A Sad Day. Condolences to Linda Kellen Biegel and Her Family…
It was a sad day for our contributing editor Linda Kellen Biegel (aka CelticDiva) and her family. It is always sad to lose a four-legged family member, but the loss is so much worse when they’re so young, and they leave the world in such a tragic way.
Adorable little Katy, the family’s Sheltie puppy was attacked and killed today by an unleashed, uncollared pit bull that charged from across the street. Despite the best efforts of Linda, and her family who were present during the attack, and the vets who tried their hardest, they were unable to save her. Things like this seem so unfair, and we grapple to make sense of why, when we do everything right, things like this can still happen.
Some things are unexplainable. But I do know one thing. If I were a pup who was here on this Earth for only a few short months, I cannot think of a family I would rather have been with.
Rest in peace, Katy. You were loved.
Please use this thread to send messages of condolence and support to Linda and her family on their terrible loss.
As someone who has dogs for years, and yes they are part of the family, I cannot even begin the fathom the grief Linda and her family must be feeling. My heart goes out to Linda and her family. I have held two of my dogs in their final moments while the vet released them from their pain, but they were well into their teens, and it was their time. And I cried for days both times. To lose a pet this way, because of what another did or didn’t do in regards to the other dog, is tragic. Stay strong, Linda. The mudflatters are here for you.
{{{{{{{{{{to the K-Bs, all}}}}}}}}}} beth.
My most heart felt condolences, on the loss of your friend and companion.
Linda,
I am so so so very sorry for your loss. What a terrible terrible tragedy. My thougths and condolences are with you.
So sorry for your loss. What a tragic thing to happen.
From one animal loving family to another, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Linda,
I am so sorry for you and your sweet daughters loss. I’ll keep you in my prayers. God Bless.
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear about Katie. It’s hard to find words to express how my heart goes out to you all.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nan
Linda and family – my thoughts are with you. What a dreadful incident.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Losing a pet is one of the hardest things we must face in life. I’m so sorry you had to lose Katy in such a horrible way. All the best to you and your family during this time.
Linda & Family….Thinking of you at this difficult time. Losing a pet is extremely painful and this death is even more tragic. Hugs……BooBooBear
Oh LInda, I’m so very sorry for your loss. All I can do is send many hugs and all my best wishes to you and your family. As a long time pet mama my heart aches for you.
Sorry to hear such sad news about your furry baby doll. Love to you all from me and my cats.
I’m so sorry. It’s always so hard to lose our hairy children and this had to be one of the worst ways.
I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your dear furry friend. Much love to you and your family from my human and four legged family.
so very sorry for your loss.
Linda and family…so sorry.
The tears I am shedding I know are just a few compared to yours.
Such a terrible loss, wish there was more I could say. Know you are all in my prayers, Katy too.
Vic, Rollie & puppers
Thank you, Vic…we just put my daughter to sleep in our room–we can’t sleep yet. Josh’s grief is being expressed in terrible anger right now and we’ve talked about what we’re going to do. It’s hard…the only thing we really want is our dog back.
The worst thing is that we (especially Morrigan) saw it all. It’s going to take awhile to get those awful sights and sounds out of our heads.
That’s absolutely awful Linda – I am angry, too and I”m not even there. I’m heartbroken for your family. No one should have to go through that! My old dog was attacked (from behind, out of the blue) in my neighborhood by an dog down the street which they were trying to rehabilitate after emotional trauma, and I was surprised at the level of my protectiveness and anger. Had it been that type of dog who doesn’t let go, I can’t even imagine how berserk I would have gotten as I barely remember now what I did to intervene and somehow we were all OK in the end.
I am so sad about this! Bless your generosity of spirit, and the love you have for your family and critters who make our lives richer. Let it carry you through this, and please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Pitbulls and 12 other breeds of dogs have just been banned in Denmark.
Here’s an English-language link – it’s on a web page against the banning of dogs, but unfortunately I can’t find any English-language links about this that aren’t on web sites that are against the banning of dogs.
http://stopbsl.com/2010/06/04/denmark-ban-on-13-breeds-passes/
My family has had American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs aka pitbulls here in the USA).
It’s not the breed, it’s the owner.
I know that sounds like a meme, but it is completely true. Our AmStaffs were all complete sweethearts, EXTREMELY good with children, and just all-around great dogs.
