My heart is absolutely broken over this. It's not a decision I've rushed into. At the point it reached,I had no choice in the matter. He turned on someone who he's been living with between short stints on the truck with me.
I believe dogs can develop a canine version of Alzheimer's and that this is what happened with him.
He progressively became more demonstrative over the past six or so months and exhibited impulse control problems. He began vomiting a lot, so I had him checked. There was nothing physically wrong with him. He just didn't feel good, he didn't know why and it made him grumpy.
When he lashed out with the severity he did, I realized there is nothing more that could be done. He was 10 years old, with a history of having been abused. He was reverting to that mentality.
Attitudes like "all he needs is love and work" are what cause children to be hospitalized with severe facial lacerations. There is NO WAY I'm going to have something like that on my conscience out of my selfishness of not wanting to say goodbye to a good friend. It would be irresponsible on my part to insist on hanging on, ignoring all of the signs that it's time to let go.
He is out of pain and no longer a threat to animals or people.
I 100% believe I made the right decision, despite the fact that it feels like my heart has been gouged out with a dull spoon.
Thank you to those who understand. Ms. Pat, I have always had great respect for you and your opinion, even if I didn't always agree.
I will not be getting another dog.