I had to put my dog to sleep today. He had bitten several people. It was a very difficult decision to make.

I purchased a cocker spaniel for my three children this past Christmas. I read many articles about socializing, selecting the right dog, and training. I typed in family pet on the Internet and found cocker spaniel. I had many conversations with the breeder and asked all the recommended questions. He was black and tan with white markings. Everyone who saw him wanted to pet him and told us how beautiful he was. My children have been asking for a dog for a long time (10 year-old and twin 9 year-olds). Rio, our cocker spaniel stole our hearts. We were going to bring him everywhere, until he bit our vet and growled at other dogs within two weeks of bringing him home. He was two months old. We began puppy training and basic training. We sought the help of a dog behavior expert. We began socializing him off leash and soon was able to socialize with small to medium dogs on leash. He had snipped at my children for different reasons, but never broke skin (should that even matter)? He had bite or snapped at two vets, the behavior expert, my children, my mother and recently growled and broke the skin twice with me. I put him to sleep today and feel so guilty, but would feel worse when he hurt someone. Notice I didn't say if, but when. I want to thank you for understanding our pain with this difficult decision, because others make me feel like a careless owner. I spent 90% of my day with Rio and loved him. This was not a careless decision.