I still grieve for our last one, CD, who we had to euthanize a few years ago when his cancer got completely out of control. We still have his son (who is now about 14 years old and starting to have serious health probs of his own) and he’s the last of a wonderful line of dogs stretching back four decades.
No, it’s the breed. You live in a dreamland.
I think we should all be able to agree that it’s a combination of breed and owner. Pit bulls in the right hands are one kind of dog. In the wrong hands they are another. Just like German Shepherds and other breeds. But I think that owners who seek an ‘attack-type dog’ or just one that is perceived to be that way often get pit bulls because other people think they are scary. It’s a power thing, or a testosterone thing, or a “don’t mess with me” thing. And that’s a shame all around because if you want a scary attack dog, you’ll get one. It’s a self-fulfilling prophesy.
It’s like saying red sports cars are more dangerous. Well, yes because they’re small and fast, but also yes because people who are attracted to them can tend to be reckless drivers and risk takers.
And to have an unleashed, uncollared dog with these tendencies running around a neighborhood? Inexcusable. It’s going to have to be a toddler before anyone takes it seriously.
Many condolences to you Linda, and your family. Our hearts go out to you.
When the animal control officer asked me if it was OK to “classify the (other) dog,” I explained to him that if I had my choice, it’s the owners that should be “classified.”
Under “17.40.020 Classifications and exceptions to classification of animals” has been classified as a “Level 4″ out of 5:
“4. Level four behavior is established if any of the following occur:
a. An unrestrained animal inflicts an aggressive bite or causes physical injury to any human; or
b. An unrestrained animal kills a domestic animal that is restrained;”
According to animal control, the most they can fine the owners this time is $50.00. After it’s “classified” it will be more “the next time.”
God…the next time?
So sorry Linda for you and your family. There are “people” in this world who just think the laws don’t apply to them. I can’t believe $50 is all they pay. It’s a tragedy and yes, not just like a normal loss of a family pet who is waning in years, this was so violent and vicious. My prayers to you and your sweet daughter.
Laws do not address this kind of tragedy–I would sue them for trauma and suffering.
I have thought of you and your family all day.
My town’s SPCA has a grief group; I went when my 16 yo rescue sheltie passed away.
Also, there are therapists who really understand the twin tragedy of trauma and pet loss.
I am sending money to Sheltie Rescue in memory of your little dog.
Linda,
I am crying as I type this because the story of your loss has re-opened the wound from our own recent loss. So sorry to hear about your Katy’s sudden death in such a tragic way. Sending you my best banshee hugs.
We are still grieving for Buddy, our ten-year-old golden retriever that we lost to cancer a little over two months ago. Fortunately for us, and him, we were able to send him across the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by those who loved him and were able to say a loving goodbye. Sometime we will get our “next dog” not as a replacement, but as a loving companion. No one will ever fill the “Buddy” hole in our hearts, but our “next dog” will create its own niche there. We are dog people — and there will always be a dog in our life, I hope.
My brother-in-law has a pit bull that is the gentlest creature, a fixture on the college campus where the in-laws teach. Stripe accompanies them everywhere because he suffers from separation anxiety when left at home. So it is not necessarily the breed, but the owner.
However, now that your neighbor’s pit bull has demonstrated that it will engage in violent unprovoked attack — and your neighbors appear to behave irresponsibly — you might well consider allowing the dog in question to be “classified” as a way of protecting another dog, or, heaven forbid, a toddler from a similar attack. In our area, a “classified” dog is required to be restrained at all times and kept in a secure fenced yard that is posted with a sign stating that there is a “dangerous dog” present. You will certainly breathe easier — and also will not suffer remorse if the dog attacks again and you could have done more to prevent it from happening.
Love and Peace from Bluebanshee to Celtic Diva …
Bluebanshee
I was blown away when I came back here tonight and discovered all of the additional comments. Thank you, thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Tonight, we made a fire in the fire pit and our family talked about all of the happiness Katy brought to us in the last four short months. There were tears and laughter and I felt like it was one more step in helping us heal…especially my daughter, who is now learning firsthand about “flashbacks.”
The bad news…the owners of the dog have decided to defy a Municipal Order to surrender the dog to Animal Control. The deadline was COB today. I don’t yet know what that could mean, other than surely other dogs (and maybe people) are at risk while this dog is out.
