WARNING--do not read this if you have a weak stomach.




Life sucks. My dog was brutally killed on Wednesday.

Elton went out of town wednesday afternoon. Well about 11 that night I began to hear the dogs bark. I yelled out the window for them to “hush,” which is the “shut the %$&$ up” command. Well about 11:45 I decided to go outside least the neighbors complain. I walked past the patio doors and saw a strange dog, so I decided to go outside and run the neighbor’s dog out to get some quiet. Well, I went out and opened the gate then turned around to shoo the neighbor’s dog out.

Only it wasn’t the neighbor’s dog. It was 4 strange dogs. The largest was a *75lb boxer/pit mix.

It was eating one of my dogs—Poly, (9 years) the 67lb terrier/chow mix. I was alone with the baby, so I freaked out.

I quickly (without running) went back inside and called 911. Well, it rang 3 times, picked up, then hung up. ?! I called again and someone picked up. This was at midnight. I couldn’t get my brother on the phone, so I walked around crying and freaked out holding a sword (my husband likes to collect.) A friend came over to wait with me. Although the police station is roughly 10 blocks from my house, they arrived at a quarter till one. He got there, saw 4 savage dogs circling my house, lunging at my windows and THEN called animal control. WTF? I had already told 911 that I needed animal control and they had stated they would take care of it.

Well, animal control called about 2, and arrived about 2:45. Poly, my deceased dog was munched on from sometime before midnight until about 2:30 when the larger dogs decided to leave. Animal control only caught 1 dog, and it was the least dominant one. I would like to add that the eating of Poly occurred less than 20 ft. from my kitchen window. Animal control said that she was one of the most badly mauled dogs they had seen.

When I had the body picked up on Thursday, I was re-questioned by animal control, and it was revealed that there had been 5 or 6 complaints of dog attacks, with the same description I gave, in the last 2-3 days. I took Max, (7 years) the 80 lb lab/chow mix, to the vet. He is ok, but is on antibiotics. Both the dog and I are currently on valium.

The reason Max is alive is that he is a coward—He will bark at everything, but also run from anything. Poly was fairly aggressive. She was very dominant and would fight back. If those mongrels could take down a an aggressive, 67 lb, chow mix—imagine what they could do to a child.

I have never been afraid of dogs in the past, but I can't sleep. I keep seeing the mongrels everywhere out of the corner of my eye. I'm going nuts. I've also never been afraid of living where I do, but now I'm terrified that they will come back. All they have to do is jump the fence again.

cheryl

WARNING--do not read this if you have a weak stomach.

cheryl

Okay, I didn't read anything but the first sentence, and I just wanted to do this:

(((((((((((((((((((((euphrasyne))))))))))))))))))) )))

I'm not sure I can read it, but I am so so so sorry for your loss. I've had 2 pets attacked, and both made it, but after long struggles and lots of surgery and hospital visits.

That's horrid! I'm so sorry something like that happened to you! There is probably nothing that anyone can say that is going to make you feel miraculously better, but hopefully the support you'll get from here will help you along.

Oh Cheryl, I am SO sorry for you and your family! What a horrific experience...I'm tearing up here.

I know here, that there are just not enough Animal Control officers to go around, but how horrifying that they didn't get there sooner.

I don't know what your relationship with your neighbors is, but perhaps you could each keep an eye on the others' houses for unknown dogs?

Oh Baby - I am sooo incredibly sorry. I usually don't read but I figured I should.

I absolutely cannot imagine the horror.

I don't want to add to your fear but in a way maybe I do want to caution - not that you need it but, I think you should be very afraid of this group of dogs. There is obviously something very wrong - none of this is normal domestic dog behaviour, it wouldn't even be normal wild animal behaviour as they would prefer not to come that close.

My heart completely goes out to you ... I wish I could help. If you live in a place where you can have and use weapons I would think this would be a good time to make sure they are in order and you know how to use them.

I'm sure you are keeping you dog inside with you; if you have neighbors you can get to help you I would strongly recommend you all band together for time to take your animals out.

I don't know your living situation so that's about all I can guess at.

