This will be the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

We got her thyroid test, blood panel, and an EEG done earlier this week. After talking to the vet, multiple people who have experienced the same aggression issues with their dogs, and many, many veterinary behaviorists, behaviorists, and trainers, we have come to the decision that Sheba will be PTS.

Basically, she has some type of behavioral seizure, with the most resounding possibility being idiopathic aggression, AKA "rage syndrome". We have caught some of her "outburts" on camera and we showed these to the neurologist along with every trainer etc. we brought in, and they asked me a whole lot of questions, we looked at a lot of different theories, looked at every picture I'd taken after an episode, we even looked at every single thread I've posted on here, and well..you read the first paragraph.

My holistic vet that I have been taking Kennedy and Sheba to since I got Sheba warned me that Sheba would not respond to behavioral altering drugs, and it could make her episodes worse.

Please don't tell me "have you tried this", or any variation. We have literally tried everything. Sheba is not fixable, she is not happy, she is not thriving, and we are all prisoners of her episodes, including herself. It's no life for anyone, least of all her...and that is what I have to keep telling myself.

I have already picked out an urn and a piece of jewelry to put a lock of her hair in. I am also going to get an oil painting of her done, and I want everyone to help me pick out a picture. I will update a thread to my favorite pictures of her when I am ready.

So, please everyone, hold your babies tight and thank God you aren't in my shoes.

Kelsey,

I'm truly sorry. I didn't want to believe it myself, but I had that feeling. It happens and Sheba appreciates all the love and help you gave her. Please take care and know you did everything.

Renee

I just wish this would have been brought to my attention sooner. I've cried myself to sleep for the last three days since we started to broach the topic of euthanasia, then we went in for a follow up and I lost it.

The hardest thing is looking at her when she is her normal happy, silly, bratty, adorable self and trying to make myself remember that isn't the part of her that I'm killing.

Bringing it to your attention sooner would not make your decision any easier. She has a medical problem that is not an easy fix. There are many reasons for her condition, all of which you tried to correct, when correction is not the answer. You gave her a very wonderful life, better than the person who brought her into this world, and better than anyone else would have if they got her instead of you. There is a reason for everything Kelsey and someday you will figure out why Sheba graced your life for such a short time. Please find peace and understanding in that.

Hugs,

Renee

Oh Kelsey words cannot express how my heart breaks for you! I truly believe you have given Sheba the best possible life filled with love and compassion that any dog could hope for. Unfortunately sometimes the larges act of kindness we can offer sometimes is recognizing it's time to let them go- Many hugs my friend...and you know I am here for you if you need anything at all, just a PM or call away.

I am so sorry. You will be in my thoughts.

I know exactly what your going though. I really really do. And know your not alone in this.

A year and half ago I had to pts my beagle for the exact same reason. At 3 months he started being aggressive with little things and than it got more and more worse. I kept  telling myself he could be fixed but I was wrong, the attacks got worse, the bite marks from defending myself on my hands got worse. He took chunks of skin off my mom on her stomach, almost ripped her ear off. After months and months of training and talking to behaviorists we made the toughest decision to put him to sleep at 10 months.

When you first posted about this the other day I hoped it wasn't rage syndrome even though it sound eerily familiar. I hoped you wouldn't have to go though the same things I did but you have and will.
I was so angry when we were standing in the office, that when my mom tried to hug me I pushed her away. I have never ever done that before. Its gonna be a roller coaster of emotions the days after. I felt like no one understood me. At first you'll regret your decision but it does get better, you realize it was the best decision. Even though its been a short time together just know you gave her as much love and happiness you could because you have.

A month later we got Phoebe, and it wasn't until few months later I came to the realization that if we hadn't put him to sleep, I probably wouldn't have her.

I'm crying writing this and I hope I don't make you cry. Just know you have a support system here and if you ever need to talk you can talk to me. I'm so sorry. Hugs, Keri

Keri, that is what I am most afraid of...regretting it or cancelling the appointment. I'm so afraid to think about how long I'm going to hate myself, because I know I will.

I'm scared about being able to take care of Kennedy and Ky like I have to. I'm scared of how viciously I'm going to end up lashing out at anyone who tries to help.

