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Mastiffs => Neapolitan Mastiff Discussions & Pictures => : smohr December 10, 2005, 09:39:37 PM

: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: smohr December 10, 2005, 09:39:37 PM
 :'(  I'm saying my goodbyes to Petra tonight; I'm having her euthanized tomorrow.  She has been doing so well that I was in shock tonight when she grabbed me and bit my hand as I was feeding her.  She continued to growl and snap at me.  Earlier, she had lunged at my adult daughter, bit her on the back of her leg and then was growling at the grandchildren. 

She hadn't been doing this for so long, that I thought she had turned a corner.  She hadn't been growling or biting and had been obeying all her commands.  I don't know what set this round of aggression off, but it's time she is released from the pain of previous abuse before I got her.  I can't risk someone being hurt by her. 

I am hurting deeply, but I know I have given her my best and have done all that can be done.  I have tried and failed her.  I love this crazy dog and it really is hurting knowing this has to be done.

Think of us tomorrow...

Sherry/SMOHR
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: newflvr December 10, 2005, 09:52:39 PM
Sherry, I'm so, SO sorry!  We all know how much you've done.  How much you agonized!  How you've tried everything!  You are right.   Petra is carrying some sort of a demon and it's just not her fault...but the demon sounds like it's trying to take over. 

My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow.   :'(
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: nohesnotahorse December 10, 2005, 09:57:29 PM
You went above and beyond what anyone else would have done.  Please don't let yourself believe that you failed her for a second - you rescued her from the ones who failed her and you gave her a good and loving home.  My thoughts will be with you.
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: Carolyn December 10, 2005, 10:01:18 PM
Im so very sorry. Everyone knows how hard you tried. Please remember you did your best & you are not to blame you did not fail, the situation was far out of control. As much as we try sometimes we just cant win. Your both in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: DixieSugarBear December 10, 2005, 11:13:19 PM
I am so very sorry.  You gave Petra everything you had to give.
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: GR8DAME December 10, 2005, 11:51:16 PM
Smohr, please don't feel that you have failed Petra, as those of us that have been here since the beginning know, you have left no stone unturned in your effort to help your poor girl. I can only add that I hope you will still feel comfortable enough eventually to check in here once in awhile an let us know how you are doing. You are and always will be part of the BPO family.
My thoughta and prayers are with you and your family.
Stella
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: Stacey December 11, 2005, 12:08:46 AM
I am so sorry for what you are going through right now.  :'(
There is nothing about your efforts and love for Petra that could ever classify as failure.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Petra tomorrow, what you are doing is a completely loving and selfless act and is the best thing for Petra and you and your family.

I can only aspire to the level of love and devotion to my pets that you have shown for Petra.
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: jabear December 11, 2005, 12:21:13 AM
Oh Smohr! I am so sorry that you have to be going throught this. I know that this has been a hard decision in the making for a while and I can honestly say that you have done all that you could with her. You  have been a true model of insipiration nd dedication to dogs and people everywhere. Thanks for not giving up on her. You've done all that you can and now your safety is what must be put first. Like you, Petra's beautiful face will forever stay in our hearts. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
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: k2campbell December 11, 2005, 12:42:13 AM
I'm very sorry for what you're going though.  No doubt tomorrow will be hard (however) keep in mind you did your absolute best and gave Petra a great life.  She will be smiling down on you from the bridge, no doubt.

Take care - you and your family (and Petra) are in my thoughts.

Kelly
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: ZooCrew December 11, 2005, 12:58:31 AM
I'm so sorry that it has come to this, but we all know how hard you have been working with her, and have tried everything to help her overcome her demons.  Sometimes it's just not enough, it's not your fault.

I hope you can take comfort in the fact she will soon be free from what has been tormenting her inside, and she can finally rest in peace.
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: shangrila December 11, 2005, 01:14:21 AM
I am very sorry that you have to go through this. I know that you love her and it hurts even though you are making the right decision for you and your family.

Like everyone else has said, I hope you realize that you did not fail her! You have been as patient, kind, and generous to her as anyone can. You have given her everything that you can, which is a great deal more than most people would have done. You are not a failure, you are an inspiration for kindness and perseverance.
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: mastiffmommy December 11, 2005, 01:31:47 AM
I am so so very sorry Smohr. I know I was not on here for a long time, but I heard what hardship you had to go through. There is no doubt you did everything anyone could possibly have done. And I can only repeat what everyone else here have said, you did NOT fail her, not in the least.

She had too much bad that had happened to her and the demons were just too much to deal with for her, and no matter how much she loves you, sometimes they are just taking over.

The day we go into a partnership with a dog, we also take on a huge responsibility and you are facing that now. You are not in any way letting her down, you are giving her free, doing what she probably would have asked you to do, could she speak our language.

I will be thinking of you, your family and Petra tomorrow.

Have a safe crossing Petra, go play with all the other pups and give your mom big smiles from the bridge.

