So I just got back from dropping off my best fuzzy buddy at A Passion For Paws Akita Rescue. This is the place where we met Thunder last December. We brought him home in January with every intention of making him a permanent member of our family. At first things didn't go so well! There was definitely an adjustment and learning period. Thunder and I (and the rest of the family) learned each other's quirks, habits, likes, and dislikes. There were times he drove me crazy! Apparently some of my hats are very tasty! Apparently Thunder does NOT like his butt rubbed while he's sleeping! DO NOT WAKE THE SLEEPING DOG!! We went for walks, got belly rubs, and fun time on his favorite futon. We went to the vet to get our shots and a pedicure!! He really liked his after dinner cookie treats. We made home made doggie biscuits! He didn't particularly like to share, so we were careful to keep the animals separated at dinner time. A couple of times we had to go out of town, so he got boarded at the local kennel. He always got high marks for his behavior!! I love that dog. The point is, we were not neglectful, we didn't get him as some sort of "trophy", he was certainly not abused, if anything, he was pampered more than most other dogs. But he made a mistake. He bit my wife with NO warning and NO provocation. I can't allow that. If there was some reason for the bite, some action that triggered it, or some physical ailment that distracted him or something , ANYTHING that I could identify to correct or do different, I absolutely would. I would keep him in a heartbeat. But there wasn't, and I don't understand. This dog was a member of the family, but if a member of the family puts your foot in a vice and hits it with a hammer for no reason whatsoever, what do you do? They either get hit, or they go to jail, or they go somewhere where qualified people can help so it never happens again. I'm not hitting my dog, and I'm not sticking him in the backyard kennel (jail) indefinitely with him not understanding what's going on. I'm not a dog trainer. I brought him back to the only place I knew where they have qualified people to assess his behavior and fix the problem. I truly truly hope that someday Thunder can become completely trustworthy and find a forever family that will love him half as much as I do. I wish him a very happy and healthy long life. So, to the folks at A Passion For Paws, I did my best, it obviously wasn't good enough, and I really don't appreciate the disapproving, condescending attitude I got from you this morning! Please take care of my buddy! read more