Pound Dog/older and getting angry

Question
QUESTION: Howdy,

My dog, who I got almost seven years ago at the animal control has made a change for the worse.

I adoped him with physcial and mental problems.  He has been a wonderful pet and now I have so many human emotions put into him, I am at a loss as to what is best for all of us.

He does not like the vets and will bite even me if I try and put the muzzle on him or even if the vet tries to pet him.  He is great at home and with children, just not the vets office.  She thinks I need to put him down.

Do you know of a humane place I can take him where he won't be in a cage?  Someone with a farm and lot's of mice or things like that?  I can't imagine bring him in to put him down.  If that is what I have to do, how does one do such?  Do you have any ideas, books, something?

I live in Oakland where there are MANY dogs that are meaner than Pucci but a bite is a bite in the eyes of the law.

HELP!!!!  Look forward to your reply.

Take care and be good to yourself.

Peace,
Ronnie

ANSWER: It may be that he doesn't like the vet you go to,you can try taking him to another vet-that sometimes helps

I don't think a dog needs to be put down for not liking the vet's as many dogs do not like a vet's office

However,as for taking him somewhere else,it's unfair to the dog,and unfair to ask someone to take him when he is a problem dog-unfortunately if you have to get rid of him,the best thing to do would be to put him to sleep,as many shelters and rescues simply cannot take in biters,and if they do they either have to put them down or they sit there for months on end

However it might be different if you actually know someone that will take him in,such as a family member,or friend

but first of all,I would try getting a new vet-because if he is only really bad there it might just be that vet

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks!  I also thought it was the vet and tried a few and even had one come to my home and none of them worked.  Do you think that if I just keep him home and maybe get him a bit drugged up prior to the appt. or maybe even put him  under and do everything for the year?  The problem is the minute he sees the muzzle he freaks out.  Who ever had him for the first year really messed him up.  It will kill me to get rid of him, I just don't know how or what to do.  I'm going to try a behavior Dr., 280.00 for one appt.?  If it is a magic word or stance, can you give it to me for free or 1/2 price?  Do you think that 300.00 will make a difference and change him?  I must agree that family would be best but they are into there own lives and all have there own dogs.  Pucci and I are a team, the black sheep in the family.  LOL...

If I end up putting him down, can you recomond a book on how to deal with it?  How to do it?  Can I do it at home with my meds?  

Thanks for your help, this is a great service.  Please let me know when you have having a fund raiser, I would be happy to help with what I can as you have saved me another 88.00 by our "appt."...  Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend!

Peace,
Ronnie Jr.

Answer
No I have no idea what the specialist will do or say,but the price does seem very steep

But some dogs do have to be drugged to be looked at,and that is a lot better then having him put down-I say try a vet that will dope him

Now I do not know what books are good for dealing with the death of a pet,my best bet would go to a book store and ask someone there