Today we are saying "goodbye" to Max. It sucks. I'm not happy, Roby isn't happy, the kids are more than not happy.
According to all the people I've spoken with (over the last several months) who know what they are talking about (vet, dog breeder for over 20 years, two dog behaviorists, etc), this will be the best thing for everyone. There will be a greatly reduced chance of Max snipping/biting (he hasn't yet), we will help prevent Natalie from becoming scared of dogs, and Max will get a fresh start.
He is part of our family, we all love him...but I don't know what else to do. We have tried everything suggested to us to try and help him. But he has gotten into a routine of growling (especially at Natalie), and I don't think we can break it. While eating Max even got nervous, on the verge of growling, at the guy/trainer who came over to assess him. He is going to GRRIN (golden retriever rescue in Nebraska) who will take really good care of him. He will be in a foster home for at least two week so they can asses his disposition, train him as need, etc. They will then look at all the families who have applied to get a golden from GRRIN. There is always a long waiting list. They take such care to match families, they have a 90% success rate. If for some reason it doesn't work out, Max will go back with GRRIN until they find him a good home.
I NEVER wanted to get rid of a dog, especially one that is such a great dog. It breaks my heart. I'm having a rougher time than I thought I would.
According to all the people I've spoken with (over the last several months) who know what they are talking about (vet, dog breeder for over 20 years, two dog behaviorists, etc), this will be the best thing for everyone. There will be a greatly reduced chance of Max snipping/biting (he hasn't yet), we will help prevent Natalie from becoming scared of dogs, and Max will get a fresh start.
He is part of our family, we all love him...but I don't know what else to do. We have tried everything suggested to us to try and help him. But he has gotten into a routine of growling (especially at Natalie), and I don't think we can break it. While eating Max even got nervous, on the verge of growling, at the guy/trainer who came over to assess him. He is going to GRRIN (golden retriever rescue in Nebraska) who will take really good care of him. He will be in a foster home for at least two week so they can asses his disposition, train him as need, etc. They will then look at all the families who have applied to get a golden from GRRIN. There is always a long waiting list. They take such care to match families, they have a 90% success rate. If for some reason it doesn't work out, Max will go back with GRRIN until they find him a good home.
I NEVER wanted to get rid of a dog, especially one that is such a great dog. It breaks my heart. I'm having a rougher time than I thought I would.
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