Pirate got attacked by a pit bull :(

janobonano

I'm wondering if it wasn't that the guy was scared, but that he didn't care. He probably thinks it's cool that he's got a tough-guy dog that can injure and kill other dogs. I dunno...

I hope you're not as sore tomorrow.

Oh, and Pirate... chicks dig scars. 

I suspect Jan is right about the "tough dog" image. There so sooo many pea-brained idiots out there!

Glad you guys are feeling a bit better.  I would play up the fact you don't feel  well and need dinner brought to you, the house cleaned, etc.  hey, you need TLC too! LOL

lorib

I suspect Jan is right about the "tough dog" image. There so sooo many pea-brained idiots out there!

I think I have my facts straight from Meg -- the guy didn't get out of his car UNTIL THE DOG RAN AWAY.  He didn't give chase.  He waited UNTIL the dog left and got out of the car.

I don't have to blame it on drugs or booze -- People may be afraid of a dog they know has been trained to be aggressive -- but they still want the status of having that dog and essentially wearing it as a "car accessory" but won't put themselves in danger when the dog reacts.

It's just possible this dog was trained to fight (or would like to).  Do you see folks who own fighting dogs jumping into the ring during a fight? Nope -- why?  Because they fear those dogs.  Are the owners always going to keep them locked up?  No -- because they may not be that smart.  Status can truly be THAT important to some people.

calliecritturs

It's just possible this dog was trained to fight (or would like to).  Do you see folks who own fighting dogs jumping into the ring during a fight? Nope -- why?  Because they fear those dogs.  Are the owners always going to keep them locked up?  No -- because they may not be that smart.  Status can truly be THAT important to some people.

  Do you assume all dogs who attack other dogs must be "trained to fight"?  Dogs may show dog-dog aggression for a wide variety of reasons. If Pirate was a small dog, one possibility would be prey drive. I'm pretty sure there have even been some recent posts here about large dogs developing predatory aggression towards small dogs. Not saying that was the case here, just an example of a possible reason. You seem to be assuming a lot based on the dog's breed and making up all kinds of bad dounding possible scenerios and history of the dog. Could be that the owner hasn't had the dog very long or it could be the dog has attacked other dogs. No one on this forum really knows. I know I had a situation in one of my classes once where a dog pulled the leash out of the owner's hand to attack another same size, same sex dog and the dog's owner did nothing to stop the attack. I had to go get her dog off the other dog (who happened to be in class with an 11 year old - ugh!). The owner wasn't afraid of her dog and hadn't trained her to fight. She didn't respond because she was shocked, she really didn't expect that to happen and had no idea what to do. She wasn't a bad owner but was inexperienced. She ended up getting obedience and rally titles on the dog a few years after the incident but not without having to really work on the dog aggression issue.  

  As for Pirate, it really sounds like he is pretty lucky to have survived. That certainly would be a shocking thing to have happen for everyone involved! I almost hate to walk my dogs in the neighborhood any more because we are constantly charged at by loose dogs. Usually we go for night walks now, since most of the dogs are owned but allowed to roam or "trained to stay in the yard" (or they get loose...a lot).

Hope Pirate recovers quickly.  We're always very cautious on walks in our neighborhood, as it seems to be popular to either tie dogs out on ropes, or use things like chicken wire to contain large dogs as a fence.  We've had more than one dog run up to us.

I will say that, although my history may be off, I think that historically, pit bull type breeds were bred to not show human aggression as their owners would be grabbing them in the ring.

It's unfortunate that a careless owner caused such pain to innocent parties, as well as an uncertain fate for his dog.  I have seen some very dog aggressive dogs, of many breeds. Some can be downright scary when they see another dog, so I wouldn't necessarily jump to assume the dog was bred to fight. 

 I just happened on this thread and I hope you and Pirate both heal up soon.  My greatest fear as a dog owner is running into a dog like this who is completely focused and intent on killing my dog.  Pirate is so lucky to have someone like you who was willing to step into the lion's jaws to save him.  Although it was a horrible event, I have a feeling your connection with him will only strengthen because of it.