These dog owners are seriously deranged and heedlessly putting themselves and others at risk. I sincerely hope there are no young children in that family because they could be in danger. That dog must, repeat, MUST be kept under control at all times. You may have to file a complaint or even a lawsuit to protect others from this dog. These owners are willfully endangering the safety of small children and pets by this behavior.
In general I’m against breed specific bans because it is too easy to lump perfectly wonderful dogs in with poorly behaved dogs, and generally the dog is poorly behaved due to it’s owner and not it’s breed.
Having had a small scare with a pit bull yesterday myself, I do believe there are some breeds for which ownership should require special licensing and/or education required of the owner/handler. Unfortunately, we really don’t have an effective way to regulate something like that.
It should be required that all pet pit bulls be neutered/spayed. This would reduce their aggression as well as their numbers. The majority of homeless dogs in kill shelters are pits and pit mixes, and they are put to death. They are also the most abused of all dog breeds, often ending up in violent or neglectful homes or as victims of the fighting trade. It is not fair to them to be born into a world without decent homes for them.
We once rescued a stray pit bull girl PUPPY. She was very sweet and we, especially my husband, adored her. But after this PUPPY twice silently lunged for and grabbed our standard poodle’s throat, we knew we would not be able to trust her around our little cockapoo or kitties, either, and we found a home where she would be the only pet.
Also, good dog owner does not always equal good pet. We’ve all known people who were great parents, but maybe had one child with unexplainable negative behavior. It can be the same way with our dogs, and all the love and care in the world sometimes will not change this.
I am so sorry. What a beautiful little spirit. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
{{{Linda}}}
Linda and dear family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Keeping you in my thoughts and sending love.
I lost a miniature schnauzer due to a german sheppard when I was young and it is devastating to witness. As the owner of a small breed dog this is sadly a fear that I have whenever my dog is out of the yard. I’m so sorry this happened to little Katy. BIG HUGS.
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss! My heart goes out to your family as you grieve.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Katy. Heartbreaking news to all of us!
Terrible news…my sincere condolences, Linda.
It was not so very long ago that I was fortunate enough to meet your beautiful family, including sweet Katy, at Raven Hall. I am so sorry for your loss, and sending prayers your way.
I was so sorry to read about this Linda. What an awful thing for you and your family to witness. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh, Please do not blame the breed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a 16 year old dog that has lost bowel and bladder control and it is so hard for me to make the call to have him put down. He came to us a puppy. Our dogs are not just a part of the family.
Our dogs have literally saved our lives. They have warned us about bears and about angry moose. The old guy had to go to the pet hospital for a moose stomping when he was protecting my son.
I also have two wonderful grandpuppies that are pit bulls and the sweetest dogs on the planet.
It is not the breed. It is the owner.
Agree Fishing Mama. We are so close to our dogs that we forget they are after all animals. They act on instinct much of the time, it is up to the owner to restrain them from acting on it
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I remember when our cocker spaniel was attacked by the boxer across the street. My mom, all 98 pounds of her, managed to grab the boxer’s choke chain and twist until he let go. Our neighbor who was in a leg and arm cast was able to put our dog in the car to keep the boxer from attacking again. Our family has always had pets and loved them as part of the family. We were lucky that our dog was OK. But it was terrifying to watch. And I understood the severity of the whole thing when my mom talked to the owners who realized their dog (with a bad bite that kept him from killing our dog) could have attacked a child. They chose to euthenize him, much to the relief of the whole neighborhood.
This is the third time today I’ve told you how terrible we all feel for you, your family, and Katy. Wish there was a magic wand to make this not happen – it is so unfair. It’s all I’ve thought about since your first tweet. This is a tragedy on so many levels. You can call any time. Katy had a beautiful life with you – your family gave her so many beautiful moments – she was a very happy little girl.
I believe this poem says so much of the love between a dog and its people:
The House Dog’s Grave (Haig, an English bulldog)
I’ve changed my ways a little; I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you, if you dream a moment,
You see me there.
So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you’d soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.
I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no, all the night through
I lie alone.
But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read–and I fear often grieving for me–
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.
You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope than when you are lying
Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, dear, that’s too much hope: you are not so well cared for
As I have been.
