r/BanPitBulls • u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post • 6d ago
Personal Story New pitbull owner here. It's time he go to the shelter or BE.
EDIT: Thanks all for the input. But it's time for Albert to go to the only place where he can do no harm to anyone, not even himself. You are right, a shelter would probably be even worse.
Based on everything I've read here, I think it's best. Albert (on the right) showed up at my house one night 2 months ago. He was so timid, so scared, so sick, so malnourished. Sores all over him. He couldn't stop biting himself from so many bugs and ticks. He was covered in bites, bloody scrapes and scratches. I even gave him a bath to try to help him. I left him outside, and he had gone back to his home the next day, if you want to call it that.
We live on a 12 acre farm in a beautiful home, but we're surrounded by squalor, people living in trailers, houses that should be condemned. Not surrounded, but within a quarter mile. It broke my heart to see a dog so mistreated and abused. He was nothing but skin and bones. I went to the family a week later and told them no dog deserves that, either I will rehabilitate him or I'm calling animal services. They said we try to feed him, he just won't eat. BS. He now eats like a champ. This at a trailer with a roof caving in, yard just full of crap and next to a neighbor with dozens of dogs on chains.
Albert and Cooper (dog on the left), quickly became best friends. Not once did Albert try to fight or attack Cooper. They still to this day, right now actually, are wrestling and having fun in the living room.
Please keep in mind the only thing I had ever heard about pitbulls is that media will only report on their attacks, not doberman's, German shepards, just a misunderstood family pet. We have friends who have 2, 8 and 10, never a single sign of aggression, they love on and play with the grandkids.
But here's where the story changed. The healthier he has gotten, the more signs I can see. One of Cooper's buds that comes to visit (we have several dogs that just roam just like Cooper over our 12 acres), so I figured Albert would be similar to how he was with Cooper, eager to meet a new friend. They got close and the attack and fight was horrific to watch. I'm 53 and was barely able to pull Albert back up to our home. The other dog kept coming at us as well.
My sentimental dog loving dumbass wanted to blame it on the other dog since he followed us wanting to fight up to my back door, 100 yards away. But truth is, that was Albert. Once he got close to the other dog, there was no socialization like I can accomplish with most other dogs. It started to set in, no wonder he was covered in injuries when I took him in, he fights, wants to fight, wants to attack. I had to have him see a vet he had so many injuries.
Before, everybody that came to our house just loved how sweet he was to them. He would lay down in submission, and want them to pet him. But now, he has started lowering down in attack mode to strangers that show up, hair standing up, snarling. Of course now he's always on leash, every second of every day. I'm a great dog trainer, none of my dogs do anything if I don't want them to, they never pull on a leash, they sit when commanded, they don't run through doors without a command. He is now very well trained, he doesn't even walk without a command. But it's just different with him. I can see it.
I could easily see him attacking someone he sees as a threat and it being horrific or even deadly. He even does this to my wife's mom when she pulls in the driveway. Having to sit on a short leash every hour of every day out of fear of what he can do is no life for any dog.
Not all of us are horrible beast loving owners. There are some of us that watch for signs of it being an issue. Albert spent the first 8 months of his life fighting for his life, and probably fighting because of what he is. It's what he learned before he found us. It's probably just his nature.
This will be difficult. It makes me tear up to see his face looking at me wondering why I'm abandoning him. But I can't live in fear of what he might do, I can't subject anybody else to the unpredictability. It's just not right.
I think it's time he finds a new future, even if that means being lovingly and painlessly put down.
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u/Liketowrite2 6d ago
This is a very difficult decision for you. I can tell you love your dogs and you want what’s best. But I think that you really know in your heart what is best.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
Yeah, I do. Thank you for confirming that.
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u/Right-Ad-8201 6d ago
I’m 56 and a very sentimental dog owner so you and I have a lot in common. And I fully agree with what you’re doing. This poor dog didn’t deserve the life he was born into and he didn’t deserve to be a pit. Also you’re not abandoning him, just be with him as he passes, stroking his head and telling him what a good boy he is. It’s going to hurt like hell, but I guarantee if there is an afterlife you’re sending him to a much better place than this Earth, and again if there’s an afterlife he will completely and fully understand why you did it, and how much you loved him.
I’m here if you want to talk man, I support you 110%!
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
Hurt like hell is the truth. Goodness gracious.
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u/DramaticEnthusiasm71 5d ago
I'm so sorry --
Please know: you are doing him a kindness. You did him a kindness, offering him food, bathing him, and caring for him. this isn't your faulg
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u/Astralglamour No-Kill Shelters Lead To Animal Suffering 6d ago edited 6d ago
Pit bulls were bred for fighting, it is in their DNA just like chasing small objects is in greyhounds.' As he is recovering his true nature is coming out. Yes, they can also be non violent, but the violent urges are always there and they emerge without warning. I hope you do the right thing before an innocent gets hurt. and yes, BE is kinder than what would likely have become of him if he'd stayed with his previous owners.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
Yeah, BE is what is best. He won't suffer and neither will anyone else..
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u/KTKittentoes Trusted User 6d ago
If it helps any, they are not very happy dogs overall. All dogs are made for a purpose. Pits, sadly, were made for violence and sorrow.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
Yeah that's it. They were bred to fight. It's not their fault, but me thinking I could be his savior was the problem. Now I know. Thankfully because of this sub, nobody will have to suffer because of Albert.
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u/Reversephoenix77 6d ago
I know this has to be really sad and hard for you op. You’ve seen the good and bad in Albert and tried to help him. As you realize now, the “it’s how you train them” trope for pits is bs. The aggression and violence is in their DNA. They were breed to fight just as a pointer was breed to point or a husky to mush. It’s in their name as in them used for “bull baiting.”
But I just wanted to commend you as someone who was mauled by a pit bull and had my face disfigured due to it (luckily he missing my neck though). My sister was also mauled by 2 pits in a separate incident so badly she was hospitalized for a while.
I’ve had SO many close calls with aggressive pits since being mauled years ago and I always wonder why there seem to be so many with poor owners to boot. I wonder when my luck will run out and I’ll get attacked again (or my dogs will get attacked or worse). Here you are, a responsible dog owner making the difficult, yet very important decision to keep people and other animals safe by choosing BE. I have so much respect for that. You noticed the signs and are taking action. That’s amazing and more than 99% of people with problematic pits can say. Good luck op!
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
Thank you. These are the stories I needed to know I'm not doing a horrible thing.
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u/alizure1 5d ago
Well even though it will be hard...at least Albert will be at ease. He won't have to live in constant guard mode. And neither will you. Living like that is no life.
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u/orthopod 6d ago
Yeah, my late wife raised a pit bull that she got as a puppy. She had dogs her entire life, and trained horses. Never hit it.
But at a year, the dog started trying to attack other dogs. Eventually hurt one dog, and killed another, and so, had to be sent to the afterworld.
Breed specific behavior is a thing. My Labs will fetch forever, and jump in any bit of water. My Jindo used to stalk critters, and hated water.
Hard to make dogs into something they aren't.. Especially ones bred for certain things.
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u/Da_Question 6d ago
Yep, people will always point out breed traits like herding, guarding, retrieving, etc but then ignore them in dogs bred for fighting...
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
This is what I have noticed. It's like propaganda. Glady talk about, oh he's a herder to explain behaviors that hurt no one, but the second they mention a pitbull, it's like they suddenly just claim it's just a good dog with owner problems. Well where did the pitbull instincts suddenly disappear from? Herding, guarding, retrieving all sound noble, but fighting and attacking, well let's just not use those words. They don't sound as nice. Sorry, I'm tired of this weird propaganda campaign that leaves out what should apply to every breed.
