Vinnie: In Memoriam

MrDeVil909 wrote:

Semi-seriously though, you're not wrong but while Silly Rabbit has been through a rough experience I think a little levity in the seriousness may be helpful, rather than staying overly po-faced.

I appreciate that. Humor is very important in times like these. But joking about butchering and eating dogs --even vicious pitbulls -- in order to cheer up a distraught pet owner whose own dog was attacked doesn't strike me as very funny.

This, on the other hand, does:

IMAGE(http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/2473b0fe-d8c2-4e51-a7ff-53c734853e47.jpg)

Or this:
IMAGE(http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/129197460005610770.jpg)

Or this:
IMAGE(http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/70c4f613-e5c6-40ef-9c05-87e4870d3ce3.jpg)

I've never seen a Pomeranian happy to be in water. I'm not convinced that the smile isn't photoshopped.

Vector wrote:

I've never seen a Pomeranian happy to be in water. I'm not convinced that the smile isn't photoshopped.

Pommeranians are assholes.

Paleocon wrote:

MrDeVil909 wrote:

Yonder wrote:

Paleocon wrote:

Yonder wrote:

I can see it now, Rabbit dives into the fray, her knife flashes once, twice, six times. The pitbulls lie quivering on the ground, a long slash across each of their throats and down their bellies. Spattered with blood, Rabbit turns to face her terrified, shell-shocked neighbor.

"I'm going to go wash up," Rabbit says evenly, "and give my dogs a bath. Should take me about two hours. When I come out your dogs better be gone--and I don't want any intestines in my backyard either."

The neighbor nods wordlessly as Rabbit turns towards her house accompanied by her three dogs--tails wagging.

As she gets to her porch, she stops and turns around. Wiping blood from her cheek with the back of her wrist she says "Oh, and welcome to the new neighborhood".

We're having a barbecue this Saturday, you and your husband are welcome to come.

We're having... pitbull.

Rabbit puts on her sunglasses.

YEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

ftfy

Honestly, this really made me laugh and lifted my spirits a bit. This is far more brutal than I could ever be, but I need to get a little tougher than I have been. This comic scene just might help. But, this is the better line:

Bring something to grill, If you know what I mean. As she gestures to the carcasses and smiles.

Vinnie's doing well again today. I got tail wags and kisses. If he can avoid infection/toxemia he'll be coming home. His last day of quaratine is Monday, so he won't be home before then. Thanks for keeping him in your heart.

ACO told me today that the neighbor's are filing charges regarding her bites. I'm seeing the Co Atty tomorrow. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

*edit: Dang, I never get the quote function right!

You really need to get a lawyer of your own. The county attorney is not on your side.

I did contact an atty. He told me to go to the Co. Atty with my criminal charges and to wait to see if any charges are files against me.

SillyRabbit wrote:

Honestly, this really made me laugh and lifted my spirits a bit. This is far more brutal than I could ever be, but I need to get a little tougher than I have been. This comic scene just might help. But, this is the better line:

Bring something to grill, If you know what I mean. As she gestures to the carcasses and smiles.

Yeah, don't know you well, but that seemed so far out of character one could only laugh.

Glad the pup is doing okay.

MrDeVil909 wrote:
SillyRabbit wrote:

Honestly, this really made me laugh and lifted my spirits a bit. This is far more brutal than I could ever be, but I need to get a little tougher than I have been. This comic scene just might help. But, this is the better line:

Bring something to grill, If you know what I mean. As she gestures to the carcasses and smiles.

Yeah, don't know you well, but that seemed so far out of character one could only laugh.

Glad the pup is doing okay.

I think that was sort of what we were all thinking. The idea of Silly Rabbit going all River Tam on the neighbor's pitbulls just seemed too tempting not to bring up.

SillyRabbit wrote:

Honestly, this really made me laugh and lifted my spirits a bit. This is far more brutal than I could ever be, but I need to get a little tougher than I have been. This comic scene just might help.

Fair enough. If it helped lift your spirits, then I guess it's worth it.

SillyRabbit wrote:

I did contact an atty. He told me to go to the Co. Atty with my criminal charges and to wait to see if any charges are files against me.

It's tough because IANAL, but my gut says that lawyer is wrong. If it were me, I would not wait to see if charges are filed against me. I'd file first. If your lawyer doesn't agree, find another lawyer.