And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided. . . .
But to me you were true.
You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.
Robinson Jeffers, 1941
I have a Sheltie named Clancy and we adopted him from a no kill shelter when he was 2…he is now 10. Through the years, on his own he somehow trained himself to know when my daughter would have a seizure and 3 times he has saved her life.
There is nothing I will not do for him or any other animal and I know the pain of losing one of my furbabies….
I am sure Katy knew how loved she was and will be waiting for her loved ones over the Rainbow Bridge.
Many hugs from me and my family of furbabies.
Oh, Linda, such sad news. To you and your family, please accept my condolences. Having suffered losses of various family companions over the years ( two dogs, four cats, two parakeets, and several hamsters), we know what you’re going through. ((((Hugs)))) to you all.
I am so sorry !!!
Linda, Josh & Morrigan – I am so sorry to hear about your precious little Katy. It is so hard to lose a dog and even worse under those circumstances. We had a black lab who was shot by someone years ago – we never found out who did it, which was better than what you are currently dealing with. The anger is the worst part and the constant reminders since it happened so close to your home. We had just moved to our house when Sam was shot and I felt like selling it & moving out right away.
I understand what your family is going through and it really is a horrible situation. I hope that the owners of the other dog are at least remorseful, regardless of what you decide to do. Certainly they should be held accountable in some way, there is just no excuse for aggressive dogs to be uncollared & unleashed. Again – I am truly sorry for your loss.
Thanks to everyone who has left a comment. I do not blame the breed…believe me. Dogs reflect the bad behaviors of their owners.
I have more recent pictures of Katy sitting on my camera that I need to post…my own memorial of her. She will always be our first “dog love” and she is also the dog that melted my husband’s heart.
Oh Linda! I can’t even begin to imagine what you and your family have been and are going through. I am so terribly sorry for all of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts today.
Good morning. I hope your family was able to sleep a little, and that the morning brings the beginning of healing. Gentle hugs and prayers from our family to yours. I am so very sorry.
There are no words………..just gentle thoughts and tears for your loss.
{{{{{Linda, Morrigan, and Josh}}}}}
Adorable puppy Linda.So sorry for your loss, heartbreaking.
Oh Linda, I am so very saddened by this news. I remember when you posted the picture of Katy and her TV reflection. My heart goes out to you and Josh and Morrigan. Katy will be waiting over the Rainbow Bridge.
my thoughts are with you and yours …..
Linda, Morrigan, and Josh – such terrible news. Especially since you watched and were helpless. My thoughts to all of you. We do love out furry critter members of our families.
Dear Linda, Josh & Morrigan; I am so sorry for you loss. Though the time was short, it sounds as if Katy brought you love, the best gift of all.
My pound puppy, Jessie, was attacked by a Great Dane while shopping at a pet store. The Great Dane’s owner had to jump on the dog and phycially pry the dog’s jaw open to release Jessie. Fortunately, the Great Dane’s bite only broke the skin and bit into the the shoulder blades. This saved Jessie. We rushed Jessie to the vet and the Great Dane owner came too. The Vet was fantastic and sternly reminded both of us that dogs are animals and we must, as owners, be vigilant at all times to watch their behavoir. Shame on your neighbors.
I am so very sorry for Katy, Morrigan, Josh, and you, Miss Linda. What a happy little sprite your sweet pup was. I loved your excitement when you got her, and the funny episode of her chasing her reflection. I grieve with you today.
I’m so sorry, Linda.
My hope would be that the owners of the dog that attacked would do the right thing and have the dog put to sleep. The truth is they are just as much at risk from being attacked by it – in fact more so because they live with it.
I have been bitten twice by dogs myself once very badly and I had to fight for that dog to be put down.
oh, mz linda….having known of your love of that little one from day one, my heart is broken.
what a perfect family lil pup had.
big hugs and soft love for all of you
I am also a pit bull owner and Im very sorry for your loss..If anything happened to my Dre i would be devastated. He has been with me almost 8 years. You have to be a responsible and alert owner if you want to own the breed, unfortunately alot of the time those are not the people who end up with this breed of dog. Im especially sorry your daughter had to witness the scene. I know its more horrible than most people could imagine.
