Mr. Aiton,
I am so sorry about your dog. It's devastating to make those decisions about a beloved family member, under any circumstance. Please know your family will be in our family's prayers.
Ruth Counter

Dear John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm also sorry this thread which should be for condolences is marred by someones ignorance. Please know the majority of the people here do not presume the right to lecture you, but do wish to console you. Your dog was lucky to have you. Please stay in touch. I know it is too difficult to think of getting another dog yet, but when you do, we will all be here to cheer you on.

I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. It's always a difficult thing to do, no matter the circumstances.

<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> John, I am so sorry for your loss. One thing that may help you and your family through the grieving process is to make a memory book for your dog. You can include things such as the dog's collar, photos, drawings and stories you and your family write about their memories.

Ms. Erdman,

In the spirit of open communication:

For my earlier post, I apologize for posting so angry a sounding response to your post. I was insensitive.

I was wrong for being so critical of your comments. My empathy for John and his family and his wee dog...

People of good intent should be able to communicate with an expectation of a modicum of civility. I resolve to be more civil.

And it is Mike.

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<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> John, I am so sorry for your loss. One thing that may help you and your family through the grieving process is to make a memory book for your dog. You can include things such as the dog's collar, photos, drawings and stories you and your family write about their memories.

i did this for a dog i lost 16 years ago, and i still look at it from time to time (and cry!) it is very helpful, especially in the first year after losing the dog.

what a terrible choice you had to make. i am so sorry.

Dear All,

I would like to thank you very much for your kind words of comfort, and, ideas on how to help my family recover. I think one of the best ways for my family to recover is to read this post, minus a few messages of course, and see the good will that comes from people who have been in this position before and who know dogs.

Al asked me in a private post what had happened/lead to this situation, and I said I might include my response in the main board so here it is:

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Hi AL,

It was in the communal car park of an empty apartment block, only one other flat occupied and their car was not in the car park.

I was brushing him holding his handle collar (you know brushing can be a struggle at times) when I let go for a second to clean the brush and the person just appeared from no-where and I think he got scared. I had no time to react, it was all over in seconds but that's all it takes.

I'm just starting to come to terms with it all thanks to everyones kinds words helping me through.

I think I might post this to the main board.

Cheers

John

It has helped me A LOT being able to post this and recieving help and advice from you all which I'll never forget.

I just hope someday to have the good grace to return the favour when others need comfort.

I made my peace with God today and asked forgiveness from him and my wee dog and I feel a lot better for that.

My wife has shown a strength that has made me even more proud to call her my wife and shown me that I can call on that strength when I find it hard.

Barbera,

I hold no I'll feeling toward you for your comments. I was kinda angry when I first read it but, as has been pointed out they were well intentioned. But to be honest I'm a relatively smart guy, and I know where the responsibility lays in this case, and could have done without it being pointed out in my face. But that's what you have to take when you post on a message board, as with life, the good and the bad, the things you want to hear AND the things you don't want to hear, and theres no hiding place from either <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Val,

I'm so happy that you could share this with us now, and I hope it has helped you in some way and lifts a burden from you. Reading your post I was horrified at the actions of this man and firmly believe that you have NOTHING to be ashamed of! He should be put away for a long time for what he did!

Many Thanks Again and Best Wishes to All.

John

So sorry John, don't punish yourself, you had a situation,
you made a decision to deal with it the way you did, now you need to move on.Been in your shoes but for different reasons, all the second guessing can really drive one insane, allow yourself to grieve,I agree the lady is probably feeling pretty emotional right now, I was bitten before, I know how scary it can be, but I am a tough cookie so got over it, and had enough IQ to realise that dogs can be very unpredictable, they are animals no matter how much we like to "humanise" them, so to cut to the quick give her some time to work thru the shock of getting bitten, and she may see the sense, if not don't allow her to have mental
mileage out of you just try and deal with the facts as best as possible, by paying for expensives medical/ therapy whatever, just be kind kind and it may all work out in time.

I Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss John. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />