I had a major crisis this morning, resulting in a death of one of my dogs and bite wounds to myself (I was trying to break up the fight). Should I keep my dogs or euthanize them?

Dear Cindy,

I've written in the past and appreciate the expert advice you gave. I hope you don't mind that I am contacting you again.

I had a major crisis this morning, resulting in a death by pack-attack of one of my dogs and bite wounds to myself (I was trying to break up the fight).

My mother passed this October after which, in my grief, I adopted a new small dog to replace the one I'd had and that had lived here for the last few years.

The 9 pound rescue mix (double coated prick ear curly tail) had been with me since December and seemed fitting in just fine with my 2 GSD spayed bitches and neutered male 50 lb Aus Shep mix.

I let her out to potty with the others this morning when the fight broke out with both GSDs attacking Penny (the little rescue). I had been watching and all she had done was walk past them into the yard to potty, when the 10 year old GSD dominant bitch and her larger daughter converged on her threateningly. Penny lifted her lip and then the attack was all out. I could not get them to drop her and got bitten as I tried to break them up and get them to let Penny go. There was no nip and release, no punishment or warning, they were in for the kill.

Needless to say this was deadly serious and my little dog died of her injuries before making to the vet.

I just got my own tetanus shot but now have to decide what to do.

My reflex is to get rid of them all. Clean slate. No dogs at all, then eventually maybe another small dog to love. I'm getting too old for the big guys.

You had termed the larger, younger GSD 'Little' as Insecure Dominant when I'd written you helped with some advice. She also needs continual work to keep her food- guarding tendency under control.

I believe she started this BUT old Misty (her Dominant, strong-prey-drive mother) was right there too and might have initiated things; she has also been getting more and more difficult (and I realize it is probably MY energy that is weak and causing disruption in the pack). But right now I feel like I don't like, want, trust or have the energy to rehabilitate or train these dogs. Not after this. And I have way too much else on my plate (living alone, trying to keep my home, no job, you get the picture, the same as so many around the country now).

So my question is, are these dogs adoptable? I would be honest, of course, with a rescue group or shelter, and know that Animal Control would be a death sentence for them. I don't want to kill them or be irresponsible either.

'Little' might be fine in a one-dog home, as would Misty (and the boy Zak would be fine), but I just can't even look at them now. The memories are horrifying, as you can imagine, watching them shake and tear apart my beloved little bed-warmer while she screamed in pain and fear.

Would I be irresponsible to try and place them elsewhere? Your expert hunch would mean a lot to me as I try to come to this life-changing decision. I just can't give them what they need any more and worse I don't trust them or feel I can love them again. I know that sounds terrible but I'm being honest. If I can no longer control them, they are a danger remaining in my care. I need the right answer.

IF they can NOT be safely rehomed, I would have them euthanized myself rather than call Animal Control.

Thank you so much for your time and for listening. ANY advice is welcome and appreciated.