A dog owner faced with a gut-wrenching choice of behavioral euthanasia shared a poignant final moment with her furry companion.
Known on TikTok as @that.lab.tundra, Aspen made the tough call to let go of her two-year-old Belgian Malinois, Tequila. Tequila, hailing from her fifth home, arrived with visible tracheal damage and burn marks around her neck—likely remnants of the two shock collars Aspen spotted in a video before bringing Tequila home.
“Things took a downward spiral from there. Tequila started showing aggression towards other dogs, necessitating a muzzle, which eventually extended to humans. It wasn’t merely aggression but a complete lack of peace in her mind,” Aspen recounted.
Despite Aspen’s attempts to work through Tequila’s issues, the dog’s behavior worsened. Tequila incessantly barked in her kennel, stopped eating, and exhibited signs of extreme distress, including defecating in her confinement repeatedly during one harrowing night.
“Tequila couldn’t even relax without being stressed, and this went on for weeks,” Aspen revealed.
After reaching out to 21 animal rescues, all of which declined to take Tequila in, Aspen turned to animal control. Following an assessment of Aspen’s accounts and video evidence, authorities concurred that euthanasia was the compassionate choice.
Behavioral euthanasia is a humane decision to end a dog’s life due to severe behavior problems, distinct from physical health concerns or minor nuisance behaviors such as jumping. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it typically involves aggression that poses a risk of harm to individuals or other animals, often stemming from identifiable triggers.
Realizing her time with Tequila was limited, Aspen arranged a special, final moment for her beloved companion. She captured and shared on TikTok Tequila’s last indulgence in a lavish meal and their cherished playtime, a memory she’ll hold dear forever.
Deciding on behavioral euthanasia is always a tough call, but TikTok users rallied around Aspen, affirming her decision as an act of kindness.
“Tequila is now free from her mental torment. You’ve offered her peace and tranquility. Rest in peace, Tequila,” one supporter commented.
Another echoed, “In such a challenging situation, your grace in handling this is commendable. You’re doing the most compassionate thing for her and those around her.”
When to Consider Behavioral Euthanasia?
Opting for euthanasia is never easy, whether due to a dog’s age or severe behavioral issues like Tequila’s. But when do you know it’s the right time?
Prior to considering behavioral euthanasia, owners should rule out underlying health conditions that may contribute to irritability and behavior problems. Identifying triggers for the behavior is vital, as owners can sometimes evade situations that trigger their dogs.
Deciding on euthanasia can be daunting and emotionally overwhelming, with feelings of fear, guilt, and anger. However, one doesn’t have to navigate this decision alone. The AKC advises seeking input from an animal behaviorist or veterinarian to assess a dog’s aggression, explore options, and arrive at the best course of action, though the final choice rests with the owner.