STARK RAVING MAD!!!!!

[doxielady5569128]

I swear I'm seeing red right now!!!      I decided to take Porky for a walk this evening with our little two year old neighbor girl.   They are best buddes and I thought it would be fun for them to walk around the block together.     

As we were nearing home, a pit bull puppy came charging at us.  All I could think of was...okay...who do I grab first?!   It looked like she was headed towards the little girl so I scooped her up quickly into my arms.   But, I was so wrong!!!!!    The pit bull grab ahold of Porky's throat and started thrashing him around!      I waited for the puppy to losen its grip and scooped Porky up.    I was so terrified!   I ran the rest of the way home carrying a two year and Porky who was whimpering.   

I quickly handed off the little girl to her daddy and started checking over Porky's neck.  he was not bleeding, but there were teeth marks left.  I took some pictures and then rushed him to the vet hospital, after hours mind you.   They did xrays and everything checked out okay.  They thouroughly checked his back since she shook him and that was fine too.  Thank GOD!!   I got papers from the vet stating that the marks on his neck were clearly bite marks from another dog.  And they were kind enough to send the bill to my neighbor's address that owns the pit bull.   They said if the neighbor does not pay the bill within three days they will collect on it and get police involvement.   They printed off and kept my pictures as evidence.  Luckilly, I also got one of the dog running loose. 

On Monday, or maybe even tomorrow, I am complaing to my landlord about thi incident.  What if our neighbr girl would have gotten biten!!!   The vet said I was very smart to wait to pull Porky away until her jaws released. Had I immediately grabbed him, she would have ripped his throat open!  I can't help blaming myself for not being quick enough to get both of them in my arms.  But who would choose, a child or your dog.  It was heart wrenching to know he got bit because I couldn't get him up fast enough!! 

Now, Porky is terrified of other dogs and I don't want him to act out of fear and bite a dog that passes by us.  What do I do?!   I'm so scared this will happen again.  i seriously don't know if I will walk him outside anymore.  I think I'd rather fork out the money for a treadmill for him.   I am so angry and upset over this i am tears.   I just don't know how to handle all of this.  I want to pursue legal action, but don't want trouble with neighbor's that live so close. 

Any ideas????   We are having to ice Porky's throat off and on all night since it is a little swollen.  The vet said to feed him wet food in the morning and really watch him whne he eats since his throat will probably be very sore.   She also said to keep an eye on his back as it may be sore as well.     Apparently I'm the only one the leash law applies to!!!

[PattyInAK]

Holy sh*t, man!!!  Yikes.  Good for you for thinking fast and getting pictures of the dog running loose AND pictures of Porky's neck.  I don't know what the answer is.............I couldn't walk my dogs in my old neighborhood due to big, loose dogs everywhere.  So I guess the answer is to just not walk Porky in your neighborhood.  I know its not fair.  Thank God your vet is behind you on this and willing to help collect and press charges if necessary.  Take a deep breath...........it must have been so scary.  I'm glad Porky was more seriously hurt or worse.  Poor little guy, must have had the poop scared out of him.

[Merion]

Some people have no sense.  You would think with the reputation that pit bulls have they would do all in their power to make sure their dog doesn't make more reasons for people to be worried about the breed.   :idiot: One day when they get told they can't have them anymore they will be the first to complain.   

Thank god Porky wasn't hurt any worse.    

Hope you get satisfaction from them on the bill for the vet and don't have to take them to court.

Good luck.
Merion & the ZZ's

[Roberta]

thank Goodness he is OK, but it will not help him mentally, poor wee soul. I would be at KIlling point.
Roberta

[David C.]

One thing you should do is make sure the owner of the pit bull pays for Porky's vet bill...and if they don't do it voluntarily, take them to Small Claims.   You should have no problem getting a judgment, and if they don't pay, it goes on their credit record.   

