Animal House

Switch to T-Mobile - they are much cheaper and have better service.

Hmmm. I wonder why anyone would think pit bulls are dangerous. Could it be this?

Mississippi Toddler Mauled To Death By Pit Bull

Jackson, MS (AHN) -- A 3-year-old boy is dead after being mauled by a pit bull Tuesday night.

Police told the Clarion Ledger that the boy was playing at a neighbor's house at about 9 p.m. Tuesday when he wandered into the carport where the dog was chained. The two-and-a-half year-old pit bull named Blue Eyes reportedly bit the toddler in the throat and upper torso, then dragged the child into the house where he died.

When police arrived on the scene, the pit bull was so aggressive that one officer shot and wounded the dog, who is now in the custody of animal control. They will keep the dog quarantined and under observation while a decision is made of whether to destroy the young dog.

Local authorities are still investigating, and told the Clarion Ledger that they wonder where the parents were, who let a 3-year-old outside unsupervised at 9 in the evening.

No charges have been yet been made as they question the owners of the dog, Shannon and Shaunda Reason, and the parents of the toddler, whose name has not been released.

According to a study sponsored by the US Government Centers For Disease Control, while Pit Bull Terriers only constitute two percent of all dogs in the U.S., they are responsible for 32 percent of all dog related killings of humans. Children make up 70 percent of the victims of mauling deaths by Pit Bulls.

Or This?

Pit bull attacks police officers
Mercury Staff Report
07/23/2008
Two Amity police officers were reportedly attacked by a pit bull Wednesday after they stopped it from attacking its owner.
Cpl. Glenn Oesterling and Cpl. Mark Scherer responded to a report of a pit bull attack at 11:12 a.m. this morning at 1108 Old Swede Road.
They found Thomas Knight, 24, on the ground with a pit bull biting and attacking him.
The two officers tried to distract the dog so Knight could get away, but were unsuccessful.
Cpl. Scherer used a Taser on the dog and Knight was able to get free of the pit bull but for only a few seconds.
While the Taser had an immediate affect on the pit bull, it did not stun the dog for long, according to police, and the dog kept getting back up and charging the officers.
Cpl. Oesterling eventually shot the pit bull with a Colt AR-15 rifle to stop the attacks, police said. The dog was fatally wounded.
Thomas Knight suffered major trauma from the attack and was transported to a local hospital.
Police were assisted at the scene by Southern Berks EMS, the Amity Fire Company and the Animal Rescue League.
Police are still investigating the incident and ask anyone who may have witnessed the attack to contact the Amity police at 610-689-6002.

Or how about this kid who was mauled by his own dog?

Boy playing in SW Side yard badly hurt in pit bull attack
By Eric Swedlund
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.23.2008
A young boy was attacked and severely injured by his family's pit bull Tuesday afternoon on the Southwest Side, authorities said.
The boy suffered severe bite injuries to both legs and was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center, said Tracy Koslowski, a spokeswoman for the Drexel Heights Fire District. The boy is 7 or 8 years old; different agencies made conflicting statements about his age.
The family turned the dog over to the Pima County Animal Care Center for euthanasia. The center's manager, Kim Janes, said the animal will be sent for rabies testing.
"We hate to see these kinds of tragedies, and we certainly wish the best for the family," Janes said.
The attack happened about 3:30 p.m. at the home in the 6900 block of West Iola Place, near South Camino Verde and West Bilby Road. Deputy Dawn Hanke, a spokeswoman with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, said the boy had numerous cuts from his thighs to knees and a severe loss of blood. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
Hanke said the boy was playing in the yard when the dog got out of its pen somehow and attacked. The family told deputies there had been no previous problems with the dog, but authorities couldn't say Tuesday how long the family had the dog. There were other children in the yard and other dogs at the home, but there were no other injuries.
"It was the mother who pretty much beat the dog off the kid," Hanke said.

Or maybe its these dogs whose owner seemed mystified why her "good' dogs attacked someone. She feels really bad, so it's ok!

