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Not necessarily. Sinkspur posted an article here in February 2000 about a puppy who'd been badly mistreated and mutilated in his home town. The puppy survived. Apparently Sinkspur works with the humane society or animal rescue organization that was helping little Loco, and who organized a defense fund to find the POS in that case, so he often saw the dog when he was being treated and rehabilitated. He said that when people go to see Loco, "That little baby's tail still wags", and he's happy to give and get attention from them. Dogs have long memories for those who hurt them, but they seem to sense when people aren't sickos, and who just want to pet and play with them. So the puppy will be traumatized if force to be around the POS,but if the vet and humane society officers play with him and comfort him,he'll may retain a trusting nature.

True, although rescued dogs that have been physically and/or tormented take a LONG time to recover. I've seen plenty of rescused Dobes that would just shake with fear upon seeing a human. Later, after years of having decent owners, they would recover somewhat. Very, very sad and cruel.

little Loco

Loco's still doing well, but the leads on who poked his eyes out have gone cold.

No matter to him, he's adjusted to his life. He still wags his tail whenever he meets anybody. That's because his owner picks him up, talks to him, and he's always within earshot. Loco knows his master will keep him safe.

This little Rott will be OK if he's smothered with love. Dogs are trusting by nature, and it takes more than one horrible incident to destroy that.

Sorry to hear about your little dasch. I had to put my Lab Heidi down ten years ago, and did so only because she became completely incontinent. Don't be too hard on yourself; I got frustrated because I felt like a zookeeper in Heidi's last days.

I held her head in my hands and looked into her eyes as she breathed her last. I wanted to make sure that sweet dog left life knowing she was loved.

If anybody's going to euthanize your best friend, be there with them. It's hard as hell to do and rips your heart out, but don't let them go without you.

A final, wonderful act of love for your buddy.