In Memorium

This past weekend was not a happy one at the Surrey SPCA: three dogs were put down, three dogs that had been there a while, had not shown any aggression towards people, but unfortunately had not been guided positively with other dogs. They paid the price for their owners neglect and ignorance.

Mocha: she was a chocolate Chesapeake Bay cross who was surrendered by her previous owners because she attacked the other dog in their home. Everyone loved her; she was such an enthusiast of playing fetch and would often pick up a ball and walk around with it in her mouth. She was really smart and knew a lot of commands, and was just happy to be out of her kennel and around people. Sadly, the dog aggression she showed with her previous owner's dog reared it's ugly head again plus the frustration of being at the SPCA had her go after more than one dog; she attacked the dog she was rooming with (that was Viva the dog, who was quite shook up afterwards), and when a family came by with their two beagles and their children, wanting to adopt her, she attacked one of the Beagles and pinned it down. The SPCA felt that a dog that unpredictable couldn't be considered adoptable, and she went to sleep on Saturday.

Zenith: such a beautiful dog. He was a black lab with a glossy coat, and just getting into his adult years. He was found as a stray, and the SPCA's assessment concluded that he had not been socialized properly, and could be fearful and defensive if provoked. According to the people who had a chance to walk him, he was very well potty-trained, very playful, and loved getting affection; he was one of those dogs who liked to lean into you as you petted him.

Ashton: also a beautiful, black lab. Poor Ashton, he was also found as a stray and there was some evidence he had not been treated very nicely in his short life; he had some scars across his muzzle, possibly indicating that he might've been used as a guard dog who was often tied up. He was very sweet with people, but was extremely dog aggressive, the kind of aggression where the dog is going to attack if it gets the chance.

It seems Aston and Zenith had a particular hate for each other: dog walkers reported that whenever they passed each other they'd stare at each other really hard and start getting worked up. On Friday, whoever walked Zenith left him alone in one of the outside pens, accidently leaving the gate unlatched as well. Zenith managed to get out, and when he saw Ashton went right for him. They got into a major dog fight, to the point where they had mauled and torn each other to bits. The dog coordinator apparently tried to break it up, but got hurt as well. After that, they were both euthanized.

All of them never got a chance to experience a true loving home. RIP.