I don't know what to say Bob. I read your story and can't even start to imagine. My sincere condolences.

That's horrible. Why did the owner not step in, if for no other reason than to save their dog from being killed??? What a$$holes. Poor Chihuahua, and poor Pit Bull. Lots and lots of dogs would eat a Chihuahua given half the chance...their dog should not have been loose. Classic case where that Pit could've been just fine in the hands of someone with half a brain. *Both* deaths are on the head of it's moron owner. Putting this Pit down has not solved this issue; these folks will likely get another and leave it to wander the streets, endangering others and itself.

I never put my Pit in situations where she could get herself in trouble by acting like, well, acting like a dog! Not fair, but these dogs are extremely powerful, and need to be handled as such. I have a chihuahua, too, and am hesitant to walk him w/out my GSD b/c of the danger of loose dogs and his size. Sadly, it doesn't take much to kill a dog that size.

So, so sorry for your dog, Bob. I can't even imagine life w/out my Chi.

Have they proven who owned the dog yet and are they being held accountable? I think serious criminal charges are in order for your ordeal, and neglect charges toward their own dog; they left him in an animal control facility to be killed because they didn't want to take responsibility for leaving him wandering the streets??? They were responsible for that animal's actions AND his safety. They failed miserably on both counts . 2 deaths later, I hope they've learned something. Sickening.

terrible, terrible news Bob...take care of yourself and so sorry for your situation.

Unfotunately the situation I am in now is as follows. The homeowners insurance company is willing to give us replacement value of our lost property(our chi) about $500. I incurred over $5000 in vet bills. They are also wanted to give me $1000 for my injuries. I have several bites and tons of bruises and scrapes I also have not had a full nights sleep since this happened. There are no attornies that are willing to take the case because my injuries were not severe enough. Anything over the homeowner insurance I will have to sue the owner in small claims. She is a recently divorced waitress who doesn't own her home and doesn't have a pot to piss in. Her 12 year old daughter is the one who let the dog out I guess her mother never informed her to take the dog out on leash go figure. A year ago the same dog attacked another neighbor and his dog a greyhound fortunately after 65 stitches his dog survived. I just wish my little buddy didn't have to go this way. I can't get the picture out of head.
Bob

Good Lord above. Bob, so sorry to hear this. I can well understand the difficulty of not being able to get the picture out of your head. You've been traumatized.

Bob, I see you are a new poster to the forum. Don't know if you've been "lurking" as they say. If not, I can tell you that there are a lot of us who carry weapons during our walks with our dogs. Your type of story is why many of us do this.

Wherever you live, carrying something legal would be my best advice. I live in New Jersey and nothing here is legal but I know there are places that something like a stun baton or a gun is perfectly acceptable. I'm sure my knife is not legal but I've been carrying one since I was a teenager. I'll worry about legalities AFTER I or my dog have been attacked.

Heck you could be a 6'5" 300 lb. linebacker for all I know. An attacking pitbull would be a challenge even for someone that size. My family makes fun of me all the time about the weapons I carry - metal walking stick, mace and a knife - everywhere - but I'd rather be too prepared than not.

Just an idea for you to consider. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Bob,

I think it is worth going ot small claims court. It doesn't take much time. If she doesn't show up, the judge will find for you. S/he may give the pit owner one more chance, but essentially, if she does not respond, she loses. My husband does pro-bono work as a small claims court judge in NYC one night a month. Make sure you bring ALL your bills, and any photos you can, and an affidavit from your vet and your doctor in the ER, as well as any police and animal control reports. If you can get affidavits and documentation (vet bills) from the owner of the greyhound injured by the pit in the previous fight, do that too. It can't hurt. You need to find out your local laws about how to appear in small claims court, and the monetary limits, it may be $5000, and if so, you may need to appear twice, once for your dog's medical bills, once for your un-reimbursed medical expenses, if that is worth your time. Your local clerk should be very helpful, it is his/her job to help you through this process.

The biggest mistake people make in small claims court is failing to bring documentation. Your testimony means something, but your hospital bills, photos, etc are essential for your claims for damages. You have to PROVE damages, not just claim them. Lawsuits are never won based on hurt feelings, and are pretty limited for pain and suffering (despite what you might have read). They are based on injuries, loss of property, etc.

Once you have a judgement, she has to pay it, even if it takes 20 years. You may have to go to court a second time, to enforce a judgement, but my husband says this is not too difficult for a layman. It sounds like this will be a very expensive lesson for her, as she is not at all wealthy. I think this is the only way she and her daughter will learn to control any dog they get in the future.

I know it will be tramatic for you to go to court and relive this experience, but at least you will feel you have done everything you can to prevent a future mauling. You can also inform her landlord about the dog, or her insurance company, both actions will put her in pretty hot water.

polly, fantastic advice. i was wondering what the chances are of getting the whole mess detailed in the local newspaper? i bet they probably already covered the "pitbull mauls man, kills pup" angle with great gusto... but what about getting them to cover the legal pillaging the owner will suffer, and maybe it might be a deterrant to others who have their aggressive dogs bolt?

very good idea about the newspaper...most reporters I know are completely capricious, but since pit's are everywhere in the news right now it might be a win/win for Bob and said reporter...

Ugh, that's awful. Yeah, yeah, poor single mother and all that crap, but part of being a responsible person (which, incidentally, costs nothing) is knowing when you're in over your head. Which you clearly are when your dogs attacks passersby for a SECOND time. An accident can happen to anyone-once. Clear negligence, and why couldn't her wages be garnished? To say that your Chi was worth $500 is preposterous. It's not YOUR problem she can't control her daughter or her dog-why should you foot the bill? It's terrible that the only people held accountable for their actions are those who can afford to be. She needs to pay, one way or another. I don't give a damn if she goes to jail; to me, she's as dangerous as if she commited the act herself.

Thanks for all of the legal advice. And yes you're right I have been "lurking" for quite some time. I am in the process of getting my concealed weapons permit now. I had one when I lived in PA and plan to resume carrying again. Fortunately in Florida you can carry and use almost anything short of a bazooka. Unfortunately they are just as tolerant when it comes to things like uncontrolled dogs.
Thanks for all of the responses to my situation.