there was an unprovoked frontal attack on one of our volunteers with a significant level 4 bite wound on the part of the body i consider to be the danger zone (groin/hip to head) hands, feet, and lower legs and arms are usually just painful warnings. i tolerate most bites, accidental and intentional, as long as i can see a logical reason and as long as they are to communicate and not just to cause harm.
i considered the three options...locked kennel for life, out only with a certain few, and since he already did not like being isolated in the shop, i knew he would not like kennel life even more...returning him to his original owners to suffer several more years of painful ignorance, loneliness and neglect.... or ending his life while feeling happy, loved and well. it is more than he had before.
death is not the monster for watson..his life is what made him who he was...a very sweet and loving dog for some and a dangerous, unpredictable dog for others.
i could not risk the people who come here, especially the children and i am so sorry watson that i would not take that risk for you.
i chose death as the gentle and peaceful and safest solution.
watson was a very good dog and we all loved him here. he had a gentle passing, he even good naturedly played a bit with his favorite toy. i hope that he is content where ever he is now and he understands why i just could not let him live here any more.
rest in peace watson.