I'm thrilled to hear of your rescue and their wonderful efforts to save each and every animal. I hesitated to even bring up this subject, because I too feel that every animal should be given every chance. Not every rescue is as concerned and conscientious as yours and my heart hurts for those who are left to languish without any contact whatsoever. Thank you and the your fellow volunteers for your unselfish efforts to help these unfortunate and troubled souls.
Nina
Rachel wrote:
Nina -
I volunteer with a rescue group and in my 4 years with them we have made the decision one time to put down a dog because of its aggressive behavior. Before making that decision we tried everything - we all chipped in for training, temperment testing, we even paid for a pet psychic in the hopes that might help us. I don't doubt that we did the right thing, but we all dreaded that discussion.
We have had some dogs in our group for YEARS and YEARS, knowing they were virtually unadoptable, yet we have managed to find loving, responsible people for many of them.
My Nicholas is one and with two years of patience, love, and work he has come so far.
My sincere opinion - and I'm sure there are some people who disagree with this - is that if a dog cannot be handled by anyone then there is a legitimate reason to conside euthanasia. In my experience, the aggressive dogs that have come through our group have been able to bond or tolerate at least one particular volunteer. This enables that volunteer to work with the dog and is usually a sign for us that there could be a special person to give that dog a home.
Rachel
