Captain wasn't my dog. Most of you know about Daisy, my neighbor's dog that I share custody of. A few months ago, Daisy's owner got a second dog, Captain, a young bully breed mix. Daisy is a sweet, gentle dog who doesn't cause me any problems so I've never complained about her. Her owner is not intentionally abusive or neglectful; he just doesn't get that dogs require more than food, shelter and water. Daisy has found a way to meet her social and emotional needs--she hangs out with me and my pack. She fits in like she's one of mine and I do love the little mutt.
Over the winter, Captain started tagging along with Daisy when she came over. He did not fit in. He was aggressive towards my dogs; started fence fights and generally caused a ruckus. I did complain to their owner about him and told him that I was fine with having Daisy around, but Captain wasn't welcome at my place. He just didn't have the temperment to be a pack dog. Animal Control was called several times(not by me) about Captain roaming around. No dog should be allowed to roam at will, but people are much more likely to freak out about a roaming bully breed dog than they are about a Golden Retriever!
Last week, Captain attacked a young girl at his home. Fortunately, four adults were present and able to intervene so Megan's injuries were minor. Captain was not trying to play with Meg; he was trying to hurt her and likely would have done significant damage had her parents not been right there. Megan is very dog savvy. She lives with a St. Bernard and a cranky senior husky. She's been to my place lots and my dogs adore her. She did nothing to provoke Captain.
Captain was put down a couple days later. I am sure that if he had been given the training and socialization he needed, this wouldn't have happened. He was not an inherently bad dog; he was just never taught how to be a good dog. For his owner's ignorance, Captain paid with his life. I am so hoping that he doesn't get another dog!
Godspeed, Captain.