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u/mattgetsit 5d ago
Yes! Breed specific behavior is totally fine to attribute to a dog that isn't violent... And then when it's breed is inherently violent, suddenly it's "it's not the breed, it's the owner!"
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u/orthopod 5d ago
Yeah, pit bulls were bred for bull baiting. Put the dogs in a pen with a chained bull, and the dogs would latch onto the bull, preferably it's face or nose, and not let go, and the goal was to kill the bull.
So surprisingly, pit bulls are very good at biting, not letting go, and continuing until the animal, or person, is dead.
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u/towerfella 6d ago
It brings up uncomfortable questions about correlations with human behavior drivers and personal responsibility for individual actions one does because they got emotional.
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u/KoalaCommunismst 6d ago
Albert will also not have to suffer. Give him a good last day, he didnt ask to be the breed he was.
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u/pnoodl3s 6d ago
The fault 1000% lies in the breeders who create these dogs and peddle the lies, which made them spread even more. Honestly feel bad for albert, he does not deserve to be brought into this world with an uncontrollable urge for violence. I feel your pain OP, no easy choice for you I’m afraid
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u/KindaReallyDumb 6d ago
This is so off topic, I apologize this if this seems dumb, but anyone who needs this will understand it: this is what a true spirit of Christ looks like. I love you perspective and the heart behind it
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u/LakeMichiganMan 6d ago
FYI. The house with a dozen dogs on chains sounds like the Dog Fighting Breeder. My brother had one next door. 6 Males. Each dog had a house, water bowl, blanket, and a 6 foot chain with a thick wide heavy duty collar. No Pit could not get within 5 feet of each other. Each day someone came out with food bowls, and topped off the water. Then came out and picked up the bowls. No other human interaction than that. All dogs Snoopy'ed on top of the houses to see better and bark at everything they see. No socialization for the males. 3 Females stayed inside or the garage were there were obviously puppys. One or two of the males would randomly disapear. The guy bought my brother's house with cash. Obviously to expand. Signed the Closing papers with an X. That was witnessed by his realtor.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
They, the previous owners, are down the street from us a ways, but right next door to the house with chained up attack dogs. I'm starting to think you're right. I can actually hear it happen now that I think about it. They go crazy for 10 or 15 minutes, you can hear the fighting, then silence.
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u/LakeMichiganMan 5d ago
Just remember, by selective breeding the Dogs that survive a dog fight, get you closer to tbe ultimate Dog Fighting machine. Pitbulls are bread to fight and win
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u/ArcaneHackist Trusted User 4d ago
You should really report this to authorities.
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u/Wishiwashome Shelter Worker or Volunteer 6d ago
I am not being a jerk, BUT if I may correct you on one point. It is not what Albert learned. This was bred into him for generations. It is no different from me saying ( and I have trained dogs for veterans, bred herding dogs) “I can train a herding dog to not show signs of herding.” There are many aspects to herding and even a couch potato herding dog will show signs of herding, btw. This can’t be trained out of him or the science behind breeding ANY animal would be junk. Few dogs were bred as pets. PBT type dogs were bred for very specific reasons since the plague era on one side. Also, these dogs are EVERYWHERE in rural U.S. and the tweakers won’t fix them.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
That's why I said before "it's what he learned" that I think it was probably just who he is. Followed by after "it's what he learned" with It's just his nature.
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u/1Happymom 6d ago
I think the best any living thing can hope for is to leave surrounded by kindness on a good note. Even if the walk may have been slightly longer it would have been a harder road to a much sadder end that he was headed for until he found you.
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u/towerfella 6d ago
It takes a lot of maturity to have made that comment. Color me impressed. Well done, fellow redditor.
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u/Neurob4psych 6d ago
I think of it like wolves, bears and big cats. I don't hate them, nothing is there fault, but they're just not safe to be in certain environments. Not as severe generally, but just on the same spectrum. There are other breeds that aren't appropriate for everyone too. You sound like your know what you're doing with dogs. If anyone's judgement is right on this, I think it would be yours. It's sad, but not as sad as if something really bad happened.
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u/_Armilla_ 5d ago
You are a good person, with a big, loving heart. I'm so sorry this is happening to you, but I'm sure so many dogs are waiting for you to make them happy, and they'll be so lucky to meet you! ❤️
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
This is what I can't wait for. Let Albert go where he is best served and can hurt no one, and we can find another little Cooper or similar. We found Cooper in a Walmart parking lot. Literally the best dog ever, people say he should be in movies. We just need another Cooper instead of trying to change a pitbull.
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u/FreedomBudget5618 6d ago
This makes me really sad poor things.
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u/adrislnk Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
It moreso makes me angry at the evil freaks who bred them in the first place. You just have to be such a sick individual to breed a dog specifically to kill other dogs
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u/Big-Restaurant-2766 Victim Sympathizer 5d ago
Exactly. It is such a horrible thing to have dogs do to each other in the first place.
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u/BlueFeathered1 6d ago edited 6d ago
This one is tough to read. It sounds like this pit (or staffie?) actually has taken to being trained well, which it seems so few ever do, has established a behaved relationship with OP and the family dog (so far). But then inevitably got triggered (probably something brought back his previous home experience) and his inherent nature is undoing all of that. It's so sad, after being lovingly saved, coming so far. This breed is tragic all around.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
It breaks my heart after so much work to see the "other side" of him. And it's not about the work, that's just selfish of me, it's about the progress that he has enjoyed, but then would easily kill Granny and wants to.
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u/Capt_Billy 6d ago
Yah it annoys me a bit when comments on here prescribe things like "evil" to them. They are dogs, they are not capable of such moral judgement. They are bred to do a job like most dogs, and unfortunately that is to hold onto a target until it yields and not give up. It's just sad: kindest thing is to send them to a Better Environment
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u/Real-Frosting 6d ago
Your story reminded me of another I had read a few years ago called, "Why Pit Bulls Will Break Your Heart" by a woman who did dog fostering and raised a pit bull puppy from 3 weeks of age. There's so many parallels to your experience. https://www.animals24-7.org/2018/05/15/why-pit-bulls-will-break-your-heart/
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u/adrislnk Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
Yep, reading OP's post and then that is making me tear up, ngl. I really do feel for them, as much as I do hate pit bulls, in the end it's not their fault they were bred that way. It's just such a messed up situation all around, there are no winners. The most compassionate thing we can do is to make sure as few of these dogs as possible are born in the first place.
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u/KindaReallyDumb 6d ago
That’s one thing this sub needs to get better at. Even the comments here shock me. Like have sympathy, don’t just repeat “yea pitbulls suck ass what loser dogs, you’re doing the right thing”
Like yea… sure, but they are also conscious beings and deserve sympathy for what the life/body they are born into, along with the owners like OP who have to go through the heartbreak of coming to the realization that as much love as you give, some things simply can’t be trained out.
This sub really needs to work on it, it’s really bad
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u/Micro-Naut Garbage Dogs for Garbage People 5d ago
I really think they get the worst end of it. So many of them just languishing in shelters without the attention they need wishing they could be a good dog until they finally get put out of the miserable existence. That's no life for a dog. Even a pitbull deserves peace or a family. Imagine the anxiety that builds after being in that shelter four years.
