A tragic death

It was the sort of news you never want to get. The discovery of an infant mauled to death by a family pet is a surreal, nightmarish experience no parent should ever have to endure. Aiden McGrew, 2 months old, of Ridgeville, South Carolina, was killed and dismembered by a family pet April 20th while his father slept in the next room.

Dogs being removed from the home after the attack

When I first heard this horrible news, I was surprised to read that the dog was identified as a Golden Retriever or some sort of Retriever mix. While any large dog could be deadly under the right circumstances, attacks by large Retrievers tend to be at the level of statistically insignificant background noise when compared to the monotonous daily toll of attacks on humans by certain other types of dogs. While I was puzzling over how a soft-mouthed Retriever could be responsible for this sort of gruesome attack, a friend pointed out that the dog doesn't look anything like a Golden or a Lab.

This is a Golden Retriever

   In particular, the eyes, the nose and the snout of the attacking dog, shown below, differ significantly from the Golden, above. Have you ever seen a red-nosed retriever? Based on the hair and the general body shape, there could be some Golden Retriever in this dog, but what constitutes the remainder of its genetic blueprint? Once you look past the long hair and study the face in more detail, a different aspect becomes apparent. My own opinion is based in part on 30 years of US dog attack records, but there is no concrete proof one way or the other.

This is the dog that killed Aiden

The bottom line is that nobody knows the full story on this dog. There have been instances of a rare genetic defect in Golden Retrievers that can cause impulse aggression, but GR breeders have been working hard to eradicate the defect. Of course, the behaviour of this dog could also be accounted for by the genetic influence of fighting breeds in which this type of aggression is considered a valuable trait.

Without indulging in undue speculation, all we can really say is that the ancestry and background of this dog is unknown. Ultimately, this serves as a grim reminder that when choosing a dog as a family pet, you owe it to yourself and to your family to know exactly what you're getting. If the dog has genes from pit fighting breeds, even if you think you know it well, even if it seems perfectly docile, that DNA could manifest itself at any random moment, with tragic results.



Infant mauled to death by family pet

The story of Blue

In the spring of 2007 an American Paint Horse was attacked by a pit bull in North Olmsted, Ohio. Fortunately, he survived, but was psychologically damaged by the attack. From our vantage point nearly 5 years later, it's instructive to take a look at the events of the attack, its aftermath, and the propaganda war that followed.

When Carol Miller took her horse, Blue, for a Sunday ride, it began peacefully enough, but what should have been a quiet Sunday morning ride turned into a nightmare. There was no hint of trouble as they approached a pit bull, sitting calmly and quietly at its owner's feet alongside the trail. Carol, an animal lover, was happy to see that the dog was behaving calmly, and was just about to say "good dog" when the pit bull "somehow" broke free from its leash and attacked Blue, sinking it's cruel jaws mercilessly into the sensitive flesh of the horse.

Both horse and rider tried to defend themselves. "He bucked, he kicked," recalled Miller. "I just grabbed a tree as one went by, and pulled myself on the tree." The pit bull pressed the attack, chasing Blue down the path. After half an hour, rangers found the traumatized horse a mile away, bleeding from the wounds on his neck, belly and hind legs, which required 26 stitches.

Two witnesses to the attack, each of whom provided park rangers with their names and contact information, remain anoymous here, for their protection.

Witness #1 -

 “Driving on parkway south near pond on right hand side of street between Maple Grove  and Lagoon Park, opposite to beginning of Fisherman’s Wall, the older white car stopped in front of me.  To the left a light brown horse with a saddle on was whinnying frantically.  There was a dog about 50 to 60 pounds, a (chestnut ) light brownish color hanging from the horse’s back leg.  The dog fell off the horse’s leg and continued chasing the horse.  The dog was jumping up trying to grab onto the horse’s legs and upper tail area.  I called 911 and gave location and was told to stay where I was . The horse ran down the bike trail going toward Cedar Point Road and I lost sight.”

Witness #2 -

“I was parked in a small lot past Maple Grove after walking my dog, sitting in my car. I heard and saw people stopping to see what the noise was. There coming down the trail was a horse running, he was wimpering running scared, alone and no rider as he came down my side of the car, I noticed a dog chasing him biting at his legs, the horse was lifting his legs trying to get away, he came past my car and ran back towards Maple Grove in the street with the dog still chasing him, jumping up on his lower legs trying to grab them.”

Cleveland metro parks rangers began an investigation, and charges were brought against the pit bull owner. But the pit bull owner claims the attack never happened. He insists that the pit bull slipped out of its collar and approached the horse out of an innocent curiosity.. He called what happened next "a blur," but said both animals seemed spooked and reacted accordingly. Claiming that he never saw the dog bite the horse, the pit owner speculated that the horse injured itself running through the woods, adding that "Animals did what animals do."

