Very sad dog story

[Truthiness Inspector]

Hoping to be able to print out the responses for someone I care about a immensely.

Her dog was 11 years old, a shepherd mix, who was the sweetest dog ever. Over the course of the last month or so, Peanut (the dog) started getting aggressive towards her other dogs, picking fights, etc.

Long story short, Peanut attacked her other dog and in the course of breaking up the fight, my friend got bitten by Peanut requiring 7 stitches, but those were "loose stitches" since you don't normally stitch up bite wounds because of the risk of infection.

This dog was a sweetheart, but something schized or went wrong. She is agonizing because Peanut is being put down by Animal Control. I am too, this is a beautiful dog.

Peanut loved other dogs, people, and cats too. My friend personally cooked for her dogs, calling herself "professional dog chef" as a joke. This dog slept on her bed for 11 years.

I don't know what will help but I think this is the place to look for solace/anything.

[Droopy]

1. I guess dogs can go crazy, too

Anything with a brain can probably get a mental illness. Unfortunately, dogs can't talk to us so we can't help them work it out. I'm sorry for your friend's loss. I know how heartbreaking it can be to lose a pet.

[Truthiness Inspector]

3. I agree

and thank your for your response. This dog was special to many of us. Can't believe this happened.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. I wonder if dogs get Alzheimers...

Poor Peanut. I'm sorry for your friend. :hug:

[Truthiness Inspector]

4. Poor Peanut is right.

Breaks my heart.

This dog rocked.

[China_cat]

5. Any number of things could have happened.

We had a dog who was blind and was ok until she started losing her hearing, too. Then things coming at her where she couldn't see or hear them would startle her into a snap response...but she couldn't see well enough to make sure it was just a snap.

And yes, there is a cognitive disorder in dogs that is akin to Alzheimer's...the treatment is even the same in that it uses the ingredient that is called Aricept for humans. Cognitive Disfunction Syndrome. It causes all the same problems with memory and personality that the human equivalent does.

Heartbreaking for sure. I'm not sure why animal control is putting the dog down, though, since it was an owner bite situation and not out of family where someone else is calling for the euthanasia. (Unless, of course, Peanut didn't have up to date rabies shots and then in some states you don't get a choice)

[zonkers]

6. Whoa, what is the rush to put the dog down? It's only been a month of aberrational behavior. What

if the problem is curable or temporary? First, I dont understand -- if the biting of your friend happened accidently during the breaking up of a dog fight, I dont know why the dog has to be put down. Is Animal Control forcing you do it it? Is it your friend's decision?

In my book, fighting with other dogs is not a good reason to put the dog down, even if these other dogs are your dogs.

I suggest isolating your dog and getting some real advice. Its the least you can do for your pal.