I had similar incidents with a Basenji that would attack Max.    He got to Max twice, with both attacks ending up with Emergency Vet visits, once for puncture wounds, the second time he needed seven staples in his abdomen.   When it looked like it was going to happen a third time, I punted the Basenji so hard I knocked the wind out of it.   I don't like hurting animals, but I have to admit, after that dog hurt Max twice, I did get some satisfaction in hearing the dog go "pfffft" as I kicked it.

[Jeri]

I am so glad that Porky is okay!  This must have been very frightening for you.

It's a very bad sign that a puppy would attack another dog and grab it by the throat.  Even in pits that are born to fight, the dogs are often docile until about two years of age.  At that time, they "click on", the street term for diplaying their aggressive tendenices.  It is very troubling to see this at such a young age, and it's a sure sign that this pit will grow up to be very dangerous dog.  Because of this, I would fill out a police report right away, so there is documentation that this dog has shown past aggression.  If you and the pits owner have the same landlord, be sure to provide the landlord with a copy of the report.  The landlord needs to be aware that there is a dangerous dog on the property.  Once he knows this, if there is a further incident then the landlord is liable as well as the owner.  This might even prompt the landlord to evict the dog even if the police do not, simply to avoid future problems.  As long as this dog lives in your neighborhood, be very vigilent and be prepared to defend yourself against it.

[Teresa]

I agree with Jeri that if the landlord knows about the incident and that the dog is aggressive (especially with proof from the vet and the pics) he may take care of the situation. It is a liability issue for him. Anytime we have leased property, there was always a clause in the lease about being unable to have aggressive dogs and I know that now they do not allow people to have certain breeds of dogs.
As for walking Porky, I would try taking him to a quiet park soon to get him used to being out again and walking. Dogs are usually leashed there and if you can possibly go on a weekday, it may not be so bad. You will have to work with him, but he loves other animals too much to let his fear overtake him. I know it will take time, but I have a feeling that if any dog can overcome this fear, it is Porky. Keep us updated.

[Leslie]

Holy crap Man.  I dunno what to suggest.  You absolutely need to file a police report.   I would be tempted to carry a sidearm with a dog like that in my neighborhood.  Poor poor Porky pie.  This is horrible, you must have just freaked.  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad this was a puppy and not a full grown adult (I read this really fast and when I got to end, frankly, I wondered how you all survived since I thought it was an adult dog.)

FILE a report, get a lawyer, notify the local municipality. Make a big stink and get heard.

Good luck, I hope you both feel better.

[Mike]

My heart was in my throat reading your account.  Clifford was rolled twice in his first couple of years by labs running loose in town and he was tied out in his own yard.  The second time I pulled the dog off him and had it over my head ready the throw it against the oak tree when the owner came running up pleading to not do it.  I gave him the dog but told him in VERY CLEAR and COLORFUL LANGUAGE what would happen to the animal if it EVER stepped foot in my yard again.  It never did....to this day Clifford does not like large dogs and will snap at them to get the pre-emptive strike in.

Rays coming to Porky and please take the advise of others and file a police report.  This may not have been the 1st incidence and could result in the problem being resolved with your action.  Think of what the reaction would have been if the toddler's throat had been grabbed. 

[krs123]

Max, Bandit and I are sending rays your way! How scary that must have been. It makes me mad that irresponsible PET owners don't keep their animals on leashes or in their own yards!!!! I too walk alot outside and take Max with us and now Bandit and it always makes me nervous!! My husband and I carry a long metal stick with us just in case. This story has definently got me on the alert again. I definently would take legal action if the owner doesn't show any remorse or doesn't pay the vet bill. If you don't hold them responsible for their dogs actions they will never learn!
get better soon Porky!
krs123

[Leslie]

Think of what the reaction would have been if the toddler's throat had been grabbed. 

we had an incident in our area where a dog did not attack a child, but did knock him down.  Poor kid hit the concrete and got a concussion.  The kid's parents almost ended up owning the dog owner's house and property if it hadn't been for the judge.  That's why I NEVER let kids TOUCH my dog.  God Forbid...