AgileGSD

  Do you assume all dogs who attack other dogs must be "trained to fight"?  Dogs may show dog-dog aggression for a wide variety of reasons. If Pirate was a small dog, one possibility would be prey drive. I'm pretty sure there have even been some recent posts here about large dogs developing predatory aggression towards small dogs. Not saying that was the case here, just an example of a possible reason. You seem to be assuming a lot based on the dog's breed and making up all kinds of bad dounding possible scenerios and history of the dog. Could be that the owner hasn't had the dog very long or it could be the dog has attacked other dogs. No one on this forum really knows. I know I had a situation in one of my classes once where a dog pulled the leash out of the owner's hand to attack another same size, same sex dog and the dog's owner did nothing to stop the attack. I had to go get her dog off the other dog (who happened to be in class with an 11 year old - ugh!). The owner wasn't afraid of her dog and hadn't trained her to fight. She didn't respond because she was shocked, she really didn't expect that to happen and had no idea what to do. She wasn't a bad owner but was inexperienced. She ended up getting obedience and rally titles on the dog a few years after the incident but not without having to really work on the dog aggression issue.  

 Its not only that this owner didn't help, but they didn't even show any remorse for what happened.  From their actions they don't sound as if they are taking an responsiblity for their mistakes.

Megan, to say I'm sorry you are dealing with this and you were both injured is a major understatement!

As for the dog, I think we all agree that this is one of those lose-lose-lose situations for everyone involved.  An owner should not have a dog they cannot handle, plain and simple.  But now this dog has a bite and quarantine history on his record.  I do not think the dog should be destroyed simply for the attack.  In all honesty, I have a dog that might kill Pi, accidentally or intentionally, if he was in the right frame of mind and if I was stupid enough to put him in that situation.  There are plenty of dogs with super elevated prey drive and no desire to befriend every other dog on the street, but there are plenty of owners who recognize this and don't put their dogs in situations where ulimately the dog loses even though it's not his fault.  I don't believe that every dog that is not instantly buddy buddy with every other dog be labeled viscious and be destroyed.  Many breeds have a long history of being aloof, being aggressive with other animals, having high prey drive, etc.  For some that is just the nature of owning a dog.  Euthanasia may simply be more fair in this case, rather than the dog being bounced around shelters, rescues, or foster homes and no one wanting to adopt a breed with a bad rap and a dog with a bite history.  I don't have a problem with Megan taking legal action because this owner should be made an example of.  For me it has way more to do with the owners actions and inaction than whether I think the dog is dangerous.

AgileGSD

Do you assume all dogs who attack other dogs must be "trained to fight"?  Dogs may show dog-dog aggression for a wide variety of reasons. If Pirate was a small dog, one possibility would be prey drive.

First off -- it's **you** who are assuming. 

In my post (and my quote) I was responding to other posters comments as to why the owner didn't get out of his car.  I was merely offering one possible reason as to why the owner responded as they did.  No where in ANY of my posts have I made any derogatory comments about the dog's breed -- it's really not germaine.  The ONLY one trying to make any sort of deal out of breed is you. 

It wasn't the dog being discussed - it was the owner. 

Your post was further attempt to provoke argument. 

calliecritturs

Do you see folks who own fighting dogs jumping into the ring during a fight? Nope -- why? 

actually this is how it is done...they are separated by humans weilding breaksticks. In the older days before human aggression was encouraged a dog showing ANY lip to it's handler or any other person was destroyed and considered a liability. In just about all countries where dog fighting is still allowed, or ignored... Japan, Russia, and Afghanistan for ex...humans both release and collect the dogs afterwards. I have seen the dogs collected in a documentary and none showed aggression...they simply "turn off". It is similar in the way a K9 is expected to NOT turn on the handler tho it is in a state of EXTREME excitement...they do not tolerate redirected aggression.

I think that discussion of the hows and whys of fighting are hijacking so for that I apologize. But I do want to get accurate information out there...because that is how more and more the breeds used historically or currently for fighting are further victimized by the media and misguided characterisations of their behavior.

Megan, how are you both doing today?  I sure hope you're both feeling better!

I had a dream about Pirate last night.   In it he was strutting his stuff with his mohawk tinted blue and wearing a spiked leather collar.  As he walked down the street, there were all these other dogs standing on the sidewalk bowing to him for being "the man!"   That's all I remember...but I thought it was pretty funny.

aerial1313

I had a dream about Pirate last night.   In it he was strutting his stuff with his mohawk tinted blue and wearing a spiked leather collar.  As he walked down the street, there were all these other dogs standing on the sidewalk bowing to him for being "the man!"   That's all I remember...but I thought it was pretty funny.