Pit Bulls Quarantined After Man Attacked
Woodland Man Injured After Dogs Escape Yard

POSTED: 6:34 am PDT July 23, 2008
UPDATED: 6:55 am PDT July 23, 2008

WOODLAND, Wash. -- A Woodland man said a pit bull attack left him wounded Sunday after two dogs escaped from a neighbor's yard.

Rollie Jacobs, 63, suffered fractured ribs, a gash in his nose and several scrapes and bruises. He said he went outside his house Sunday to check on his cat after he heard that a neighbor's dogs had escaped their yard.

"As soon as I got out there past the pickup, they just attacked me," Jacobs said.

He said the two pit bulls knocked him to the ground.

His wife, still inside the house, didn't know anything had happened until Jacobs returned to the front door.

"His whole T-shirt was covered in blood," Nola Jacobs said. "He could hardly breathe (because) it hurt his ribs."

Anna Murray, who owns the dogs, said the alleged attack is out of character.

"They've never bit a person before, never ever," Murray said. "They've never been like this toward a person since I've had them."

While Murray said she can't imagine the dogs would attack a human, she said she feels terrible for Jacobs.

"I've been praying for him every night actually," she said. "I've prayed that he's OK and that it's not anything that he has to suffer for a long time."

Jacobs will make a full recovery, but he said he won't be taking any chances in the future.

"I can guarantee -- from what I will carry from now on -- the dog is going to be dead," Jacobs said.

Both of the dogs were quarantined Tuesday at the Cowlitz County Humane Society. No criminal charges have been filed, but authorities said it's likely that the owner will be ticketed.

Small dog kills 6-week-old girl in California
October 9, 2000
Web posted at: 6:17 AM EDT (1017 GMT)

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A small Pomeranian dog killed a 6-week-old baby while the infant's caretaker briefly left the child unattended to warm a bottle of milk, authorities in Los Angeles said.

The relative, who was caring for the infant girl, found her head buried in the dog's mouth Saturday night, sheriff's Deputy Cruz Solis said. The girl died of head trauma at an area hospital, he said.

The baby's name was withheld because her parents were out of the country and had not been notified, Solis said.

The relative has not been charged. Animal control officers took the dog.

Pomeranians are a breed of miniature canines that have a foxlike face, pointy ears and long, fluffy hair. The deputy said Pomeranian attacks are rare.

"Obviously it doesn't take much to kill a 6-week old baby but it's not something that happens with that breed," Solis said.

I am not sticking up for Pitties per se, am just showing that if you look hard enough you can find a dog attack from any breed..

Yeah, I see Pom attacks in the news every day. Packs of Poms tearing apart someone who's just minding his own business... Poms breaking off their leashes and going on rampages...

You read that too?? Amazing story wasn't it??

I didn't have to "look hard". All these attacks are from the last couple of days. I didn't have to go back to an article from 2000.

Has anyone read Karen Delise's book entitled The Pit Bull Placebo. Its a good read and informative. Talks about dog bites from the 18th Century to the present by various breeds (Collies, Cocker Spaniels, St. Bernards, Bull Terriers, etc.) and the role the media plays in influencing public and political opinion either for, or against, certain breeds. Its very interesting reading no matter what side you take.

Oh, and the book (and many others) also discusses how chaining a dog up and leaving it outside in all conditions can cause aggression (wouldn't you be a little ticked off if you were chained up 24 hours a day?). Its unfortunate for both dogs and the children that get bitten - both suffer. All dogs have the potentional to lash out when treated cruelly, and unfortunately children are largely the victims. In addition, the media doesn't always print the whole story so that people can learn how to treat their dogs kindly and humanely.

The previous posting was from DL (forgot to sign my name).

Has anyone heard anything about Sarge? I still worry about him.

Hello All:)

I did send most of you this email but I don't have everyone's address.

My friends Bob and Janet Baxter have fallen on hard times as many have these days. One of their dogs Missy an adorable Mix husky is very ill. They took her to the Vet yesterday where they did blood work and re hydrated her. That is all the money they had so they had to bring her home. Dr Baum said she really needed to stay but also needed half the estimated bill of $500-$600 which Bob and Janet do not have. The blood work was not that bad but she needs more tests. Janet thought she was going to die last night but she is still hanging in their.