[Barb]

OMG - a parents worse nightmare. You did some fast thinking and the thing you never know about is if the dog will turn on you.   Sending thanks to above that both Porky and his hu-friend are ok.   ARe you going to file a complaint with the city?  Are you going to try and contact the owners?  Oh my gosh, I would be livid, as I am sure you are - no telling what I would do......  Please keep us posted - soft belly rubs to our Porky.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

I would file a complain with the police. When you walk carry a walking stick with you.

[jillkilleen]

Oh !!!!  I sure would get the police involved.  And make sure they pay the vet bill.  I would carry mace.  A shot of that in it's face might help.  These dogs do get a bad rep, but the owners are the ones who make these dogs sooooo aggresive.  It is a shame when responsible people suffer the consequences of ignorant others.  Thank goodness it didn't get the little girl.  How horrible for her to have witnessed this happen though.  little baby doxie rays your way!

[Barb]

I would file a complain with the police. When you walk carry a walking stick with you.

Or pepper spray - I have some and am lax about remembering to take it with us when we walk...... I need to do better.

[TerriL]

That is really frightening.  I'm glad Porky is okay!  Let us know how this whole thing works out.....

[doxielady5569128]

Thanks for the advice.  We did file a report late last night with the police.  The police said they will keep it on file and watch to see if they get anymore reports about the dog.  The reason the puppy is already mean is because they have hit her.  We talked to te owner's who were outside and saw the incident happen themselves, last night.  They apologized and proceeded to tell me it was Porky's fault!     They also tried to convince me their dog had bite marks, I don't think so!    

As far as contacting the landlord, those neighbors have a different landlord.  However, our landlord is the groundskeeper for all the townhouses up here.  So...I'm going to talk with her about this whole thing and see what she can do.   My manager at work has a little boy who frequently goes to those people's house to play with their little boy.  i am going to speak to her today and warn her about how dangerous that puppy is. 

I can't help thinking what if that dog goes after a child. We have quite a few young childre in our neighborhood.  What's it going to take before that dog is kept on a leash and in its own yard?!   Porky is doing okay.  He is still a little fearful, but was already at the door begging for a walk again.     :idiot:  I am still very angry about the whole thing. 

As far as the pepper spray thing goes, I did have some on me at the time, however, I did not even have a chance to use it.  Had I used it when he was headed towards our neighbor girl, i would have sprayed her.  And once it had Porky, it would have gotten him in the eyes as well as the other dog.  I'm sorry to say, but I am honestly considering spraying that dog every time i see it out of its yard.  however, I don't want to make it more vicious!  Its kind of a catch 22 here.   We'll keep you updated and let you know if the landlord does anything about this.

[Beth]

OMG...I just read this thread!  Woah.....I'm so glad that everyone is ok.  From picking up the little girl to filing the police report, you did all the right things.  I can't believe that those neighbors tried to say this was Porky's fault! :verdict:

You may want to keep a log and write down the date and time you see the dog outside and loose.  That way, you will have a record and proof of irresponsible dog ownership.  Those people should not be allowed to have a dog, much less that one!

Here in Ohio, there is a law that states that dogs must be on a leash at all times when outside.  We had a scary situation last weekend when someone's pitbull in the neighborhood was running around loose, and it tried to drag our bunny cage away....with Bunny in it!

[cheryl186]

OH MY GOSH....HOW TERRIBLE....POOR PORKY PIE!!!  HOW TERRIFYING THAT MUST HAVE BEEN FOR YOU ALL!!!  I am so glad you filed a police report but just can't imagine how those people could have even suggested that it was Porky's fault!!  I am glad Porky is feeling better but as everyone else says here.....carry a big big stick with you when you walk.  And yes, those people shouldn't even own a dog because they are not responsible and they do not know how to treat the dog....no excuse for their behavior!!!

