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Nov. 22, 2005
Today I am sad
Today started off well enough. My children were playing happily and I postponed lessons for a bit because that is a critical skill they need much practice at. We got started way late, but that was just fine. My Baby Bear seems to be totally over whatever his ailment was and he was back to his normal active but lovable self. Full of giggles, silly jokes and tearing through the house. Mouse did well on her beginning lessons and we talked more about vaccinations on our way to get Baby Bug's vaccinations.
We stopped at the library to get lots of books about teeth so that we can take advantage of this high interest topic now that Mouse has her very first loose tooth, which she cannot stop talking about. I finally turned on the computer and had her BLOG about it.
But upon returning from Karate, we had bad news. While our dog was out roaming the neighborhood last night, she attacked another dog. Who knows why...apparently unprovoked. Now we have $350 in vet bills for this poor little poodle who was minding its own business in its own little yard when this giant malamute attacked. This is the second time she has done this, but we doubted the reports the first time and just tried to keep better control of her so she would not escape. If you knew this dog, you'd understand. We take her to the dog run now and again, and she has never displayed an aggressive bone in her body. A chihuahua once growled at her and she rolled on her back in submission. This tiny little dog no bigger than her muzzle had her on her back with her tail tucked between her legs....and we're supposed to believe that she attacked another dog? I was sure it was the neighbor's dog who is always allowed to run free, has chased my children, growled at the neighbors and is extremely territorial (I'm afraid to get the mail when he is out becuase he has claimed our box as his). But there is no way around it this time. It was our dog.
The sherriff was really nice. He seemed surprised at what a nice dog she is...she did not even bark at him when he approached the house. She wagged her tail and came to greet him like anyone in our family. She has no idea that nice officer was delivering her death sentence. But we have no means of containing her. It is not fair to her to keep her chained continually. My children are not able to keep the doors closed...especially my two year old. That is when she got out...we were getting ready to go and he "helpfully" opened the door to help get things to the car. And there is always that question in the back of my mind....why did she attack? It was completely unprovoked and very aggressive. Could she attack one of the children? I can't imagine it....she is so sweet. She tolerates the overly exuberant toddler's attentions. I think she thinks Baby Bug is her puppy, the way she responds immediately to the slightest whimper and lays down protectively near her, no matter where in the house she is.
But tomorrow we will be bringing her to the humane society. I really hope they are able to find a home for her. She has been such a good dog. But it is difficult to place a dog once it has citations against it, expecially for aggression. I'm surprised the county did not require us to put her down. After the first attack, the officer informed us that she most likely would be destroyed even if she was just reported "at large" since she had a history of aggression. This officer actually went over other options after my husband mentioned that we would have to take her to the humane society.
And right now Kieva is sleeping peacefully curled up in her dog house. Kieva who loves the snow. Kieva who sprawls out on a concrete block in -20 degree weather, basking in the cold. Kieva who loves to pull, and comes to life when hooked to a tobaggon. Kieva who loves people and attention. Kieva who tests limits as much as any child...squatting when my daughter tells her to sit, putting one paw on the forbidden furniture to see if someone will make her take it off.
Tomorrow that dog house will be empty. I won't have my foot warmer anymore (she always sleeps at my feet while I'm on the computer). I'll never again hear her howling in response to the children's yips (she does sound like a wolf). The balls of fur which roll through the house like tumbleweed in the desert will gradually disappear with none to replace them. And I'll never again smile as I hear her struggle to worm her way under my son's toddler bed when all the lights go out.
Good bye, Kieva. I really wish things did not have to end this way.
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Nov. 23, 2005 - Untitled Comment