Andrea Rosebrock 
They Put me to sleep today,
Because you didn’t treat me right,
They put me to sleep today,
Because you didn’t teach me right,
They put me to sleep today,
Because I was afraid and decided to fight back.
They put me to sleep today,
Cause instead of a good dog, you gave me a kick.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you always said what a Bad dog I was.
They put me to sleep today,
Because I couldn’t think of anyone as nice.
They put me to sleep today,
Because I just had to bite.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you just weren’t nice.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you beat me when I barked.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you wouldn’t feed me all the time.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you yelled at me for being a dog.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you thought I was an object not a living breathing creature,
They put me to sleep today,
Because I had to defend myself from everyone.
They put me to sleep today,
Because you were a Monster.
They put me to sleep today,
Why don’t they put you to sleep instead?
Written for Jessie, The Yellow Lab Mix we had to put down on July 27th 2009, He was 2 years old and one of the first pups I rescued. He was beaten, kicked, Starved and abused by his owner to the point where when he reached us he was deemed a dangerous dog and would live out his life in rescue as we are a NO KILL Shelter. On July 20th Jessie attacked and Maimed the Head of the Rescue and a handler. It was discussed at great lengths and the decision was Made to put Jessie to sleep for the better of all including Jessie. Jessie was 11 months old when he came to us and adopted from us at 3 months of age. The Irreversible Damage to his psyche was done in just a few short Months. Bless Jessie’s soul and watch over him for me at the Rainbow Bridge and pray he is no longer fearful now that he is free from his worldly hurt.
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This was shared with me by a dear friend, Margaret and written by a rescuer as a tribute. Unfortunately she didn’t know the name of the rescuer or I would gladly attribute this to them. My heart breaks reading these words and I wish that the abuser, this one and all of them, could pay just a fraction of the price these prcious babies pay because of what’s done to them! They are the monsters!
A tragedy that’s repeated far too often.
A quick story.
When I placed my Collie pups, my standard notification was that if for ANY reason, the dog was not suitable, that he should be brought back to me and not dumped in a shelter.
In August, 2005…I got the call that Elvis J. Dawg was coming back after nearly 5 years. When they people arrived with him, I was horrified at his condition.
I settled him into a gated room downstairs and told Kelie and Konnie to stay away from him until I had time to assess him. He just didn’t look “right” behind his eyes.
of course, Kelie…whose main memory of him was tying off his umbilical cord and cuddling him when he was just hours old…ignored my advice. The dog lunged at the gate with his full strength and weight. If he could have gotten to her…he’d have killed her before I could have gotten to them.
Long story short…6 months later, Kelie could place a treat between her teeth, and he’d take it from her so carefully and gently that his lips wouldn’t even touch hers. Today, we can get him on the ground and wool him up…romp and play rough with him…cut his nails…clean his ears…groom him…take his food away from him…and he doesn’t react in any negative way…not even if our routine care causes him some discomfort.
He’s become our ambassador of good will whenever anyone comes for a visit…and everybody remarks on what a good boy he is.
I’ve been bitten by fear-aggessive dogs on more than one occasion. I’ve failed to bring one around exactly once. These dogs can be rehabilitated, but you have to be able to identify the triggers that set’em off. The “Hot Buttons” that lead to an attack. More importantly, it’s necessary to spot the triggers before they escalate into an attack by observing their body language…and understand that a wagging tail doesn’t always mean that all is well. Once the triggers been identified…they can be shut down with time and patience and a firm, but gentle hand. I know. I’ve done it. I’ve seen some of the meanest “Junkyard Dogs” transform into snugglepups.
Keep screamin’ about this. Too many good dogs go down because of abuse and neglect. I’ve got one right here beside me that is living proof that there very few truly bad dogs. All they need is a chance to prove and redeem themselves.
You make a great point. I work at a dog sledding kennel and my boss has given a way very few dogs, but the ones he does the always says if there’s a problem, bring them back. We have close to 100 dogs and there’s not one of them I can’t touch, pet, groom or handle.
It’s horrifying how some puppies are treated. We look at the acts other countries inflict on their people but we fail to take account for the atrocities happening in our own country, not only to women and children but to animals as well.
