Guns, Dogs and Blades QnA

Well I fear the torch has passed, my little dog (62 pounds) the Mal pup cut her pad on the front foot during this last ice event. I have been doctoring it and keeping her from putting the extra miles on it. She is favoring it pretty well. Long story short we have grandson here this weekend. Hemi the big (110 pounds) Eastern European GSD who is aging will tolerate zero nonsense when it comes to the boy. She got overly aggressive protecting the boy from the Pup. Long story short the pup is hurt and as a result has been a bit grouchy. Hemi stepped over the line and the Pup went all Mal on the big Shepard. This day has been coming for a long time. It is just sad but I fully understand the pack mentality and the timing of old dog vs young dog. It broke my heart but the pup tore Hemi up. Admittedly Hemi started it, but she was just not agile enough to finish it. Hemi has been by my side for 13 years. The Pup did not back down or stop, it was difficult to get them sorted out. There is now no mistake with regard to who is Alpha female. Thankfully i am not at the Vets this evening. Just some bruised pride and a spooked Dad! I fully realize I am not far from making a very difficult decision on the big dog, but as long as she can still run a bit and lounge in the sun we will keep adapting.