Family Faces Impossible Choice After Deaf Dog Puts Their Other Pet in Danger

20 hours ago 3

Heartbroken Owner Faces Tough Choice as Beloved Dogs Begin Fighting

A devoted dog owner is grappling with a heartbreaking decision after the once-peaceful bond between his two pets deteriorated into ongoing conflict.

Sharing his story on Reddit under the username u/Material_Carob3741, the man explained that he never planned to adopt a second dog. But when a deaf Pit Bull mix named Hoku was abandoned by her previous owner, he couldn’t turn her away. At first, Hoku seemed like the perfect addition. She was affectionate, intelligent, and loving with people, and she quickly formed a bond with the family’s six-year-old Boston Terrier, Roxie.

Over time, however, things began to change. As Hoku grew stronger, the once-friendly relationship between the two dogs soured. They began fighting, sometimes severely, and Roxie even sustained injuries. The situation worsened to the point where Roxie became so anxious she refused to eat in Hoku’s presence. To make matters worse, the family’s seven-year-old child confessed to being afraid of the larger dog.

The family tried everything they could to restore harmony, including positive reinforcement training, keeping the dogs separated, and even using a vibration collar. But nothing seemed to work. At their most recent veterinary visit, the vet delivered devastating news: they may need to consider rehoming Hoku.

“Hearing that crushed me,” the man wrote in his post titled Heartbroken and looking for advice — dog fights & family safety . “I love Hoku so much and want to make sure whatever happens next is the kindest and safest path for everyone — including her.”

The man's behavior shows the connection between animal abuse and other types of cruelty. He's already been jailed in the past for his violent history, but that obviously didn't address his underlying motivations for this kind of assault.

The post struck a chord with readers, who responded with empathy and practical advice. Some suggested seeking out a trainer who specializes in working with deaf dogs. Others recommended contacting a rescue organization experienced with special-needs animals, noting that rehoming can sometimes be the most compassionate choice.

One commenter reassured him that “rehoming isn’t a failure, it’s a responsible decision. Sometimes love means knowing when to let go.”

Experts agree that aggression between household dogs can sometimes become chronic and unmanageable. The American Kennel Club encourages owners to try professional, positive-reinforcement training but acknowledges that in certain cases, rehoming is the safest option for both the pets and the family.

For now, the heartbroken owner remains focused on making the best decision possible for Hoku, Roxie, and his family. His story serves as a reminder that while love drives us to help animals in need, responsibility means ensuring safety and happiness for everyone — even if it requires making the hardest choice of all.