Ok, good cry for an early morning. Let me pull myself together here, and I will post something later. Very blurred vision right now.
Once again this story proves that ANY breed can be trained or conditioned to be cruel – not just pit bulls. May Jessie’s tragic story be an inspiration to all pet owners to treat their friends with kindness and patience to help them work through issues. Animals become a reflection of what people do to them and how they are loved. RIP Jessie, and you are safe now at Rainbow Bridge – run free!
Jen…I’ve actually had less trouble with Pits than with several other more “docile” breeds. True Pitbulls…the American Staffordshires…were once known as “Nanny Dogs” because of their fierce devotion to their people pack, and approachability by people in general. Even gentle, well-socialized Pits sometimes go on the offensive because they’ve sensed something wrong with an individual…and in nearly every case…they had reason to be suspicious.
I’m a pretty good judge of character, but once in a while, somebody with less than honorable intentions slips in under my radar…but they haven’t fooled the dogs yet.
The one dog that I failed at rehabilitating was a Golden Retriever. So, yeah. Any dog can be ruined if one works hard at it.
I like Pits. Them pups is good people.
Johnny, of all the pits I have had on transports, they are nothing but little love bugs. Even the Dogos – big babies. I would drop off the other dogs in my van, and let the pits sleep in the front seat with me. All they did was lick me to death (must have needed my face washed).
My middle boy Knight, is very protective of me, and will not allow anyone to get near me if I do not tell him that it is all right.
Susie…I know. I know. The biggest problem with Pits and several other “Bully” dogs is the people who handle them.
Pits don’t have to be trained to fight. It’s in’em…and the only reason that they do it is why…To please the master.
The Pit is one of the most eager to please breeds there is…and they’ll do it, even if it means pain and death.
It goes completely contrary to their nature to be aggressive toward people…unless they’re taught to be…and they mean to please.
The other problem is inbreeding. It not only brings out physical issues, but sometimes mental ones as well. If a dog is in chronic pain because of deformed hips or other problems that arise from inbreeding…they can go “red” without warning.
Any dog.
Healthy, well-bred Pits that have been raised properly are nothing more than big ol’ clowns. Kinda like Boxers. The one breed that I tend to be a little wary of is the Chow. They’ve shown to be a bit unpredictable under certain circumstances.
Argentine Dogos? psh. Goofy snugglepups.
Johnny, you are one of the first people who knew what a Dogo was!
You speak of in breeding and that a dog can go red – not only is that in pits, but any breed. And yes, I have seen it also.
I too believe that Chows are a little unpredictable. I have never in my life met a chow I really could trust. I get along great with dobies, rots, pits, gr pyrn, newfies, saints, all the big babies, as well as my beloved labbies!
The pittis are clowns. If you ever watch their expressions, you could sit and laugh for hours with their facial expressions. The tilt of the head, the curl of the lips, the eyes – omg they are funny as all get out!
Susie…Yep. I know what Dogos are, and know’em well. My first cousin’s husband had three, and I used to go see’em mainly to play with the dogs.
Chows. Just somethin’ about their eyes. I dunno…
I’ve got a Pit and a Pit mix here…both rescued starving strays abandoned on the road. They could serve as the poster children for the breed. The city of Lexington has an ordnance banning Pits since 2005…but I’m well outside the city limits, so I’m clear. An animal control officer that I spoke to said that he thought it was the silliest law they’d ever put on the books. He told me that the meanest dog he’d ever encountered was a Chihuahua. I can identify with that. I’ve got one here who thinks he’s a Great Dane.
My daughter in law has a 4lb Yorkie who has the same attitude as yours who thinks he is a Great Dane. Cracks me up!
I have no fear of any dog or any animal, but when I transport, I would rather take the large breed dogs than the small breed.
Another cry and run to the ladies room! It is getting to the point that my boss expects me to run the restroom crying every morning after I start reading my emails. LOL Thank goodness everyone here loves animals!! It just breaks my heart what some monsters do their trusting, innocent pups. And the abuse pit bulls endure is just mind blowing. I have three “pibble” children and they are the silliest, most loving, cuddleable (if thats a word), most loyal breed of dog I have ever had the pleasure of raising. I wouldn’t trade them for anything and since becoming their Mama I have taken up their cause. No animal deserves to be mistreated for any reason, period! And yes, I too believe that the owners are the ones that should be put to sleep, not the innocent victims.
