Comment

Comment by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on January 15, 2010 at 11:51am

This is really awful for everyone involved. I think you did what you had to do, given the danger to both yourself and little Wynstan. I understand your neighbor being upset, but he also should understand what being a responsible pet owner is, especially when it involves a breed of dog known for viscious aggression. *hugs* to you and Wynstan - stay safe and don't lose your cool. I could only hope that I could be as brave as you if this happened to me.

Comment by Jane Christensen on January 15, 2010 at 10:07am

I'm happy for Wynstan and you that you can move so soon! I just read about the new house! I would still be cautious and ask people and especially your parents to not give out your new address or other info as if this guy wants to get even he will still try so watch when you move as well!

Comment by Jane Christensen on January 15, 2010 at 10:03am

John has some excellent points but I would be cautious as if you walk over to his house and ring the doorbell what he might do. It would be great if you could talk to him out in his yard, have another person with a cell phone along or if that's not possible write him a letter although you won't know if he actually will read it. Also be careful how you phrase things you say as to not point the finger but to acknowledge his pain also!
Definitely add to the police report any threats to you or Wynstan and if nothing else I would take him to a safer place for walks if you can and just keep the at home to quick potty breaks or if you know the neighbor is gone.
Good Luck!

Comment by Susan Stanton on January 15, 2010 at 9:03am

oh my god, that's a horrible horrible situation. I'm with John Wolff, get Wynstan to a safe location. I wouldn't want to hang around that neighbor at all. Did anyone hear his threats to you? Restraining orders don't have much teeth -- but if you can get one (to help your parents as well), and he violates it, then you have more leverage, too. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Comment by pat_m on January 15, 2010 at 8:59am

I would of done the same thing... I wouldn't of though twice

As for the Neighbor - he's an idiot. Sorry your parents will have to contine dealing with him

Comment by Mary and Rosie on January 15, 2010 at 4:43am

How terrible for you both. Wynstan seems like a great little guy, I'm glad you saved him, I would have done the same thing in your shoes.Since your neighbor has been acting in an aggressive way, maybe you could take Wynstan and stay with friends until you move to your new location? Be careful and keep us posted.

Comment by John Wolff on January 15, 2010 at 1:01am

P.S. This might be difficult, but you might try to reach out to the bereaved owner, tell him you feel terrible, remorseful, perhaps you acted hastily but you feared for Wynstan's life, you were scared; tell him you can't imagine how awful he feels, acknowledge his hurt; try to establish some empathy between the two of you. Don't be surprised or discouraged if he seems to reject such an overture; it would take me days, or weeks, to come to terms with this. We're often slow-on-the-uptake with stuff we don't want to hear. So even if he seems to react poorly to this, it might help a lot, give him time.
I don't see how it could hurt to tell him that you feel terrible, acknowledge his pain. No matter if he's responsible for failing to contain a dangerous dog; he may have loved that dog as much as any of us love ours. If I were in his place, I'd feel really angry and guilty and if you offered some empathy, it might help me deal with these feelings and let go of the anger, even if it took some time.
And this guy may have an anger problem, maybe he's seldom seen people offer any empathy like that. He might learn something.

Meanwhile, protect Wynstan.

Good luck, my best to you.

Comment by John Wolff on January 15, 2010 at 12:46am

OMD. Horrible.
I'm glad Wynstan is OK, but how dreadful for the other dog, you, and the other owner.
I'd move Wynstan to a safe "undisclosed location" immediately if not sooner, because yes, this person could be nuts and is likely suffering both grief and guilt (for having a poorly trained and dangerous dog), and he may not be recognizing the guilt, transmuting it into anger. I think we often protect ourselves from guilt by misdirecting it elsewhere.
If he threatened you make sure you tell the police about that.

It's so sad that pits seem to attract the wrong kind of people sometimes -- but there are a couple in my neighborhood who have attracted the best kind of people.

Comment by Geri & Sidney on January 15, 2010 at 12:07am

Oh wow...

please please please be very careful. People can be nuts. I'm so glad you are moving soon...the sooner the better. How frightening! Please check back in with us often and let us know everything is ok.

Comment by Sunni A. on January 14, 2010 at 11:19pm

That's too bad

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