Well...I tried

After all that effort in finding the right dog, I took her to the Little Elm animal shelter today. Not even 7 days that lasted.

She didn't at any point show signs of aggression, but definitely had a dominance about her. Last night Abby was sitting on the floor on her knees by my feet petting the dog. I was watching t.v. but could see Abby and the dog. All was fine I saw Abby move a little and within seconds the dog launched after Abby growl/bark and all and knocked Abby's feet out from under her and onto her back. Thankfully I reacted just as quickly and yanked (thought I might have snapped her neck) the dog off and put her in her cage. Abby was MORTIFIED. I calmed her down and told her she wasn't in trouble but it was very important that she tell me what she was doing to the dog. She replied "I tried to pick her up". My immediate reaction was to defend the dog. I told Abby the dog is too big for you to pick up and you probably hurt her. Of course her feelings were then VERY hurt, as that was obviously not her intention, nor did she expect the dog to attack her.

I went and gave Abby a bath and the more I though about it, the more I was not comfortable with the reaction from the dog. The dogs claws scratched Abby's forehead, neck, and arms, and the dogs tooth left a nice mark on her left cheek bone just under her eye. What this dog did was not a "warning", nor a reaction to pain. I also talked to my neighbor across the street who fosters dogs, and she said to get rid of the dog. I've been around dogs all of my life, even aggressive non kid friendly ones and not seen a reaction like that. Now, had Abby been pulling the dogs ears, slapping her, kicking her, or other forms of torment I could somewhat understand that form of a reaction, but even then, even the biggest dogs don't attack, but they certainly let you know they will hurt you if you continue, they "warn" and yes sometimes those warnings draw blood. But, Abby wasn't doing any of those things, nor has she ever to any animal because she knows and learned at an early age, I will beat your ass if you harm an animal.

Abby has always been apprehensive around animals, her dad is that way. I think this dog sensed Abby as being weak/scared. Abby is somewhat afraid of dogs. Abby will never walk up to any animal and pet it, not even itty bitty dogs. There were a few times this past week where the dog had run after Abby for whatever reason or when Abby had food the dog would try to grab it and Abby became fearful.

It doesn't really matter at this point why the dog reacted that way. I'm disappointed as is Abby, but my child is more important, and after that I would have never felt comfortable leaving Abby alone with the dog, and I wouldn't have felt comfortable having other people bring their children around the dog. So, the dog went. I'm thankful I was within arms reach when it happened.

I thought I had learned all the lessons I needed to, to be prepared to own a dog. I don't want a puppy, I don't want to potty train, and I now know I do not want a rescue dog, it's clearly risky when you have small children. Maybe that's common sense and I should've already known that, but I would rather save an animal than go buy one, but that's not an option now unfortunately.

Such is life. I have not given up completely on the dog idea. But, I may need to stick with lap dogs. Chihuahuas or something of that nature. Abby wants a dog, she likes dogs, but has always feared being attacked, and now that has happened. If I give up on getting her a dog, she'll always fear them and think they all act that way. One day she may come up against a viscous dog, and she needs to know how to not fear it.

I'm trying to raise Abby by the "wish factor". I wish a mutha fucka would! LMAO!