Drake wounded in a Dog fight

I am so glad to hear that Drake is
fine. It was good that you took him to
your vet.
You were also very lucky you did
not get hurt when breaking up
the fight.
Hugs to Drake.

Quick Update....

Drake is healing wonderfully. He is back to his old self again. I took a look at the wounds, and they seem to be healing already! I am glad he didn't bite the staples out. He has slept between Andrew Andrew and I for the past two nights and hasn't moved all night long. Unlike him. He lays with us usually, but within an hour, gets down to his bed and stays there till one of us wakes up. But I like having him sleep next to us, it reminds me of when he was a little pup and still very dependant on me.

Anyhow, I went to the animal control office after reading Rachel's post (took pictures of both dogs and their injuries). I filled a report and I am guessing they sent someone there and fined my neighbor for not having his dog on a leash. At around 6, my neighbor came to my door and called me a bitch for filing a report and explained that he had a huge fine to pay because of me and that if another report was made about his GSD not being on a leash, they will take her away. This is all happening because of me? I don't understand people these days, they expect you to give up your rights so they don't get in trouble. I lashed back at him and told him it was his own fault and suggested he be more responsible.

Ah, what a jerk! My lawyer friend called him yesterday, but no one picked up. She will try this morning again. I guess I can expect my neighbor again this afternoon.

Andrew is worried about this guy doing something to Drake and/or I when he is gone. We are both at work all day long, but Andrew will be going to Alabama for about 2 years in January. I am not moving with him. I am not scared, but Andrew is so protective. He swears that if hte guy so much as looks at our house, Andrew is going to break his bones. (Yikes)

Anyhow, this is my update on the whole ordeal going on. I am having a hard time going to sleep or even concentrating on stuff. I am worried about Drake and burdened by this whole situation.

Sourya - Gosh I'm sorry you're dealing with such a stupid a-hole. Just stick by your guns and take this guy to the cleaners if you have to. I just don't understand people's thinking. So good to hear Drake is healing OK - be safe - keep us posted.

I'm going to get a little "off topic" here for a second. I read this little blurb in USA Today this morning. Wondering if anyone in the Chicago area knows more about it...and how they determine a dog is "dangerous", before or after they bite or hurt someone.

Dangerous dogs might get microchips

"Dogs that are deemed dangerous would have to be spayed or neutered and fitted with a surgically implanted microchip for identification under an ordinance to be voted on today by the Chicago City Council. Some 50 dogs a year are labeled dangerous by the city's Commission on Animal Care and Control after investigations that include signed statements from witnesses and a review of hospital reports. The measure comes after the dog-attack deaths of two young children and the mauling of a third."

I'm just trying to figure out how that would work....and if the measure comes after it is deemed "dangerous", then wouldn't it be too late? I'm sure there is a more detailed article somewhere, so I thought I'd try here!

Souraya, I'm so glad you went to Animal Control. I'm sorry about your neighbor, but I'm not surprised at the reaction you got from him. I think the lawyer needs to write a letter instead of calling. It infuriates me when people won't take responsibility... :mad: and I actually feel sorry for the dog. If it does attack again, off leash, won't they probably euthanize it? And all of this could be avoided if the stupid owner would have done what he should have in the first place.
I'm glad Drake is improving. :)

Souraya, I'm so sorry to hear about poor Drake. I can't believe how irresponsible your neighbor is being. I guess it takes all kinds to make the world go around. You know, Logan has a pretty good idea about sending a letter. I would also send it certified so your friend gets back a green card and has proof that your neighbor received it. That way there's proof that he was informed about his dog's behavior in case something happens in the future. Keep a copy of the letter yourself also. I'm keeping you in my thoughts. I hope everything works out okay for you. Keep a close eye on Drake. You never know what people like this are capable of doing!!! :( How long has he been in the neighborhood? Maybe he'll move soon.

Souraya, you did give your neighbor a chance to do the right thing at least by paying the Vet bill for Drake. A person like that does not deserve to have a dog because he does not assume the responsibility for taking care of it. Of course you should persue the issue. You have your dog confined and his is loose. Hopefully he will come to his senses, but I fear not, and I think you should be very careful with Drake, people like that have a twisted sense of revenge. I am so glad that Drake is on the mend, sweet boy, and that he will be O.K. Your neighbor is just lucky that you weren't really hurt in this fight. Keep up the pressure on him and please give Drake some love, kisses and hugs from Daisy, Perry and me.

Glad to hear that Drake is ok, and am glad that you filed a report. Very wise move!
But please be careful of this creep, don't let Drake out unsupervised while this dork is home. Check your property for food laced with Rat poison or antifreeze, wouldn't put it past him at all.
Be careful!!!
Good luck and keep us posted!

So glad Drake is doing better. I can't believe the arrogance and rudeness of your neighbor though!! Jeesh! Interesting how he's trying to place the blame on you for the lack of care for HIS dog's behavior. Ok then...! People like that just make me so mad! :mad: But what's scary is they can be unpredictable and capable of doing harm, so definitely be careful. Do you have an enclosed backyard? Does Drake stay inside all day while you and the hubby are gone?? Take some extra precaution when dealing with difficult people like that. You did the right thing about contacting the Animal Control. After all, you tried to confront him about it first, and he just snapped in your face. If he had apologized and paid the bill in the first place, non of this would have happened. So glad you have a lawyer friend, and sending a letter (and making a copy) is a really good idea...please keep us posted and be safe! **hugs**
Karen

Logan - Here's a description on the proposed Chicago ordinance regarding dangerous dogs...if an animal is allowed to run wild - fine of $300 and $10,000 with the possiblity of jail time if it attacks someone. Owners of a dog involded in an assault would also be required to buy $100,000 in liability insurance, have the dog neutered, and have an identifying microchip implanted.

Originally, city council had considered regulating specfic breeds but this new proposal is believed to put the onus not on the dog - type of dog but rather the owner.

Oh your neighbor is being so irresponsible! People like him get me so angry. He needs to take responsibility and stop treating you like you did something wrong when it was he who in fact did not leash and/or train his dog. And his poor dog, if the man allows it to attack again, would probably be put down, all because of her stupid owner. GRRRR! On a lighter note, I am really happy that Drake is doing better!

As Jackie and others said,
you gave your neighbor a chance to
do the right thing.
Please if possible, don't leave Drake un-attended.

Poor Drake! :( I'm hope you get well soon, sweet Drake! :)

I'm really glad to hear that he's doing much better!!!! Sadie get's into fights sometimes- it makes me just want to cry! :( She just sometimes gets annoyed, sometimes.

Hugs & kisses,
Sarah & Sadie*

I want to thank you all for your support. Your kind words, advice, and concern are very comforting.

Drake is better already. we went running today with him for 3 miles and he did great. We didn't want to push him. He likes laying outside under a tree in the afternoon, and I usually let him out bu himself, but since the incident, I have been sitting out there with him. I will tell Andrew to check the yard everyday to make sure there is nothing harmful that Drake could eat.

Drake is in the house when Andrew and I are at work. We have an alarm as well. We are watching him at all times.

I asked my lawyer friend to send a letter and she said she had already done that. She said she spoke with my neighbor's wife and the wife was unaware of this whole mess. She knew the dogs had been in a fight and that they had been fined for not having their dog leashed. She said her husband told her that Animal control was driving by and saw the dog of a leash and so they fined him. (What a story! I can't belive that the wife actually believed the story.)

More to come later. Here is a picture of Drake when he had his "lamp shade" collar.

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/009/Q2/VN/7k/hT86561.jpg

Please keep us posted on how things are going. We're glad that Drake is feeling better! :)