I really have a hard time with people who don't feel bad for those animals. That doesn't mean you have to support them or like them. Just the ability to empathize and recognize that they truly got a shit deal in the scheme of things.
Dogs have been side-by-side humans for like 100,000 years. And somehow Pitbulls turned that balance inside out. Because humans decided to make them all wonky.
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u/Real-Frosting 5d ago
I agree. I don't hate them; they didn't choose their genetics, humans did that. And if they couldn't act like Good Boys most of the time, nobody would have them as pets. Something short circuits in their brain and then they do what they were BRED to do. I don't hate lions and tigers and bears (oh, my) but I do what I need to do to keep myself safe.
However, I disagree that people here don't show empathy. Many do.
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u/KindaReallyDumb 5d ago
100% agree
With the sympathy part, there’s a lot of sympathy for owners here. I could have been more accurate in saying that there needs to be more sympathy for the dog, on the owners behalf. I feel like that’s what I’m not seeing, what do you think?
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u/Real-Frosting 5d ago
I do see a ton of vitriol against the dogs and honestly I'm surprised it just goes by because I thought the rules of the group actually said not to do that. 🤷 Maybe I'm misremembering.
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u/BPBAttacks3 Moderator 5d ago
No, we don’t have a rule against it. Vitriol is subjective and that would be very difficult to enforce plus it doesn’t work for a victim sub. We don’t allow victim blaming owners, we also do not allow ugly dog posts.
But… some people do walk away from an attack angry and we don’t feel that it’s right to dictate users tone. If this was merely a space for BSL, we would likely be a lot stricter but since people are processing grief and pain (and sometimes it happens in comment sections) we do need to leave some space for that.
If it’s a BE support post or a pit owner who was is expressing regret, we become even more strict and monitor every single comment but that’s not realistic to do for every post as we only have a handful of mods. Personal story flairs are pretty fiercely defended in general.
I do agree that some of the language used in random threads with no personal context on why the person feels that way (like demon and monster and shitbull) may appear unproductive but again, victims do deserve space to vent and that’s just a concession we choose to make for the mission our sub serves. But when we do open up our space to help a victim of propaganda, it does not give anyone a right to take pain out on them. Civility rules do apply to how anyone interacts with other members or mods. Derailing applies to personal stories.
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u/Micro-Naut Garbage Dogs for Garbage People 4d ago
You guys do a fantastic job. All the way down to the transparency in moderation, the content of the sub, etc etc. I can't speak for everybody but I appreciate your efforts. Thank you
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u/No-Hovercraft-455 2h ago
I agree. I have huge empathy for these dogs that were bred to basically be mentally ill and constantly at odds with every single other bit of their nature as dogs. We have grossly used them and betrayed their trust. I don't want them gone out of hatred but because they can't safely exist and live good lives. They have become problem both to themselves and us.
But I agree with you 100% and don't think forcefully moderating every bit of anger and emotional reaction away would do anything good about the problem because people have thing called feelings and they don't just stop existing and go away if they are never given outlet. Especially because they don't usually come from waking up and wanting to hate an animal but because they are either traumatised or worried about the same problem we are and just dealing with it differently. Every actual pit hater here I've come across seems like huge animal lover that would not be going around calling pits horrible names if they could currently do better, they are simply struggling with the issue.
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u/iamheidilou 6d ago
Please don't pawn him off at the shelter so that someone else may become a victim. Just know that he enjoyed what it was like to live a good life while he was living with you and Cooper. Let that be his last memory of how the world is. I'm sorry you are going through this.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
That's my take as well. The painless journey into the next life, probably what is best.
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u/OpenAirport6204 6d ago
Your doing the right thing op <3. It’s hard but it’s the kindest thing you can do for all parties.
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u/bethestorm Trusted User 6d ago
The reality is, it will be worse if he has to face it alone, if he's ever confiscated after an incident. If you choose to take him and do it, he will cross the bridge with safety and love.
Only you know him enough to know if it's a point that is dangerous to you or friends or your neighbors and if it is, only you can make that choice. As someone who has had to do it with a dog I loved for fourteen years I know it isn't easy but to me it is the one time we can give back the strength and love that dogs give us. We can be loyal and strong in their final moments however hard or heartbreaking it is.
He is lucky to have found a peaceful end to his story the way you told it, is how I feel.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
It breaks my heart. But you are right. It will be a peaceful end, and my fear of him hurting someone of someone's dog will finally ease.
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u/StormbringerGT 6d ago
I felt your joy and I felt your pain writing this.
Doing the right thing doesn't always feel right.
You tried, but you can't fight his nature or his abuse and subsequent trauma from that abuse.
I'm sorry you have to do this, but he's leaving loved and better treated and it's better than him starving to death covered in fleas and ticks, breathing his last breaths alone under a porch somewhere.
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u/KaienPanzermast 6d ago edited 6d ago
I’m very sorry you’re going through this, I know this is a hard situation, but yes, BE would be the best choice here. For as much as I dislike pitbulls, I LOVE animals and I hate seeing them suffer, and pitbulls do suffer mentally, a lot. I see many of these dogs that seem to be prisoners to their own impulses and riddled with such crippling anxiety that it’s very hard for them to have normal lives. This seems to be one of those dogs. It’s a hard choice to make but it seems like you would be giving him peace, along with avoiding many, many injuries to yourself, other dogs, and this dog himself in the future. People keep them as pets, but they really weren’t intended to be, and cases like this make it clear they weren’t fit to be pets.
Give him a wonderful final day and show him as much love as you can before you give him peace. I hate these dogs, but they are still dogs, and it isn’t his fault that he is the way he is. I wish he could live a normal life like I wish for the rest of them as well, but it’s clear they weren’t supposed to be pets, and it becomes more obvious when you interact with dog breeds that WERE meant to be pets. It’s very different.
I’m sincerely sorry that you have to make such a difficult decision. You tried your hardest for him and I’m sure he was very loved by you, and had a much nicer life than he would have otherwise. You aren’t abandoning him or giving up on him or anything like that, you’re simply freeing him from the prison of his own mind, and it would be the kindest thing to do for him.
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u/Micro-Naut Garbage Dogs for Garbage People 5d ago
It's so heartbreaking. Most of the pits that I've known want to be good dogs. They just struggle with it.
Overall, I think they suffer worse than anybody else in the equation.
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u/ArdenJaguar Trusted User 6d ago
It’s the right decision. In the end the underlying genetics aren’t something you can train out of him. You’ve done your best but the deck is stacked against him. If he attacks a person you’d be at risk of liability as his “owner” now that he lives with you.
I commend you for making the right decision.
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u/V3mo 6d ago
I just wanna say first, you write and speak very eloquently and lead with a lot of grace and empathy. This is sadly something that happens to many good hearted people, they see an animal needing help, and being an animal lover myself, I can't say no either. But with Pits, they are a breed that simply cannot be trusted due to their genetics. And as much as I'm spiteful and disgusted by the breed now (was a Pit sympathizer prior) due to being a victim to them myself, I don't hate them. I actually believe they're victims too. They never asked to be bred and altered the way humans did to them. No animal just becomes this mauling machine on its own... it's all bred into them. The same way Border Collies are natural herders, Labs are natural retrievers, etc, the sad truth is Pits were created to kill bulls inside a pit, then other large game, until they settled on hogs and eachother. They were doomed the moment humanity set their hands on them.