If anyone can help will even a small donation it would be greatly appreciated. Missy is a wonderful dog and her mom and dad love her very much. I know I would be in the same boat if god forbid it happened to mine. These are good people and take excellent care of their dogs. Prayers of course help always.:)

Information for donations to Missy's fund

Bob and Janet Baxter 516 887 1743

You can call Crawford animal hospital with a credit or debit card at 516 599 0256

or make a check or money order out to Crawford Animal Hospital or Dr Baum

And send to
Crawford Animal Hospital
690 Merrick Road
Lynbrook, NY 11563

Make sure you put for Missy: Baxter dog on the money order or check and your name and number.

Thank you for any help here
B-J

I know this place is slow lately. Hmmm Anyway here's the second email sent out.

Okay I know two people donated to the Vet already. But I have started a fund raiser for Missy and used the Vets info for payment. I forgot to say the Vet does not take Care Credit. Half the estimated bill was leant to Bob and Janet by my friend Mariana and Missy is back in the hospital. Josh has agreed to take $50 a week for the rest but that's really hard for them also so if you can help we would be grateful. I tried to make the least $5 but the site won't let it be less that $10.

Here a link to the site to make a donation.

Thank you and God Bless You all.

https://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2008-07-25.6518010911/groupaction_view?portal_status_message=Your%20changes%20have%20been%20saved.

B-J

What is wrong with the dog, diagnosis?

Severe yellow diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. She needs more tests for a diagnosis.

Janet just called and said Missy has a mass of undigested bone. They are giving her enemas but she is still not out of the woods and may need surgery. Let's hope not. She said she never gives her bones. But then she said only the ham bones and steak bones. The ham knuckles are okay (not all dogs) but those steak bones are not. She thought those to were safe. She will call later or tomorrow with another update.

A lesson for us all...

Soooooooo..... you want us to pay for this so called dog oweners stupidness? The animal precinct officers should take it away and talk her to jail!!! hope shes not that stupid with kids.....someone call child protective servcies!!!!

Too late they are all growed up. If you don't want to pay for a stupid owners mistake maybe you can help get a new home for these dogs.

https://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2008-07-25.3236883260

Please spread the word Ladies.

I just got an email that Verizon is going to pull the ad

Update on Missy

Ladies thank you so much. Bob and Janet are in awe of you all. Last I heard Missy had $350 donated.

Missy is doingbetter today and just may come home tomorrow without needing surgery. Josh said she is not 100% out of the woods just yet so not sure about coming home tomorrow. Just being causious not to make promises. But if she does continue to improve and goes home tomorrow I would think she will not need any surgery.

The money from Mariana and the $350 should cover the bill. I'll update on Missy's progress tomorrow as soon as I know. Thanks again and big hugs to you all.
B-J

Hi Everyone!
B-J, Glad to read that Missy is better and that her family got help paying the bills. We all know how they can mount up in an emergency. And our furry friends can get into things in an instant no matter how careful we are. We have all been there and it's no one's fault, so whoever you are, stop the harrassment.
And I wanted to let B-J know that my cousin ( who died of Lou Gehrig's in December) well, her daughter had her second girl on Thursday and the baby is named after her. In a twist of fate, Dori told her mother she was pregnant and showed her the ultrasound the last day of her life, not knowing that her mother would die in her sleep that night. The miracle of life after such a tragic time. We must never give up.

How is Sniffles doing? Has he been adopted into a forever home yet? Any news on Sarge, Biggie and our Vivi? They have been on my mind alot as have their families.
It's nice to see familiar names back on the blog.

Thank You Susan:) And congatulations on the new addition to your family.:)

Sniffles has found his forever home and is now a steady happy fellow. All his fears have gone and he is secure, loved and loves back 100 fold.:)

I haven't heard any news on Biggie, Sarge or Vivi for that matter. We haven't given up on any of them. Maybe someone else has heard something on Sarge. I doubt about Biggie but we may find his face some where someday. Vivi of course I would hear on so no news there. I have some weather proofed flyers from Wendi that I have to get up. Weather was too rainy most of this past week and had a few extra projects this last couple days. Hope to get them up Monday.