A word of note - regular mace is not effective on dogs - pepper spray is but only if you can nail them smack in the face and this is not a realistic possibility for this situation BUT if you have nothing else it is better than nothing. As with anything else - practice your use and aim ... much love to you and your family, gabi

I didn't read it because I will cry a lot, but I wanted to say that I am so sorry. :(

I can't imagine what I would do if that had happened to me.
:grouphug: {{{euphrasyne}}}

(((((euphrasyne)))))
I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you. :(

*** tears streaming***

i am so sorry cheryl

maybe when you feel up to it, you can write an editorial to your local paper and cc: the news stations and the police department.
the way that 911 handled the call and the lack of police response is INEXCUSABLE.

maybe when you feel up to it, you can write an editorial to your local paper and cc: the news stations and the police department.
the way that 911 handled the call and the lack of police response is INEXCUSABLE.

This is a wonderful suggestion!

I know you're horrified right now (and terrified, who can blame you?), but please consider Karen's suggestion as soon as possible. Catching the public's eye could make a real difference and perhaps help to prevent this happening to someone else.

Oh, Euphrasyne, I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this!

- Dvips

Sounds like it was a pack of domestic dogs gone wild. Unfortunatly they are the most vicious and dangerous dogs out there. It doesnt matter what type of breed they are. they are not affraid of humans (remember they had an owner) and when running in a pack they are on a frenzied hunt. We have had a few wild dog packs like that around here . one wild dog pack we had even had a small jack russle and some other very small mixed mut breed. It is very scarry. The only way to remove them is for them to be caught and put down. I would be very warry for the next while untill they have been rounded up. Have your neighbours and you keep a watchful eye out for them. They are very dangerous. In this case Yes I would say keep a fire arm with you when venturing outside. And be prepared to use it.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dog. I could only imagine what a nightmarish experience it was for you. Please stay safe. And please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayer.

Sheila

Oh, (((((((((((((cheryl))))))))))))))!!! I'm so sorry that this happened to you; I can't even imagine how horrible that must have been. And to be home alone with the baby, too! :no

You and your family are in my prayers as you deal with your loss, for your safety, and as you consider what to do next.

Take care.

Ya'll are all so nice.

These dogs obviously belonged to someone--they were well fed, and looked as if they had been bathed and groomed within the last day or so. There were no obvious scars, tattered ears, or such that you see with wild dogs. They lunged at the windows several times while they circled the house, so they are definatley not afraid of people.

I have already alerted all of the neighbors and the children who wait for the school bus on my street.

I know that dog temperment is not a *given* for a species (I DO have chows...) but it is really hard for me to see pit mixes right now. That dog was my baby--I've had her longer than I've had my daughter and we spent just as much time/attn as as any biological child.

I am keeping max in the house at night, and the city crew who is putting in the easments at the back of my yard are watching him during the day.

lol about the gun comment. Every single member of my family was shocked and apalled that I don't have a gun. I've been offered at least 7 different varieties in the last two days. I told them that I have a baby and I will not have a gun as long as I have a small child in the house.

I do have a recurve bow and a regular bow, so I think I will locate the arrows for them. I'm fairly accurate with a sight. I may borrow one of my grandfather's crossbows. I'm accurate to 120 feet with it.

cheryl

I have to be honest... I didn't read any more than the first sentence of what you typed. The title alone bothered the cr@p out of me. I absolutely hate hearing about anything happening to another animal. If a human did something to the animal, they ought to be put on death row... if another animal did something, it ought to be put on death row too. So, so sad.

I am so very sorry for whatever pain was inflicted upon your dog... and for the torment you must be going through. Please know that I will be thinking about you and your pup.

Hugs to you both.

:grouphug: I am so sorry to hear what happened. I really don't know what I would have done ... especially alone with a baby, and knowing they were so close to your window. All I can say to do is to spread the word, long and loud. Ask the local paper and local tv news to at least mention it. If someone is outside, or children are playing alone outside, it could be them.

I just don't know what else to say, I'd offer my shoulder for crying, well heck, my computer can take it, cry away!

Oh my.....I am so sorry for your loss. My animals are members of my family and I know how hard it is to lose one:(

I am one of the biggest animal lovers you can imagine but I will call animal control on a loose dog every time. For the safety of the people around here and because I cannot stand to see a stray slowly starve or get hit by a car. If you see them again I would call Animal Control and get ugly if you have to. I also second (or third..?) the idea of alerting the local media. Not only because the situation was handled poorly, but also because other people in your area need to be warned.

I once again want to offer you my deepest sympathy. Try to remember the good times and don't let this tragedy overshadow her life!!

Cheryl, I am so sad about your loss! I can hardly imagine coming upon such a site!!! :cry:

I hope you are feeling safer in your own home soon! When does Elton come home?

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Cheryl )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Give Max a good behind-the-ear scritching (or under the chin - that's good too) for me, ok?!