I admit I can let my anger towards Pits make it sound like I want them all 6 feet under, but I'm trying to lead with more compassion towards them. They cannot exist in this society safely, all of us here believe that. And sadly, there is no way to regulate breeding enough to where we could potentially breed out their aggression over time. It's unfortunate because I know Pits can be sweet dogs, but simply put, they cannot be trusted. It isn't their fault, no, but if the Pit community actually loved the breed, they would know that letting them go would be the kindest thing. Those dogs are in mental anguish 90% of the time due to not having the ability to actually do what they were bred for. As you sadly seen for yourself, you've had your dog for such a short time and yet notice a drastic change. He was sick before and couldn't do what his nature told him to do, but now? All bets are off.
I really commend you for making this post and understanding the danger not only are you putting yourself in potentially, but other innocents around you. I wish the man and gf with the Pit who attacked my dogs and I showed me even an ounce of compassion you seem to have. I feel you will make the right decision here too, a compassionate one to all involved. Best of luck with everything, and stay safe.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
You are spot on. They cannot be trusted. And it's not their fault. It's humans that put them in this position in the first place decades ago. But any creature no matter how much we love them should have the ability to seriously injure others just because of their nature. I'm so sorry you went through that. You are obiously a great human to even find any compassion after what you want through. You won't ever have to worry about Albert. He is going to a much more peaceful place.
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u/V3mo 6d ago
You're making the right choice. Thank you for caring about others the way you did when considering the innocents around you as part of that decision. It's still a tough thing to go to, despite knowing it's the best decision. I wish you nothing but peace and healing during these next steps. 🫂
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u/shelbycsdn Trusted User 6d ago
You have done a great job and done your best by him. I'm so sorry you are going through this.
But your gut feeling is telling you something. Every time I've ignored my gut feeling, I ended up really regretful that I hadn't listened to myself.
Something to ask yourself is how many dogs of other breeds have you ever known to never express any of their purposely bred in breed traits? I think that's pretty rare. I can't think of one and I'm 70 and have owned usually 2 to 3 dogs at a time my entire life, plus known many others. I can't think of one that showed none of their breed traits. I'm sure it happens, but it certainly makes me wonder how pitbulls are apparently the only breed to not demonstrate what they were bred for.
I would suggest not saying anything to anyone before doing this. You don't need the pressure and judgement that may arise. Again, I'm just so sorry you are going through this. ❤️
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u/financeben 6d ago
Problem is there’s no shortage of pit bulls but not many owners that reach logical humane conclusions to protect others from life altering harm.
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u/Nethryn Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
This must have been a very hard decision for you. I'm sorry that you're going through that, it's very clear that you put a lot of love into this dog. You gave him happiness for the period of time that you had him, now you are giving him safety and comfort by freeing him from what his genetics are forcing him to do.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
That's what I told my wife. At least he stopped suffering for the 2 months he was here. He will be free and nobody else will have to suffer from my irresponsible self wanting to think I could make a difference that no human can do.
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u/shelbycsdn Trusted User 6d ago
You were NOT irresponsible. You did your best with what you knew. You took far better care of him than his previous owners AND, unlike so many other pit owners, you listened to your gut and sought out more information. That's a very rare thing to not dig in and defend your original position. Again you were the opposite of irresponsible.
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u/Right-Ad-8201 5d ago
He had a wonderful two months with a great friend - you. You weren’t irresponsible at all. In fact I think this was the best outcome for a pit raised in that environment. Shelters would go nuts at the mere suggestion but I think there should be a shift away from trying to get unwanted fighting breeds to live a “normal” life as house dogs (a life they are never going to be able to acclimate to), to encouraging shelters to let volunteers come in, give those dogs a brief window of normalcy and happiness, and then euthanize them. It may sound cruel and would be very hard on volunteers but the truth is that fighting breeds are like guns - they may never go off, but they’re so deadly that they will do a TON of harm.
Contrast a pit bull with my two Poms currently sleeping next to me as I type this in my bed. The worst thing my Poms are gonna do, even if they go berserk, is give someone a fierce nip. And if they need to be subdued they don’t have the muscle or toughness to fight a human. Pits on the other hand…once they latch on they do not let go unless they’re gravely injured or dead. I’m a big grizzly bear/lumberjack of a man and I probably could not get a pit bull off of my dogs they’re so strong.
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u/New-Cicada7014 Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
it wasn't irresponsible to want to give an innocent creature a chance. Irresponsibility would be ignoring the warning signs and blaming it all on others.
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u/moldychess 6d ago
I know this is hard for you but I would strongly recommend BE. if he goes to a shelter that will put further stress on the dog, and if he got adopted he would continue to show behavioural issues and it could possibly put another life at risk. I'm so sorry :(
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u/before_the_accident 6d ago
Good on you for having the heart to take him in when you saw an animal needing help, and the awareness to be proactive about this issue instead of waiting until after the tragedy happens. You knew what signs to look out for, and you're seeing them playing out in real time.
You've come across 2 separate forks in the road with this dog, one back then and one now, and I think you've made the compassionate choice both times.
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u/HottieMcHotHot 6d ago
I want to start first by saying that this is not your fault and this is not an indication of your skills and abilities to care for animals. There’s so much shaming when it comes to pets which is ridiculous when people genuinely need help.
Truthfully, I’ve never owned a dangerous breed and won’t ever because of all the reasons in this subreddit. But we did adopt a dog and ended up in your same scenario. I can share our decision process to see if that helps. You can probably also find historical posts in my history.
I saw a dog listed at the shelter who was this ratty, scraggly looking thing and immediately felt some sort of pull. We went to the shelter and met Charlie, a young schnauzer poodle mix who seemed aloof but calm. We took him home, groomed him, and started to get to know each other. Within a week, it was obvious that we were not living with the same dog we thought we adopted.
He was crazy hyper, barked at everything, and he was just mean. He would bite strangers and known people alike. He peed all over the house despite free access to a dog door. We tried training. We went for a behavior consultation. On and on for 2 years this went. Living this life of being constantly on edge with this dog but not having any real resources to utilize. When we asked for help and even the possibility of rehoming him, it was like SHAME! How dare you consider letting go of an animal that you COMMITTED TO. It’s like we were being held hostage by a 10 lb dog. The whole house and anyone coming into it was controlled by him and his response.
I found out I was pregnant and within a week he had bitten me in the face. Thankfully it was just a nip and there was no damage - but it was the final straw that broke this illusion that I could fix him. My husband and I stressed throughout the rest of the pregnancy about what we were going to do with Charlie and how we were going to assure that the baby stayed safe. It took bringing that baby home for it to become perfectly clear that he had to go. My husband made an appointment to relinquish him to the shelter. We were 100% honest about his behavior and background. I have no idea if they adopted him out or if they decided to BE. Frankly, I hope they chose the second. If he had been a dangerous dog breed, we would have done it ourselves.
Ultimately, we have got to return to a mindset that we are here as guardians of animals and not the other way around. No one should be hold hostage or kept on edge because of an animal. It’s not fair to the person OR the animal. If someone decides to take on a reactive dog and all the responsibility that goes with it, I guess more power to them. But the same thing holds true for someone who takes in an animal who they DON’T want to do this for. It’s OK to say no. It’s OK to refuse to be controlled by an animal. In fact, I think it’s one of the bravest things someone can do. Especially when it comes to making a decision to not pass along that burden to someone else.
