damage. He doesn't see or hear well and is absolutely untrainable but very sweet. i can't give him to the shelter here b/c there is no way he would be adopted. he lives on a chain because i can't afford a pen. he is fed and watered regularly and we take him camping and to the lake in the summer. he is thin but not emaciated by any means. someone called the humane society and they said he is malnourished and his living conditions are unfit. i don't believe he's malnourished b/c i've seen him eat EVERY DAY. he eats more than my other dog who is twice his size. The humane society isn't doing anything but it got me thinking maybe we should "put him out of his misery" as so many have suggested. i wish i could find him a farm to live on but i've tried and he's just not the kind of dog anyone but me seems to want. please weigh in with your opinions!!
2007-04-13 07:32:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
We do play with him and let him in the house pretty often. My other dog is like a person and perfectly behaved. He tries to play with her but just runs into stuff. He recognized my voice and is affectionate. I have to watch him closely if he's in the house b/c he will jump on my daughter. I'm going to try to find a rescue group where i know he won't be put down. Thanks for your support and understanding. I do the best I can but recognize it's probably not enough.
2007-04-13 08:13:00 · update #1
his way of life seems to have been fine for the past two years you've been caring for him, obviously he is still alive and happy. Maybe save to help him have a kennel area to live in outside. You might put him on a higher fat/protein diet until he gains a few pounds tho, then switch back to normal. You are good for takin care of this poor animal. He can't take care of himself, the world needs more people like you.
2007-04-13 07:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by Candy S 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I agree with most of the other answers that you should probably let someone else, maybe a little more prepared than you, adopt him. I also agree with one other respondent in particular that you should have your vet check him out & see what he says. However, I believe you should take his advice and make your own decision. Ask yourself "Is he in pain, or maybe just not so bright". I don't think an animal should necessarily be put down just because he's not the smartest animal. If you had a child who had similar problems, would you get rid of, or put him down? I sometimes think some vets are quick to suggest putting an animal down when circumstances are not so perfect. But maybe all the animal wants is to be loved & enjoy the time on earth he has. I once found a cat in a rainstorm, lying in a puddle in the middle of the road (that normal, paws tucked under position). He was thin, weak (extremely malnourished) and very calm, barely responding to my presence. I took him home, bathed him, trimmed his matted fur, fed him, and he went to sleep warm, happy & purring curled up next to me. He never woke up. I firmly believe he just needed to be loved.
(YES - I know now that he could have had diseases, could have bitten me, etc, etc, etc. But I was young & had never been around many cats to think of such bad things. I only wanted to help).
My point, is that some creatures just need to have that in their lives. Furthermore, I do not think that you keeping the animal on a chain is necessarily inhumane. That would depend solely on the rest of his living conditions (i.e. - Is he sleeping in his own fecal matter, does he have shade, cover, etc), and only you can know how well you treat the animal. Clearly you care for him, otherwise you wouldn't have posted the question. But what is also clear is that you seem to be tired or frustrated with dealing with him. Let someone else - who is undaunted by his issues be that person.
One more thing, while other answers are right that there may be a further problem causing him to eat more than your other dog and still appear thin... Sometimes a dog is not necessarily malnourished JUST because you can see his/her ribs. I've had several people say my dog (Rottie) is malnourished because you can see the outlines of her ribs, however, she has been to several vets (due to moving) and her weight is just right and the vets all agree that she is just right in the weight department, and any more and she'd become overweight. Again, here - only you know how you truly treat the dog and should make your own decisions from there. But getting advice never hurts.
2007-04-13 16:51:56 · answer #2 · answered by American Woman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep your dog and give him the best you can. I can relate to what you are going though, i have an ill dog. She has hypothyroidism, which affects her immune system, she cant have antibiotics as her immune system crashes as soon as the course is stopped and she ends up worse than before. She also has generalised demodictosis, or permanent mange. Demodex mites are present on every dog, but usually a flare up only occurs if the dog is in puberty, has an illness, stressed or injured, anything that supresses the immune system. Then they go away as soon as the dogs immune system is better, but sometimes the affliction becomes too widespread and needs to be treated a little more rigorously. Well she just cant get well enough for the treament to work permanently. She looks awful, very thin hair, the occasional blood blister filled with infected blood, feet swell up on a regular basis, she was under weight but we have that under control now, tear ducts dont work so her eyes are always gummy, her skin is discolored. This is at her best too, when she is having a bad month, open lesions, no fur in large patches, feet so swollen she can barely walk and as thin as a racing greyhound(she is a doberman). So many people have suggested i have her euthanased and some times i think it would be better for her and most will agree. But..................., she is such a happy dog, loves my kids, loves me, her love is reciprocated, she really seems to get as much out of each day as she can, never been depressed or moping, always happy to see you and spend time. Even though life cant be easy for her, she just seems to want it so much, i cant deny her that.
Keep your dog and do all you can for him, love him and let him love you back. Ask a friend that is a bit on the handy side, with all the tools, if they can help you build a pen. If i could help you i would, but i am fairly sure you live nowhere near me in western australia. Also ask the humane society if they can help or know of a way you can get help, they may be able to refer you to a rescue organisation that maybe more than happy to help.