I know its to soon to consider but just keep in mind there are so many pound puppies that need good homes. I wish I could take them all myself.
My warmest wishes to you and your family during this tragedy.
Linda I’m so sorry… I feel for you and your family. Our family just lost our best friend 3 weeks ago. Nikita was her name and came to us as a stray. We had 11 years with her greeting us ever day with that tail wagging and wet “bump” nose kisses she was so loving and loyal that it still hurts, but it does a little less each day. (Cancer is was took her away.) I can’t imagine your pain in losing your Katy with such an attack. I hope that the sights and sounds diminish with time and may you and your family find peace and comfort.
Oh Linda
Condolences to your entire family for having to endure this tragedy. There really isn’t anything to say to make this better. I only hope that you can find the healing that is needed for you and your lovely family.
Hugs
Linda,
Trying to type thru the tears. I am so very sorry to hear about Katy. She was such a beautiful little spirit.
Hugs to you all
Linda, I’ve been directed to this page from Palingates by AKSandhills. I’m so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. As someone who once had 98 animals, my heart goes out to you and your family and I’m especially heartbroken that your daughter had to witness the killing of Katy. May the coming days ease the pain and enable you to remember only the good and happy times you’ve enjoyed with Katy.
Love n hugs from Cape Town
Heartfelt condolences. They are family, no matter what people say.
Oh, Linda… I’m so sorry this had to happen to you all
Linda, I am so sorry to hear this bad news about Katy. I can’t even walk our dog here anymore because of attacks by dogs. My poor dog thinks other dogs are deadly enemies.
My heart goes out to you and your family, huge hugs for you all.
How sad I feel for your family’s loss. I can’t begin to imagine the pain of losing a family member in this way. It’s horrific and there obviously needs to be stronger penalties for those people who are so irresponsible. But none of that will ease your family’s pain.
In a few weeks, please visit a shelter and bring home a new wonderful puppy who will forever be grateful and loving. It won’t replace Katy but it will ease the pain. My condolences to your family.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss.
What a terrible tragedy! My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Linda and family, So sorry to to read this…My condolences. Had to go hug my kitty of 10 yrs. This of thing sure does hurt… $50.00 huh…damn.
It was my privilege to spend all of my teen years with my dog at my heels. Morrigan’s experience should have been the same. I hope you all find healing and peace soon. It will be a difficult journey but the memory of Katy witll be with you always.
My 13-year-old 6lb companion will get an extra biscuit today in Katy’s honor.
Linda, I don’t know what to say…this just comes as a complete shock to me as I’ve been out all weekend. Little Katy was such a doll and I know you were very attached to her. This just makes no sense, I am just wrecked. How is Morrigan? Your friend in hugs and tears…Martha
Martha–it’s actually been hard but we’re doing OK–I left a comment above talking about how we are trying to mourn/celebrate our time with Katy. I thought about you sisters today and your tremendous love and affinity for your animals. When the waves of grief have hit my Morrigan, I’ve told her about the Rainbow Bridge and all the wonderful dogs who greeted Katy when she got there.
Dear Celtic Diva,
I have never commented on this site before, but I am compelled to do so now to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I wish you well as you recover from this shocking event, and as you help your daughter to cope with her loss and with what she so tragically witnessed. Your caring heart is evident whenever you put pen to paper, so to speak, and I agree with AKM that Katy could not have had a better home than yours.
Namasté
I am sorry for your family’s loss. What a frighting experience and it does make you want to hold all things living animal and human closer. I will say a prayer for the pain to ease. God bless you and your family.
What a horrifying, tragic loss of your sweet Katy! I hope you find comfort and healing soon. Much love and hugs Linda, Josh and Morrigan ♥
to Linda and family.. i am very sorry for you loss. what sweet little girl was Katy.
OMG So very, very sorry. What a tragic end.
Linda:
I’m so sorry for your loss and the additional burden of witnessing it. I completely agree that it’s the owner/environment that causes other dogs to behave so badly.
Pit bulls are fairly common here, and I had to ask what breed they were when a pair of super-friendly ones greeted me outside a bookstore (I have the “dog gene”). It’s an owner’s responsibility to keep anti-social dogs away from other people and their animals.
Linda and family,
I am very saddened to hear about Katy. I wish your family the best in working through the traumatic and totally preventable loss. If I understand correctly, one saving grace is your family was not physically harmed. Again, my condolences on your loss.