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved friend. And to come upon her remains in such a gruesome and frightening way, I can't even imagine. My DH and I once spent some time talking to a man who bred chows. He just loves them and one of the things he loves most about them is they never back down. In several years of breeding them he said he never saw one back down - they are very brave and strong willed. Your dog is selfless and brave - a hero. She stood up to those vicious beasts fearlessly. I'm so sorry to hear she lost the fight, but I do believe we will all see our beloved animal friends again someday. Now she is free of the chains of her earthly self and can run free and play happily and she will never be hurt again. Hugs to you ((((((((Euphrasyne))))))))

OMG, that's horrible. {{{{{{{{{{{Euphrasyne}}}}}}}}}}}}}} I am so, so sorry you went through that.

how awful! i have 3 stubborn assertive dogs and i can completely picture your dog not backing down from the intruding dogs :( poor baby. my dogs are my children too. every time i wanted to have another baby my boyfriend would say, "lets go look for a puppy.." can't even imagine how bad it was to find her. there's nothing to write that seems suitable.

one of my dogs is a pit mix and i posted a picture of her in the two braids thread on the photo board, so do not go read that thread! i don't blame you for not wanting to see another one.

most of all, be really careful when you're out. i hope they find the owner (since they caught one of the dogs, maybe that will lead them to the person who owns them) so that this problem can be solved and you don't have to keep looking over your shoulder for them constantly.

OMG - my heart aches for you and Poly. I sincerely hope that things get resolved soon,soon,soon. What does animal control have to say? surely this pack can be caught and dealt with soon. It is their job. I agree with Karen 100% - taking so long to respond to such a situation is inexcusable...

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Euphrasne)))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))))
Gren

I just want to tell you that I am really sorry to hear about your loss. After I read your post, I looked at my cat curled up on the sofa behind me and couldn't begin to imagine how I would feel if I experienced what you did.

All I can say is sorry...what a horrible experience for you. I really hope the issue is resolved and no other animals have to go through what yours did. I'm sorry... :( .

Take care,
Angela

(((((Cheryl))))) What a terrible experience you had to go trough. I don´t have anything comforting to say because I am somehow speechless :no but wanted to give you a hug. I hope you will calm down and feel better soon.

(((((Cheryl)))))

My thoughts are with you and Poly! I can't even imagine what that would be like.

I also understand your frustration with the police response. Therefore, I'm going to give you some professional advice and highly encourage you to check into it with the authorities by going to your local precinct and asking to speak with a supervisor (either a sergeant or a lieutenant). I know this will ring hollow with what you've been through but it's unfortunate that with budget cuts, etc., that city departments all over the U.S. have had to cut funding and animal control is one of the first places that takes the hit (I can vouch for this). For your peace of mind, I would definitely ask a police supervisor what the policy in your area is for police officers when responding to something like this. In Minneapolis, I can safely tell you that officers would have immediately "dispatched" (AKA shot and killed) those dogs. As a police dispatcher, I must say this was very disturbing to me that officers in your case didn't do so. Then again, many police departments have very stringent policies/procedures from which officers are, unfortunately, not allowed to deviate. I'm not trying to make light in any way of what happened to your baby, Cheryl, I just want you to see what kind of red tape responding civil service agencies often times have to deal with in situations like this. It's only an explanation--it's not meant to be an excuse.

My heart is with you!

I am so sorry :grouphug:

My heart completely goes out to you ... I wish I could help. If you live in a place where you can have and use weapons I would think this would be a good time to make sure they are in order and you know how to use them.

Be careful w/ shooting dogs. There was a pack of wild dogs that was running the rural area I lived in when I was a teenager. They attacked one of the kids at our bus stop (badly) and chased me and my sister into the neighbor's house once. My dad went on a rampage after the boy was mauled and went hunting the next night. He got about four of them, but he was arrested for cruelty to animals. Luckily the charges were dropped, but he was very lucky. Have you contacted animal control about setting up live traps? If you really want to get rid of them, perhaps set out some poisoned food on your doorstep when you notice them in the area? I know it's cruel...but it will be worse if another beloved pet or child is killed (my pets are children to me)...

Oh gee Cheryl I only just saw this thread.