The pit bull activist community took to the Internet with damage control tactics as soon as news of the mauling became public. The official response from the pit bull advocacy community was outright denial, as seen in this thread at pitbulltalk.com 

In the version of reality insisted upon by online pit bull advocates, there simply was no attack, period The idea that a pit bull would ever attack another animal was dismissed as utterly outrageous, something only an idiot could think possible.

This is the party line: Ms Miller fabricated the attack report, but was "caught in a lie" and retracted her story. The pit bull community's online activists were duly urged to harass the newspapers and news outlets that had covered the attack, and to demand a retraction. Full contact information for journalists and their managers was provided, with a long list of key individuals to copy on the message, and talking points were provided for use in criticising the journalists for publishing such a story. 

Five years later, the pit bull activists still insist that the attack never happened, and that is the message they continue to preach to all who will listen.

We recently had a chance to talk with Carol Miller and ask her about the attack, and how Blue has fared since then. She responded candidly:

"The morning after the attack I took my dog, the dog Blue saw every day, into the barn aisle way. When Blue caught sight of her he started spinning wildly in his stall, and I knew we were in trouble. But I started the rehabilitation process by sitting in a lawn chair on the front lawn, dog sitting quietly, and moved the chair closer to the paddock every day.I would put the dog on a down stay and work with Blue, clicking and rewarding calm behavior."

Now Blue is OK with dogs quietly sitting, or quietly walking, but running dogs trigger a flashback, he can see my neighbor’s dogs through his stall window and has ripped out the heavy metal screening with his teeth. Blue may be developing some arthritis in the worst injured hind leg, which worries me."

"I got back a whole lot more of my horse than I had any right to expect. I always wondered how he escaped being hit by a car while he was on the road but all traffic in the area stopped dead. In the last few years I have talked to other horse owners who were not as fortunate. Their horses died, horrible and terrifying deaths. Horses who can run, like Blue did, may survive.  Very young horses, or very old horses, ponies, or horses confined in barns and small paddocks almost always die without immediate human intervention."

As Miller points out, many other horses have not been so fortunate.The pit bull problem is real, and there is simply no solution in sight. Dawn James tracked pit bull attacks on various animals over a 2 year period between June 2009 and June 2011, recording over 120 equine casualties in that time - horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. Over the past decade there have been hundreds of horrific, and often too often, fatal horse maulings.

How did we wind up here? Up until the 1980s, pit bulls were owned for the most part by dog fighters, who knew how to handle the creatures. There have always been yard accidents and human fatalities, but they were relatively rare. But in the 1980s, the Animal Farm Foundation started pushing pit bulls as family pets, and increasing numbers of pit bulls were taken in by unsuspecting families. Since the 1980s, serious injuries, maiming and deaths from pit bull attacks have skyrocketed.

As dangerous as pit bulls are, they are just the tip of the iceberg. The situation could never have gotten as bad as it is without an organized and well financed plan to push the pit bull agenda. Whenever pit bull victims tell their story, a cyber mafia rises up to bully, threaten and accuse them. Look at any news report of a pit bull attack and if the site allow comments you'll see the same recurring themes - angry accusations and profanity thrown at the victims, insults for anyone who dares voice the opinion that pit bulls are dangerous, exhortations to "educate" oneself. The message is loud and clear: "Shut up and take your mauling, or else!"

In my humble opinion, the people behind the pit bull problem are the real problem. Blaming victims is obscene. Lamenting irresponsible pit bull ownership hasn't changed a thing - despite mountains of blame heaped on all the irresponsible owners of the world, the number and severity of pit bull attacks has been steadily worsening. Until society finds the will to deal with this problem once and for all, it's only going to get worse.

Call me an idealist, but isn't it time to demand some sanity? Isn't it high time to tackle this problem like we really mean it?

Dog safety, doctored images and responsibility

There are a number of large dog breeds which have shown themselves to be generally dependable and safe with children. Here is Apple, an Akita who regularly makes nursing home and hospital visits, shown at a children's Library event.

Apple at the library - Doggie reading day 2012

One can certainly find similar scenarios involving Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and other types of dogs, with nary a problem. Unfortunately, not all dogs are as dependable. In particular, the pit bull, created by the dog men of Stafford in the 1800s, specifically to kill other animals for their amusement, has been selectively bred for the past 170 years for sudden, all-out attack and a burning desire to press the attack, ignoring pain and injury as long as it is physically capable of continuing to attack. Refer to This article for an introduction to the qualities pit bull breeders strive for. Consequently, It should come as no surprise that pit bulls have a particularly bloody and violent history with children, attacking suddenly, brutally, without warning, and seemingly at random. 

