Hello. This is my first time. I actually thought I had posted a little while ago, but it seems that I backed out because I can't find it.
Nevertheless I am hoping to find people who share similar stories. My grief is a little overhwelming. With this many people in the world I couldn't possibly be the only one!
Allow me to enlighten you...4 weeks ago today, we had our beautiful four year old male put down. I fell victim to his redirected agression, again. This time I had to go to the hospital it was so severe.
Here's the story I wrote May 23rd, 2002:
Allow me to give you our history...At 10 weeks, he (Gizmo) chose us from the pet store...he had always been very loving and affectionate to me and my husband...truly a wonderful boy. He gives kisses and hugs, and even asks to be picked up for loving. He's very intelligent and we're quite convinced he's part siamese (he has a very prominent breast bone). He is black with one or two white spots and hidden from view are his stripes (they were more prominent as a kitten). We had a happy home for 2 years until he began to appear lonely. We got him a female 10 week old black and white (Daisy Mae). She is very pretty and not at all intelligent, but a sweetheart just the same. It didn't take them very long to adapt to each other at all.
Before we brought Daisy into the home, Gizmo had never appeared aggressive. He had attacked no one. After Daisy's arrival, he became very protective of her, so much so that my neice was his first victim. She was chasing Daisy around the house, jumping and being loud, which apparently upset Gizmo to the point of attack...he bit her. The next occasion was when I was chasing Daisy around the house, playing at the same time with Gizmo, egging him on "c'mon Giz, let's get Daisy." I turned my back to him and WHAM he attacked me. One good bite on the calf, 2 puncture wounds. Then there was the time they were tied out together and a neighbouring cat wandered onto the property...they were both agitated about this cat, and I have to admit I didn't see who started it, but they were fighting each other as the neighbour cat wandered on home. I got in the middle to break it up, and was bitten by him numerous times. (not serious enough for medical attention). I spoke to my Vet after this episode and she explained the redirected aggression theory. There have been a few times when they've seen something through the window and take it out on each other, but never really serious, because she can run away.
Since that attack, we have put them out on separate lawn screws (I really don't know what they're called) at a good distance apart. Over the last year, I have been putting them closer together, sometimes they've even been back on the same 'screw' and nothing happened. Yesterday I had them both out with me while I was gardening. As usual he was very content to be outside and she, well, not so much. After listening to her talk a while I figured maybe she wanted to go in. But not before I foolishly picked her up and took her over to Gizmo to say hi...She wasn't in the mood and began to growl at him. So I began to walk away with her. He followed us. Her growl began very quietly then got progressively louder until she was screaming and he was attacking us. He was still tied up...his lead was wrapped around my leg as he tried to climb me to get to her (idiot that I am I held on to her!) He gashed my arm and left multiple bites and scratches on my legs. She left multiple scratches on my chest and stomach trying to get away. When I finally broke free and got her in the house, I was covered in her urine and my blood. I managed to get a spot set up for him in the garage before I left for the hospital. As I was trying to leave the house, Daisy snarled at me, almost as if she wasn't going to let me pass. (I guess I don't blame her) Then, when I got outside to get him from his lead, well, he was still rather frightening. He did not attack me again, instead he let me pick him up and put him in the garage.
Once at the hospital, they cleaned me up, decided not to stitch me up so that the impending infection would be able to escape from the gash, gave me a tetanus shot and a prescription for antibiotics. From the hospital I went to the drugstore and then my Vet's office. We talked at length about options, and she gave me an article on aggression. She was not his regular Vet...didn't know his history.
My husband knew the only thing to do, but it was up to me. I agonized over it. I knew that it would likely happen again, and what if it were a child? What if he did this to someone's face? Keeping in mind it had happened before.
Well, you already know the ending. I made the appointment and his regular Vet was there. She knew too that we had no choice. (she knew his history) We were with him through to the end, still loving him and showering him with kisses. (of course I'm bawling and telling him how sorry I am) It was the worst thing I've ever had to do, and I really need to know that this has happened to other people. Maybe those other people need support too.
Please don't say anything nasty. I guess that's why I backed out the last time, for fear that someone would tell me what an idiot I am. I already know that and don't need anyone else telling me so. Please if you have similar stories share them. I could really use the help.