When you meet up with the Co. Atty, you bring the rain. Unload both barrels and don't stop until you've made it very clear that you intend to follow this through all the way to the destruction of her dogs and her incarceration. I know that sounds harsh. I know it's not necessarily what you would have chosen. However, given the circumstance you don't have options other than fighting back with the full force of the law. Remember, you're in the right here. Their uncontrollable and violent dogs attacked and nearly killed your dog on your property. This is not going to be pleasant for you, but you need to make it very clear how wronged you were, how angry you are, and how unjust any false charges are against you and Vinnie.

Again, I know I sound harsh, but I believe in protecting my own at all costs. Also, this isn't just paranoia talking, you've actually been attacked in your own back yard, where you have every reasonable expectation of safety. Fighting back with the law is your right and your duty. Your family are in danger with those animals next door. Take. Them. Out.

I would imagine if she does sue you for your dog biting her, showing some graphic pictures of how your dog looked after the fight would dissuade just about anyone from taking her side. Make sure the Co. Atty and anyone else involved see's those pictures.

ThatGuy42 wrote:
SillyRabbit wrote:

I did contact an atty. He told me to go to the Co. Atty with my criminal charges and to wait to see if any charges are files against me.

It's tough because IANAL, but my gut says that lawyer is wrong. If it were me, I would not wait to see if charges are filed against me. I'd file first. If your lawyer doesn't agree, find another lawyer.

When you meet up with the Co. Atty, you bring the rain. Unload both barrels and don't stop until you've made it very clear that you intend to follow this through all the way to the destruction of her dogs and her incarceration. I know that sounds harsh. I know it's not necessarily what you would have chosen. However, given the circumstance you don't have options other than fighting back with the full force of the law. Remember, you're in the right here. Their uncontrollable and violent dogs attacked and nearly killed your dog on your property. This is not going to be pleasant for you, but you need to make it very clear how wronged you were, how angry you are, and how unjust any false charges are against you and Vinnie.

Again, I know I sound harsh, but I believe in protecting my own at all costs. Also, this isn't just paranoia talking, you've actually been attacked in your own back yard, where you have every reasonable expectation of safety. Fighting back with the law is your right and your duty. Your family are in danger with those animals next door. Take. Them. Out.

This. See another lawyer, second opinion are always good. So are thirds fourths and fifths..

NSMike wrote:

Another point in your favor, then. Your dogs never were adequately protected.

Historic district? Hmm. Maybe they can use some good old-fashioned barbed wire. Not the new stuff, but that old, rusty stuff.

Sorry for not posting sooner, but know that I've been thinking about you and Vinnie all week and wishing for the best. He's by far my most favorite dog I've never met, and I've only had the pleasure of hearing him over vent. He's just a happy and awesome dog that I am honestly more surprised that fought back even when being attacked.

I'm very happy he's recovering well and you'll be able to bring him home soon. I'm sure Josie and Mei Mei have been missing him alot and having him back will likely help relieve their anxiety about their own safety too.

I think the main reason that Josie and Mei Mei (thankfully) we not attacked was because of the whole alpha-male / pack mentality. From what I've read, it was the male dogs that attacked first and the mother (out of pack mentality and protecting their young) jumped in after. Since Josie and Mei Mei don't have that issue, they were able to stay out of it, and out of harm's way.

Meanwhile, unfortunately I don't know much about the US Legal System, other than what I've seen on Judge Joe Brown, but coincidentally, I caught an episode about a Pit Bull attack on a neighbor's dog just last week. Basically a couple (plaintiffs) were taking their leashed dog for a walk on their own street, and a pit bull got out of its owner's "secured" yard, ran onto the sidewalk and attacked the dog. The pit bull owner's defense was that he was not responsible for his dog's actions, especially while he wasn't around, so he shouldn't be held liable for any of the damage caused resulting in vet bills and pain & suffering. I'm happy to say that Joe Brown reemed out the pit bull owner as "a typically PB owner" and increased the settlement above what the platiffs requested. No removal of the pit bull, but did give it the tag of "vicious animal" (whatever that does). Overall, the owner did not properly secure his pet in his yard, and it attacked outside of his property. Period.

Now, add in that it was in your own backyard, them crossing into it, and attacking Vinnie to the point of near-death, and I I think a judge in your state would give an infant the death penalty before convicting Vinnie as harmful. He was defending himself as best he could, and if the other neighbor got bit, her own damn fault for not controlling her vicious animals. I'm not saying "all pit bulls are vicious", but hers were.

I'd love to see you get a lawyer that can tie personal character into this too. Something tells me your neighbor is a white-trash crack-whore, while you on the other hand organize Critterpalooza on an annual basis. To say that any animal you raise could even be compared to hers is laughable.

TO THE CLEANERS!

