The way things are going, I don't expect October 2000 to be on my list of all-time favourite months.

The latest dilemma: my dogs. I've had 2 dogs, Cinnamon and Chubby, for nearly 6 and 5 1/2 years respectively. My daughter loves them... they bark too much and that really drives me nuts, but other than that they're great, they're certainly family.

But... lately, I've been hearing Cinnamon yelp in the back yard, for until now unknown reasons. I could never get to the window fast enough to see what the problem was... until, today.

This time, Cinnamon just wouldn't stop screaming. I got to the window to see Chubby biting Cinnamon's front right leg, squeezing it in her jaw. Chubby is half-Akita so she has a VERY strong jaw. Poor Cinnamon!

Here's the dilemma. Throughout my entire childhood, I was taught that once a dog bites, it's not trustworthy, and could bite anyone at any time for any reason. This is not the first time this has happened, there were all those previous times I couldn't get to the scene-of-the-crime fast enough to prove what was happening.

Furthermore, I was taught to believe that once a dog is untrustworthy, you cannot keep it. In fact, it's best for the dog to be destroyed, because, and I'm paraphrasing, the dog doesn't mean to be bad but it's ruined and it's no good for the dog either. Now, I'm not sure I believe that last part, but I do believe in the rest of it.

So, it looks like I have to get rid of Chubby. This is breaking my heart! Cinnamon and Chubby are my first dogs of my adult life, I've kept them even through the bad times out of responsibility and loyalty. How can I do this? How can I NOT do this, I can't and won't risk letting Chubby bite my daughter.

Please, I need your advice. I'm pretty set on my decision, but it'd help to know that others think this is the right thing to do. If you totally disagree, please let me know. If you know where I can take Chubby where she'll be well taken care of, please let me know.

Tears.

Damnit.