Watson's Ordeal

I have met my share of sweet bully pups. It's sad that the rogues demonize entire breeds (not just the bully pit types). I have no doubt that this dog, and her partner, are products of their owners and their environment. I don't know enough about training and rehabilitation to know if that's an option in this case. I don't think sending her back to this owner was the appropriate course of action though. I really am NOT a fan of this dog... in spite of what it did I can't seem to justify anger towards her. Her owner on the other hand? She is a completely different story.
 
Going back to her owner is definitely not an option.

In some jurisdictions she could be fostered to a rescue maybe, but in reality with her infraction, she will likely not make it, even if she could be rehabilitated
 
The sad truth is that there are so many unwanted dogs sitting in the shelter. A good number of them are well behaved, well socialized dogs who for whatever reason end up in the shelter.

Then ... there are the dogs with the behavior problems. The majority of these dogs have problems because they were never taught manners/rules properly to begin with. THESE dogs are the ones that should be rehabilitated.

Dogs that are aggressive or biters ? I don't think the resources should be spent trying to rehab these dogs. Spend those resources on the dogs that are not a danger to anyone, or that have manageable medical issues.
 
That is really what it comes down to for me too roxyllst. But, the way the law stands here in NY- no euthanasia for first offense. So I'm just trying to think of what other options there could have been other than sending these two dangerous dogs back to irresponsible and inappropriate owners... I agree, there are too many dogs who unwanted and can't find homes with no major behavioral or medical issues to put dogs like this ahead of them... but given the law, I'd rather see the dog's out of a situation where they will continue be be allowed to be a very real danger to the public- human and animal alike.
 
I am very happy to hear Watson is healing well! Also a little disappointed with the court outcome. The owner is not only irresponsible, but has shown no remorse for what her dog did. I don't understand that, but I guess that's the difference between a responsible dog owner and someone who shouldn't have so much as a hamster.
 
The courts outcome is very disappointing, to say the least. I am with you all on that there are many dogs in the shelters that are great dogs. It doesn't make sense to spend resources on the ones who show that much unprovoked aggression.
 
Have you considered filing a civil suit to recoup your medical expenses - or is fighting it too cost prohibitive?

I just don't understand anyone who wouldn't be overwhelmed with grief and remorse after an animal they are responsible for did this sort of thing. I can totally see someone getting in over their heads with just about any dog, but an incident like this should be enough of a wake up call for the owner to get help with their dog or to give it up to someone who can rehabilitate it. Actually remediation should have started long before the aggression got to this stage. Personally, I don't believe in euthanasia as an automatic response for the first bite of even a second one. The circumstances have to matter - was the dog provoked, was it a fear reaction? However, in the case of unprovoked aggression causing significant harm I think it should be very seriously considered and if not chosen the owner should face severe penalties for any subsequent incidents and have the choicetaken out of their hands. In my perfect world, people would do the responsible thing. :no:
 
My girlfriend got a check for the full $6,000.00 for the vet bills trying to save her cat after the pit bull attack from the dog owners home owners insurance. Are they not liable for all damages re Watson/you/BF? Nothing gets through to people like a swift kick in the wallet.

WRT bully dogs, I can't help but be reminded of Aesop's fable of the Scorpion and the Frog. They are very strong and its their nature to not let go. I can consider the possibilities and choose to avoid having my shelties around them.
 
Have you considered filing a civil suit to recoup your medical expenses - or is fighting it too cost prohibitive?

She said earlier that she didn't expect to get any money out of them. It's probably a situation where she can take the owner to court and get a ruling in her favor, but she probably won't ever actually get any money because they owner doesn't have any.
 
Homeowner's insurance should cover the vet bills.

And, they will probably drop the people after paying the vet bills because having a bull breed is too costly for insurance companies these days.

I would file with the property owner (who you were visiting and on their property) homeowners insurance and then let that insurance company go after the dog owner's and their insurance.
 
Back
Top