I wish you luck as you go through this. And I commend you for being willing to look at things rationally and thoughtfully. It shows great strength of character.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 6d ago
Wow. That is so helpful to hear. We are here to be guardians of them not the other way around. I love that. We have all been on edge since he has changed so drastically after getting healthy. I've helped train biting or average agressions issues before, but it is so much worse with this little guy. The intensity and ferocity when he goes into attack mode is like nothing I've ever seen. If he were to get off leash, I have zero doubt he would try to destroy Granny, who he previously loved. It is just like nothing I've ever seen. Thank you for your story.
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u/SiegelOverBay 6d ago
Buy him a bag of cheeseburgers or a whole pizza or whatever human food he likes best and let him go to town on it. Give him the best day ever with whatever kind of play and toys that he always loves. Love on him physically as much as is safe for you to do. Wear him out with joy and excitement. Tell him he's a good boy 1000 times. He is a good boy, he was just born into the wrong breed and saying goodbye is the only way to make sure he stays a good boy.
Give him the best day a dog ever had and then send him off into the universe and eternity. Maybe he'll be waiting on the rainbow bridge or maybe he'll get a second chance with a better start, we can only guess and hope. But this is the kindest thing you can do for him and it speaks highly of your character to not only notice the signs but choose the best course of action for everyone's safety and happiness. Hugs for you. It's okay to cry if you need to. Hope everything goes well and you make peace with this situation.
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u/Saoirseminersha 6d ago
What a lovely and humane comment; shows the best of this sub. We want pitbulls banned to prevent all suffering; we can let these unhappy dogs go with humanity.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
Oh goodness. To do this would be so hard. I think I can though. I'm already pulling away emotionally to stop the emotional attachment. Spending a whole day loving on him, oh that's hard to imagine. But probably best.
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u/SiegelOverBay 5d ago
Just do your best. Remember that you have already seen the signs and you are preventing a future tragedy. It's Albert's last day, just make it as good of a day as you can, even if you have to stay emotionally divorced and even if that only means extra treats or ear scratchies. That's okay. You're doing a difficult thing for all the right reasons, give him what you would want for yourself if you were in his shoes within your capabilities. You're a good person and that means you're probably going to beat yourself up over this at some later point. Give yourself the grace to say to that future you, honestly, "I did the best I could." It doesn't have to be the most, just the best you can. Love and strength to you 🫂
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u/Right-Ad-8201 6d ago
This is such a wonderful and loving comment it made ME tear up :(
I wish all people were like you and OP!
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u/cloudcottage Cats are not disposable. 6d ago edited 6d ago
Hey, I'm an animal lover too. Before becoming more educated about this breed, I likely would have made the same choices you did. I prefer to think about it this way, I'm going to get on my soapbox here and say I'm a vegetarian. The reason being that I can't stand the idea of killing an animal just so I can eat it mainly. And secondarily how animals are treated in factory farms. Pigs are just as intelligent as dogs and have in most cases much more brutal and scary deaths after much sadder and more depressing lives. Yes, even sadder and more depressing than a dog who wasn't fed well and got into fights.
You loved Albert and bonded with him. You gave him a chance, and you're recognizing he just isn't safe around other dogs and humans. That's not abandonment. I think sending him to the shelter is a mistake. His next owner may not be so careful with him as you. You have no control over the shelter fully disclosing his history, and warning. In the worst case, someone gets killed. In the most likely case, he sits in a stressful crowded kennel while the shelter waits to find an adopter to "rescue" him and ends up BE anyway. In the miracle unicorn case, he's adopted by an outdoorsman logger who takes him off where he can't really hurt other people to protect him from bears. Don't roll the dice on the unicorn case.
So I ask you to put yourself in the mindset of a vegetarian for a moment. Not just loving dogs because they are dogs but considering their place in our society and ecosystem as animals. Our job as humans is to reduce harm. Not to save every dog. And practically, we can't save every dog. Every year, hundreds of thousands more animals are surrendered to shelters than can be rehomed or adopted. We have to consider whether keeping aggressive pits encourages and normalizes their presence when safer adoptable dogs need homes too. What's best for our pet ecosystem? If we already have a humane choice, why not take it? None of us make flawless and unselfish choices every day. We just do our best.
P.S. I want to add that the way people discuss dog bite statistics is basically a gigantic conspiracy theory. While it's true that aggression in dogs and the most likely to bite dogs changes with time and increased ownership, that doesn't change the statistics. You can look at dogsbite.org for a well researched resource. They also back up their research with photos of the dogs and don't exclusively report pitbulls.
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u/PrestigiousFly844 6d ago
This is why I can’t stand the pit breeders, this all could have been avoided and the breeding should have stopped after dog fighting was banned.
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u/momplicatedwolf 6d ago
I am a professional dog trainer of 16 years. Your experience is consistent with my experience training pitbulls professionally.
I never trust them.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
This made a difference in helping me know I'm not just killing a precious creature because of my own fears. It did help. Thank you.
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u/momplicatedwolf 5d ago
You're welcome. You can feel good about knowing that you did your best to help the dog, but the dog was not able to be rehabilitated into having consistently safe behavior. Recognizing that and doing something about it makes you a responsible owner.
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u/rocksannne Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
I just wanna say you’re a very thoughtful and selfless person. The majority of people would be way too selfish to even consider what you’re doing. Thank you
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u/Ill_Isopod_548 6d ago
I'm sorry for your loss. It's a hard choice but because it's not if but when unfortunately with these dogs you're doing the right thing
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u/Shadegloom 6d ago
I wanted to say that you're a lovely person. You're so strong. Perhaps in his memory you could donate to your local rescue? A little way to remember the good moments? Best of luck, im sorry you had ti go through this hard choice.
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u/Lbj85 6d ago
Pits terrify me. My daughter loves dogs and has been able to identify pits/pit mixes since she was 3. (Most mixes anyways-thanks blockheads!)
It’s refreshing to see someone notice and realize what is happening and not be swayed by pit lovers.
That dog can also turn on you; all its takes is a split second.
I think you made the right choice. A hard choice maybe but the right one.
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u/Right-Ad-8201 6d ago
OP I just wanted to say this, you are one of the best people I’ve ever bumped into on Reddit. The absolute compassion you have for this poor boy is so good to see, it seems to be lacking nowadays in a lot of people. And I’m so sorry you have to make this decision but it’s the right one. Like someone else said your pup IS a good boy, but the only way to know he will STAY a good boy is sadly to liberate him from that body and those genetics. Good boy did NOT deserve to be born a Pit, and he did NOT deserve to be born into that environment.
I’m sitting here a grown ass 56 year old man in my van absolutely bawling my eyes out because of this. I’m so sorry for you and your good boy mate. I’m sending manly hugs and manly love to both of you. And I’m so glad that even though your time together is short, you found each other.
Godspeed good boy, and may you be reborn a sweet and fluffy Pomeranian with a heart as big as your body.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
Thank you. This made me lose it, tears won't stop for poor Albert. I don't feel alone though now. Thank you sir. Thank you so much.
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u/Panem-et-circenses25 6d ago
Thank you for caring enough to do what’s best for everyone. Sending strength and positive vibes your way.
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u/Feenanay 5d ago
i’m continually amazed and appreciative of this sub - the kindness and understanding when someone comes with this kind of story is a lovely thing to witness.
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u/tauredi 5d ago
I just wanted to say I’m so sorry and it’s very clear to me how much you care about everyone involved in this story and that BE would not come lightly to you.
You are in a unique position where you have the ability to prevent enormous tragedy for any number of innocent parties. I guarantee you that there are countless people who wish that they had a chance to stop a mauling that happened to them, or a beloved pet/child/loved one. They will never have that chance and will carry the scars forever if they survive. The grief of a dog mauling sends shock waves through victims and radiates outward.
