Update with Diesel

natenqen

Well, I know I have a few of these post somewhere. I can't seem to find them... Anyways, here is a huge update.

I told my sister about the huge risks she took by doing a tail 'docking' by herself. She had her boyfriend's sister with her. (Go figure, she had me on speaker phone. I hate being on speakers.) My sister told me that her boyfriend's friend had did that to their dog's tail and said it came right off and all he did was put on a rubberband. Her boyfriend's sister also told me, "Dogs don't have feelings in their tails." (I had to keep myself restraint from yelling at them.) I told them that the tail is one of the most sensitive part of the dog's body, especially in puppies. There are many nerves. She couldn't believe it. For my sister I told her that her boyfriend's friend is a big lier and that friend must have gotten this 'misinformation' from somewhere else. (I can't believe that friend had siad he did it and the dog came out fine.)

I told my sister about what the vet said. "How the skin would come off, but the fully developed bone would be exposed to the air. And this is IF he survived the many bacterial and infections that could kill the puppy in a slow death." My sister had a look of disgust when I said the meat would fall off but the bone would remain. (Figure this out after the 'ew' sound she gave me.)

Her boyfriend's sister, who was with my sister, told her to just get a knife and chop off the tail. (Again, restrained myself from yelling.) I told her that would be considered dog abuse and I'd report it.

So now I'm at a dilemna. My sister feels aweful about doing this to her puppy and she does want him back. I had asked her why she didn't ask me about the tail docking. She told me, she didn't want to bother me with it. I told her if she had ANY questions about dogs to always call me no matter what. I did tell my sister about how much it cost me and how I am debating weather or not to give the puppy back to her. So that is my dilemna. Should I give back the puppy after she feels aweful for what she did because of misinformation?

To me, everyone makes mistakes and at least she knows now that she will not do this again especially when I said the puppy could have died a slow and painful death. I want to let her have a second chance with Diesel, but at the same time, with the insident with her puppie's mother... I just don't know.

Sarah

I personally don't think she should get the pup back. Yes, everyone makes mistakes but she seems like she just continues to make them. I feel bad for your sister, because it seems like she is having a rough time, but that is not the puppies fault. I feel the puppy is not safe in her care but she is your sister and I say it is up to you on what you decide to do. I would just be very worried on what may happen next. This is just a bad situation all around.

Stef

Ya know, we all make mistakes... but how many can you make before its plain to see that nothing is comming of it?? I know she is your sister hon, I know. Its hard because you dont want to fight with her. This is a hard one.

I dont think the pup will be in good hands. AAlso I think that pup could do more harm then his mom did if he isnt trained and kept under a watchful eye. I think had his mother been trained and under a watchful eye she would be around too. If you dont give him back, she will just get another.
I really dont think he should go back to her but its really up to you, hon.. Ill be thinking of ya..

Stef

So, do you know what your going to do??

natenqen

Well, after thinking about this, I went down this morning to her place to talk with her. This time it was just with her and her boyfriend. I stressed how much this was very bad for what she did and how I could have reported her to the police about puppy abuse. (I talk with my adopted brother last night, who told me right now, the police aren't concerned about owners 'docking' dog's tails.) Of course, she doesn't know this.

I told her that I would love to take Diesel and find him a good home where he would be loved. It's not fair to him that you did what you did. You know it was a mistake. I told her about how I worried that the same thing that happened to Diesel's mother will happen to him and I am just not going to take the risk. She told me to give back her dog before she calls the police for stealing. (Go figure.) I than told her, fine, you want him back, I want the surgry money that I spent on him. That is the only way I will give back your dog. (I showed her the receit and how much I payed and walked out the door.) This is something I think she will not pay and will leave me the puppy.

So, that is the situation right now. I believe I am in no trouble and I know this will severe our relationship for a while, but I believe we'll be back to normal. (Though I don't think she will ask me to puppy sit anymore or ask for advice.) If I am correct, she will most likely go and get another puppy instead. I just hope she doesn't do the same thing to that puppy she did to Diesel.

Stef

I think you did a good thing. I know that was hard and it was brave for sure. Im sorry for you. You could ask an adoption fee to help pay beck some of the money. I am glad for him that hopfully he has a brighter feuture...

natenqen

Oh, I'm not so much worried about the money I spent. It was worth every penny to see how happy and no longer in pain he is. I used the pay back as a way for me to keep the puppy. (My sister can be cheap.)

Sarah

You did what you could really, and I'm glad the puppy is currently in your care. You are probably right that your sister will go out and buy another puppy which is unfortunate, but you can only do so much. Some people just shouldn't have any pets or kids for that matter but it's really hard to stop people from that until something really bad happens and the law is brought into it. I hope your sister can one day get her act together because it does damage to everyone around her which she may not realize right now, but she is even affecting the relationship between you two. I know it must be upsetting to you, but I'm glad you tried talking to her and I wish you luck with finding the pup a new home.