Yesterday I had a longtime client come in w/her Shih, Princess. It has been many months since I did last did Princess even though she was typically a monthly client for much of the past 13 yrs that she has been a client. I have been her only groomer.
A little history: Princess had always been your typical bratty shih. Nothing horrible, just kind of a snippy brat that I found to be more amusing than threatening. These past few years, according to her mama, she has gradually gotten much worse at home, tho I hadn't seen it during grooming till yesterday when she suddenly went into a "rage"......it was scary and rather shocking how bad she was. If I didn't have her hooked up to the GH she would have attacked me. Not just bit or snapped, but full out-attacked for no reason and w/no warning!
Two things have changed in Princess's life. Her mom had a baby 3 yrs ago, which can definitely be a factor but also I have noticed a steady decline in her coat, skin and body weight the last few times I groomed her, which I know can be an indication of thyroid (or other health problems) and might also be a reason for the drastic personality change.
Here's the problem. Princess's owner is a single mom who lost her job almost a year ago and is the sole support of her daughter. That is the reason I hadn't seen Princess for grooming for so long and why she can't afford to take her for tests.
When I groomed her yesterday her mom told me she was probably going to take her to the shelter as she had bitten her daughter several times and was having to be kept locked up in a bedroom most of the time. She was in tears about the though of doing this, especially when I told her (as gently as possible) that she would probably be euthanized because of her issues.
The advice I gave her was to take Princess in herself to be euthed. I think since she can't afford vet tests and treatment (you can tell Princess is miserable and doesn't feel good), and since the dog is such a threat to her child that this is the most responsible and the kindest thing to do. Sure, she can take her to the shelter, but that will be so much more stressful for the dog and more than likely will still end up in certain death.
I even refused payment for grooming so that she would have that money for the vet. Please don't' think badly of me for recommending she do this. Euthanizing isn't something I take lightly. I just really feel, considering her circumstances and having finally witnessed Princess's frightening and dangerous behavior that this is the best thing to do for her family and for Princess.
A little history: Princess had always been your typical bratty shih. Nothing horrible, just kind of a snippy brat that I found to be more amusing than threatening. These past few years, according to her mama, she has gradually gotten much worse at home, tho I hadn't seen it during grooming till yesterday when she suddenly went into a "rage"......it was scary and rather shocking how bad she was. If I didn't have her hooked up to the GH she would have attacked me. Not just bit or snapped, but full out-attacked for no reason and w/no warning!
Two things have changed in Princess's life. Her mom had a baby 3 yrs ago, which can definitely be a factor but also I have noticed a steady decline in her coat, skin and body weight the last few times I groomed her, which I know can be an indication of thyroid (or other health problems) and might also be a reason for the drastic personality change.
Here's the problem. Princess's owner is a single mom who lost her job almost a year ago and is the sole support of her daughter. That is the reason I hadn't seen Princess for grooming for so long and why she can't afford to take her for tests.
When I groomed her yesterday her mom told me she was probably going to take her to the shelter as she had bitten her daughter several times and was having to be kept locked up in a bedroom most of the time. She was in tears about the though of doing this, especially when I told her (as gently as possible) that she would probably be euthanized because of her issues.
The advice I gave her was to take Princess in herself to be euthed. I think since she can't afford vet tests and treatment (you can tell Princess is miserable and doesn't feel good), and since the dog is such a threat to her child that this is the most responsible and the kindest thing to do. Sure, she can take her to the shelter, but that will be so much more stressful for the dog and more than likely will still end up in certain death.
I even refused payment for grooming so that she would have that money for the vet. Please don't' think badly of me for recommending she do this. Euthanizing isn't something I take lightly. I just really feel, considering her circumstances and having finally witnessed Princess's frightening and dangerous behavior that this is the best thing to do for her family and for Princess.
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