My poor little loves.

Granca

Granca

What a horrible thing to happen. I'm sure they know you're there for them, Candy, and will support them. Just being there is often enough.
 
Candy

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
Location
West Yorkshire, UK
Hello and thanks yet again everyone for your messages of love and support. I walked over to their house with Joy thismorning. Mel has 15 stitches in her mouth and can only manage liquids through a straw at present so she is off work. Marcus is self employed and had taken the day off and they had taken the decision to allow the children a day off school so they were all there together, keeping each other company which was reassuring and lovely. Joy has never been to their house before and suddenly seemed to remember that she's still young (21 months today) and went a little bit silly, play bowing and charging around just a little before licking everyone thoroughly. It was sheer genius! Just silly and funny enough to make everyone laugh without actually doing any damage at all, bless her! Mel was obviously shaken but just so relieved that it was her who'd been bitten, rather than one of the children. Apparently Jax had been on the bed with her and Marcus in the morning as usual and Mel bent to give him a kiss on the head, also as usual, which is when he bit her. After they got home from the hospital Marcus rang the vet for advice and was put in touch with a dog behaviourist. She was very sympathetic, said she was sure Jax hadn't intended to hurt Mel, had probably misinterpreted the situation and was giving a warning. However she also said that they had to ask themselves if they could honestly be sure it would never happen again. Of course they know they can't be sure of this. She said that rehoming might be an option, apparently there is a place near Coventry where they take dogs that have bitten and try to retrain then rehome them. However she also said that Dobermans, like GSDs are very much 'one person' dogs (and Jax really lived only for Marcus) and so often don't do well in these places. She added that with his history, combined with the fact that he was a big powerful dog, and the reputation that Dobermans have in general, she honestly felt it was quite unlikely that he would be successfully rehomed. Putting all this together, they came to the very sad conclusion that the kindest thing for Jax would be to have him PTS. The vet also said he felt this was the right decision.
Anyway, I feel better for having seen them and hugged them all and on the way home Joy and I stopped at the florist's and ordered a pretty bunch of flowers to be sent to Mel. She's just sent me a photo of them and they're gorgeous. A new Indian restaurant has just opened locally and we've heard very good reports, so are planning a family meal there once Mel can eat again. Onwards and upwards! Also a big thankyou to little Joy for cheering everyone up a bit and for being such a Goodgirl!:dug:
 
edzbird

edzbird

Location
Isle of Man
Sorry you're all going thorough this tough time. It seems never ending, but you'll all come through it. I think GoodGirlJoy must have been a welcome distraction at this difficult time. :hug:
 
Granca

Granca

It must have been very helpful for them to be able to talk it through, with Joy as a distraction. I’m sure they feel better for seeing you too.
 
Beanwood

Beanwood

Administrator
What a terribly sad situation. So sorry Mel has got hurt, and that awful decision! You are a wonderful family and inspirational in the way you have all pulled together, included the gorgeous GGJ infecting everyone with her happy, sweet soul. :hug:
 
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