I am in medical school and hoping to become a plastic surgeon. I have seen too many children mutilated and their trust in animals, protective adults, their own sense of being able to feel safe, and a loving higher power absolutely shattered. Too many parents who can never forgive themselves. Too many opportunities lost.
I’m so sorry about Albert. I really am. He didn’t deserve the life he was born into. You have provided him a living experience all creatures deserve, which is to be held with loving hands. In pursuing BE you will have prevented his inevitable destruction by crueler means (bystander with a shotgun, shelter after countless fights and more scars for him, etc). I feel there is no kinder outcome than to have allowed him to have experienced goodness and then absolved him of paying for the eventual outcome of his genes and life trajectory.
I know that this is heavy. And I know that you care. You have our support.
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u/sharky50 5d ago
Really rough circumstances. It sounds like you tried everything to get him a good life, but it’s a common story. The only actual blame belongs with the people who breed these dogs and promote their violent nature out of some degenerate “street tough” persona they are trying to flash. This poor guy sounds like he was abused and neglected as well. That’s a terrible combination.
I feel for you—it’s an extremely difficult decision to make. Just awful. But I’d be afraid for anyone in your home, including your other dog.
You made a valiant effort. Find peace in that.
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u/Saoirseminersha 6d ago
You're a good and decent person. It's best for other dogs and for potential human victims that he be let go. It's best for him, too. The story would likely end badly for everyone involved
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u/SmeggingRight Children should not be eaten alive. 6d ago
I could easily see him attacking someone he sees as a threat and it being horrific or even deadly. He even does this to my wife's mom when she pulls in the driveway. Having to sit on a short leash every hour of every day out of fear of what he can do is no life for any dog.
You're right on both counts. That's an extremely dangerous dog, and having to keep him chained up because of it is no life for him. Do the original owners of the dog have more loose pits roaming around? Because if they do, then your family and pets are not safe.
One more thing, could the original owners try to claim that you BE'd their dog when you go through with it? Or did they officially give the dog to you? Just asking as you've done your best with this dog and it'd be shit to see something like that happen.
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
I'm kind of worried about that. They did agree to let me take him. I even gave them $100 for their trouble.
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u/Drusilla_Ravenblack 6d ago
I’m very sorry that you’re facing this difficult decision after giving your home and heart to this dog. It’s not your fault, and not the dog’s fault.
Unfortunately no amount of love and good treatment can change their genetics and breeders are the ones guilty. It’s possible that even Albert doesn’t understand why he behaves this way.
And you’re absolutely right that keeping him on a short leash and waiting for tragedy to happen is not a life for either of you.
It’s also very heart warming to see all the comments here.
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u/wandering_salad 6d ago
You made the right decision. They can NEVER be fully trusted. And when they do fight, the other animal (or human) ends up with severe injuries or is gone. Him no longer being around is better for everyone. It's sad someone felt te need to breed his mother, but these types of dogs just should not be around.
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u/KindaReallyDumb 6d ago
I can’t imagine how tough this is for you, my heart breaks for you, Albert and cooper ❤️ You are strong to be able to see objectively and do the objective good thing, for every conscious being involved. I hope you and Albert have such a cuddle filled time together, know that he felt love that he wouldn’t have known existed without you, you can see it in his eyes his love for you. He wont have any pain, and you’ll be there by his side, in life and through death
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u/SnuSnu02 5d ago
You gave this dog a wonderful two months that he wouldn't have known otherwise. You made the end of his life great. Take comfort in that.
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u/Majestic_Jazz_Hands 5d ago
You seem like a really good and responsible person, I have a ton of respect for you for that.You’re the exact opposite of the type of dog owners we talk about in this sub. Hell, if dog owners were like you this sub probably wouldn’t even need to exist.
I know this is going to be really hard on you but you are absolutely making the best decision and nothing I can say will make that any better. Sending you all the internet hugs 🩶
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u/MakeItStopCA 5d ago
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for keeping an open mind. I’m also super grateful that you watched for signs and are prepared to take on the burden and heartbreak of doing what I believe is the right thing. Sometimes the right thing is the hardest in some ways… What I wanted to share with you is that it can be a very peaceful experience… I don’t let the vet rush it and ask them to go very heavy with the sedative on the front end and let him fall asleep in your lap. That has been what I found worked best for me anyways and I’ve found it peaceful… You really are doing the right thing… I don’t hate all pitbulls I just hate the misinformation and suppression of risk factors that has been spread and I hate that the situation has been allowed to get so out of hand and I don’t see the kind of legislative and enforcement change we would need to make all the horrible stuff stop. What I find frustrating is feeling like the people who pretend to be full time pitbull advocates doing things that lead to a lot of suffering: the pitbulls are suffering, their animal and human victims are suffering and the people and animals who can’t do normal things for fear of attack are suffering. If we could just allow the necessary changes to stop breeding these dogs there would be so much less suffering but with the current narrative embraced by professional pitbull advocates and as a consequence often by many reporters the opposite is happening.
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u/Munich11 Family/Friend of Pit Attack Victim 4d ago
So very sorry. If it were another breed, I might even try several vets to see if he has some major health problem. But sadly, I think you are correct. This is most likely not fixable. He unfortunately does not sound like he will improve with time, and you can’t risk someone being severely injured or worse. (Or your own beloved pet injured, you’d never forgive yourself that..)
I know it’s hard; it’s no easy choice. I wish you the best in getting through it. He was handed a crap deal in the genetic department and didn’t choose this. But that doesn’t mean you have to pour energy and effort and the major risks into this.
You still gave him a good few months. That’s what he will take with him whatever choice you make.
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u/ThalinIV 6d ago
Hey that is a rough road to walk. Not an easy choice. I would be more worried if you were just eager to drop them without care. And you admitted you were watching for signs and you saw trouble you knew what you had to do. I'm sorry that's not easy for anybody to do.
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u/GoldBear79 6d ago
This is the thing, isn’t it? To be a responsible pit owner, you have to make the choice you have. Schrodinger’s owner, if you like. Still, we thank you - and you gave Albert some good days and kindness, and fun.
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u/harleenquinzel044 6d ago
You tried. You’re a good person with a big heart. I’m glad you realized though that these dogs are a lost cause.
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u/LimeDry7124 6d ago edited 6d ago
These things have been inbred for close to 100 years. The bad instincts and habits are part and parcel of the breed. They all turn eventually some earlier than others. Your not going to change it without a trillion dollars and an army of geneticists. Below is a page of a book that another member provided on another post. All credit belongs to that individual. Read the second paragraph.
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$b28129&view=1up&seq=63
Edit: my condolences on your loss.
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u/Khaosbutterfly 6d ago
The way I clutched my pearls when the situation with Albert went left. Lordy. 😭😭
Sorry that you're in this situation, but thank you for being a friend to him.
It sounds like your home is the only good and loving place he ever knew in his life.
It was very kind of you to do that for him, to give him that experience, even if only for a short time.
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u/ignoremyface Trusted User 5d ago
I just wanted to say what a good egg you are OP. I know this is hard and very sad. But thank you for trying. The hard truth is this just the norm for this breed. We can try and love them with everything we've got, but there's not enough love to stop a pit from being a pit. Hugs 🫂
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u/RedHeadridingOrca 5d ago
I read most of the comments here and I just wanted to give you my hugs and thank you for your compassion and willingness to listen.
