Message ID: bqtmnv$21u7o5$1@ID-202214.news.uni-berlin.de
Duke, our family dog, recently attacked a child. He didn't seriously hurt her, but if I hadn't grabbed him, he could have. I feel terrible. After consulting our veterinarian, we've made arrangements to put him down. My children, 11 and 5, still see him as a gentle giant who they snuggle and hug. I am unsure if I should tell my five-year-old that our best friend is going to die. - Pet Lover
A: Dear Pet Lover, You have an opportunity to teach your children a lesson about the inevitably of death (kids are remarkably comfortable with this) and about personal responsibility. You've made a difficult and responsible decision regarding Duke's fate. Spend some time as a family saying goodbye to him, each of you remembering good times he shared with you, and, after he's gone, I'd encourage you to hold a family memorial service in which everyone can say something. Then, when they're ready, take your kids to get a puppy.
Ask Laskas
Reader's Digest
December 2003
I personally don't believe in the concept but in your case, I'll make an exception: I hope there is a special place in a Christian Hell waiting for you and your ilk.
Dogs such as yours, fully acclimatized to small children, do not attack unprovoked. What was this other kid doing to bring on this attack from a dog whom your very own children snuggled and hugged?
You said yourself that the instigator of this farce was not seriously harmed. And you are going to have a good and loyal friend put down? AT VERY LEAST, if you didn't want the dog around, you should have tried to find it another home - or taken it to a no kill shelter (with a healthy donation, by the by).
The only thing your kids are learning is that pets are disposable, and as soon as something becomes inconvenient, get rid of it. That's a fine lesson you are teaching them, I hope your kids remember that when you look to them when you become inconvenient. If there was ever anyone who deserved to be abandoned in their dotage at the side of a road in a terry cloth robe, it's you, Sugar.
Do the animal kingdom a favour - never bring another pet, not even so much as a goldfish, into your household. You don't deserve them, and they certainly don't deserve you.
Childfree Abby - outraged
The ChildFree Abby Archives - http://www.dismal-light.net/childfreeabby/