Wish I could say we have had a sighting. We still are keeping an eye on the last area for someone walking her. That's all we can do for now.

Give that new baby a kiss for me.:)

Missy update:

Missy is still improving but there is still something that hasn't passed. Hoping for that to happen and her coming home tomorrow. Keep those prayers going.:)

B-J

Anyone that posts as Anonymous is not worth reading. If you have an opinion you should be proud of it and stand by it with your name. By posting as Anonymous you are faceless and voiceless.

All dogs have their good and bad. It all comes down to owners and training. I have friends with pits that are big babies and others with Chihuahuas that will tear your face off.

Get your facts straight.

Missy came home tonight. They knocked her out and got everything today. No sugery needed.
She is torn up inside but doing okay. The bill was a lot higher than they were told so they used a credit card they keep for emergencies. Seems they desk screwed up and included Mariana's $300 payment in as a donation. So they really only got $45 in donations. They are very grateful for the donations and will send Thank you cards. They are so happy she is home and her sister Pom is also. Thanks again.:)

B-J

They used a credit card they had for emergencies? Excuse me? A pets medical emergency because they were stupid enough to feed the dog bones wasn't considered 'emergency enough' to these people? To ask for money from strangers to pay for your vet bills is bad enough. But to do it because you don't want to use your credit card is about as low as a person can go. Tell them next time to charge it and suck it up like we all have to do in this economy

BJ, seems to me one of our gals donated $100 and two others a small amount. Something is wrong with the numbers.
I'm glad Missy is doing better..Speedy recovery doggie!

xoxorooby

Only reason I said anything is because they said there was two $25 on Friday and then someone came with $250 and another $50 on Sat. Then when they picked her up they charge $500 more. They asked how that could be because of the donations and the Vet said the girls were mixed up. I hate to question it but now that I am sure there was what we have is backed up I need to know if these were all credit cards or checks. Plus Nancy gave something on Sat but it was a check. Now I need to ask that anyone who did donate to please email me with the details of how much and how it was paid. Maybe if these are checks that didn't get there yet the Vet was right in a way but if these are credit or debit cards something is rotten. I need to know for sure. I just hope it's because there are checks that haven't got there and not something amiss.

As far as emergency credit card use to dumbfounded. I was a bit suprised by that one also as why take her home to begin with and ask for help. I can see asking as this is something they really will have trouble paying. and all the interest adds up when you are making payments. But I be darned if I would have taken her out of there to begin with cause I ran out of cash when I had a credit card I could use. We live and learn.

They fed all their dogs steak bones over the decades and this is the first one that had a problem.. Not defending but something they got away with all there other dogs. They know bones are bad for dogs but thought the SB was safe like the KB.

Who ever did donate please email me to verify how much and how. Please don't post it here for obvious reasons.

Thanks

B-J

I brought a check to the animal hospital personally on Saturday and told them what it was for, No one told me they don't accept checks for donations. Just went to my online banking, that check is clearing. So I would suggest that anyone who mailed chekcs just sit tight and see. They probably don't accept checks from strangers for direct payment of treatment for obvious reasons.

http://tinyurl.com/5s393a

Here's one that just happened: black lab puppy or a pug (they are not sure yet) kills a 2 month old that was left in a swing for an unknown amount of time... Look at the parents (who were kids themselves) and you tell me who is responsible. WHAT are these people thinking???

^^^ sorry, that was me posting

From Fox news:
"Police are not sure what caused the mauling or which dog killed the boy. Both dogs were taken to the Tulsa Animal Shelter, where Manager Jean Letcher said the lab was euthanized at the request of Tulsa police."

So, a Lab puppy was killed because because of irresponsible parenting... Wonderful :(

The mother is 17 years old and the grandmother has a large tat on her biceps, she looks like she takes drugs. Are these people going to be brought up on charges of child abuse? They didn't hear the child screaming, of course they didn't hear the baby because they were probably stoned. The dog was probably just playing and jumping up on the baby to play. Why in God's namen would the cops have this dog killed? Its was just a puppy as inocent as that baby was...