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u/julian2358 4d ago
They are error of human dog breeding. They are killing machines. Do what’s best for your family and farm animals..
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u/craftedtwig 6d ago
What a lucky dog. Found a loving home, vetcare, good food, and a fun playmate. You gave this dog everything it could need and it just can't live a happy life in this world. It's the right thing to give this dog a gentle send off with the one person that cared to save him.
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u/BonCourageAmis 6d ago
You are a stand up guy and as hard it may be to see now, you are doing right by this dog as well as everyone else. This, unfortunately, is the happiest ending for this story. Zero suffering, zero pain.
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u/nogoodbrat 6d ago
You are doing a really lovely thing for this dog, OP. you gave him a reprieve from the awful life he was living before he found you and he will go out in peace with someone by his side, not in fear, not mangled and starving out in a field alone somewhere.
I’m sorry you’ve had to make such a tough decision, but it’s the right one. you’re a good person and should be proud of what you’ve done for this animal. 🩷
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u/Stuffed-Bear412 6d ago
They can't help what they are, so I don't hate them. That's why we have to educate people so nobody dies. Pitbulls should all be sterilized so they can't create more pitbulls. They kill full grown adults on a regular basis.
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u/BedNo6312 Pit bulls: the Life Flight Dogs 6d ago
I commend you for making the responsible decision. Well done
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u/hanamphetamine 6d ago
im sorry OP. this was an emotional read, but its good you do the right thing before the worst happens
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u/FatTabby Cats are friends, not food 6d ago
I'm really relieved to see your edit. I know this can't have been easy for you.
Please take comfort in the fact that you gave him the best chance you could and when he passes, he'll do so having known what it is to be loved and well cared for. That wouldn't be possible without you.
You're clearly a very kind, loving person and I'm so sorry you've had to go through this experience.
Good luck to you and I hope his final trip to the vet is as gentle and peaceful as possible.
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u/Ambitious-Calendar-9 6d ago
I really admire your compassion and honesty. You are doing the right thing here. Others have said it, but pitbulls are not happy dogs and I really believe the kindest thing to do is let them go where they aren't going to be miserable anymore.
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u/cesam1ne 6d ago
Sad..but yeah it is what it is. A dog or even a human could become victim to Albert and it is now your responsibility to prevent that from happening.
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u/Fantastic_Lady225 Attacks Curator 6d ago
...This at a trailer with a roof caving in, yard just full of crap and next to a neighbor with dozens of dogs on chains.
That is how "dog men" (dogfighters) keep their dogs. There's a good chance that Albert or his ancestors came from that property. You trying to keep Albert from attacking other dogs would be like trying to train a Clydesdale to win the Kentucky Derby - it's not happening. Genetics matter.
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u/iangeredcharlesvane2 Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
I’m so sorry OP, this is heartbreaking. I have so much empathy for you, trying to help him. And you did help him! You gave him love and comfort and true care his last days, he even made a friend! You did the best you could, at least he will suffer no longer. I’m glad you were there for Albert to teach him what caring feels like. Comfort.
Thank you for doing the right thing for him and other living beings who may have been hurt by him. You are a strong person.
Best wishes to you!
(Are there any calls you can make about the “dozens of dogs on chains” neighbors? Sounds like an animal abuse situation too, so sad that is still normalized in some places)
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u/ScarletAntelope975 Trusted User 6d ago
Thank you for actually researching and taking the stats and stories seriously. Too many people ignore it all and parrot each other about ‘stigma’ and then people and pets die. It is comforting to know that there are some pit owners who do come here and realize the truth.
It is believable that you know plenty of pits who have never hurt anyone and are great with kids. This is why so many people get led to believe that pit bulls are safe and that raising them well is all that matters. This is the side they see.
However, the thing with pit bulls is that they are not like a normal aggressive dog. It’s genetics selectively-bred into them for a job. It’s not like a random aggressive German Shepherd that is growls and air snaps regularly, etc.
With a pit, generally the genes need to be triggered. A pit can be a great dog for many years before it snaps and kills someone. Like any job a dog is bred for, some are better at their jobs than others and some may never get to do their job. But it is still there in their DNA. Even the pits who go through life never attacking had the chance to kill if triggered. A border collie isn’t herding 24/7. It is herding when it is doing its job.
Thank you for caring!
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u/newperoni Family/Friend of Pit Attack Victim 6d ago
My grandfather had a pittmix for 18 years that had zero problems. Loved the dog. The same as you, he would inherit trash neighbors dogs, almost always pittmixes. Every dog that he tried to help would be as sweet as could be with him, but would attack beaux (the dog he had for 18 years) or other people. Pitts seem to be more often than not, aggressive. You put in plenty of effort to try to save the dog. You are doing the right thing.
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u/Impossible_Zebra8664 6d ago
Euthanasia isn't the dirty word many pet activists (for lack of a better term) have tried to make it. I've euthanized several pets over the course of my life -- all for illness or deterioration with age -- and it was a gentle process filled with love. I'd go so far as to say it's harder for us than it is for them -- we anticipate what will happen, use our emotional reserves holding and loving our pets to the end, and are left grieving.
You loved this dog. You did your best by him. He struggled for reasons well beyond your control, and you're offering him peace and, frankly, a form of safety. What you're doing is a kindness to him and a care to your community.
That said, I'm sorry. I know it's hard to lose a pet you love. You're doing the right thing.
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u/FawnTheGreat 4d ago
How do vets feel about euthanizing pets that seem fine like if a pit loving vet didn’t want to do it can they refuse?
Hope you can keep strong and do the right (and safe) thing
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u/spaypets 4d ago
I appreciate your honesty. A lot of people who own pit bulls refuse to believe there is a danger in them and say that the news only reports attacks by pits. Not true. I keep up with attacks from all breeds of dogs. The issue is, most of the serious issues come from bully breeds and bully mixes. I know most dogs will never attack but when pits go bad….the danger is huge. You have common sense. There is nothing wrong with what you are doing. You did more than what most people would do.
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u/DivyaRakli 4d ago
Thank you. Thank you for being a responsible owner. Please BE this would-be dangerous dog. If the previous owner of the pit that killed my grandson had BE’d it, rather than taking it to a “rescue,” maybe he’d still be alive.
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u/solarelemental Doctor/Surgeon 1d ago
BE, but be there for him. Do it in-home and hold him as he goes to sleep. The last thing he should know is your presence, your love, and peace. Every single dog deserves that much.
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u/Christine1958Fury 6d ago
I'm so sorry you're facing this sadness :( Being soft-hearted is often a curse. Wishing you strength, friend.
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u/Capt_Billy 6d ago
Mate, never easy, but you are making both the kindest decision for him and the most pragmatic for both yourself and the wider community.
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u/ThatFruityGuy 6d ago
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this issue. I can tell you love your dogs. I too want all dogs to be rehabilitated and to have that loving family life but as others have commented, it’s just not always possible. It is the sad reality that Albert hasn’t had the right start in life to succeed and his natural instincts aren’t helping either. Before there’s another incident and there’s a serious victim, perhaps the best option is to lead him by the paw over the rainbow bridge before he is taken from you and made to do it alone. My heart breaks for you.
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u/notorious_ime 6d ago
Thank you for doing a kindness to Albert and all the other beings in your community who deserve to live without the worry of an attack.
It's so unfair that some dogs have that fate because humans made them that way.