Dont listen to others who may think they know what is best for your dog, you know your dog better than everyone, do you really honestly think he is better off with no life, compared to the one hes got, doesnt sound like it to me.
2007-04-13 08:09:27 · answer #3 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for taking him in. I must assume that you have had him to the vet for the initial injuries and since then to make sure he is doing as well as expected. Has he always been thin or more recently? Been rechecked for worms? Possibly the quality of dog food? The area where a dog is kept must be kept cleaned of nasty. Chain must allow for exercise without being entangled. Obviously, there must be a decent shelter and clean full food/water dishes. They would be looking to determine if the dog is just being allowed to "exist" in its situation.
Our decision to "end misery" for any animal is based on "quality of life" criteria. If your dog is able to interact with family and show signs of affection, still eating good, no organ failure, able to go potty and not in a pained condition then no reason to euthenize.
We always consult with the vet on this as you should. To determine there is nothing serious going on that you can not see, outside of not hearing or seeing well. Many of us have that problem! It would be more related to the brain damage and if that damage is causing other neurological problems and what, if anything, could be done. If he does not act "miserable" and is able to recognize family and be active then he is not in misery. If he has not been vetted in last 6 months then please do that. This would also provide a vet statement as to his condition for the humane society, just in case.
And take a close look at his living area. Is it the best it should be or needing a clean up? If the area is not grassy and muddy when rains then get him a bale of hay for area. Cedar shavings for doghouse helps with fleas and odor and comfort. He may have some brain damage but still deserves a decent area to stay. Maybe some new toys to chew.
2007-04-13 08:01:31 · answer #4 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like the others have posted earlier than she doesn't appear to be aggressive ample to PTS. I'd put money into some confident behavioral training though. As for making use of prong or choke chain collars PLEASE don't USE THESE! They hurt the animals by choking or digging into their necks. This may additionally motive a dog to end up extra aggressive in view that everytime they see one more dog and pull then affliction is involving these occasions. Making seeing another animal a negative factor. Are attempting using a smooth chief(head collars) or a specially made harness that you just clip your leash within the front of the chest. These are each good for training and especially should you dog likes to pull on the leash. It'll provide you with more manage, but you is not going to be hurting your dog while. Don't feel me? Are attempting on a choke chain or prong collar and notice the way it feels! Shock collars are the equal means!
2016-08-11 00:35:04 · answer #5 · answered by jarod 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We suggest that you turn the dog over to local humane society or Animal Control office. They have trained personnel who can do a behavior assessment on him and determine if his problems can be overcome with training. They can also find a more suitable environment for him to stay in. If he doesn't pass the behavior test and is labeled "unadoptable", they may try to find a rescue group to take him in (rather than putting him down). Do right by the dog, and turn him over to people who can help him.
As for his weight: it doesn't make any difference if you feed him every day or if he eats more than another dog. If you can see his ribs or any of his bones, he's malnourished and needs more food.
2007-04-13 07:47:46 · answer #6 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is really bad off, shaking, no focus, unable to socialize with anyone, you might do well to have your vet examine him and then give you his assessment of what would be best for him.You can't always save an animal and the rest of it's life is happy and healthy. I've had to put dogs down that had reached a point that was no longer kind to them to go on. If you and your vet agree, it might be that time. This is the part I hate about rescuing animals, I grieve for them as much as if I knew them all my life.
2007-04-13 08:00:36 · answer #7 · answered by redd headd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No dog deserves to live its life on the end of a chain...if this is your idea of rescue I would hate to see the conditions it was in before.
Don't you play with this poor bugger...?.... dont you take him for walks....?... out for car rides..?
I know a man that just rescued a dog that if you didn't know better you would think it has brain damage...it can't stand still..it goes around and around...the story is it spent three years in a small kennel... and that is all it knows. Is it brain damaged...?.. or just socially damaged.
i agree with everyone else here...give it to a rescue group... and let someone else make the final decision as I don't think you have the experience, ore even commen sense...to decide whether its really a hopeless case.
Sorry don't mean to sound nasty... but gee whiz people... all dogs want is to eat and be with you playing...having fun.....arrgggghhhh
2007-04-13 07:49:48 · answer #8 · answered by tq j 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
A dog should only be put down if it is in pain or suffering.
In your case you should try putting him up for adoption on http://www.petfinder.com Explain that he needs somebody with a big yard/ farm and also about his hearing/seeing problems. Somebody with a big yard and a big heart will take him in.
Don't put him down. If you live in Florida email girl_who_loves_adventure@yahoo.com . I have 5 acres of yard and about half an acre the dogs are allowed to run on. I would (might) be able to take him in until he could find a more suitable home. My rescue is http://www.angelsonearth.4t.com The websites not finished yet.
2007-04-13 07:45:12 · answer #9 · answered by ジョオデン 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You have to determine his quality of life. Is he "in misery"? Does he act depressed or unhappy, or does he still wake up with a joy for living? Did the humane society agree that you are meeting his physical needs?
Brain damage does not equal unhappy. Skinny does not equal malnourished.
If the dog is still enjoying his life, there is no good reason to put him down.
2007-04-13 08:16:00 · answer #10 · answered by NobodyKnows 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