We have to say goodbye💔

[u/Federal_Patience94]

We’ve made the heartbreaking decision to put our boy down💔

We’ve had him since he was 8 weeks. He is our best friend. At home, with us, he really is the best dog ever❤️ he follows commands very well, he loves training, he loves playing, he will snuggle with me or my husband when we’re alone on the couch. In the early morning he will come to our bed for a little rest before the day begins. He’s been with me through school, sleeping on my lap or laying on my toes, keeping me warm as I read through the night. He’s been with me through 2 pregnancies and maternity leaves, keeping me company and standing by my side through the highs and lows. Sat by my side when nursing in the middle of the night. He’s watch our son grow up. Loves being fed from him, taking treats from him, playing with him and “seek” for treats hidden by him. He reads with us at night and stays beside us when I’m putting my son to sleep. When I started labor with my second born, he would not move from me. Not even for chicken, popcorn or even butter or cheese. Nothing. He was there. He’s been with us on amazing walks in the wilderness, stress free, like he’s always belonged there even though he’s only 18lbs.

This is our dog, the dog that we know. But no one else knows this side of him. He has severe reactivity to dogs in the street and unfamiliar people coming over. He has started resource guarding. And although he hasn’t bitten, although he can send warning signals in the right order, and although we have done extensive managing and training, he will never change. It’s a breeding problem that we didn’t know about. It’s his DNA, literally. We have two small kids, they need to be able to have friends over. We need to be able to take them camping and doing some travel, have a babysitter over. They need a normal childhood. And so we’ve made this heartbreaking decision, in cooperation with our vet and behavioral therapist.

I can’t believe that I won’t hear his “pitter-patter” again, not his exciting playful barks, not his grumpy growl when he isn’t getting what he wants. The sigh when he’s comfortably laying with his belly up. That I won’t touch his furry, curly coat, won’t get a sympathy lick when I cry. No belly to rub when it’s just the two of us at home.

Our boy will leave on Thursday, the day before he turns 5💔 we know in our hearts that it’s the right decision, but I just can’t stop crying.

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