I use to be a regular here on TE but then other things needed more attention in my life. I've been lurking quite a bit and need to write some people back that have sent me private messages wondering where the heck I am (Mr. & Mrs. Silver - I will have my life story to you soon)

Today was one of those days I hate doing rescue.

I work with three Weimaraner Rescues living here in Ohio. I help ours, Michigan and Louisville.

I got a call last week asking a favor. A young (3-4 yo) male had been adopted out and returned due to biting their 12 year old daughter. The bite required stitches. The foster parents are dog trainers and have their own school and had hoped it was a fluke. They've helped Weim rescue for years and have successfully rehabbed plenty of dogs. Well, not so, as the dog then lunged after the wife one day. Everyone knew what had to be done but they couldn't do it.

That's where I came in.

Brutus, I'm sorry. Your foster mom met me in an ice cream parlor parking lot tonight at 7:30 and handed you off while crying. I tried not to look into your eyes and get attached as I was headed straight for the vets. You licked my ear and wondered what was going on. I brought some of Robin's favorite treats and you enjoyed a few. I thought it was the least I could do. We pulled up to the vets way too soon. How did I drive 20 miles in what seemed like 10 seconds? The staff had been notified and I quickly filled out the paperwork while you sat in my car like an angel. It too was completed much too soon. I went to the car and got you and let you take one final sniff at the "pee pole" outside the vet's office. We were ushered into the exam room and I sat with you on the floor while you licked my face. Too quickly it was all over. I loved you for an hour and I'm sorry it couldn't have been longer. No more suffering poor baby. Your scar riddled body, from learning what you could on the streets is over. You're playing with all the other boys and girls at the Bridge. You're happy and not wondering if and when you need to be Alpha versus one of the pack.

I really hate this part of the job!

Hug your four leggeds for me tonight.

....scrape, shuffle, pull, drag..... getting my soapbox out
(not accusing anyone here on this list)
Please people - if you breed, keep track of your babies for life. Be prepared for the owners to call you ten years later and tell you they need you to take the dog back for one reason or another and take it back. I hate putting down your dog that you bred just because your relationship ended with the puppy owners when the check cleared the bank. These are living, breathing, loving creatures.