DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I'll call "Sean" who has been having problems with his son, "Logan." It has gotten to the point where Sean is scared to be with Logan. The boy has begun showing psychotic behavior. Abby, Logan is only 5 years old.
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Sean told me that Logan was torturing the family dog. He almost blinded the poor animal before Sean got rid of it. When Sean asked Logan why he was hurting the dog, the boy shrugged and replied, "I like the way it feels." What kind of answer is that for a 5-year-old?
Logan is in counseling and has had every test possible done, however the counselor says he is "fine." The counselor said that he behaves this way because he is being "neglected." But that is not true. I can't understand how a child could say that he likes the way it feels to torture an animal. He knows the difference between right and wrong, but likes the way it feels.
What can I do, and where can I go to get this child help? -- MYSTIFIED IN CALGARY
DEAR MYSTIFIED: It's time for your friend to consult some other doctors about his son's behavior, because the boy's counselor has been unable to help him. There is nothing wrong with seeking a second -- or third -- opinion.
Children who abuse animals have been known to grow up to become extremely violent adults unless there is serious psychiatric intervention. If Sean has not already done so, he should ask Logan's pediatrician for a referral to a psychoanalyst who specializes in children before the boy injures a child.