I enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program at St. Lawrence College, many years ago. I remember my very first animal handling class in first year. We were all extremely eager and excited waiting for the class to begin. The instructor walked into the room, welcomed us to the program and then turned quite abruptly and stated: " In this profession you will have to kill animals. If you think you are unable to do it, save yourself the time and money and drop out now" Harsh words I thought but it kinda went in one ear and out the other. The shear excitement got the better of me. Besides as if the job I get would include killing animals. I wanted to help animals. So I completed the 3 years. One of the programs work experience placements included working at an animal shelter. And wouldn't you know it one of our responsibilities was to euthanize the animals that were not adoptable. It is the sad reality of animal shelters. The first dog I ever had to euthanize, was a purebred Weimaraner . Yep the 'gray ghost'. He was stunning. I couldn't believe this beautiful creature was sentenced to death. I went back to the admin desk to question it. She assured me that indeed this dogs time had come. He had been dropped off by his original owners because he was too hard for them to handle and the couple was expecting a baby. He had been at the shelter, in total for months, been adopted out more than a few times and was always returned. His file was stuffed full of complaints from families stating that they just could not live with him. Oh he wasn't aggressive or fearful. He was destructive. He destroyed furniture, carpets, broke glassware,walls and chewed counter tops. He even took down a screen door. Ripped apart yards, pulled on his leash so no one wanted to walk him. He chased cats and cars and simply put was incorrigible. I went back to the dog, while the vet got the shots ready. I remember clearly as if it were yesterday the expression on that dogs face. He looked happy. I know that is an unusual thing to say but it is true. He looked like a happy go lucky dog. I became overwhelmed with sadness as I thought about what this dog had been through the last few months, trying new homes, meeting new people, and then always coming back to the shelter. How unsettling this must have been. And here we are today about to end his life. The vet returned with the sedation and the euthanizing solution. He gave the sedative and told me to wait with the dog until he got sleepy. As I sat with this dog and watched him slowly get comfortable on the floor, his head in my lap, I couldn't help but shed some tears as I stroked his head. Of course I had to pull it all together when the vet returned and handed me the euthanol solution. I was told this is a good opportunity to practice my intravenous injection technique I had learned in school. So there it was. The day I thought would never come was here. I had to euthanize this dog. The vet could sense my moral struggle and told me this is something I should get used to, but it never gets easier, because truth be told there are a lot of dogs brought in for euthanasia for behavioural issues most of which could be corrected. As I held my breath, I inserted the needle, exhaled and slowly pushed the plunger. I watched as this beautiful creature took his last breath. For him, it was painless and peaceful. For me it was agonizing. I went home that night with a flurry of emotion. I was angry and sad and confused all at the same time. I had decided to looked up information about the breed. German Gun Dog. Hard core working breed, needs lots of exercise... it went on and on. You see this dogs wasn't being a bad dog, this dog was just being a Weimaraner.
This leads me to my point. The decision to add a new pet to our lives is one that should be done with a great deal of consideration and forethought. You need to ask yourself some serious questions and be honest about your answers.
Why are you getting a dog? What role will your dog play in your life. Are you fulfilling your own needs or his?
How much time can you spend with your dog? Are you the type that likes to travel or works a lot? Perhaps a dog isn't the right choice for you.
How active are you...honestly? Don't think that getting a high energy dog will inspire you to start training for that marathon.
How much time will you spend on grooming, training and socializing?
These are just some of the many questions you should ask yourself before getting a new dog. Even if you are adopting a mix breed from a shelter or rescue, find out the background of the dog. Ask the staff for their input. Don't go falling for the shy one in the back that cocks his head ever so slightly unless you are equipped and fully prepared to deal with a fearful and shy dog.
Understand that just because your terrier cross is small does not necessarily mean that he must be suited for your apartment lifestyle. Terriers can be quite destructive if the are not stimulated mentally or given enough exercise and will go stir crazy in a small apartment.
Working dogs like to work. Give them a job, or else they will find their own work on your furniture or in your shoe closet.
And if you are stuggling with a new pet, please get help before things get out of hand. Don't believe that all problems is something your dog will "grow out of"
Get help from a local trainer or dog behaviour specialist.
That beautiful Weimaraner is the reason I am so passionate about the work I do today.
If you are thinking of adding a new pet to your family and would like help finding the perfect dog, please feel free to contact me.