We are all here for you when you need to cry, talk or vent.

Hugs

Marit
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: Anakalia December 11, 2005, 01:51:31 AM
I'm so sorry Smohr!!!  I'm with Holly on this, you are a saint for doing everything possible to help her.  You've been a super mom to her, and no I don't believe you failed at all!  You've given her lots of love even during the trying times.  We're here if you need us.

Andi
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: coonie1970 December 11, 2005, 08:03:59 AM
Im feel so bad for you Sherry.You have put so much love into Smohr!! You are the best Mommy ever and one of the most patient people Ive ever met. Ive been reading all your post and you did you absolute best. Im sorry it has come to this.Our thoughts are with you. There is a time to say Ive done all I can and it takes a very strong and loving person to see this. Please do not leave our board we need people like you on here.
Coonie
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: Icerotti December 11, 2005, 08:24:06 AM
I am sorry to hear this. I have been following your posts about Petra.  You can have peace your heart that you gave this girl all the opportunities available. Unfortunatley she is unable to overcome her past trauma. You gave this girl a wonderful life . You are one of the most dedicated and loving people I know. My thoughts are with you  at this time of difficulty.
Michelle
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: Lyn December 11, 2005, 09:33:29 AM
 :'( I've been following your post about Petra. And I know you've done everything humanly possible to try and help her overcome her past. You gave her love and a wonderful life. You and Petra are in my thoughts.
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: Good Hope December 11, 2005, 09:42:03 AM
So so sorry, I too thought you had a miracle on your hands, but obviously the abuse was too, too  much to overcome. We'll send prayers your way. :'(

BTW, you are an amazing person. If anyone on this board deserves a big gold star for patience, it's you. Once that hole in your heart begins to heal, I hope, no I expect to see at least one more big paws in your home and pictures posted on this board.

Check in here often, whenever you need to, today and in the future. There's always a friend on the board.

Deena
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: Scootergirl December 11, 2005, 11:12:22 AM
Sherry, I can only echo what everyone else has said. You definitely gave it your all and don't think Petra doesn't know that. Like you said, she will be released from her demons today and when she meets you at the bridge she will great you with a smile and a gentle nudge with peace in her heart.

She was sent to you for a reason. I trust you will take the lessons you learned from Petra and use them to spread the word on the permanent effects of abuse. You were her angel. Now she is yours.

Jeanne
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: Kermit December 11, 2005, 11:13:22 AM
I'm sorry you have to go through this. Hang in there and take care of yourself in this difficult time. You know you have lots of support here. Maybe when the time is right you can take in another dog who is more balanced, and you will be able to give all that love that you have to someone who will give it back to you.

I feel for you. :'(
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: dohertyswissy December 11, 2005, 11:17:36 AM
Sherry...Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you today.  You have done everything you could to make Petra's life wonderful while she was here.  Please do not think you have failed her. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you today.  Know that you will ALWAYS have friends here at BPO.

Hugs,
Heather and Ranger
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: Rachel December 11, 2005, 11:22:35 AM
I am so sorry.  You have not fail, you havegiven her more then any one else would have.  You and your family will be in my thoughts.
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: lins_saving_grace December 11, 2005, 11:34:12 AM
that is a tough thing to do.  I'm sorry for your heart break.   :'(
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: doglover December 11, 2005, 12:16:26 PM
Sherry, I'm so sorry. You have not failed Petra but have done everything you could have. You and your family will be in my prayers.
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: Moni December 11, 2005, 12:58:07 PM
Sherry,
You didn't fail Petra.  You worked hard to help her more than most people would.  You gave her a chance and home that she learned what it was like to be loved.  We're all thinking of you.  Our deepest condolences.

God speed Petra.
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: lil_princess724 December 11, 2005, 01:00:21 PM
I am so sorry. I wish i oculd take away your pain. you are in our thoughts. sorry.
: Re: I'm Saying My GOODBYES to PETRA TONIGHT
: my3dogs December 11, 2005, 01:06:29 PM
Sherry,

I don't post often but I read every day and love all of the dogs on this site...Petra included. I've been following your plight for some time and have to commend you on your love, care and perserverance.

When a dog is sick physically, it's so much easier to make the decision to let go. My Porter had cancer and when I finally said goodbye, I knew that he was hurting and it wasn't right to keep him with me when he could run over the Bridge pain free.  But I could *see* the sickness. I knew it hurt.  Maybe it's harder when you can't see the sickness but Petra is hurting, too, and now she'll feel just as free as Portie does. No more hurts, no more worries, and will be able to look down on you and her family without the haze of sickness anymore.  She'll finally be able to *be* Petra. 

You have *succeeded* at loving a special soul.  One that many would have never taken the chance on.  You did, and now Petra has been loved.  If that's not a success, I don't know what is! If all parents of fur and skin kids were as loving as you, the world would be a better place.  I'm very proud of you and will be thinking of you all today and in the future. Take care, Sherry and Petra. 

Julie

Well said.