Lol I've been crying every single night this week, it's okay .

I am so sorry to hear of this. You are doing the best thing for Sheba, it is never easy to let go and sometimes we must make these hard decisions based on our responsibility for their wellbeing.

You have done everything possible to resolve the issues so I must again say, that I believe you are doing the right thing.

Wishing you all the best during this difficult time.

I can't put into words how sorry I am that you have to do this. Nothing anyone can say will change anything but please know that we do care. I am sure that Sheba knows how much you love her.

So so sorry, Kelsey. I have no words, only my condolences.

I'm so sorry Kelsey, I can't imagine what you're going through but you know that you have an entire family of support here. <3

When is this happening? If I can find a spot for her at a rescue willing to work with her unique and medical needs, would you be willing to surrender her?

Kelsey, I am so sorry! I wish this wasnt the case, but only you know what is best!

This isnt a you should try this or anything, but im more curious as to why if they are behavioral seizures, seizure medicine wouldnt work? Again not saying that you should, but just wondering about the condition as a whole. Would that also make a dog with this disorder more violent?

Sometimes there are just no words and that's where I find myself. With my Sasha it's food agression and the last time she bit me I had this discussion with myself. Since I know what the problem is, I can deal with it and over time it is getting better. In your shoes I think I'd have to make the same decision and hate myself for it, even knowing it's the only real option.

I'm sorry Kelsey that your time with Sheba was so short but she knows and you know that you've done everything possible for her. When you meet again at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge she'll be the dog she should have been.

Kelsey, I am so sorry you have to go through this. For what it's worth, I believe you have no other choice at this point. My sincere condolences.

Kelsey, I'm so sorry to read this. Unfortunately, I know what you're going through. When I was 18, we had to put our 3 year old lab/German shepherd to sleep. He had bitten me so many times I still have the scars to this day. Then he started turning on my dad and we couldn't keep living in fear of what he would do next.

I know it's not an easy decision and if you want to talk about it, please feel free to PM me.

Kelsey, I'm really sorry you're having to go through this. I was keeping posted on your other posts about her but I hoped it didn't end up like this. You guys are in my thoughts.

I understand what you are going through,haveing been there myself. It is about the most depressing thing I can think of.You need to be strong for her,because they know when you are haveing issues. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.

Kesley I am so sorry about Sheba. My heart goes out to you in this hard time.

Kelsey,
I have been following your updates but not really posting on them. You have been a long time member/family here and I know you have done everything you could to correct this issue, and unfortunately its medically related, and if your vet does not think the meds will work you are not left with many other options. I am so sorry, i have only had to put one pet to sleep and it was the worst thing i have ever done, but knowing there were no other options i had to remind my self for a long time it needed to be done so she would not suffer any longer.
we will always be here for you, im so sorry.
Hugs

I'm really sorry you have to go through this. But just so I know I have the facts straight, you're going to be euthanizing her before you try spaying her?

I'm so sorry about all this. It's been a long hard journey, but I know she appreciates all you've put in for her and I'm certain she wouldn't want to go out without anyone else by her side.

I know how hard it is to loose a pet, I lost my boy cat just a few months ago and I still sob like a baby. He had something neurological wrong with him that no one could figure out before it was too late, I know its a small consolation, but at least you know whats wrong with her and that will provide some closure in the coming months.

wpskier222 wrote:

When is this happening? If I can find a spot for her at a rescue willing to work with her unique and medical needs, would you be willing to surrender her?

Sheba is not safe to be in a rescue environment. I have already broached the topic, anything to save her life, but her condition is not treatable and is not manageable unless she is wearing a basket muzzle 24/7 since you cannot predict when an episode will happen.

This is not an issue that can be fixed or managed. If I could keep her alive in any way, I would. It's very hard to describe what happens when this switch happens, but she is not my dog. She is a killer on a mission, but she has no idea she is doing this. She attacks whatever is near her, be it me, Chris, one of the dogs, furniture, her crate..anything.

She is not safe. My dogs live in fear of her and I am afraid of her when this happens. When she comes out of an episode, she has no idea what just happened. She is scared, and she is confused. It is no quality of life for her.