Was this dog on dog or man vs dog?

I really don't know, I just heard a dog was killed at that dog park

Sadly, a very nice lady's mini Yorkshire Terrier was mauled to death by a pit-bull mix inside Kroll Dog Park last evening (Sunday PM.) The Yorkie's owner is a regular (almost daily) visitor to the dog park. She always carried her small Yorkie in her arms while her other (larger) dog played in the park. She rarely set the Yorkie down unless there were no other dogs present in the park. Last night, she set the dog down simply to allow it to go pottie. Within seconds, the pit mix bolted out of nowhere towards the Yorkie and got to it before anyone could realize what was happeneing. And even by then, it was unfortuantely too late. Understandably, the Yorkie's owner is devastated. Not sure how many witnesses there were, but it is understood that the Yorkie's owner either knew the pit-mix and/or its owner, or was able to get the owner's information following the incident.

A few of the Kroll Dog Park visitors have indicated that following this terrible incident from last night, they will from now on vacate the park should they see any pit-bull or similar type breeds enter the premesis, as they don't wish to take any chances with their own dogs.

That is very sad, what a terrible tragedy.

we were just there sat. night with our dogs and the area where the pit bull people sit there was an argument between two people about an aggressive pit bull going after another dog that was a doberman.  the people i was talking to and i commented on how pit bulls can be dangerous dogs but they did add that there had not been a problem so far. pit bulls need to have their own park~or just be totally extinguished as a breed as far as I am concerned. i know there will be those who say they are such sweet dogs~yadda yadda yadda! Bah Humbug!  they can turn in an instant for no apparent reason. Have you ever heard of a golden retriever mauling a kid or another dog?  a pit bull attack never turns out small. we too will not go there if pit bulls are in attendance as we also have a small dog. too bad too, it is a nice park and my dogs love it.

I am very sorry for this poor woman's loss. I am sure she loved her dog as we love ours.

Dog parks should never allow large dogs in with small dogs.  I'd take my Lab to a park but would never take my westie cross to one.

Girlsmom, my black Lab turned on her yard mate (the Westie X) when my daughter brought her dog over to her yard.  I never let them be together since that day. 

My opinion is that dogs of a size need to be able to run together but large and small in an area filled with other loose dogs is just too risky for me.

I have two american pit bull terriers and my dogs are very good dogs. I also know and understand their nature. bull terriers view small dogs as vermin or prey unfortunately because of well its just there nature. My dogs are always on a leash no matter where they go. I will never have my dogs off of their leash except in their yard. I never take them to a dog park but i do walk them in public I stay away from other groups of dogs because I don't want to risk them hurting someone elses dogs.Im not saying that they would. they have never bit anyone elses dogs or been aggressive when I had them in dog training. oh and all pit bulls should not be put down. i HATE  people who say this. i know this is going to catch some flack but oh well. Last year I saw a pure blood german shepard rip a sheltie to pieces at a dog park. any dog has the potential to be dangerous

I was attacked by a Boston Terrier as a child. Grabbed onto my chin and hung on for a bit. That's not a large dog (which is why I have no scars from the attack), but the impulse to attack is in all dogs. The difference is the pits are strong enough to do damage quickly.

morgaine24 
bull terriers view small dogs as vermin or prey unfortunately because of well its just there nature.

unfortunately, you and responsible owners like you have a long uphill battle to fight.  you can thank the popularity of the pit bull with the gangster culture for your favorite breed's downfall.  These people, who cant even take care of their own children, think that they can take care of a dog.  they dont realize the massive responsibility that comes with dog ownership, let alone owning a breed villified because lack of owner responsibility by a few owners (gangsters and wannabes)

That is so true. Some people think that its so easy raising a dog but its not because if you want to raise it the right way it takes time and patience, but some people just get lazy and lose interest in it so it becomes mean and they end up losing it or it ends up dead. Just like the dogs on the east-side. I always see them get ran over on the roads over there. Its just ridiculous!

Size doesn't matter.  My neighbor's Pit attacked another neighbor's Lab and ripped it to shreds.  Pits should be banned from dog parks.

My point is that bigger dogs are more likely to be able to defend themselves than say a Pit or German Shepherd against a Yorkie or a Westie.  I doubt my Lab would be very good at defending herself since she is submissive to other dogs.  She was even submissive to the WestieX until another dog was brought into the yard and then I guess she wanted to show dominance.  Who knows? 

I still say dog parks should be divided and have a place where small dogs can run without fear of being attacked by a large dog.  If you've never had to try to stop an attack like that you may not understand how powerless you are.