I guarantee that after reading THAT Meg's feeling WAY better *grin*.  You shoulda had your mental DVD on "record" -- you coulda sold that one to many of us! LOL

rwbeagles

calliecritturs

Do you see folks who own fighting dogs jumping into the ring during a fight? Nope -- why? 

actually this is how it is done...they are separated by humans weilding breaksticks. In the older days before human aggression was encouraged a dog showing ANY lip to it's handler or any other person was destroyed and considered a liability. In just about all countries where dog fighting is still allowed, or ignored... Japan, Russia, and Afghanistan for ex...humans both release and collect the dogs afterwards. I have seen the dogs collected in a documentary and none showed aggression...they simply "turn off". It is similar in the way a K9 is expected to NOT turn on the handler tho it is in a state of EXTREME excitement...they do not tolerate redirected aggression.

I think that discussion of the hows and whys of fighting are hijacking so for that I apologize. But I do want to get accurate information out there...because that is how more and more the breeds used historically or currently for fighting are further victimized by the media and misguided characterisations of their behavior.

 So true! The example of a K9 not redirecting to the handler is a good comparision. Before recent times, Pit Bulls were known for being outstanding family dogs, featured in movies, TV shows and advertisements as the "average family dog". There are still many who are outstanding fanily dogs of course but now families who have them are often questioned about their choice. They are certainly not the first breed to be demonized by the media and probably won't be the last either. When I was 11 and got my first dog from the dog pound, he grew up to be a very Doberman-y mix. People at my mom's work asked and then encouraged her to "get rid of him" or "he will turn on you or worse your kid!". Around here, many people still believe that Doberman's brains will explode....

The thing I notice at my job at a vet clinic where we have tons of Pit Bulls.....most are great family people just taking care of their family dog...but then we have our share of big bad punk guys (  I guess some gals too ) that have their dogs as a status symbol.... with the big chain or stud collar....named Diablo.......they walk in with their chest out and proud of their dog. We're ALL proud of our dogs but they seem to be walking around with an attitude of "better stay away from my dog!"     THIS is the kind of guy I am thinking had that dog that attacked Pirate.  But its true there is the "shocked" thing.....IF it happened so fast that he was shocked and then panic'd.....but I can't see that much more than I see him being afraid of his dog.   Of course he could have been also...but I don't know anyone that is afraid of their dog...I know there are some that knows their dog might bite... or might do something stupid ( I had one once ) but not ever afraid of them.

In the case of fighting dogs... do they live in their owners houses as their pets?  And are they taken for rides in their owners cars?   Because we have a fellow that brings several of his dogs in that we believe are used for fighting and breeding fighters.....and believe me..you can't stand the smell of the dogs.....or the owner for that matter.

Megan and Pirate...I hope you are feeling much better today...and not more sore yet as sometimes healing goes.

Pirate is doing surprisingly well - when I got home around 5:30 I noticed a little more swelling, so I called and left a VM at my vet's office...I knew they were closed but they know my voice :) One of the techs called back and told me to bring him in and have Dr. J check it out (since I have a Murphy's Law dog, LOL) and she pronounced him bruised, but healing nicely! They cleaned a LOT of the dried blood off so I didn't have to be the bad guy! and it looks much, much better. I could tell HE felt better with all the ick off, too. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my vet's office? LOVE, love, love them.

The dogwalker (his favorite girl!) came today at lunchtime and said he was acting normally, perky, etc. I think her coming cheered him up, as well :)

My fingers are healing - I use my hands a ton at work so it was less than pleasant this morning, but we had a birthday and someone brought in this PB-ice cream-pie thing and I was much happier after that.

LOL @ your dream, Heather!!

I'm pretty sure Talus won't be here anytime tonight, but I'll keep my eyes peeled ;)

Sounds like you guys are healing nicely....... GREAT!

I'm sorry that you and Pirate got attacked.  I'll send continued good healing vibes.

As a small dog owner, larger dogs uncontrolled are always a concern.  I'm glad Pirate has his mama bear!