny- I am so behind in my blog reading. I am hurting for you--I know it had to be a hard decision. Each and everyone is like a member of the family flaws and all.
You are in my prayers.
Hope you all feel better soon.
L,A-

Fleurette said...

Jenny, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Fee said...

Oh hugs Jen ... so sorry to hear about Lily Rose. Thinking of you all ... and praying for a quick recovery from your colds.

Love Fee x

vernagrace said...

I so hope you are getting over the flu. It's all been said, and this being the day after, just know my heart goes out to you and yours. You are all in my prayers.
God bless,

Rumi said...

So sorry to hear about poor Bob and Lily Rose. Sometimes even though it is the right decision, it doesn't make it an easy one.

Hope you family feels better soon. Speedy recovery to Bob the dog too.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that. My puppy Hunny B is a French Mastif/Pit bull mix and she is the sweetest thing ever and I was hoping your baby would be just as sweet. I am sorry about the little dog, but you need to put her down. You dont want to have your last memory being her hurting a child. My prayers are with you.

The Canine Chef said...

I have to go out on a limb here and plead for Lilly Roses life. Killing a life is not the answer. There is a difference between a dog that may be dog aggressive and one that is people aggressive just because a dog bites or attacks another dog does NOT mean it will ever bite or attack a human. I would suggest a professional trainer or a new home with a rescue that has the time to work on training and desensitization to other dogs. If in fact it was the other dog or some other external stimuli or even a medical/physical issue that triggered this event. I would not discourage anyone from helping a rescue dog. Just because you don't know the background doesn't make them a bad dog. Training makes the dog and life in a backyard is usually not very conducive to a happy and well adjusted dog. They need human guidance and companionship to develop into a balanced and well adjusted being. This dog was acquired as a puppy and as such a blank slate ready and waiting to be molded and taught. They are like sponges and will absorb whatever we are willing to teach them. Without instruction they have no basis for their decisions or actions. It is possible there is a home out there for her where she could be the only dog, it is possible that with training she can learn what is expected of her. It is very sad that Bob the dog was injured but I do not agree Lilly Rose should pay with her life for this mistake. T.C.

Jean - Oksewnsew said...

Oh Jenny, so sorry to hear ya'all are going thru the cold stuff - I've had a head cold since Sunday, not fun. My heart goes out to you and I'll keep you in my prayers for ya'all to get better soon, and to help you heal losing Lily Rose. It's always so sad to part with a pet, been there, done that too many times. They are our fur-babies. Hope Bob-the-dog heals quickly, too. Hugs.

Jean - Oksewnsew said...

Oh Jenny, so sorry to hear about Lily Rose - my heart goes out to you all. Please know I am thinking of you in this trying time. I'm sorry to hear ya'all are going thru colds - I have it too, but it's winter here (if u call 65 one day, 30 the next winter!). It's been in my head mostly.. Take care.

Wendyb said...

Oh Jen my love, I am sooo sorry to hear about Bob and LilyRose.....I know how much they both mean to you....and I know what you'll be going through. You did the right thing! Big big hugs my lovely...and praying and thinking of you always!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO......
Wendy

Julie said...

totally agree with the canine chief! this was not the answer!!!
just the easy way out.
sad and wrong.