Pit bull lobbyists have in the past arranged for specially trained pit bulls to be put into situations with the public, often with disastrous results - small dogs brutally killed at the dog groomers, at dog-friendly restaurants, surprise attacks on dogs at public gatherings, and unexpected attacks on humans as well. 

One pit bull activist thought it was a good idea to bring her pit bull to the library where she worked as a volunteer. Not surprisingly, the pit bull mauled a library customer, leading to a $158,000 lawsuit against the library. 

I suppose it's only natural that a pit bull activists would eventually realize that the easiest and least risky way to show pit bulls acting like normal dogs among children is with Photoshop. 

Consider the obviously doctored image below -

I wonder what was in the original picture before the pit bull was photoshopped in...

While one's natural impulse to such a fraud to cry foul, it is in fact a safer way to show pit bulls with children, at least at first glance. But then again, if uninformed people see this picture and try it themselves, tragedy could well result.

What do you think? Is it responsible to circulate synthetic images like this, or is it just too dangerous to tolerate?

Pit bulls attack service dog, pit owners flee the scene

Authorities are looking for a man and woman whose pit bulls attacked a service dog at a Washington State Vets office. After the attack, the couple herded the pit bulls into the car and fled the scene.

The middle-aged male and female, both white, were in a silver SUV with Washington plates ADF6496.

Go to www.cdapress.com for more info

Pit bulls: A 21st century depiction of the American Pit Bull Terrier

To further the laudable goal of education, I wanted to call attention to an interesting piece by Gary Wilkes, which was published last year, about the history of the APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) in the USA.

As Colleen Lynn wrote, "It has been over 20 years since a U.S. journalist has presented the pit bull issue in such a compelling and candid way as Wilkes has here. The last was EM Swift who created the 1987 Sports Illustrated cover article, "The Pit Bull: Friend and Killer."  The 2010 Wilkes piece depicts the first accurate U.S. version of pit bulls in the 21st century. Much of its power lies in the author's explanation of the genetic underpinnings of the breed, which cannot be disputed or "trained out" of the breed."

Wilkes, an acclaimed behaviorist, trainer and author with over 30 years experience with dogs, begins the piece by describing the unprovoked pit bull attack on little Charlotte Blevins. This 2008 attack sent shock waves through the heartland of America and three months later, moved the City of Omaha to adopt a breed-specific law. The Wilkes article is 6-pages and covers many areas, including breed-specific laws.

Continue reading the introduction to the Wilkes article here
You can download the article in PDF format here.

Overheard in a technical forum

I was reading an online article in a technical forum today where a discussion arose in the comments thread about the reliability of paypal. I found it interesting to see the following comment from a tech guru in Texas:


Using paypal is like owning a pit bull. Sure, it treats you good and seems harmless, (sans a huge appetite for your money in service fees) But one day, for reasons only it understands, it will turn around and bite the cr@p out of you.

Am I the only one who thought that comment was over the edge? Hopefully, after he cools off, he'll apologize to paypal for the comparison.

Abused Chihuahua - Lancaster, Ca

Update 12/10/2011 -

I'm sorry to say that Stevie has been put to sleep. Her adoptive mom, Stefanie Larue, agonized for some time over the decision but ultimately decided that the pain she was suffering did not afford her the quality of life she deserved, and made the painful decision to end her suffering.

From her facebook page: "her time has finally come...there is nothing else that can be done for her. her bones have deteriorated...it's not just her legs anymore...it's her inner bones. "

Finally free of pain:

STEVIE AT PEACE*** TEARS IN HEAVEN R.I.P. 12/10/2011

To friends of Stevie from her step mom:

"To all of those who loved and supported our little Stevie the Survivor…
It is now been one week after having to let my precious Stevie go. Last Saturday, at 4pm, I experienced one of the biggest heart breaks my mind, body and soul has ever felt. It has quietly shaken my internal peace. Have since felt such emptiness in my moments of existence without her and a profound sadness lingers within. I know it was the right decision to make. But it still hurts. SO MUCH!! But I loved you so much that I had to gift you with freedom. Freedom of pain. You hid it well with me until the end. I know it’s because you too wanted to stay here as long as you could to be with me as I felt the same about you. We made a pack. If I had to stay here on this earth, then so did you! We had to survive together!! And we did. For a while. But things change, our bodies change, and they give out on us sometimes. And sometimes, we have done all we can and there is nothing left to do… but to let go. It was the hardest thing to let go of you. Of your body as it lay in my hands and arms. Even after you left to go sleep with the angels. I apologize to the vets for it taking so long for me to actually give you over to them. Your spirit had already gone. I saw it leave. Never witnessed that before but I saw that it was peaceful. But again, it still hurts. SO MUCH!! I would hold you as much as I could while I was gifted with your presence because I knew… I knew it would be some of my last moments to hold you. Especially at night snuggled up watching movies. Beautiful moments embedded in my memory.