My deepest sympathies to Linda and her family for her loss. Even with the strictest leash laws, there’s always some a$$hole who lets his dog run loose with bad results.
I’m so very sorry for the tragic loss you and your family are going through. My heart truly goes out to you having gone through the untimely loss of one of my loving companions. Hugs and strength to you, hour husband and your daughter. Love, the quiet soft passage of time, and happy memories will prevail.
Condolences for death of your little dog. How sad that it happened in front of your daughter – my best wishes to you all.
((((((((Linda and family)))))))
I am so sorry for your loss. There are really no words to say that can lessen the sadness (and rage) that you are feeling right now. As I have said here before, my dear husband puts it this way: Our dogs steal our hearts and give us theirs. That is why you feel that heart is gone when you lose them. But even though your time with her was short you have been given a gift of their heart as well and you will never lose that.
I understand the anger that your husband must feel at the owners of the other dog. I owned big and loving dogs that were other dog aggressive and they were never allowed off leash (or out of harness) outside of our fenced yard for that very reason. I get angry every time I see any dog running loose because it is irresponsible on the owners part (not only for other dogs and people but for their own dog). It is hard to accept that our beloved animals can (for reasons unbeknownst to us) suddenly revert to the wild form that lies just below the surface in their genetic makeup.
I hope that your daughter is OK. This is particularly hard for someone young to witness.
I believe that our dogs have souls (in fact many have very old souls). Like us, they come here to learn what they need to learn and then they leave us. This sometimes helps me when they leave us too soon.
Gentle blessings on you and your family.
I have no words, just tears. Peace be with you.
Linda,
Condolences on this loss.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Linda,
Some years ago I had an unimportant lunch hour errand tailspin into watching a police officer kill a car chase driver right in front of me. I tell you this because even though you and your daughter’s trauma must be so much worse, my “recovery” may help a little.
I started counselling within just days of the event. I still flashback (a complete re-live) but the mental tools I developed with the counselor’s guidance help me manage my flashbacks. I understand why they happen, what they do to me mentally and how to lessen the impact.
I hope you too can find ways to equip yourselves to handle the memories.
My deepest condolences to the entire Biegel family. This is a terrible loss, under even worse circumstances. Until you meet your sweet pup again…
Why does this happen to the people who are most repsonsible with their pets and advocate laws to protect the animals?
So very sorry Linda.
I can’t say anything about how sorry I am that others haven’t already said. I remember the pain of losing my best friend, four-footed friend. Blessed be and know that Katy knew she was very loved.
I had a similar experience with my sheltie, and was blessed because she lived. She was never the same. My heart goes out to you.
I do not understand people who own pit bulls. They were bred to destroy. Some here might have one, and this might make you angry, but they are NOT pets and , IMHO, should be banned completely.
“Some are nice–blah blah blah”–I am so sick of hearing that. They are not reliable, too strong for any human to control, and, frankly, often owned by people with no brains.
I am a huge dog lover, by the way. But this breed is a weapon.
A little life that means so much a puppy dog. I feel your pain I recently lost my Shelty Corgi mix
who I had for 13 years. He went every where with me on my Harley. I miss him so much. I think
the love for an animal can be greater that love for another human. I think it is because of their
unconditional love and admiration they give to you. This is a link to Wooley’s web site he
belonged to a group called dogs on bikes.
http://www.dogsonbikes.com/docs/BikerDogs/Wooley/Wooley.htm
My only advise is replace him/her soon.
The offending animal..and owners..will..by now..be facing legal ..ramifications..or soon..will be. For sweet Katy..you sweet child of nature..have walked on through the doorways..before us..and our love..and those of all others who knew you, or about you..are wrapping your tiny paws in cloud-drift, and soon your eyes will reflect moonbeams..and feel the world ahead..and we will all meet..in good time. Peace..peace…
Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear about your beautiful Katy. What a sad and tragic thing to happen.
I lost a beloved cat to a dog that killed her – and I know the horrible visions you have in your head. The violence replays. And the grief is always there. I send you strength to get beyond those visions, to remember the good times.
