Saturday Selects is a series of posts I write on the ocassional Saturday on topics that fall outside the general bookish theme of the blog. Yes, today is Sunday.

I have a story to tell. It doesn’t have a happy ending. I have three dogs. One large dog and two small ones. Over the last few months the large dog has been aggressive toward both of my other dogs. In December I said it was time to get rid of the large dog. But my recommendation was not acted on. My other family members seemed to be more concerned with how much they claim to love the large dog rather than the fact that the two other dogs were in danger.

Two days ago there was another incident. And again nothing was done. They continued to just act as if everything was normal. There was another incident early this morning. The time for action has long passed. Emergency surgery and thousands of dollars forces one’s hand.

This is what happens when you take for granted your ability to take action in a timely manner. Your animals shouldn’t be forced to live in fear. They’re members of your family just like your siblings, parents, and children are. If you have an aggressive animal, take immediate action. Just like you would if your family member was in immediate danger.

My family didn’t. And our dog will be a constant reminder of what happens when you don’t do something when you still have the chance.