Dogs seem to be more territorial in their own yards than at a dog park so you'd think it would be a great place for them to learn to socialize.  Unfortunately you don't know the temperment of other dogs so to me, it's a risk I'm not willing to take.

"My point is that bigger dogs are more likely to be able to defend themselves"

nancy - The Lab was twice as big as the Pit and not submissive. 

Question from girlsmom on Oct 19, 2009 at 10:54 PM "Have you ever heard of a golden retriever mauling a kid or another dog?"      Answer ---- Yes.  Not only heard of it.  Visited the boy in the hospital.   Catch myself staring at his scars sometimes and remembering just how bad the attack was. Any breed of dog is capable of biting and attacking.   Sometimes the attacks are totally unexpected.  We have a friend, now a freshman in college who was attacked in his front yard by his neighbor's Golden Retriever.   He was in 6th or 7th grade at the time.  This boy had known this dog since it was a puppy and there had never been any issues between them.  Witnesses state that the dog came from its own yard and went straight for the boy.   The young man required hospitalization.  The dog owners who were not on the scene of the attack refused to believe the details.  They knew their dog as a kind and gentle family pet.  They were adamant that this boy must have done something to provoke the animal.  Witnesses all agreed there had been no recent interaction between the two prior to the attack. None could recall there ever being a problem between the two.  These two families were the best of friends and this incident put a strain on their peaceful coexistence.  A lawsuit for medical bills had to be filed.   The dog owners would probably still be in denial to this very day about how dangerous their dog was.  However;  months after the fist attack their own four year old daughter was attacked by this same dog while sitting on the floor in their family room.   No warning, no altercation, just pow. The dog lunged for her face and ripped her up badly.   Why?  Who knows.   They had the dog put down.  Too bad they were so sure Golden Retrievers never attack.    

Would it be legal to shoot and kill the Pit while it was attaching the Yorkie?  Just wondering.

I was there with my two dogs Sunday night when the attack occurred.  It happened in a split-second.  The pit mix actually looked like he was playing with the smaller dog at first.  It was just awful and my heart breaks for the owner.

I don't disagree that there should be a small dog area at the park.  But I think there is an onus of responsiblity on all dog owners to make sure their dogs can behave at the park and leave immediately if they can't.  My Corgi, Finley, was attacked by a Great Dane Puppy that the owners had no control over.  My Bernese Mountain Dog, Truman, came to her defense and it was almost a VERY ugly scene.  That happended in May and we have only recently returned. 

For the most part, the regulars at Kroll have great dogs and have them well under control.  As a group, we have a tendency to confront owners with stupid dogs and they tend not to come back.  We are all a little more careful since Sunday, I think...

I think this town has more pitbulls and/or the mix thereof than others.....I was at a huge dog park outside of Boston, there were many many dogs, large and small and of various breeds however there was not ONE pitbull.  Unfortunately we live in a town where there are many........I know I won't take my small dogs in the Dog Park if there is a pitbull or mix of one present....it is too bad as my dogs love to go and they like playing with the bigs dogs, those that play with them, not attack them!     

First off,  I know the owner of the little yorkie and feel very bad for her.  Second, it does not matter how well trained your dog is or how much you swear they wouldn't hurt a fly, ALL DOGS BITE.  They all have the potential to attack, you do not know what is going on in their minds or what instincts or cues they will react to.  I worked for a vet for years, if I had a dollar for every time someone told me I didn't need to muzzle their pet because Fluffy doesn't bite, I would be rich.  Some breeds tend to attack more then others but that does not mean that the other breeds aren't capable of it.  I have had Labs, pits, chows, retrievers, dachsunds, poodles, yorkies, german shepherds, every breed under the sun attempt to bite either myself or a member of the staff, without provocation, etc.  My oldest child was bit in the face by my motherinlaws little Lhasa when he was a baby, she had never bit anyone either and my motherinlaw was in shock that she did it - she also swore she would never bite. 

Like one previous writer said, we seem to have an overabundance of pits in this town,  they are a status symbol in some subcultures.  In most cases, it is not the dog's fault.  It is the fault of the owner for showing such a lack of disregard for the general public and their own families and not giving them the proper training - the same can be said however of all breeds -  but you add the physical strength and tenacity of a pit bull and that locking jaw and you are in real trouble. 

One more thing, dogs are not human.  They react to instincts and cues from other dogs, people and their owners.  They do not think like humans or behave like humans no matter how much their owners would like them to.  They are animals and will behave the way an animal is meant to behave. 

Worst dogs I ever had to work on?  a Chow and a black lab.  both dogs had the nastiest dispositions. 