Linda, fifteen years ago I lost an 11 year old labrador retriever as a consequence of an attacke on her by a pit bull/wolf hybrid. She survived the attack, but never recovered and died six months later. While i am still biased against pit bulls, my memory of her is sweet affection. I know your pain and sadness today is acute. I am also confident that the good memories of Katy’s short life will outweigh the pain. Love wins.
Linda
So sorry for your loss she was an adorable pup. I can’t imagine your pain. I have lost dogs to old age and disease but ………………. never in the manner that you have.
I am very heartened to know that you aren’t blaming the dog but the owners. I too am an owner of an American St. terr. and I was afraid to open the post and read the comments.
Dear Diva and family My heartfelt sympathy to you all. My lovely little beagle was attacked in her own back yard by a pitbull and a German shepherd.Luckily, one of my wonderful neighbors was working in his yard and raced over with a shovel in his hand and beat them off of her.She was injured and traumatized. The dogs’ owner paid all $400 vet bills and called many times to ask how Charlotte was doing. Here in Pa we have what’s called a “dog law” officer and I was asked if I wanted the owner fined (he was fined,but I could have had the amount increased) and the dogs destroyed. I said, no (cause I’m a pushover for a sad story). I would never keep a dog that has attacked another animal or bitten a person.
Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Oh Linda !
Hugs all around your house…
Linda, Josh, Morrigan, and everyone whose lives Katy touched: From the center of my heart, I wish you deep condolences, love, health, peace, and all the blessings of life. Shalom. Tikkun Olam Shalom.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss and sorrow.
Oh Linda, I saw and replied to your tweet. Cannot imagine the horror you went through. Your sweet husband (and daughter) too. You are in our thoughts.
I only read this entry tonight. I echo all the others in wishing you and your family well as you mourn your loss. I have never had to witness the kind of horror you all did, I can only pray that you, and especially your daughter, will be able to eventually put it aside (I don’t think this is anything that can be forgotten).
Dear Linda, I feel so badly for you and your family. What a horrible trauma for you all to go thru, especially for your daughter. That memory is going to be with her for a very long time.
Katy was a sweet little Sheltie, I loved that clip of her trying to play with the sheltie in the reflection. I’m owned by a Sheltie too, he’s a blue merle. In fact now I’m in the process of adopting another little female tri-colour right now. She looks a lot like your Katy.
I hope someday you and your family will be able to overcome your grief and to adopt a new little sheltie. They bring so much joy to our lives.
Take Care
Marcia
Linda, Josh and Morrigan – We are heartbroken to hear about poor Katy. I know you are animal lovers, as we are, and how difficult this terrible tragedy must be for you. You have our deepest sympathy.
Love,
Susan, Chris and Emily
Dear Linda, I am so sorry for the family’s loss of your little Katy.
ltj~lupe
After expressing my condolences last night I gave this situation a lot of thought today & after reading the comments, I feel like weighing in on the whole breed argument. I wondered today why it always seems to be Pit Bulls who frequently attack both children & other dogs. Responsible people who own this breed invariably defend them & blame the irresponsible owners.
I have come to this conclusion. There are people in this world who either want to be or think they are bad asses, so they look for what they think is a bad ass dog to own. Given the history of the breed, Pit Bulls fit the bill and many people who own this breed encourage the aggressive nature of the dog. Of course aggressive behavior can be encouraged in any breed, however, sadly for them, Pit Bulls are often chosen by people for that purpose. I have a family member who owns the sweetest, most lovable Pit Bull, but then she did not train her dog to be aggressive.
To Diva & family, 2 months after our dog was killed (he was 7 yrs old) we adopted a puppy and although I felt I was not ready it was the best decision we made. Another dog will never replace Katy but he or she will fill the hole in your hearts. I guarantee it.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the breed argument. I’ve had several dog experts tell me that from my description, the behavior exhibited by that dog sounds like he was bred to dog fight. They use puppies in the training so it wouldn’t be surprising that puppies playing would act as a magnet.
I think there is a special place in hell for people like that.
Just to let you know, we went to the pound today just to drop off paperwork and to get a puppy fix. Morrigan and the girl we are watching for the summer had a fine time, I broke down…I’m not ready. However, we all agree that in a month or so we’ll see how we feel.