I will see you again soon my little Stevie girl. I smile thinking of when I will join you over the rainbow bridge to complete the end of my journey because that is where I want to be. To see your little crooked wiggie tail going in circles when you see me again, to hold you for so long, and this time, never having to let you go. I will see you again soon…

Until then, there is another Stevie the Survivor out there that needs people like us to help rescue them from the shelters. Sadly, there are so many in fact. And it is my continued commitment to rescue another that is need of my sacred love. And I will do in honor of Stevie and all others out there like her… May God bless their unconditional souls.

Thank you again, truly, to those of you who helped rescue Stevie from the shelter, those who transported her to Brent Air Animal hospital from the shelter, all of the vets, especially Dr. Edmonson, and vet techs, especially sweet Kaylan (you were always her favorite) who cared for her and helped her heal quickly. And without the undeniable efforts of my kick ass animal advocate and long time friend Linda Delizza and ever so big hearted Kris Kelly and the Kris Kelly Foundation… I would have never been able to adopt the most amazingly little vibrant creature that deeply enriched my life. Kris Kelly, I am devoted to you for life for choosing me to adopt Stevie. We were meant to be together until her end and I am so grateful you understood why.

Finally, to all of Stevie’s supporters… some of you donated, and donated greatly. And I, more than anyone, thank you so very, very much. Without your generous donations I would not have had the treasured time with Stevie that I had and she, would not have experienced the unconditional love, fun, joy, excitement, play time, and some levels of comfort from the pre-existing pain. And to those of you who supported her by showing her love on her Face book fan page, constantly following her, posting such inspirational and loving thoughts… even just the valuable time you took out of your days and night to check in on her was so appreciated.

The on-line support has been so overwhelming so that is why I decided to write this letter. In hopes of precisely expressing my deepest gratitude to you all along with sharing a bit about what it was like to be blessed to have crossed paths with such a beautiful spirit and soul. Stevie… you are forever cherished."

 
Rest in peace, sweet girl. Your life was short and hard, but you knew what it was to be loved for the final 6 months of your life.


-- original story below--

On May 25th an injured Chihuahua was brought to the Lancaster animal shelter. On May 26th, a call for help was posted to the Chihuahua Rescue group, with a picture of this terribly abused little girl.

On May 27th The little Chihuahua was rescued by the Kris Kelly foundation. Her new name is Stevie and she is getting help.

Over the Memorial day weekend, Stevie was taken to Brent-Air Animal Hospital for treatment. Images are available here.

6/6 - An update from Dr Schlanger:
Stevie's head wound is healing nicely and responding very well to our daily treatments and bandage changes. Her attitude has significantly improved as she is feeling much better. We are consulting with specialists in order to determine the best way to further diagnose and manage her orthopedic issues.

Update 6/7 - New photos of Stevie at Brent-Air Animal Hospital

Update 6/9 - An update from the doctors...
Testing has revealed that Stevie has an immune mediated disease (erosive polyarthritis) that is causing her joint problems. It is very severe and advanced. Surgery is not an option for Stevie. She will need to be on medication for the rest of her life to try to control this disease and protect her other joints. She will likely also need lifelong physical therapy. Hopefully custom splints can be made so that Stevie is more comfortable when she walks. Her head wound is more than 50% improved but there is no way of telling what caused it. She is still getting daily bandage changes and lots of love. Stevie is most comfortable when being held or laying in a soft padded bed. Once her head wound has healed she will be ready to go to her loving foster home.

This poor baby will always need special care

Update 6/20/2011 - Stevie now has her own facebook page - Stevie the survivor

Moving forward, Stevie's facebook page is the best place to monitor her progress.

Update 6/27/2011  - Stevie has been taken home to live with her new caretaker Stefanie LaRue. Her head wound is healing, but her arthritis related issues are not so easily fixed. There are plans to get her a wheelchair to help her get around. Good luck Stevie! Visit her facebook page to track her progress moving forward.

Final update 8/04/2011 - Stevie is doing well in her new home, is loved and happy, and has some new wheels to help her get around. Her facebook page is kept up to date with her progress, so feel free to visit and comment there.