It's really sad to hear about these things but I have a Pit Bull and to me, he's my son.  I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to him.  He was raised around my cat and needless to say, he's the only animal that he is not aggressive with.  I am aware how fast he can get a hold of another animal therefore, I would never bring him to a dog park.  I will walk him on a leash and harness, but stay way far away from other animals. People should know how their animal is going to interact with other dogs and act accordingly.

I've been going to that dog park off & on since 1987, not sure if it weas considered a park then but we took our mutt there just the same. 99% of the people there now are great, the dogs play & you can see a bit of growling if one dog annoys the other but usually thats it. Our mutt is a very shy dog, usually not more than 4 or 5 paces from me or my wife & will usually cower to other dogs. Still I do carry protection just in case, you won't know I have it till it comes out (& now it's not a firearm, illegal to discharge in city limits & no ccw) if my protection does come out one dog will be down for the count, plain & simple. You must be prepared when around unknown dogs & keep yours close to you so you can react. All Pits are not bad, same as all poddles are not good, you need to watch out for all dogs & just be prepared to defend your & yourself.

people will defend pit's, i agree with most people all animals have a potential to turn. pit ownes should not take them to dog parks, the city should discriminate against the pit breed in public parks, they should also ban rottie's and ridgebacks and other dog breeds that have aggressive behaviors. i do not like little dog's but i don't like mean dogs even more. i live in a bad part of town we have stray cats and dogs running wild like nothng i have ever seen. the other day i saw a what looked like a 10 year old girl maybe about 70 pounds walking a large pit on a leash, the pit saw a cat and drug the girl down the road, she was dragged on her stomach for about 25-35 feet before she let go of the leash, this girl's parents are stupid pet owners. defend the pit breed all you loveable pit owners.

sorry about that......i just used a golden retriever as an example............Golden's are not known for attacking. we were told by my daughter's dog teacher that dog parks are not good to go to anyways due to what they could catch and the possibility of injury, so we won't be going anymore anyways. although all dogs have the potential to be aggressive, there are those breeds that are more prone to it.

Let me start by saying I work with dogs. I work for a groomer. Beware of all dogs. You have no idea what is going on in their minds. A few years ago I had to put down my pit bull mix due to old age (13 years old) She never bit a single person in her life, or acted as if she would. On the other hand, I replaced her with a dachshund/Jack Russell mix, and he has bitten 2 people. When I go to the dog park he is very aggressive toward other dogs and would never let him off the leash. People ask why  don't let him off the leash and I tell them because he's a jerk.

mtndewrob ~ ROFL.  I have a boxer mix who is also a total idiot.  Sweetest dog in the world, loves people and other animals, kids, puppies...just wants everyone to love her.  She just hasn't learned that for some reason raising her hackles and barking and growling at anyone and everyone is NOT going to get them to love on her.

Walk anywhere near her when she's in "her" truck and she'll go balistic.  Walk up to her and stick your hand in the window and she'll lick you to death.  Stop petting her and walk away and the hackles come back up and she barks her fool head off.

She's never bitten anyone, and even tho she's a large dog I've NEVER seen another dog be as gentle with kids and small dogs or puppies as she is.

However, because of her, ummm, wierdness, I would never allow her to interact with strange dogs, large or small, off leash in a strange environment.

She also barks at anything on wheels that isn't a car - skateboards, bicycles, golf carts, motorcycles, motorized wheelchairs...even people with walkers that have the wheels on front.  Acts like she's scared to death of them.  If she can get close enough, she tries to bite the tires.

What a wierdo!  No way would I subject other peoples animals to that lol.  No telling what she'd do if someone came by on rollerblades . . .

I am going to have to go with Nancy ll.  She seems to have a good idea for this situation.  Now as far as dogs go I had a very extremely small chiuaua ,  (  I know this is spelled wrong but spell check didn't correct it )dog whose head was not as big as my palm, try to and almost bit me.  Several times this little cute kind of a dog came after me, and it was in my yard.  Never seen this dog before.  So it isn't just the Pit terriers.  I have seen German Shepard's, Labs, Chows , and even poodles who would attack a person and as well another animal.  But the Pits for too long have been chained to the spare tire and left in the front yard to guard.  I think that would piss me off a little too to be done that way.  And here is the quote from Nancy and I do feel she is extremely correct here, 

I still say dog parks should be divided and have a place where small dogs can run without fear of being attacked by a large dog.  If you've never had to try to stop an attack like that you may not understand how powerless you are.

