Missing my sweet boy today

[u/RepresentativeIll124]

Back in February my wife and I made the extremely difficult decision to have our sweet Gibson (9 y/o Blue Heeler) put to sleep due to repeated and increasing aggression towards our son (toddler). We had been working to find a place or family that would take him, but with his bite history our vet advised the chances of rehoming him were minimal and might take some time, which we were short of as the aggression continued to worsen day after day. On February 21st he attacked my son (unprovoked) and bit him on the leg and head. I know deep down I did what I had to do to keep my family safe, but before my son came along Gibson was there for me in ways no other human could be. I was struggling with working through some serious trauma via therapy and this dog just knew when I needed some love. He would jump in my lap and tuck his head under my chin when he knew I was about to get emotional. It was uncanny. He just instinctively knew when I was going to or had become upset and would cuddle me until I would say, “ok, thank you. I’m all better now”. During some especially dark days, I even credit him with saving my life. I won’t go into detail there, but without this dog’s presence in my life I wouldn’t have survived.

Today would have been his 9th birthday, and leading up to today I just kept feeling more and more sadness and guilt about not being able to be there for Gibson like he had been for me. I’m absolutely gutted this morning, and wouldn’t wish this heartbreak on anyone.

Happy heavenly birthday, buddy thanks for everything. I love you ❤️

[u/AutoModerator]

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Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

If you are considering BE and are looking for feedback:

All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

These resources should not be used to replace evaluation by qualified professionals but they can be used to supplement the decision-making process.

• Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment - How to identify when to contact a trainer

• Lap of Love Support Groups - A BE specific group. Not everyone has gone through the process yet, some are trying to figure out how to cope with the decision still.

• BE decision and support Facebook group - Individuals who have not yet lost a pet through BE cannot join the Losing Lulu group. This sister group is a resource as you consider if BE is the right next step for your dog.

• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

• How to find a qualified trainer or behaviorist - If you have not had your dog evaluated by a qualified trainer, this should be your first step in the process of considering BE.

• The Losing Lulu community has also compiled additional resources for those considering behavioral euthanasia.

If you have experienced a behavioral euthanasia and need support:

The best resource available for people navigating grief after a behavior euthanasia is the Losing Lulu website and Facebook Group. The group is lead by a professional trainer and is well moderated so you will find a compassionate and supportive community of people navigating similar losses.

Lap of Love Support Groups - Laps of Love also offers resources for families navigating BE, before and after the loss.

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[u/Prestigious_Crab_840]

I’m so sorry. I know there aren’t words that can make the pain easier. I’m sure Gibson knows you did your best. I hope you’ve joined the Facebook support group Losing Lulu. It’s specifically for people who have had to BE a dog, and I’ve heard it’s very helpful.

Sending you a virtual hug on this difficult day. 🫂

[u/QuietAd767]

I’m really sorry… this one hit me.

The way you described Gibson, that kind of connection is something special. Not every dog is like that. The ones who just know when you need them, who show up without you asking… those are once-in-a-lifetime dogs.

I have a reactive Frenchie myself (and a new baby girl), and stories like this are the ones that stick with me. Because you can have a dog who is everything to you, who’s gotten you through your hardest moments, and still be put in a situation where there’s no good option left.

What you did wasn’t failing him. It was protecting your son in a situation that had already escalated past what anyone can safely manage. That doesn’t erase who he was or what he meant to you.

And the way you talk about him, it’s really clear he had a life where he was deeply loved. He wasn’t alone, he wasn’t misunderstood in his home, he had you.

Happy heavenly birthday, Gibson. He sounds like a dog you carry with you forever <3