Learning is a Gift. Even when pain is your teacher.
Accidents are unfortunate, traumatic events that often have dire consequences. I have learned a hard lesson. Yet, I am not the first in my profession to be faced with this kind of challenge and I undertake to be more vigilant around such cases in the future. D has made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation process and has become a treasured pet and a valued member of my pack. I stand by my business ethic and rehabilitation practice as will be supported by the positive results and outcomes experienced by many dog owners and their pets, who have benefited from my assistance in South Africa and abroad over the past several years.
Unfortunately, due to this matter still being under official investigation that involves other parties, I am not yet at liberty to release documentation, reports and or specific details regarding the incident. Once the investigation has been completed and officially assessed, I shall then be given permission to publish material and information. We are working hard at fast tracking everything. Stay subscribed to this blog www.thedogshamanblog.com in order to be kept up to date.
Continue to support you in the work you do, with both dogs and their pack leaders.
The GIRLS in Linden
Posted by bets | January 30, 2012, 8:32 pmI wish you well during this difficult period.
Posted by Nicolene | January 30, 2012, 8:34 pmI posted a comment on the previous thread about this, but it never appeared. Perhaps those comments which are not totally supportive are censored? Possibly even this one? I’m truly sorry that this girl was injured so severely, and also that “D” may be euthanized because of it. And this incident adds to the public fear of Rottweilers who are demonized almost as much as Pit Bulls. I wish you well, “Ceez” and “D”.
Posted by Paul And Muttley | January 31, 2012, 12:38 amGood luck. Stay calm and assertive. Muttley and I give our regards to “D” and “Ceez”.
Posted by paulandmuttley | January 31, 2012, 6:17 amJames, i wish you well in this trying time. Regards Helen and Tiptoe
Posted by helen smith | January 31, 2012, 8:09 amHang in there, you make the word a better place!
Posted by Lin | January 31, 2012, 7:00 pmHang in there, you make the word a better place!
Posted by Lin | January 31, 2012, 7:00 pmCouldn’t agree more. If not for you Piddles would have not taken the remarkable strides she has and probably would not be with us today. She continues to improve every day, other than the days when we slip in our vigilance, but then we are only human. Keep up the hard and often thankless work in assisting many more animals. We firmly believe there are two sides to every story and look forward to when you can freely discuss details.
Posted by Ursula Peach | February 1, 2012, 6:57 pmJealousy is a sad trait in the dog world…… Those that have so much to say always….. What have they done for dogs?? Easy to sit on the sidelines – More difficult to make a difference – Remember you don’t need to defend yourself – The truth will be revealed – This time is tough – But it too shall pass…..
Posted by Debbie Eizenberg | February 4, 2012, 2:44 amThank you for your insightful message. It put a smile on my face this morning.
Posted by thedogshaman | February 4, 2012, 7:48 amSomeone on the Cesar Millan forum http://community.sessionswithcesar.com/forums/t/50829.aspx told of an incident in which a rescued dog, in this case a Golden Retriever mix, suddenly and viciously attacked the young daughter of a couple who had gotten the dog from a rescue in another state where the requirements for adoption were lax. Animal control had to deal with the raging dog and it had to be euthanized. Later thery discovered that the dog had failed several temperament tests and had exhibited extreme dangerous behavior several times recently, but the rescues had withheld and falsified the information to “save” the dog’s life, resulting in more tragic injuries that could have been prevented. An autopsy revealed that the dog had a large brain tumor, which was very likely the cause of the behavior. And I have heard of several other similar cases where the same thing was found, or else possibly “spaniel rage”, which is a form of epilepsy.
I’m thinking that it is possible that “D” had a similar condition or a genetic defect that may have been responsible for his original behavior problems (for which I do not have details), and also his more recent actions even after his supposed “rehabilitation”. If such a condition were found, it would explain a lot, and also in some measure lift some of the blame for “D”‘s uncharacteristic behavior. It would also help others who may be struggling to save the life of their dog when in reality s/he may be suffering from a very painful and debilitating neurological condition, where euthanasia is really the humane choice. A dog can exhibit amazing stoicism in the face of very painful injury or disease, especially when with his beloved owner, but in a noisy, crowded, confusing environment like a mall or beach, it may become just unbearable, resulting in extreme redirected aggression.
Please consider this possibility, and hopefully an autopsy was or could be performed to determine this. I think it would help you, as well as others, to know more about the true cause of his behavior. But perhaps some of this will be revealed in future statements. Peace to you and yours.
Posted by paulandmuttley | February 4, 2012, 9:09 amI’m so sorry this terrible thing happened to you James! Obviously, our thoughts, prayers and concerns are for you. I hope you are ok! All wounds heal. Some leave huge scars, but they heal.
Posted by David Orth | February 8, 2012, 2:14 am