Two days ago something happened and now, we are faced with the very real possibility that we will have to put Chassard down. You see, 97% of the time, he is the sweetest, most affectionate dog who would do anything for a pat from both friends and family. The other 3% is his wild side seen by the vet, the postman and neighbours with big dogs.
In the last few weeks he has been getting increasingly aggressive. Two weeks ago, he bit a neighbour who was standing unaccompanied by family in our porch. I think he thought he was a stranger on his territory, but even so, he attacked without so much as a warning growl. We pulled him off and called in a professional trainer.
However two days ago, he bit my brother. He was trying to leash him up for a bath when he growled and finally bit. We brought my bro to the A&E department to get cleaned up and he has been on MC for the last 3 days.
When he was younger, Chass used to escape the house and on occasion would fight with big dogs. We eventually got quite good at checking him and minimising such instances. We hadn't had a complaint in the last 2-3 years.
The attack on the neighbour was something his vet termed as "doing his job". Of course the neighbour doesn't quite see it that way and has been gunning for Chassard's demise since. He has been making threats and even called the trainer without our knowledge to educate him on how Chassard = Satan.
We have since arranged for a separate gate to be built so we can confine him further when necessary in addition to chaining him.
The thing is this. If he attacks other dogs and unaccompanied strangers, there are things we can do to keep them safe from him. But now that he has bitten family, is it possible to keep us safe?
My mom is 69 and is at home often. Is it fair to risk her getting bitten if she has to chain him? My maid bathes him. Can I in good conscience ask her to do something I am now afraid to do myself?
Lance, the trainer, believes that once we achieve a certain level of control, it is not a problem, but it will take time. Chassard can be trained. He is the most trainable of all the dogs I've ever had. The question is: Do we have time...time before he bites again?
We thought of placing him with Noah's Ark's retirement programme but they are full. Other kennels charge a high price and he will be constantly in a cage which really isn't a good option - he'd go completely starkers.
Then there's also the consideration of his health. Chass has been having a bad rash around his neck for a good 8 months which has not gotten better despite repeat visits to the vet. He has also been losing fur on his underside until now, he is almost bald there except for some short hairs.
Most of all, his dislocated leg from the car accident has been acting up. He is limping a lot more, has trouble getting up and sometimes will just run on 3 legs. The vet said he is in pain and that there's nothing that can be done for him except to give him painkillers. Again, pain meds for the rest of his life? Not exactly a great option.
Basically, he is both constantly itchy and in pain. I guess that could be why he's been getting more aggressive recently.
Our last hope is a trip to the vet. If he says that Chass is having pain aggression and can offer us a plausible solution, we will take it.
My dad called this morning to ask me to beg Noah's Ark to take him in. They really can't especially with all his problems. Dad was never like this with the previous dogs. My bro doesn't dare touch him now but even then he prefers paying for his stay at a sanctuary to putting him down.
I guess it's a sign of how much the silly dog has wormed his way into our hearts. And now, it's only fair that we try all possible avenues before the last resort.
Afterall, he's family, right?
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