OT- I need to find a new home for my dog

HI, I just need to say that I reacted to this post very strongly but with the best of intentions...and the intention was not to play Monday morning quarter back or put you or anyone else down. The fact of the matter is that my Mom was a dog breeder and I grew up with dogs most of my life and with another challenging breed..the Chow Chow...I also had an Akita from puppyhood until he passed away...his name was Shogun and he was a pistol!!! He was an adolescent and pulled all kinds of pranks and sorties until he was over 3 years old...I loved him to death but he definitely had his own ideas about territory and was very obedient as he got older...but selectively obedient until that time...very bonded to me and very protective...a softy at heart...but neighbors and invading dogs on our property would never have realized that. I had raised him in the house and he liked being there in hot weather but LOVED being outside in cold weather...I had to make a kennel for him outside and make the floor concrete as he would dig out of it otherwise...(another Akita trait)...had to put a top on it alos as he could climb the fence...of course as he got older a lot of this stopped. I know what it is to love a dog that is a challenging pain in the tail...and I know how many Akitas end up on Death Row and passed around because breeders sell to folks who have no idea what they are getting into...makes me angry, frustrated and sad... I knw you are a good person with good intentions...and I know what a handful an Akita can be...and they don't quickly bond to folks either after leaving the first home after puppyhood...so I am sure I sounded like a B----...but I think I was trying to jam in a crash course and frustrated because i could not help the dog in any real way...or you. I have a Shepherd because I knew I did not live in a home good for another Akita.. So I apologize if I hurt your feelings...I am just passionate about dogs and all animals for that matter. I know you are not in an easy spot..sort of between a rock and a hard place....if I seem judgemental I apologize...perhaps sometimes I am..but I had the best of intentions. I sincerely hope things work out. Sher'

Hey Carmen, I know I came off really harsh and grouchy. But I work with shelter animals on an almost daily basis and it's hard to see so many animals that have been tossed away, abused, starved, neglected or whatever. It was my frustration talking more than anything. And I do apologize for the curt and harsh words. But these are the situations I deal with all the time and it breaks my heart and makes me mad at how often it happens. At the other job I work at, animals are literally left sitting on our door step on a regular basis. The fact that these people don't even have to guts to come in and tell us that they no longer want or can't take care of these critters, drives me insane! I know you are in no way that kind of person, but maybe you can see my frustrations. Do check with Petco and Petsmart, I know that Petco in particular has a training class for adult dogs that runs $99 for I think its 8 weeks. All of their trainers are certified and caring. I think too that I would have to talk to your town government about your seriously screwed up dog warden. What a jerk this guy is!!!!! You can also talk with the Akita rescue group. Any good rescue group will help you get the help you need, not just take in animals. I help with ReGap ( retired racing greyhounds as pets ) and we point people in the right direction for help all the time. These groups often know of resources that the average person wouldn't necessarily know about. I'd give it a try. And if happens that you do need to find another home for Kita, they often use foster homes and not necessarily a kennel situation so it's easier on the dog. Alot more one on one attention that eases the transition. I hope some of these things help. And again, I do apologize. I hope you can see where I'm coming from though too. Take good care and let us know what you find out and how things are going! Heather

Heather, I would never do anything to put my dog in harm. I really don't think I could ever give him to the pound, I know the fate.... I have done alot of research and understand alot about Akita's and am still learning more. Growing up we always had dogs, but never a pure bred anything. Since bringing Kita into our home, we have continued to learn the good and bad of the breed. We woke up Saturday and he was quarreling w/ another neighbor's dog. I panicked, I don't want him put down..... I don't want to see another animal in the neighborhood injured or killed either. Humans can be so stupid! I'm not perfect, but I try to provide a safe home for my dog, others don't seem to care and everyone suffers. I have to take Kita to the vet today because his leg was injured Saturday. He seemed fine until yesterday, now he is limping.... I just get so angy! I understand where you are coming from, and I hope you can understand my situation as well. Thanks for the advise, I do appreciate it, Carmen