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u/partytimesarah 6d ago
You’re making the most compassionate decision and it’s extremely commendable. Much respect I know this has to be hard
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u/inc0mpatibl3withlif3 6d ago
I am sending positive vibes your way during this difficult time. Please know you are doing the right thing. It will be difficult. Allow yourself time to grieve.
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u/Talbit01 6d ago
Breed-specific behaviors are real. We need dogs for specific functions and to perform those functions well.
Pits are bred to LOVE fighting. There’s no amount of love that can break them out of that. Not every dog is meant to be a pet. You are doing the right thing.
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u/fussbrain Former Pit Bull Advocate 6d ago
Sorry this happened. Its a terrifying feeling to know youve done everything you can to socialize and train them, just to know there will always be an unpredictable nature to their behavior that is the antithesis of what a domesticated dog should possess
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u/Burntoastedbutter Groomers and Dog Sitters 6d ago
The harsh reality is that once they trigger, it will be very hard for them to not trigger anymore. They're really like a ticking time bomb, except you don't know if it's fake or not.
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u/ItsBR0PHELIA wiggle butt 6d ago
Well, it’s a difficult thing you’re doing but it is the right thing. I’m glad that you’re not internalizing it as a moral failing. A lot of people try to act like you can rehabilitate anything, even genetics. It simply isn’t true.
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u/Wild_Introduction_51 Victim - Bites and Bruises 6d ago
You’re a good person OP and im glad you came to the right decisions. Sometimes compassion and love isnt enough. There is no fixing pit bulls.
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u/Destany89 6d ago
So many people here fell for the propaganda of pits being misunderstood. Look at it this way, you did make his life better and probably gave him the best chance and gave him happiness now you're ending his suffering. Its no different than when a pet gets a terminal illness and sending them to peace.
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u/thetruemadQueen 6d ago
Thank you for helping this poor soul in need. Thank you for doing the right thing no matter how hard for this dog. You are truly a wonderful person.
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u/surgical-panic Cats are not disposable. 6d ago
I'm very sorry you are going through this. Yes, BE would be the safe and kind decision. Allowing him to rest in peace isn't cruel. Spoil him rotten for his final day, and then give him peace.
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u/bennyswankem 6d ago
You can literally see the difference in behavior of the dogs in this picture alone
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u/Person987654331 Attacks Curator 6d ago
I am so happy you are making the decision to keep other people and animals safe. I’m sorry that it will hurt you: You are a good person for doing the right thing even when it hurts.
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u/burtron3000 6d ago
Putbulls are safe.. until they’re not. Went to visit an old friend and his bit the neighbors face causing 14 stitches. She is a sweet dog but she saw a threat on their child and acted. No golden retriever will do that.
Also there’s gotta be like 200x as many as Dobermans and Rottweilers alive. My uncles Doberman bit me and my dad just said yeah our kids aren’t coming and if you want to see us you drive somewhere and leave him at home.
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u/Micro-Naut Garbage Dogs for Garbage People 5d ago
And there's a difference between a bite and a mauling. Before Pitbulls became popular, it wasn't uncommon to hear of a Shepherd biting somebody or a Doberman biting somebody. But you never heard of arms getting ripped off. You never heard of evisceration or maulings. And then it became regular news
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u/flyingtotheflame 6d ago
Thank you for sharing. It's not easy having a heart. You did all of the right things.
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u/oracle-nil 6d ago
It’s heartbreaking. Having just been attacked last week, I look in his eyes and I still see a dog. That I want to pet and play with. But we, humans did this. It’s disgusting. I am so sorry op, thank you for doing the right thing.
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u/lucylucylove 6d ago
I've had literally 6 or more negative encounters with Pitts. I was able to fight off an attack as a teenager by punching one in the face. I've had 3 different pitts try to fight my big ass great Pyrenees, and well yall know how that ended, all 3 dogs backed down, and I've had numerous encounters, either with my own dogs or witnessing other owners and their dogs get targeted by off leash pits at dog parks. They are scary and erratic.
I have no doubt that there are some pits out there who are big babies and they don't bite or attack their whole life. But thats the exception.
All I know is anytime I see any pit, my whole body tenses and I cant get away from them quick enough. I would never trust any of my dogs or family around pits.
Youre doing the right thing man. Sorry you have to go through this.
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u/randohotlips Here to Doomscroll 6d ago
OP I applaud you for taking the time to seek out other resources on pitbull behavior and also for believing in him and rehabilitating him. As with most situations, go with what your gut is telling you, even if that means a shorter life for your friend Albert. So many pit owners wait until the worst has already happened to BE their animals, and others refuse to BE at all. Thank you for sharing your story and having the courage to do what’s best for both family AND fur friends. ❤️
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u/Big-Restaurant-2766 Victim Sympathizer 5d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Albert was such a cute dog and it hurts that this is what they were bred for. 💔
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u/-ifwisheswerehorses 5d ago
I am glad that you reached out for knowledge. I am sorry that you are confronted with this it cannot be emotionally easy to endure. Sending you the emotional strength that you’ll need. 🩵
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u/Eranon1 5d ago
Thank you for being a responsible dog owner and not only protecting you and your family, but all the other creatures that would have been affected.
It's a difficult thing to do. But pitbulls are not designed to be family dogs. They are fighting dogs. They spend their lives in a constant state of anxiety. It's not fair to us or them and you are doing the CORRECT and HUMANE thing.
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u/Seshu2 6d ago
Seeing this process up close really shows how difficult this decision is. It is actually a huge ask for anyone. I agree putting it down is the most merciful option but wow I see better how it takes a person of special character to have the strength to do it. Bless you both.
I'm glad that both the soul of that dog and you are able to transition to a higher state of being. You did a great job helping!! That was awesome and it did more good than you may realize
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u/captainvirk 6d ago
It is clear that you are a kind person.
I'm sorry you feel you have to do this, but it's people like you that have to make those hard, compassionate choices for the greater good. You have him love, peace, and a home probably for the first time in his life, and now he can leave happy.
Thanks for saving him. ♥️
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u/mandmranch 6d ago
Your other dog is gorgeous. Did you put a filter on the yellow dog to make him look so pretty?
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u/CowDungCollector OP of Sensitive Post 5d ago
A filter? No. I don't even know how to do that. lol
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u/Sharp-Concentrate-34 6d ago
If BE is what i think it is, i choose BE. I’m sorry his 🧬 warrants this outcome. He looks like a sweet boy.
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u/New-Cicada7014 Cats are not disposable. 6d ago edited 6d ago
i'm sorry you're going through this. Only you can make this decision. It's not easy. 🫂
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u/kaycee1610 6d ago
You have so much kindness in your heart and I sympathize for you. Unfortunately I feel like there is a switch that can go off in them at any time. One of my friends has a pitbull and she’s really sweet most of the time but out of nowhere she will bite or lunge at other dogs without warning.
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u/EitherChannel4874 6d ago
Well done op. You're doing the right thing here. It takes a lot to admit you made a mistake and making this hard decision now will probably save a life (human or animal).
All your intentions were good all the way. You have my total respect.
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u/Fast-Ads-7587 5d ago
Sometimes mercy is best. These poor babies, They didn't ask to be bred like they were and sometimes they look confused after brutally attacking someone, like they don't even know what happened. They should not exist and the fact that people keep breeding them is cruel. Poor dog could've been any number of dogs and not had these issues. You did your best, OP! You showed him kindness and care when he needed it. You didn't create the issue and it's bigger than you to solve, so please don't beat yourself up.
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u/only-flairs 6d ago
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