Aww, Pits are the best, I have a goofball one myself, and I have to say, our friends are more scared of my mothers lab than they are of him! He loves visiting my nephews and niece 5, 3, and 2, and the way they hang off of him is funny as anything, and he sits there and takes it. My niece is fascinated with grabbing his tongue, and he just looks at her like “ok”. Then “washes her face”. Angus is the best dog I’ve had. Plus, he takes the funniest pictures… LOL
Those small dogs I don’t trust. My mother in law has a pug and a jack russell, and they can be soooo nasty, I don’t like bringing Angus over there at all.
As for people mistreating dogs, I can’t stand it. I hate when I great puppy is mistreated, and finally has had enough, and defends himself and it’s right to “OMG what a horrible dog!!!” I’ve seen “nasty” dogs turned into GREAT dogs again when my mother worked for the local humane society… they just need a little more love and time… people don’t want to give them that, it “inconviences” them more times than the other…
this is heart-breaking….so sad to hear a story like this
Every dog lover on here, knows how very wrong this was. Anyone, human or animal, if beaten, starved, kicked and abused on a constant basis, will eventually become extremely defensive and dangerous. There’s only so much the brain can take before the survival instinct kicks in. Jessie had every right to behave the way he did. It’s just a shame they were not able to find that one “single” person, that would have taken him in and rehabilitated him. Being in the shelter the entire time, probably (as much as they cared about him), didn’t help to make him feel safe and loved on a one on one basis. This is a dog that needed daily hands on attention and understanding. I just wish it had been the freakin POS that did this to him, that was put down, instead of Jessie. It’s these story’s that always makes me wish we could take justice into our own hands and rid the world of this “pond skum”.
RIP sweet Jessie and you are now free of the human race that wronged you.
That is so sad but true. Way too many dogs and pets and in general are treated like throw away toys in our society. I would like to think that we have come a long way with animal rights in the last 20 years but after the foreclosure fiasco with pets left INSIDE the houses, I think not.
so sad, sweet puppy, that they put u 2 sleep today. now u’re in a better place n there’s NOBODY there 2 hurt, starve or beat u n treat u badly….rest sweet woofer…..
A racing greyhound. December 2008 a very cold day with chilling winds blowing hard at all corners of existance. I was on my way to Nyborg to pick up a greyhound at the end of his racing career. The sight that met me stopped me in my tracks and left me speechless with sadness and anger comming to the surface with the resolve to help this thin wraith of a black greyhound shivering in the cold no coat was covering this thin neglected hound his head down bewildered eyes sad with a question why where am I what is going to happen?. He raised his eyes ours met for just a split second his bewildered and sad mine trying to convey love he had never known. I took him home that day and here he is resting in a big soft dogbed his own choice. he has issues he does not like other dogs if they are not greyhounds or whippets then according to him they should get lost. I love him he has his home with me I am owner nr9 I will never let him down.He has issues so do we all that is not a reason to put him down or discard him on the scrapheap of life he deserves better so do they all.Should you ever look into the eyes of a greyhound then please give him or her a second chance they deserve as much. They run for their lives on those tracks they win money for their owners and trainers. When they slow down it is the end of the line manny thousands are euthanised every year manny not even three years old. So please let a greyhound race into your heart as they did mine.The love I share with my three greyhounds and one whippet is beyond words I have been so blessed with these four all deeply loved issues maybe but we are together and love is our credo what else there to say.
I read something similar called How could you. Both are sad and you need many tissues. Dogs give us unconditional love. Why can’t we do the same?
Please help me. I adopted a dog from the shelter a year ago and at first he was not agressive to us but now a year later he has bitten us several times unprovoked. If I scold him he will lunge at me trying to bite me. i am afraid he will attack one of my cats one day when I am not home. He has gone after them while I am at home and have been able to stop him but he has lunged at me and have bitten me before. He can be nice one minute and agressive and vicious the next. My husband wants to put him down but I am trying to find someone who maybe can fix his agressive behavior. Know anyone in the Norfolk, VA area?
