Sometimes, no matter how hard you work, there are problems. You research breeds, find what appears to be a really good pet, take care of its physical needs, socialize it, and train regularly. But sometimes this just isn't enough. Then what?

While all pets require a great deal of love, attention and work, some need more still. These are the "special needs" pets. They are the deaf dalmatian or the German shepherd with severe hip dysplasia. They are the older dog and cat whose health is failing or the maturing puppy who is showing signs of aggression.

Many owners feel they can't handle a very needy pet, and sometimes they're right. A special needs animal requires many adjustments on the part of the entire family. We certainly found this to be true. Snuggles' failing health in his last years kept me from traveling so I could tend to his needs. With Shadow, my darling, beautiful Monster Puppy, we have had to cope with her physical flaws as well as her poor temperament, and this has changed our lives enormously. Not only do we have to keep her separate from our other pets, we also have to make sure she doesn't get the opportunity to misbehave with our human neighbors or chase stray cats or squirrels. To keep the other pets safe, we have installed a door between the floor she spends her day on and the levels above, and we never permit Shadow outside without supervision. This means that I go outside with her every time she goes, and it doesn't matter if I'm sick or if it's raining, dark, cold, or any other awful weather.

Severe temperament problem's such as Shadow's may indeed be more than many owners could cope with, and there is nothing to be ashamed of if this is the case. Had I known what I would face, I'm not certain that I'd have chosen to work with Shadow. She has been a huge challenge. We ultimately resorted to drug therapy for her, and it has made enough of a difference that I am able to use the training methods I learned to control her. I wouldn't advise leaping directly to medication, though. Sometimes a problem can be solved by working harder, using different training methods, or changing the diet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian who will refer you to trainers or to a behaviorist if necessary.

If, after consulting with your vet and other professionals and working hard on the problem, the situation is simply beyond your control, you may decide to look for a new home for your pet, but think carefully about this. A severe behavior problem must not be passed on to an unsuspecting new owner--it is unfair both to the new owner and to the pet. If the problem is very severe and it is necessary to have your pet euthanized, please make the decision yourself as a responsible owner.