Bosoxfox, when you didn't post on the status of Popeye, I was very afraid that there was a problem. You did the very best you could, no question of that. I am so sorry for the outcome. I can imagine that the whole process was very painful for you and your wife. My heart also goes out to DebfromMaine who tried her very best to find this dog a good home. But some dogs are unpredictable, and sadly, Popeye seems to be one of them.

I love dogs and I want to see each and every one find a loving home. But I do believe that there are some dogs that have multiple personalities that should not be rehomed. I say this sadly and reluctantly. But I think that once a dog has been identified as unpredictable, it is wrong to put them in another home where the dog could snap, and potentially injure a stranger, a child, another dog.

It makes me thank God that we were lucky enough to get a rescue with four previous homes who nevertheless turned out to be the sweetest dog in the whole wide world.

Bosoxfox, I am so sorry.

Thank you Barefoot.My heart goes out to Deb also as she really loves Popeye. I only hope that she or someone else reconsider placing him in another home.I'd hate to see something terrible happen where someone gets hurt and he will have to be put down.

Agree. Popeye needs to live at the shelter.

Bosoxfan the image of the fight at the dog park is violent and frightening. The fact that it ended without bloodshed is a blessing. I respect your ability to be Alpha which makes the situation you describe even more frightening since unknowenly people baby these dogs and with a dog like Popeye the consequences could be disatrous. In my mind he is not suitable for adoption,
two strikes have proven that. Hopefully Popeye can live out his life in a protected environment.

Let's get the word out for Popeye.

Thank you! Yes it was frightening but the part that really sucks is that he didn't have control over what he was doing. I certainly couldn't control him which was very alarming!!

I realize this thread goes back a few months, but this is such a frightening story. Just last week, I had to say goodbye to my beloved 15+ year old yorkie, and I have been considering rescue. Of course, I realize that a rescue yorkie cannot be compared to a recuse that is part pit bull.

What concerns me, however, is that ANY rescue organization would put that dog up for adoption again knowing the history, especially after reading the letter you wrote upon surrender. I think I read all the posts in this thread, and it appears to me that the dog was put up for adoption again fairly soon after you turned him back in. How can any organization with a conscience do that?

I so admire the people that do rescue and fostering, and I know there are many, many happy endings, but this story is a wake-up call for me.

There are many wonderful dogs available through adoption groups, but the adoption group has an obligation to reveal any former issues-big or small- that dog has. It's not fair to the adopter or the dog. If the agency hides a potential problem it's almost certain the dog will be returned. Most adoption groups want a forever home and the easiest way to assure that is to try their best to match the correct dog with the correct family/person. When key issues are not addressed upfront, it makes it hard to know if a dog is appropriate for each situation. Some people can handle an issue that would be an absolute deal breaker for another family. I have fostered many dogs and one in particular I disliked so much and thought would never find a home. The second I took him out of his crate he would mark in my house and continue as I rushed him outside. Well, this older woman came to see him and thought he was the greatest thing there was. The marking issue I thought was a deal breaker didn't faze her one bit. She took him home, worked on it til it disappeared and they lived happily ever after.
I also can not believe that the rescue group you got Popeye from put him up again for adoption so soon after a return after hearing what he did. It seems very irresponsible to me. I can only hope they disclosed his behavior or I would think they would be liable for any injury that occurred from what he did next.
Bosoxfan, I am very sorry for what happened to you. The whole incident sounds very traumatizing. You can really get your heart scared in so many ways. I hope it doesn't totally turn you off to rescue but I also understand when people are reluctant to go that route.

I can't THINK of an exception to this. My favorite people love dogs.