Re: [PyrNet-L] CHAT: Pyr that bit

[Adrienne Wilder <draggon@STC.Net>]

This is a tough one.  You have a dog that has bitten.  You are now 
legally liable for any further mistakes.  Serious changes should be made 
and met if even the thought of keeping this dog is in mind.  If they 
cannot be made and met...owning any dog while in this situation should 
be seriously reconsidered.
Having said that...and having forced myself to get past the part about 
the child getting bit....
The dog did not persue.  This was not a mindless irrational response.  
This dog was doing what it was bred to do.
Also...while I know this was a child...there needs to be an 
understanding that dogs do not see people like we see each other.  Dogs 
rely on movement, sound, smell, and body posture.  Thie child was 
probably acting "aggressivly" in the "eyes" of the pyr.  Wether it was a 
small predator or a tall one...the dog does not care.  This is why 
owning these dogs is such a great responsibility....they are guardians 
and will act like guardians, even when we think its inapropriot.
If the family wants to take on the repsonsibility of containing the dog 
properly then I think it is a personal choice as to wether or not the 
dog should be kept.  I don't think this is a case of "viscious" 
dog...rather a case of mistaken identity.
However if they do not want the dog..they should by no means give it 
away or put it in a shelter...they need to euthinize the dog.


-- 


Adrienne Wilder  www.stc.net/~draggon/index.htm (pet portraits)
Murrayville GA

"Oh, to be loved by a dog!"

Home of:
The golden gang,
Patou and the evil sister geese.
and many stray cats.