In Memory of Aspen
Willing to try anything to save her puppy, she sought Rescue. I explained this was not a dog for Rescue, and besides the owner wanted to keep her puppy if at all possible. We discussed training, diet and TTouch. We discussed options, but unfortunately they are few. I warned that I was afraid, no matter what we tried, that ultimately she would have to do the responsible thing. That Aspen would have to be sent to the Bridge. An unpredictable and dangerous 45-pound puppy is bad enough—but when full grown, 120 pounds plus, the consequences could be lethal.
Aspen could be so sweet and loving, but he was completely unpredictable. Sitting with Aspens head on her lap, gentle stroking calming circles in his soft fur---one moment gentle puppy kisses and suddenly he lunged. Aspen had clamped on to his Owner’s hand, and tasting blood only seemed to spur him on. He clamped down harder, refusing to let go. Blood flowing from this woman’s hand, tears, yells and commands for him to “Off!” and “No” ignored, her husband had to pry the puppy’s jaws open to free her.
Was this Rage Syndrome? Inbreeding? Chemical imbalance? Aspen did not, could not, understand boundaries. He had no “off” switch, no control.
This was not the first unprovoked attack, but I know this time the Owner heard my warnings in her mind. This animal was vicious, and no matter how much she wished and tried to change things, no matter how much she loved her puppy, she had to be responsible. The call was made to the Vet’s office, and then she called me.
We cried together as I tried to convince her that she had not failed Aspen, that this situation was not her fault, or the puppy’s. All this heart break, all this grief---a family crushed by the heavy responsibility of doing the “right thing”. This young woman mourning the death of the puppy she loved so dearly---and I am furious!
Let’s lay the blame where it belongs! The heartless Breeder that either didn’t know, or didn’t care about genetics! The Breeder who seemed more interested in profit, than improving the Breed! The Breeder who’s GREED resulted in this young woman’s broken heart and injuries. The Breeder that had had other litters, and Aspen was only one of a litter of six puppies.
How many families will have their hearts similarly broken? How many will be put in a situation
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