[MyLittleBoo]

Holy Crap!!!!!   That was scarey enough to read....  Thank goodness you are all three ok....  I couldn't even imagine....  Sending hugs and rays your way....  And, Princess Emmy sends lots of puppy kisses.... 

[Jenny G]

Ohmygoodness!  How freakin' scary!! I worry about walking Berman and Lucy too because people let their dogs out in their yards without leashes.  I always think how I would react if they were ever attacked. Again and again I think I would throw myself on them and take the brunt of the attack.  I get soooo mad when I see loose dogs.  Especially since Berman has short-man's complex and acts aggressive toward other dogs!  So glad Porky made it out ok!  Geez - so freakin' scary. Hugs and kisses to sweet Porky.

[janetleej]

Sounds like you did all the right things in what could have been a truly tragic situation. It really angers me how irresponsible people are by allowing their dogs to wander off leash! Maybe the vet bill will get their attention!

Janet

[papbouv]

Glad to hear Porky & the little girl are OK I have been asking around on what to carry on my scooter when I take Buddy & Patches walking. I have been told a squirt bottle with Lemon Juice in it ? a Fog Horn like you carry on boats would get the whole neighborhood to looking may scare the c_ _ p out of the dog ? then have heard of carrying a small non toxic fire extinsher ???? I have run into a couple of loose dogs Buddy wanted to fight kept the scooter between Buddy & the other dogs. Have a problem with Patches wanting to jump off the scooter to fight too silly girl.She gets into major trouble any time she gets off the scooter with out me telling her it is OK. Those are some ideas when I was trying to walk Buddy around the block as a pup I did kick a dog in the mouth for getting too close it was loose and Tulsa does have a leash law.
Depends on where the Pit Pup came from what the parents back ground is if the pup came from fighting parents it may be ingrained into the pup.If the owners are not doing any training on the pup that maybe the problem also, if the pup is tied up that will make it aggressive too.
Give poor Porky extra pets maybe a lite massage to help with the soreness.
papbouv

[Sandishooligans]

Holy CRAP!  Dontcha just love it.......stoopid neighbors blame the little dog.  Sheeeeesh!  I'm just thankful Porky is okay and hope he hasn't suffered any emotional damage, but these ugly neighbors really chap my hide.  They DESERVE a police report AND they'd better pay the vet bill.  Grrrrrrr!  I'm so mad, I could spit.

[doxielady5569128]

Porky is doing just fine.  We went back to the vet today for more xrays now hat his neck isn't swollen and all the horible bumps from teeth marks are gone.   Our vet was kind enough to make the visit free for us this morning.    :meme:  She mainly wanted to double check and make sure there is no damage done at all.   All the x-rays looked great and she said Porky is in tip top shape.   Let me tell ya, that was a relief!

Porky has been choking a bit on his dry food yesterday and today, but nothing major.   the vet said it is probably because he has a bit of swelling left in his throat from the trauma and his throat is probably still pretty sore.   She aked me a questio I hadn't thought of yet that really made me think. 

"Why didn't Porky pull away from the other dog?"  She said she was glad he didn't pull as it would have done MAJOR damage to my little guy's neck.   Remebering back, I can recall telling Porky "Stop."   So apparently all the obedience school stuff really did work.  That's one command we worked on in the class.   

I took him on a nice long walk today.  It was safe, the neighbors have been mysteriously absent since all this happened.  And actually, the lady that rents that unit, was not the one responsible, it was one of her "friends."  She as at work.  Luckilly, I knew the "friend's" name  so the bill went to the right person.   Anyway.... our walk went very well!    Porky seemed very wary of other dogs walking by us on a leash, but once they passed he seemed to calm a bit.   I did get him convinced to say hello to a chihuaua that we encounter all the time.   I knew it was a good dog.  Poky really wanted to shy away from it, so I guess we have some work to do.

Haven't gotten to talk with the landlord yet either.  She hasn't been home.