Kanona, my suggestion is to get an animal behavioralist in to help you both with your dog. And quite possibly, a good trainer, with one on one training with the dog, plus “training” for both you and your husband.
I hate to hear that your husband wants to put him down, because there are answers to helping you and your dog. Euthanization is not the answer.
I hope you take the time to interview some trainers and behavioralists in your area.
Susie, I tried to find one here in Norfolk, VA and the only one I found said he had dimentia or PTSD and recommended euthansia also. I couldn’t find any other one. Any recommendations? Also, new problem cropped up this weekend. My dog is peeing blood, so I took him to the vet, seems he has a bladder infection and bladder stones. He is going in for surgery on Monday 2/8/10 to have them removed. I know they can be very painful(stones) so maybe it will make him feel better. As for the behaviorist, I am at a loss as what to do to find another one.My husband does not want to put him down as he loves him but if he is suffering with dimentia as they say he has , what other choice is there? I have never been through something like this so I am very confused as to what to do.
Kanona, I am so sorry to hear this, but, take a step back and think about this. His “attitude” could very well be because he was not feeling well! When a human is not feeling well, we too get a little testy, and “bark” at people – same thing with animals – they will react differently when they are not feeling well.
Wait till after the surgery and see how his attitude is. You might see a completely different dog when he returns home.
My best wishes are with you and your pup. Keep us posted on his health; and in the meantime, I will do some scouting around for a good behavioralist in your area.
OMG Kanona…i so agree with Susie. wait till after surgery n see how he is. keeping u in my thoughts n prayers…..poor baby must b in such pain. i’ve never had a stone but i’ve heard they r SO painful. i can’t believe the vet is making that poor boy wait till monday!! hope all goes well n u’ll keep us posted.
Thank you Susie and Dru for the kind thoughts, please keep Skippy in your prayers I know I will be doing some heavy duty praying from now till then. The reason they are waiting till Monday is for the antibiotics to kick in. He is on pain meds now so I hopfully it helps till then. The reason my husband, the behaviorists and the vet recommended putting him down was because they thought it would be the best for Skippy, but they did not say to put him down right away. They said to wait and see if he had any more biting episodes. Oh, I forgot to add that they said that he might be having mini strokes as sometimes he kinda goes into a trance or something and his eyes go blank and he just looks around like he doesn’t know where he is and he will just sit and stare out the window or if he is out in the yard( he loves to be outside for hours on end, I have to go out and bribe him with a cookie to get him to come in)he will stare at the fence (we have chain link fencing all around our yard so he can’t get out) or into space for awhile, then will come out of it and be his old self again.Hopefully the surgery will aleviate the pain he is in now.
o..ok. OMG. mini strokes? poor baby. at least he’s on pain meds…r they helping? i will keep a wee blue healing candle with his name on it going for him. my prayers r also going out for him AND u…..hang in there. hugs
Thanks Dru, not too sure if the pain meds are helping as he hides his pain so well. I had no idea he was in pain until I found out he had those stones, and yes I had a male friend who had kidney stones and when they tried to pass into his bladder he had to go to the emergency room for some serious meds. He was in that much pain, so I can only guess the pain Skippy(that’s my dogs name)is feeling and for how long I can only imagine. I feel so bad for him. I have been crying alot these past few days thinking about him being in all that pain. I only can pray that the surgery cures him and he finally is pain free. I do not know if I told you but he had been abused before we got him for how many years and to what extent I can only guess so it just breaks my heart that he has this added to all of his other miseries. He has an underactive Thyroid so he is on meds for that also. and he has a slightly enlarged prostate that is causing him pain also so he is having several issues along with the other problems I stated before. Poor little fella. He is an old dog and a small dog. Part terrier and part ?. My favorite mutt. up till a few months ago he was the most lovingest dog anyone could ask for so when the biting started we tried everything we knew to find out why this was happening and…well you know the rest of the story. Let’s hope the surgery is the answer.
awww, this poor baby. i’m praying for that wee boy n i hope the surgery will do the job n take care of him….i will keep a wee blue healing candle going for him. bless u both…
hang in, kanona.