Some of you that have seen my gallery know of my dog, Sydney. I rescued her from the shelter three and a half years ago, and she is my best friend. She is smart, obedient, and well behaved (most of the time).
She also does not get along with other dogs. She does fine with mine because they were here when I first brought her home. But if she is around other dogs, she gets defensive and doesn't let them anywhere near her.
I've tried working with her, I've called and emailed countless trainers trying to find someone that can help me teach her to not be so defensively aggressive towards other dogs. I just called one that comes highly recommended, only to have the trainer I spoke to compare the behavior of my dog to that of a criminal. I believe the exact words were "If a human is aggressive towards other humans, you don't socialize them to try and get them over it. They go to a correctional facility." aka prison.
That was one of my last options. Every single option I can think of keeps falling through. I'm losing hope of ever getting her over this.
I want to move out at some point, and take her with me. I want her to be friends with Aaron's dog, Apollo. But if I can't do anything to fix this problem, she'll have to stay behind. It will break my heart, and hers because she hates being separated from me. I don't want that to happen, but what else can I do when every professional I've gotten in touch with cannot help me?
There are two options left at my disposal, and they are long shots. I can either try to get her used to a muzzle, and use that to help me get her used to Apollo and be friends with him. That is risky.
Or, where I work has the number for a behaviorist. The chances of me going that route are slim, because it is expensive. I had planned on using the money I hope to make from my manga sale to move out soon, but if this is the only option I have, I may have to do that.
I'm at a loss, I feel hopeless, and I don't know what to do.
My parents asked what was wrong with me when I got home, and I just lost it and started crying. I haven't cried in years.
I don't like it.

~D~