/end rant and still wishing you, Vinnie, Josie and Mei Mei the best

Zablocki19 wrote:

The pit bull owner's defense was that he was not responsible for his dog's actions, especially while he wasn't around, so he shouldn't be held liable for any of the damage caused resulting in vet bills and pain & suffering.

That's about the most ridiculous defense I've ever heard. Both my neighbor and I have been to the Co Atty. I'm told (not by the CO, but by the Animal Control Officer who gathered all our info) that their claim is that their dogs came into my yard to play, and Vinnie attacked them and, apparently, their owner.

I just stuck with the truth. We'll see what the Co. Atty. decides to do.

I do have lots of pictures to show the Co. Atty and any judge or whatever. i had a long talk with Vinnie's vet today about what's going on. He echoed what's been said here. He also said that if it was Vinnie that bit, they could testify as to the amount of pain he was in, and was fighting for his life.

Vinnie continues to do well. I go up twice a day and sit in his run, give him treats, rub his nose and tell him how good he is and how many people are pulling for him. I get a few tail wags and kisses, then he lays down and starts to doze off.

ThatGuy42 wrote:
SillyRabbit wrote:

I did contact an atty. He told me to go to the Co. Atty with my criminal charges and to wait to see if any charges are files against me.

It's tough because IANAL, but my gut says that lawyer is wrong. If it were me, I would not wait to see if charges are filed against me. I'd file first. If your lawyer doesn't agree, find another lawyer.

This seems to a common misconception, but individuals have no control over whether or not charges are filed. The idea of someone pressing charges or refusing to do so is generally a fiction, i assume created by pop culture. All you can do is take your information to the prosecutor and see what they decide.

There is always the option of filing a civil case. If the amount of damages is low enough (in my state the limit is $6,000) you can file in small claims court. Many places have online guides through the state website or information at the clerks office on how to file a small claims case on your own. Because these cases tend to be pro se, usually the formalities and rules of evidence are less restrictive than in a regular court case.

You also can contact another lawyer for a consult if you didn't like the advice of the other. If you continue to get the same advice, it's probably the correct advice. There also tends to be more community legal resources than people realize. Researching those are also an options. Maybe even animal shelters or other animal agencies.

I think if it's labelled "vicious", animal control and/or police can use force if necessary to handle situations, and the animal must be leashed, chained, controlled if outside a secure area.

Here's the local kid who got attacked by his aunt's pitbull, an adopted pitbull who was abused by the previous owner:

Link to images like this. - Certis

Wappingers Falls, NY - It was reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal that a 5-year old boy was severely mauled by his aunt's pit bull on April 16. The boy was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center and received "upwards of 1,000 stitches," for 80 to 100 lacerations on his face and scalp. Sgt. Michael Collier of the New York State Police at Wappingers, said a woman, who is the little boy's aunt and dog owner, suffered injuries trying to save the boy.

The pit bull attacked the boy when he and his aunt were playing ball in her back yard, according to Investigator Dan Smith of the state police at Wappingers. The dog is currently one year old, and was adopted by the aunt, 52-year old Josephine Ramsay, at three months from Out of the Pits in Albany, New York. Out of the Pits is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing pit bulls that have been abandoned or abused, according to its website.

"Out of the Pits, a non-profit organization founded in 1996, is dedicated to the rescue of those Pit Bulls that have been abandoned and abused. We seek to educate the public about the true nature of the Pit Bull and to restore the breed to its former position of esteem in the hearts and minds of people everywhere."

As one can see, the "true nature" of a pit bull, particularly one with a history of abuse, can be likened to playing a game of Russian Roulette. The breed's so called "former position of esteem" or "popularity" has been documented as fiction as well. DogsBite.org urges parents and potential adopters to see beyond these common pit bull advocacy distortions. Pit bulls (fighting dogs) were selectively bred to attack and kill dogs -- not to be family pets.

..

He's doing ok these days, but up to 1000 stitches to help him:

IMAGE(http://cmsimg.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=BK&Date=20100719&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=100719002&Ref=AR&Profile=1006&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0)

IUMogg wrote:

The idea of someone pressing charges or refusing to do so is generally a fiction, i assume created by pop culture. All you can do is take your information to the prosecutor and see what they decide.

This is what I've learned. Now I just have to see what happens. I'm going to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

SillyRabbit wrote:

I'm told (not by the CO, but by the Animal Control Officer who gathered all our info) that their claim is that their dogs came into my yard to play, and Vinnie attacked them and, apparently, their owner.

May I point out the stupidity of your neighbor with this statement - "in other words, yes, my dogs were in my neighbor's FENCED IN yard, but it's ok because my dogs were just there to play. Vinnie started it but by God my dogs finished it. . ."

