If you don’t know what I am talking about you can read this post. We have been dealing with dog attacks with no (or very little rather) help from the city and no response from the neighbor. What really bothered me about the whole situation, after the attacks themselves of course, were the neighbors had to know and never responded. These are the neighbors my daughter had talked to over the fence several times when I was outside with her, they never came across as people who would ignore something like this. Sure they were younger men (20’s) but age doesn’t excuse irresponsibility.
Today a step in the right direction was made. The young man who my daughter would bug talk to here and there approached my husband today and apologized. While this doesn’t take away from what happened it did mean that he actually accepted responsibility of some sort (enough will be found out as this plays out). Upon talking with my husband and dad he apologized and said he too was worried for our kids and they were trying to come up with a permanent fix to keep their dogs from getting out. That they were also trying to get rid of one of the dogs. He asked if we were sure of the dog since our other neighbors had one similar and my husband said to him, yes we are, my wife and one of my children watched him attack our yorkie, it was your dog. My husband mentioned to him, as well, the mounting vet bills we have had to deal with because of the attacks and he said to bring him copies of the receipts and he will pay us back.
It may not take away what happened and it may not make it completely right yet, but it is a step in the right direction. I am still very disappointed in the city essentially saying myself or one of my human family members would have to be hurt before they would do anything. There is just something wrong with that. I am, however, grateful that this is the first step in the right direction, although there is still much more that needs to be done to do to make it right and ensure these dogs are not a harm to others. Now if only the city would take more serious they laws they have in place for leashing animals. They need to do something other than fine when a dog continues to be dangerous. Until either we, or the neighbors, get up a bigger fence we still can’t do anything in our yard but one step at a time is the best way to achieve results. I will continue to keep you updated on the situation because for us (and others that have dealt with this) this is a very serious issue and how it’s been handled up to this point is unacceptable.
This whole situation has really hit me hard. I’ve been stressed, worn our, upset, terrified, worried, panicked, angry and so many other emotions it’s really taken a toll on me. I’ve been scared to take my dogs out and my kids lost part of their outdoor freedom. So I want to reiterate and say again if you are a pet owner please make sure you are keeping your dogs fenced in an area you are sure they can’t get out. If you aren’t sure or if you are going to let them out make sure they are leashed (to something they can’t break free of) so they do not harm another animal or person. If you are a city official, don’t just sit back and watch because the victim wasn’t human. When several attacks have been made by the same dog it shouldn’t take them attacking a human to step in because they are obviously a dangerous animal who someone is not being responsible for. If my story even brings awareness to this situation a tiny amount I will be happy. I don’t want anyone, anywhere going through what we have and I sure don’t want a human to be on the receiving end of several attacks like my dogs were. Watch for more updates as other things unfold in this situation and thank you for your continued support, it has and does mean more to me than I could ever put into words.
Toni Patton
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I hope you get this resolved soon. And, I too, can’t believe how your City is handling it. 🙁
Well that’s good. I’m hoping he sticks to his word, for your sake.
I’m glad to hear there is some action and I really hope things improve soon.
I commend you and your family for being so kind. If we were in a similar situation, I can’t say I would have waited for a promise or apology before approaching the owner myself.
I really hope the neighbor does what he says and pays the vet bill. I live in the country on a dirt road with only one neighbor and we both don’t have fenced in yards for our dogs. But that’s okay because our dogs are trained to not attack other animals or people. If we lived in a neighborhood, that would be very different. I’m sorry you had to go through all that and the ongoing battle of keeping your kids inside and the fear for your dogs.
I’m so glad that he finally addressed the situation and made some sort of amends for it along with letting you know that they’re addressing it so it hopefully will never happen again.
I’m glad you were able to talk to him. Honestly, though, if it was one of my dog’s that was attacking, I wouldn’t be giving the dog away. I would have the dog put down. I know that may sound mean, but as a mom of two children, I would worry about whether or not the dog would attack children even after I gave it away.
I am hoping that this is resolved soon! Hang in there!!
I am so sorry this is even happening at all. It does sound like the neighbor is going to be helpful (hopefully!).
BIG HUGS
I’m glad to hear he is stepping up a little bit. Still not enough, but a start!! ((hugs))!!