Dogs seem to be more territorial in their own yards than at a dog park so you'd think it would be a great place for them to learn to socialize.  Unfortunately you don't know the temperament of other dogs so to me, it's a risk I'm not willing to take.

I can only feel for that lady who I can tell by whats been said here loved her dog much.  And then to watch it get killed right in front of you.  I think maybe the owner of the pit mix should have been in more control of their own dog, and paying attention to its behavior.  I had heard about that park and have considered going there myself, but now I will just not .  I have a medium sized dog and it I am sure could defend itself.  But I love my dog also, and dint even want to see it fight with another.  It would really bother me to see it get hurt or even hurt another or possibly kill it.  The pit mix more than likely was starting out playing but that can change quickly and too often it does.  Thanks for all the comments , because it has made up my mind about not where to go and walk the dog.  And Nancy  Good stand and very viable.  I remember the last time I was on about a dog we didn't see eye to eye.  But here I can sure line up with what ya had to say. 

  2 : ^ )

Lexie Lu was my little yorkie that was killed.  We normally go in the a.m. where we know the dogs & they know her.  I was out of town all day & decided to take her & my other dog in the late afternoon. All dogs were always interested in her because of her size (4 lbs)...I always thought how cute she was with them.  Wagging her tail, lifting her head up to theirs, as if to say hi. I had just put her down & saw this dog go up to her...I did not have fear, nor did she.  I honestly believe this dog thought she was a toy.  He did not go up to her aggressively.  I just want everyone to know that the lady who owned the other dog feels horrible.  She phoned me crying & said she would have her dog put down.  Of course this is not what I want & told her so.  It would not & does not ease the hurt & pain I feel.  I just want my little Lexie Lu back.  She was the love of my life.  15 years of going through so many of lifes ups & downs.  She always loved me & I will always love her. 

I would love to copy & paste pics of my baby ... mind is blank & i can't remember how to do this.  any ideas? She was so sweet & beautiful.

I also heard that one of the news stations carried a story...I missed it.  Does anyone know where I can see a clip of this?

{{{hugs}}} to you LoveVintage. I'm so very sorry this happened to you and I'm touched to see that you continue to be kindhearted through your pain. My condolences on your loss.

Since I heard about this I have been thinking of you (the owner) and your "Lexie Lu" (the dog until now) that you lost this past weekend.  Although I don't know you I do know the overwhelming grief one can experience when you lose your beloved pet, they are sooo much more than that, they really become a part of you.   I hope the many memories of the past 15 years will help you in the healing process of your loss ~

(((Love Vintage)))~ I am so very sorry. You are a wonderful example to us all. A class act my friend~ Love and blessings to you ~sage

The news clip of the Kroll incident ran on channel 17's 6:00 PM newscast last night (Tue, 10/20/09).

Checked online and on their website, but don't see it posted anywhere...

Somebody out there might have recorded it to their DVR or maybe to a computer, though... Anyone out there have this clip you could post online somehow?

Veg

LoveV ~ my heart aches for you...

Mine too.  I'm so sad for you; my shortage of words betrays my inability to put the sadness into words.

Sweet little love.

LV,  so sorry for your loss

(((((((( hugs )))))))))

We are so sorry for your loss. (((((((lovevintage))))))) & (((((((Lexie Lu))))))) 

Sorry about your loss LV.  Call KGET and tell them you would like a copy of the story on DVD.  If they won't help, let me know.  I have connections :)

thanks to everyone for your support.  i did an interview today with KGET which will air tonight @ 5:30...swollen eyes & all.  I'm sorry to those that have pit bulls, but right now, I can't stand them.  Why on earth would you own a dog that likes the taste of blood?!!!  My story will talk about how this park is like a disneyland for dogs.  I hold any pet owner responsible for not having control of their dog.  Although my loss is tremendous, I can only think about all of the little kids that go and how awful it would have been to have one of these dogs attack, maime, kill a child.  Be responsible.  Take responsility.  The lady that interviewed me had a friend who's little dog was attacked & hurt...the lady gave her false information...what a loser.  At least the lady who owned the dog that attacked mine was truthful.  For the most part, we (the morning crowd) have the most loving dogs who just want to play with each other. 

To the ones that insist on bringing your vicious dogs to Kroll Park, you are not welcome.  You will be asked by the regulars to leave & to never come back.  We will enforce this.  We will fight for all dogs rights, we will fight for all peoples rights...to have a safe park.  We will be watching you!   Join the crusade for a safe park.

My little Lexie Lu lost her life....we have to save the ones that could lose theirs by vicious dogs. 

MrsEarnhardt88, I will definitely try to get a dvd copy of this...and now know to look you up if I can't.  Thank you.

