Black bear mauls pit bull

[Marty]

United States -- JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- A man let his family's dog outside to play, where it was attacked by a black bear.

Jay Thompson said the 2-year-old pit bull, Aleah, had a shattered left femur and a dislocated hip from the recent attack. The dog was being treated at Ebensburg Animal Hospital.

Mr. Thompson said he knew something was wrong when he let the dog out and she ran across the street, barking and growling. He said he has seen the bear in his neighborhood before and is grateful that no children were outside at the time.

Tina Taylor, with Habitat for Hounds, said the group has pledged $100 toward Aleah's medical bills, which could cost as much as $1,000.

"The family contacted us for help and we are willing to do what we can," Ms. Taylor said.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/NEWS99/60919013

[miakoda]

Poor dog. BUT, this is why people are so stupid to let their dogs run off-leash. Leashes were made for a reason as were fences.

And no offense, but why are they now asking for help with the bills? If you can't afford a dog, don't get one!

[Attila]

I will match that lame organization. I would love to be able to bring my hounds and bear catching Pit bulls to catch and kill that bear. I need a new rug and it would be cool to fill some poor mans freezer with meat. What is the address to that vet center some one in PA hook me up with that and I will beat that organization. What kind of organization only pledges a $100? That is like giving a starving child a quater to buy a meal. Some one pm me the address and phone number so I can call them. The only good bear is a grilled one. Either on a bbq grill or the grill of my F250. Who is in PA? Get your phone book out so I can call and do my part.

[Attila]

Mia, yes the dog should have been confined to a chain but if the bear had gotten to the dog first on the chain this story would be about a dead dog and a bear attack. And if kids were out playing Lord knows what that thing could have done. I can afford that kind of bill and think most should if they are going to have dogs. I am finding that those Like me and you are getting rare. My vets know not to call me after I take a dog to them. I will cover the cost no matter what. Not everyone can be prepaired for $1000 hit at one time. I think that is a lucky number for a hip and a broken leg. It wouldn't cost that much here but in some places it would be twice that ammount too. It is nothing for me to drop $6,000 in a day or two in vet bills on my farm and kennels. The average pet owner I have seen don't have a $6000 car setting in their driveway not alone setting in a bank. You are right though. They should not be having pets if they can't afford them or can contain them. I shoot bears dead and any other predator that comes near my farm or kennels. Obviously this person was not prepaired for this. I don't know if his kid is in college or not. Noting about him. But he took his dog to be treated and not put it to sleep as many do so I am willing to help him. I can put his ass to work for me if need be. Maybe he is looking for a free ride I don't know But if the dog is saved I will have done my part. If He bought a chain it would be even better but they need to kill that bear now before it gets a child.

[catcher T]

I was thinking $1000 for fixing up that dog isn't to bad a price.