while i was at work my 4 year old Daughter was bit by our(my wife and I)beloved 5yr old St Bernard dog Chris the bite was not severe but required stitches.The question is that my daughter has hit/slapped Chris on several occasions and was told never to ever do that again and I told my wife to NEVER EVER leave our daughter alone with Chris for the protection of Chris.And my wife fail to listen after she agreed it was a good idea
After the biting incident my wife and i agreed that it was a valuable lesson for are daughter to never hit helpless animals .Something we failed to teach where Chris succeeded Now they get along beautifully ....but my wife wants Chris euthanized.And this is one week after the incident.Sorry too late our daughter would be devastated and now she wants a separation what should i do.Will she change her mind? ....HELP
2006-10-03 15:51:12 · 28 answers · asked by Buda B 3 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Your wife is right, and you are wrong. The dog bit your girl, and once that happens it must be put down, because the biting will continue. She should still leave you, regardless. You made a bad decision and you must be punished.
2006-10-03 15:54:03 · answer #1 · answered by surfinthedesert 5 · 1⤊ 7⤋
My personal opinion...1) I worked for a vet for years and I personally would not keep a dog that had bit my child regardless of whether it was provoked or not. I feel that if the dog bit the child once, he'll do it again and maybe worse. Do you really want to put your child at risk even if she does provoke the child? You need to do what is best for her safety. I wouldn't put the dog to sleep but I would take him to a no kill shelter or give him away with the stipulation that he not go to a home with smaller children. Also this incident will teach your child to respect the other animals that you may bring into the household in the future. When your daughter asks why her doggy was taken away, you need to make her understand that this is a result of her treatment towards the dog. Because she hit him, he got mad and hurt her back. And tell her when she shows that she's a big girl and won't hurt the doggy then she can have another one. I'd give it a year or so, but in the mean time give her dog and cat stuffed animals for practice. Teach her to handle them gently with an animal that won't bite back. 2) I personally would not divorce my husband over an incident like this because plain and simple...the dog would not stay and my husband would not question me on this. Even if he did, to me is one of those situations where I would tell him that this is the way it's going to be and it was not even up for discussion. Hope this helps.
2006-10-03 23:16:11 · answer #2 · answered by Vanessa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, I would have to say give the dog to a shelter or find another home for him. There is just too much stress on the dog and your daughter's not old enough to realize that she's doing something that could really get her hurt. I'm sure he's a good dog, but he needs a family that will allow him to relax and not abuse him.
The other issue at hand is your marriage....it looks like your wife is looking for a way out and this is a convenient excuse. You may want to work on that next.
Good Luck
2006-10-06 14:56:07 · answer #3 · answered by Lauren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe the dog should be euthanized....children do tend to upset animals ! I would agree that the dog needs to go though ! It should be in a loving home (without children) with adults ! I believe your wife is a wee bit extreme about leaving you over this ! Your child is not the first to be bit by the family pet and won't be the last ! Luckily it was no worse than it was , it could have been deadly !! Find a good home for your dog ! Get it away from your child before something really bad happens !
2006-10-03 23:01:43 · answer #4 · answered by lilbit 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like there are some puzzle pieces missing. There is more to her leaving you than just the dog. I think the dog should have a new home. Doesn't have to be put down. Just needs a home without little children. For the sake of your daughter, that is.
Why your wife won't budge on some of this tells me that you have a few more issues you are trying to deal with. If you love her and want to save the marraige, line up some counseling for the both of you. It takes two, so she will need to be in agreement. You can't force her to do something she doesn't want to do.
Have an open mind (put pride aside). Being "bull-headed" about issues isn't going to help you two get over the hump. Take responsibility for your part and in a lot of cases, she will jump "on board". She wants to be proud of you. You will come out smelling like a rose! Good luck, my friend.
2006-10-03 23:48:03 · answer #5 · answered by Delta Charlie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel really bad saying this,but the dog will probably bite your daughter again and maybe even worse the next time.I know that your dog was thinking that it was defending itself,but the dog can't be taught that it can never bite your daughter again.All it will take is for your daughter to accidentally trip and the dog will lash out.If your dog had bitten any other child the dog would probably have been made to be put down.Why can't you find new home for your dog rather than putting it down.A nice home where some one will love the dog as much as you.I hope that every thing works out for you,and that your daughter is alright.
2006-10-04 01:14:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should have the dog euthanized, unless you can find a home with no children. The next time the dog bites her it could be a lot worse. If the dog had bitten anyone else, i believe it is the law at least where I live that the dog has to be euthanized. Your wife and daughter not to mention their safety are a whole lot more valuable than your dog.
2006-10-03 23:36:47 · answer #7 · answered by Aly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can merely give you my opinion and views on this issue,ultimately you have to make the decision.
First off,any bite,from an animal that requires stitches is severe,especially on a child.
Your daughter however,gave him a trigger.She slapped and hit him.
If your wife agreed,i dont understand where the problem came in.Maybe,you could give him to a family with no children,and visit him often.I must say if my dog,bit my neice and nephew who are like my children and i am helping raise,i would get rid of her.I wouldnt have her put to sleep,simply because i couldnt do that to an animal especially one i am attached too.Your daughter loves the dog obviously,and after this little incident they get along.You need to think about this,are you willing to throw your marriage away over a dog?If yes,then there is issues beyond this dog biting incident.I do not think she will change her mind honestly,but i could be wrong.You need to sit down and talk this out.No yelling,just talk it out.Good luck and i wish you the best.This is my rambling opinion but you have to make the decision.
2006-10-03 23:04:15 · answer #8 · answered by ~♡~Moon Goddess~♡~ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the dog had not drawn blood I would say that it was merely disciplining your daughter as the youngest member of your pack (family). Your dog might have been trying to discipline your daughter but whatever the reason for it your dag has drawn your daughter's blood so the dog can no longer be trusted around your daughter. If you can find a place to give the dog away, for the safety of your daughter you need to do that, but be warned, your wife will threaten to leave you whenever she does not get her way, and at some point you will need to say to her, "here, honey, let me help you pack." If she really means it she will leave eventually but if you call her bluff, it will lose all of its power. Unfortunately, in this instance your wife is right about the general direction of getting rid of the dog. The next time that she threatens to leave you, call her bluff.
2006-10-03 23:07:45 · answer #9 · answered by nathanael_beal 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think your wife is been too selfish with you, your daughter and Chris, your dog isn't guilty for your daughter behavior and for details you didn't take care of. Now you have to talk seriously with your wife, I don't think that's a reason to separate it was just an accident that can't happen again. Try to get your dog trained so he doesn't bite you daughter again and keep teaching your child to don't bother animals. Good luck
2006-10-03 23:10:09 · answer #10 · answered by electric_girl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the dog was going to be put to sleep it should have already been done. Tell your wife if she wants to leave to go ahead, but you are going to keep Chris and your daughter. My bet is she won't leave. Just take care that Chris isn't left alone with your wife. If you think that this is too big a chance to take then just give Chris to someone else. St. Bernard dogs are usually very genital.
2006-10-03 22:57:12 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