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A Cautionary
Tale
from Pam Green |
| Recently I received this post, one which
absolutely breaks my heart and will probably grieve you too... This post illustrates the
horrible tragedy that can happen when someone gets a dog impulsively and ignorantly, and
then compounds the error by stumbling on in ignorance. In some ways the saddest thing of
all is that this woman does not sound to have been cruel or callous, she sounds like she
was doing the best she knew how and trying to behave responsibly... Dear Pam, I am writing you this letter wishing I had read "Don't Buy a Bouvier" before I let my ex-boyfriend con me into buying one. I am severely allergic to dogs, and many people had told him that Bouviers were like poodles, non allergic. For the record this is absolutely untrue (of Bouviers or Poodles), and if anyone asks you please tell them although the allergic reaction is not as severe, asthma and sinus congestion over an extended period of time are apparent, annoying and because of them you cannot enjoy your pet. My story is very sad, as in the end I had to put Duke to sleep in November 1997. He was only 2 years old. He was a wonderful dog until he turned I and then all the trouble began. Because it was my first pet and I had no idea how big he would become, and training was not even a thought. When my boyfriend and I split up, he didn't want the dog so I had to move into a 1 bedroom apartment with my 105 pound Bouvier. No matter how much exercise, I still did not have the lifestyle to give this poor animal enough attention. I didn't have the strength to walk him. He began to bark constantly and in the end he would snap if I tried to make him do something he did not want to do (like sitting for a cookie). He then developed allergies and his fur began to fall out. I was scared to give him away since I couldn't handle him, how could someone else and I couldn't bear to leave him at a shelter all alone. I think I did the right thing however I know I am totally to blame for this, and I wish this article was available to any store or kennel who sells Bouviers. It was the worst thing I ever had to do in my life, and I still grieve for this poor dog. I don't think I will ever own any type of pet again. I miss him because as you said they are inseparable from their masters and for all the problems he caused he was a good companion. Thank you for trying to save other Bouviers from the same fate. |
page edited 07/25/04