Veggumes, Darrlyn, Almynam: please make yourself known at the park.  I would love to give out hugs to the people who were there & offered support.  We all have a special bond...we are truly dog lovers.

I personally have never taken my pooches to a dog park. One reason being ~ my large dog is a Chow/Boxer mix - although he is a gentle dog (to us), i would not trust him to 'not-attack' ~ therefore, we keep him away/restrained... 2nd reason, my other baby is a small pug/shitz mix, and i would hate to see her hurt....(although she runs the roost at home)

i have driven past a dog-park in the area of Coffee Rd, South of Snow. That park has a sign posted No Large Dogs Allowed.  i think they should have small dog parks, and large dog parks. keep them separate. all dogs can bite, but no one will be killed or have their face ripped off by a chiuaua. i have a scar on my lip from when i was about 14, and my aunts bi-polar dog latched onto my face out of the blue. it was some kind of (obese) terrier.

my heart and thoughts are with you Love V ~ hope to see your story on the news tonight.

LoveVintage, sorry for your loss. You stated if there is a vicious dog in the park the owner will be asked to leave & it will be enforced, you also stated the pit came up & did not act agressively, the pit was not vicous until it attacked & as you stated the dog probably thought yours was a toy. It still sucks that your dog was killed & if it was mine that was attacked the other dog would have gone down at the scene by me trying to protect my dog. Please don't try & keep out dogs from the park simply due to breed, this is a public park & people are allowed to bring their dogs there regardless of breed. As for a dog acting vicous when it comes in, that's another story, those that are there need to get their dogs under their control & call the authorities to get the vicous animal out of the area.  

<3's I am so sorry for your loss! We had to put down our 15 year old Dalmation last Tuesday. It broke my heart. She thought she was a lap dog. The hardest part has been to see the pain in my 4 and 9 year olds son's faces as they cry for her. I told the 4 year old that Jesus needed a good dog so he took Spottie Dottie  there and we will see her again in heaven. His reply "I'm mad at Jesus, tell him to send her back. I need her!" From the mouth of babes! lol

 LV- the story is on the KGET website.

"we were just there sat. night with our dogs and the area where the pit bull people sit there was an argument between two people about an aggressive pit bull going after another dog that was a doberman.  the people i was talking to and i commented on how pit bulls can be dangerous dogs but they did add that there had not been a problem so far. pit bulls need to have their own park~or just be totally extinguished as a breed as far as I am concerned. i know there will be those who say they are such sweet dogs~yadda yadda yadda! Bah Humbug!  they can turn in an instant for no apparent reason. Have you ever heard of a golden retriever mauling a kid or another dog?  a pit bull attack never turns out small. we too will not go there if pit bulls are in attendance as we also have a small dog. too bad too, it is a nice park and my dogs love it."

You should check your facts on the dogs you list actually there are documented cases where golden retriever mauling kids they get jealous of the attention when new kids come along its just not near as publicized as pitts being a owner of pitts I believe you should have responsibility with them I would never take my pitts to a dog park they are well behaved dogs however I dont want to take the chance of them hurting another dog I know they wouldnt a person unless they felt you were a threat to me or my kids. Just check your facts before you speak on dogs is all I am saying I do feel sorry for the poor woman who lost her dog though

I watched the newscast last night, <tear>

Hi all.

Couldn't find any archived video of the KGET news story, but they do have the printed version of the story available---will provide a link to it below.

* * * * *

City: Use dog parks at your own risk

http://www.kget.com/news/lo...

The video is

in the Top Stories column on the left under Contact 17 Investigation: Pit Bull attack kills Yorkshire Terrier.

Eliminate the entire breed...and their owners. Both are genetic trash.

Veg & Blue, thank you both for the link.  And to everyone on here and to those that I know through Kroll Park and to those that I've met because of my tragedy ... I thank you for your kindness. 

jmabbott, you are right...I should not discriminate against a breed.  The anger really over came me :(  I truly do love all animals.

Since the news story ran, I have had some people ask if I'm going to sue.  I would like to clarify that it never crossed my mind, I never spoke those words, nor would I ever sue someone else when they are distraught over what happened.  I love my Lexie, but money will not bring her back.  And the lady who owned the pit bull mix cried right along with me. 

We love Kroll Park and most of the people & dogs that go...all I want is for people to be responsible & not bring your dog into the park if it is aggressive towards other dogs or people, you know if they are.  Don't be stupid.

LV, thank you for your class and decency. Lexie was a fortunate girl to have such a wonderful dog mom.