My avatar is the family dog, and since it's just the wife and I, Jack the dog is basically our kid and I'd be heartbroken if something like this happened. Of course, we try to be good and respectful dog owners, so we don't really have too many problems, just his barking at people is all.

I agree with the other folks here as well, with the way your neighbors are acting, you need to take them to the cleaners. Their homeowners insurance may have coverage for this sort of thing and they are clearly trying to set up their story so that YOUR homeowner's insurance covers their bills. The pitbulls need to be put down, no question. Once a dog attacks another creature like they did Vinnie, there is no amount of rehabilitation that can be done to be assured the next time (which there WILL be a next time) isn't a human.

Hang in there SillyRabbit - most likely this is going to go on for several months yet. The court system moves painfully slow when its YOUR case, because for everyone else in the system, its "just another case".

SillyRabbit wrote:

their claim is that their dogs came into my yard to play, and Vinnie attacked them and, apparently, their owner.

I just stuck with the truth. We'll see what the Co. Atty. decides to do.

Wow they are really digging down deep to try to get out of this aren't they. Stuff like that infuriates the crap out of me, I have always been a very honest person, and nothing infuriates me like willful deceit. I hope that after this is resolved no other feuds begin between the two of you.

As for the particular lie, I wouldn't worry about it too much, as it is so obviously manufactured. It's a shame that people are so rarely punished for lying under oath, I think that it would be better for everyone if the justice system actually went after people like this to the full extent possible.

SillyRabbit wrote:

their claim is that their dogs came into my yard to play, and Vinnie attacked them and, apparently, their owner.

That is so aggravating. I'm a little confused with this line though. Is she saying that A) the dogs went under the fence just to play with Vinnie but he became vicious first or B) you invited her and her dogs onto your property to play? Scenario A is still her fault. Scenario B is ridiculous. All you have to say is "Invited them to play?! Three pit bulls?!" and you won.

This lady is done. Her dogs have a history of poor behavior already. They have a bad reputation with the neighbors. They have attacked other dogs. If they show aggression to all dogs, that is easy to prove and the lie will fall flat. Pile on top that the broken fence that doesn't meet the standards to enclose large dogs, poor living conditions (you should take pics of her cages), lack of training or socialization and you'll be fine. She has a lot to answer for and that silly lie won't cover any of it.

GET HER!

I really wish you wouldn't inline fairly gruesome images like that. Very NSFW, not to mention rather rude.

Malor wrote:

I really wish you wouldn't inline fairly gruesome images like that. Very NSFW, not to mention rather rude.

I don't see anything NSFW about that picture. It's not even that gruesome since it's obviously all stitched up. I mean, it's not fun to look at, but there's nothing rude of inappropriate about it.

That's about the most ridiculous defense I've ever heard. Both my neighbor and I have been to the Co Atty. I'm told (not by the CO, but by the Animal Control Officer who gathered all our info) that their claim is that their dogs came into my yard

Shouldn't the case be closed as soon as the bolded section above comes out of their mouths, at least in terms of Vinnie's "vicious attack" on their pit bulls?

Sorry I'm late posting...I've been thinking and praying about your situation, and check this thread frequently for updates.

Anyone else notice how, when you hear about these pit bull attacks, the owners begin their side of the story with some variation on, "he's always been such a sweet dog, would never hurt a fly!"?

Stengah wrote:
Malor wrote:

I really wish you wouldn't inline fairly gruesome images like that. Very NSFW, not to mention rather rude.

I don't see anything NSFW about that picture. It's not even that gruesome since it's obviously all stitched up. I mean, it's not fun to look at, but there's nothing rude of inappropriate about it.

I guess it depends on where you W.

No offense but I don't think SillyRabbit needs to see it. A real encounter with vicious dogs and Vinnie's attack is enough. Images like that can bring up some bad memories.

Terribly sorry about your dogs. I hope Vinnie keeps getting better and the other two return to feeling somewhat safe. I hope that you can feel safe shortly too.

Mystic Violet wrote:

No offense but I don't think SillyRabbit needs to see it. A real encounter with vicious dogs and Vinnie's attack is enough. Images like that can bring up some bad memories. :(

This.

Seriously though. Best wishes toward you and yours... Hearing about a dog getting torn up like that is tough.

They came into your yard to play. Riiight. I see that one going over really well. About as well as three multiple arrest B&E guys claiming they pried your door open and had your TV in their hands because they were there to fix it.

I hope they nail her to a cross for perjury.

Settle down. - Certis