Sept 25/01  This is Bentley - he was a 1.5 yro neutered male English Springer Spaniel.  Today I sent him across the bridge - not because he was sick and not because he was old - but because someone had taught him that he needed to defend himself with his teeth; that humans were not to be trusted; that people would only hurt him. All I wanted to do was to help him understand that mine are 'gentle hands', that I would never allow anyone to ever hurt him again - but he couldn't overcome his distrust and his fear. Dogs that bite are not only a danger to themselves but to everyone around them - they are unhappy and afraid. I held him and forgave him - I let him know how much he was loved and that he would be safe on 'the other side'. I'm sorry Bentley, I so wanted to be able to help you - may we both find peace.