Do we have anyone here from that area? Can we get more info. on that matter?

The news says it was a 6 week old Lab who killed the baby. How in the world could that be? Puppies don't kill do they? Something is wrong with this story!

rooby

You have to take anything you rread or hear on the news with a large grain of salt. And if you didn't know that before the whole Vivi thing should have shown that. We've had crazy things with the media at the vet place I work for , people going nuts with rumors and having the "facts" 360 degree, and the crap spread from one person to another. Many years ago (late 60's) , my brother was in the Air Force SAC and they sent him to Libya - he stopped reading the newspapers back then said they have everything upside down. I thought he was nuts back then, I am coming around to thinking close to the same thing.

I think the whole babies family were inside getting stoned and they left the baby and the dogs outside. Maybe the baby started crying, could it be because it was 100 degrees outside, and the dog started jumping on the baby to play or maybe it was crying and upset the dog. Labs are the sweetest dogs and very protective of children and very playfull. This whole story sounds very strange to me. Still would like an explaination on why they put down the puppy and not the parents..

17 years olds should be having babies, THEY ARE BABIES THEMSELVES.

meant to say they SHOULD NOT

Don't they have laws in Tulsa regarding endangering the welfare of a minor?

My dog doesn't stay out by herself in the backyard in this heat, never find a newborn. The mother didn't think when she had unprotected sex and she didn't think when leaving her baby un-attended alone for God knows how long, by itself, in a swing with a playful, rough, puppy. Dopes, idiots, I am sooo angry!!!

read that the grandfather fed the baby and put him in the swing in the living room (mom and grandma were still in bed) and grandpa and dad left? If the baby had just eaten the puppy may have tried to get to the baby's mouth...... we may never know the whole story. Who was there to see what happened?
The baby is dead. That is a horrible tragedy.
A six week old puppy was held accountable and he was killed. And mom and dad and grandma and grandpa will be living with what if....forever
Mila

What a stupid bunch of white trash. Who leaves a baby alone outside? They need to be prosecuted and the whole beer swilling, dope smoking inbreds need serious prison time. Its not like they contribute anything to society.

And as for the 'donation' scam, They had a credit card for emergencies and were crying for donations? Unbelievable. What a scam. They should be paying back every single person who financed this. Hope they remember to declare that money as income on their tax returns. Maybe someone will drop a dime to the IRS just to make sure.

Anonymous, are you back? And you talk about us judging people? Hoo Hoo here we go again.
Whatever white trash is (and I detest that phrase) you seem to fit right in the description you are giving.
Oh, did not hear that the baby was outside. Last article said in the living room.
Signing and not hiding,
Mila

I stand corrected about the swing being outside. I hear swing and I think outside. Must have been one of those low to the ground baby swings that you wind up and plays music and puts the baby to sleep. Poor baby, poor dog, poor baby mother, poor family. A room full of adults and 1 underage mother and something like this happens. I still think they were up to no good and were not paying attention the way they should have, my opinion of course.

The pup could have gone up for adotion to another family, did they think the dog has a taste for blood now?

What a tragic story and its going to give me nighmares for days to come. Lets not talk about it no more....

I remember we had a class by one of the vets from Animal Medical Center around animal behavior, attacks etc., and it was mentioned that there are dogs who are normally "OK" who get unhinged about those windup baby swings.

Was their last name Spears?

Spears did quite alright for herself, financially anyway!!

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to update you on my seniors stay at the kennel. Let's just say, I would never do it again to them. First, I'm not saying that this was a bad place or that any kennel should be ragged on. Just my seniors had a rough time. They stayed four days. When my husband and I went to pick them up they reeked of kennel poo poo smell. They told me that they pooped on their blanket every day. Well, my 98% blind yorkie will freak out if she can't find ground and that was probably why she went on the blanket. They covered the entire kennel spot with their blanket which I told them not to do. The first thing the owner of the place said to me was, their food gives them diaharrea. Which I thought was a strange thing to say because they've been on their wet food forever with no problems. Well, I knew when I got home why she said that. My two kids have had diaharrea since they got home and both have a terrible head cold, sneezing and very congested. I've been home from work since Wedsnesday taking care of them. Every time they sneezed, they messed right where they were. They're on cooked chicken and pepto bizmal right now and coming around slowly. My vet suspects that they changed their food when they were there and that's the reason for the diaharrea. All I have to say about this experience is, day trips from now on. By the way, my daughter's wedding was great.