Linda, Josh and Morrigan,
Katy will always have her own special place in your hearts. Just remember the love between you and Katy. Your next dog will have its own niche in your heart. Katy will never be replaced, just followed by other furry paws in your life whenever you are ready for them.
HUGS!!!!!!
Bluebanshee
I know that “just going by to pet the dogs” story! When we lost our dear forever dog to old age, I wasn’t ready for a new dog yet, either. I knew I wanted one, but was going to wait a few months for several reasons. I was heartbroken, I was tired from the intensive care, I needed to honor the memory of the best friend I’d ever had. Hubby did the pet dogs thing, and a couple week later, we had a new dog! Hubby knew that there was one question I could ask, and one answer he could give, that would allow him to bring a new dog home no matter what I felt or thought.
“Is that dog THE ONE? The one like my best friend?”
“Yes”.
They choose us, not the other way around. They know when we are ready before we know we are ready.
So very sorry for your loss. How absolutely tragic and how very sad. Truly heartbreaking.
Linda-
I was so horrified when I stopped in yesterday, I couldn’t really say anything.
And I don’t really have anything to say that others haven’t…
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
If you think it will help Morrigan , tell her there’s a band of puppers already helping Katy settle in…
There’s MUYS’s dear friend- who will lead her safe and true, just as he led me out of a snowstorm in the mountains years ago…
There’s an Aussie king who’s already schooling her in how to roll her lips back and pick raspberries so very carefully no one will ever know she snitched em…:-)
There’s an old shepherd who will watch over her as she sleeps as he did MUYS when she was a tyke…
There’s…
My very best to all of you, my friend.
Oh Linda I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I am so, so sorry for the tragic loss of your sweet puppy. We lost our German shepherd Topaz 5 months ago and it still stings to think about her. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. <3
I am very sorry for the loss of the puppy and also grieved that the family had to see the attack– a very traumatic experience.
Breed bans, howewver, are not a good idea. In fact breed bans are a form of abuse. Because of breed bans good family pets that never hurt anyone get euthaized. Anyone who cares about dogs or children should care about that.
Pitbulls were bred to be dog aggressive and people social. The breed does have a tendency to be aggressive toward small animals (actually all the terrier breeds have this tendency as do the breeds that were bred to hunt bears, deer, etc. Face it: many,many dogs have a preditory atitude toward smaller creatures.)
According the AKC temperament testing done on breeds annually American pitbull terriers are as people social as golden retreivers. There is a reason for this: if you were going to breed a dog to be a tenacious fighter, wouldn’t you want to breed the dog to be controllable by you? Pits that turned their fighting skills on people were culled out. Pure bred pitbull terriers are one of the few breed that won’t attack a human when over excited by a dog fight.
So why the scarey news stories abouut the evil pitbull? Middle class Americans always have a boogeydog to fear and the boogeydog of our middle class imaginations is the dog associated with the poor, the trailer trash or ghetto dog, the dog that lives on a chain in the back yard. In the fiities that dog was the German shepard, then it was the rotties, next the dobies, now the pits.
According to the Humane Societ the dog that bites is the unsocialized unnuetered male dog that lives on a chain in the backyard. The type of breed most likely to be treated that way right now is the pit.
About 2% of the population gets bit by a dog each year. The about half of the bites come from mix breed dogs. The rest of the bites come from thirty to forty other breeds of which pits, dobies, rotts, huskies, great danes, shar peis, chows, german shepards and akitas are the top ten. There are about two million pits in the US. The number of them that bite people is statistically insignificant. If the news media reported every great dane bite incident we would all be afraid of great danes and not worry about pits at all.
On the other hand the vast majority of dog abuse cases involve pits, only one out of every seven hundred pits in a shelter gets adopted and pits are one of the most common dogs exploited by back yard breeders. So why are we afraid of them? They have moar more reason to be afraid of us.
Remember Micheal Vick? About forty pitbulls were rescued from his dog fighting kennnel. Only one as euthanized for aggression. The rest were people social the day they were rescued and the majority were dog social. Three are now trained service dogs.
Human beings claim to be an intelligent form of life. Sure can’t see that in how we treat animals. The people who owned that pit who attacked the puppy should have known their dog had a strong prey drive and should have had it on a leash or a fenced yard or better yet in the house. Our job as intelligent people who care about animals is to refrain from blaming a breed for the neglectful behavior of people.