(((Cheryl))) I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Be careful w/ shooting dogs. There was a pack of wild dogs that was running the rural area I lived in when I was a teenager. They attacked one of the kids at our bus stop (badly) and chased me and my sister into the neighbor's house once. My dad went on a rampage after the boy was mauled and went hunting the next night. He got about four of them, but he was arrested for cruelty to animals. Luckily the charges were dropped, but he was very lucky. Have you contacted animal control about setting up live traps? If you really want to get rid of them, perhaps set out some poisoned food on your doorstep when you notice them in the area? I know it's cruel...but it will be worse if another beloved pet or child is killed (my pets are children to me)...

Animal control is well aware of the problem. They have not yet caught the dogs, and there have been 4 more attacks reported matching that dog's description.

We have way too many strays in the neighborhood for me to posion anything. I could not stand the thought of posioning one of the neighbors' cats.

Max is starting to settle down, and we are going through the grieving process; but everyone is doing better.

thanks to everyone
<<hugs>>
cheryl

Cheryl - you know my thoughts and feelings are with you - it's the curse of having loved ones of all sorts that we sometimes have to suffer many types of pain. Hat's off to you on how you are coping ... hugs, gabi

Be careful w/ shooting dogs. There was a pack of wild dogs that was running the rural area I lived in when I was a teenager. They attacked one of the kids at our bus stop (badly) and chased me and my sister into the neighbor's house once. My dad went on a rampage after the boy was mauled and went hunting the next night. He got about four of them, but he was arrested for cruelty to animals. Luckily the charges were dropped, but he was very lucky. Have you contacted animal control about setting up live traps? If you really want to get rid of them, perhaps set out some poisoned food on your doorstep when you notice them in the area? I know it's cruel...but it will be worse if another beloved pet or child is killed (my pets are children to me)...

Shylye - please take this in the spirit intended:

It is a really really bad idea to ever put out poison of any kind - the statistics on even accidental poisening by things like gopher bait are horrid.

While I understand your father's motives this is not what I had in mind. The margin for error and/or leaving an animal merely wounded is far to great to go "hunting" in that manner. What I had in mind with having weapons you are comfortable with was for no more than self defense. The pack does need to been put down but you don't want to get an innocent animal by mistake and you don't want a wounded one tht will blindly attack anything in sight in an even worse manner. Burying the evidence is also not good because test for disease should really be done.

It's a horrible situation and I hope it is soon resolved ...g

Oh Cheryl, my heart is just breaking. I know I am late but I just had to reply.
How terrible, such awful memories, I am so sorry. Memories like that do eventually fade and beacome less painful in time.

I know how you feel about the gun issue because I had four little ones at home at one time. We live in a very rural area. I have had a bear destroy my birdfeeders, beehives and trashcans, a pack of coyotes I can hear every night and the most hideous sounding fisher cat you can imagine.

Because of all that I keep a 22. I have a gun safe, the gun is either on my person or locked in the gun safe which is nailed to the closet floor. The keys to the safe are always on my person. I felt for the safety of myself and my animals it was a decsion I had to make.
I have never actually shot an animal but I have fired it when the coyotes get to close to the house at night. I am not trying to sell you on the idea I am just sharing my decsion on the issue. I don't like having it around either, but I feel in my area it is a must.

Hugs to you sweetie, I feel so sad for you.

ok, on the gun issue--every member of my family except for me has one--they do not understand why I don't have one.

Please don't tell my dh this, but let me just say that I am concerned that my dh would shoot himself in the foot; the baby is just an excuse. I know how to use a gun safely--he scared the heck out of me just holding the thing. At least with a bow I know it won't "accidentally" go off, and I have more control about where he is pointing the thing.

cheryl

Thats so funny Cheryl. I think in your situation I would do the same thing. It is a huge decision for sure and if I didn't live in such a rural area I wouldn't have one.

I'm joining this thread late, and just wanted to add my best wishes to you Cheryl and Max. What a horrible experience! I hope the dogs are caught and dealt with soon.

As for the gun issue, as anyone in Canada will know, opinions about guns are very different up here than down in the States, so I can't really add anything useful.

I hope everything turns out well for you,

Pol

Oh gosh, I really came off sounding like a total meany. I'm sorry... :no

Ohmygod! Cheryl, I am so sorry! :(

I'm not reading this, because I know I'd get sick - because you said I would :) But I did read the bit that comes up on the mouseover and I've got to add my condolences here.

I'm so sorry your dog was killed. I hope you and your family are okay.

OMG! I am sooo sorry for you loss. I can only imagine what I have done. No I change my mind I couldn't imagine. My heart goes out to you. Being a pet lover myself I send my sympathies.
:flower:

Cheryl, my deepest sympathies go out to you. I am so, so sorry this happened. I hope your days get brighter.