Laura

Hi Laura,
Congradulations on your daughter's marriage. So sorry to hear about your babies' illnesses from the kennel stay. Our cocker would not do well at a kennel either. She's too delicate. We have to have someone stay at the house, last time it was my oldest son who came in for a visit. Piper catches bugs very easily as your two did. Hope they are doing better.
My daughter and I just came back from a week at my oldest son's home in S. Carolina. We toured Charlotte, the Biltmore and other sites. All we heard from home was how bored Piper was back in CT with no one there except my husband. Our furry friends really do have their own personalities and quirks.
Any news on any furry babies?

Thank you Susan. Had to take them to the vet today because wesley (17 yr. old) was not eating and sleeping all the time and winnie (14 yr. old tomorrow 8-8-08) starting vomiting with the last one being a puddle of blood. The vet said they picked up a something viral from the kennel. They had a shot of antibotics and are on amoxicilin. If they don't improve in a few days they'll have to go to the hospital for I.V. drip. So please say a prayer that these two seniors pull through as they've been through so much already. I just wish I had a family member around here that could have stayed with them.

Also waiting for good news on any of our fur babies.

Laura

Laura, let us know how your doggies are doing. They are such a worry when they are sick.

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to send a little note that the birthday girl (winnie-14 today) is feeling soooo much better! She ate half of her dog food and a plate of cooked chicken for her day! She's bouncy around almost as normal. Wesley my cairn is still pretty sick. Day 2 of not eating and he vomited bile twice today. We did get him to take his meds. though. Was sleeping all day today but as of now he was walking around with some labored breathing. He's the type that hides and sleeps when he's sick so this a pretty normal thing for him to do. The vet said we just have to wait it out with these things. So, just making sure he drinks as much water as I can get in him so he stays hydrated. Thanks for asking about my "kids". They are everything to me.

Laura

Thinking of you and your babies, Laura and saying a prayer for their recovery. We are all here for you.

Hi Everyone,

This morning Wesley (17 yrs. old) went to the rainbow bridge. The vet said he was in very serious kidney failure. He was basically non responsive to anything. My husband and I are a mess. He will be greatly missed. But we wanted to thank you all sooo much for your prayers and well wishes. It is greatly appreciated.

Laura

Hi Everyone,

I posted but I guess it didn't show up. Wesley, my cairn (17 yrs. old) went to the rainbow bridge this morning. He had serious kidney failure basically non responsive. Thank you all sooo much for your prayers and well wishes. We really appreciated it.

Laura

sorry for the double post on this.

So sorry Laura..Great age for a dog, but very sad on the same note that you lost him.
xoxorooby

So sorry to hear about Wesley. Seventeen years is a long life but to us who love them it's never long enough. Your family is in my prayers. Take care of yourselves.
Susan

Sorry to hear about Wesley. It's hard to let them go no matter what the age. Take care.

Thank you everyone for your condolences. I know most if not all of you know this pain. My husband had said to me though, Think of how Vivi's owners must feel, not knowing what has happened to her for all this time. He said, at least we know Wesley is in Heaven and painfree and at peace now. But not to know seems like a much harder pill to swallow. I am grateful though for my yorkie, Winnie still with us. Although 98% blind and hard of hearing she still is able to get around just fine. We're trying to get her used to the car again so some day down the road she will come with us to PA when we visit our daughter.

Well, thanks again everyone,

Laura

Oh Laura, I am so sorry about your Wesley. He left you with good memories and his unconditional love and devotion. He will always be with you.
(((HUGS))) Mila

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vL1trl1FMUw&feature=related

Pit haters, eat doodies!