I've encluded a picture of my babies...They were a great pair!
Thank you.
Nevertheless I am hoping to find people who share similar stories. My grief is a little overhwelming. With this many people in the world I couldn't possibly be the only one!
Allow me to enlighten you...4 weeks ago today, we had our beautiful four year old male put down. I fell victim to his redirected agression, again. This time I had to go to the hospital it was so severe.
Here's the story I wrote May 23rd, 2002:
Allow me to give you our history...At 10 weeks, he (Gizmo) chose us from the pet store...he had always been very loving and affectionate to me and my husband...truly a wonderful boy. He gives kisses and hugs, and even asks to be picked up for loving. He's very intelligent and we're quite convinced he's part siamese (he has a very prominent breast bone). He is black with one or two white spots and hidden from view are his stripes (they were more prominent as a kitten). We had a happy home for 2 years until he began to appear lonely. We got him a female 10 week old black and white (Daisy Mae). She is very pretty and not at all intelligent, but a sweetheart just the same. It didn't take them very long to adapt to each other at all.
Before we brought Daisy into the home, Gizmo had never appeared aggressive. He had attacked no one. After Daisy's arrival, he became very protective of her, so much so that my neice was his first victim. She was chasing Daisy around the house, jumping and being loud, which apparently upset Gizmo to the point of attack...he bit her. The next occasion was when I was chasing Daisy around the house, playing at the same time with Gizmo, egging him on "c'mon Giz, let's get Daisy." I turned my back to him and WHAM he attacked me. One good bite on the calf, 2 puncture wounds. Then there was the time they were tied out together and a neighbouring cat wandered onto the property...they were both agitated about this cat, and I have to admit I didn't see who started it, but they were fighting each other as the neighbour cat wandered on home. I got in the middle to break it up, and was bitten by him numerous times. (not serious enough for medical attention). I spoke to my Vet after this episode and she explained the redirected aggression theory. There have been a few times when they've seen something through the window and take it out on each other, but never really serious, because she can run away.
Since that attack, we have put them out on separate lawn screws (I really don't know what they're called) at a good distance apart. Over the last year, I have been putting them closer together, sometimes they've even been back on the same 'screw' and nothing happened. Yesterday I had them both out with me while I was gardening. As usual he was very content to be outside and she, well, not so much. After listening to her talk a while I figured maybe she wanted to go in. But not before I foolishly picked her up and took her over to Gizmo to say hi...She wasn't in the mood and began to growl at him. So I began to walk away with her. He followed us. Her growl began very quietly then got progressively louder until she was screaming and he was attacking us. He was still tied up...his lead was wrapped around my leg as he tried to climb me to get to her (idiot that I am I held on to her!) He gashed my arm and left multiple bites and scratches on my legs. She left multiple scratches on my chest and stomach trying to get away. When I finally broke free and got her in the house, I was covered in her urine and my blood. I managed to get a spot set up for him in the garage before I left for the hospital. As I was trying to leave the house, Daisy snarled at me, almost as if she wasn't going to let me pass. (I guess I don't blame her) Then, when I got outside to get him from his lead, well, he was still rather frightening. He did not attack me again, instead he let me pick him up and put him in the garage.
Once at the hospital, they cleaned me up, decided not to stitch me up so that the impending infection would be able to escape from the gash, gave me a tetanus shot and a prescription for antibiotics. From the hospital I went to the drugstore and then my Vet's office. We talked at length about options, and she gave me an article on aggression. She was not his regular Vet...didn't know his history.
My husband knew the only thing to do, but it was up to me. I agonized over it. I knew that it would likely happen again, and what if it were a child? What if he did this to someone's face? Keeping in mind it had happened before.
Well, you already know the ending. I made the appointment and his regular Vet was there. She knew too that we had no choice. (she knew his history) We were with him through to the end, still loving him and showering him with kisses. (of course I'm bawling and telling him how sorry I am) It was the worst thing I've ever had to do, and I really need to know that this has happened to other people. Maybe those other people need support too.
Please don't say anything nasty. I guess that's why I backed out the last time, for fear that someone would tell me what an idiot I am. I already know that and don't need anyone else telling me so. Please if you have similar stories share them. I could really use the help.
I've encluded a picture of my babies...They were a great pair!
Thank you.
