My best friend

#1 01-31-2006, 05:51 PM

My forum name is Rusty and I sent out a thread that may have offended some people but I wanted to get as many responses as possible for this one particular reason. I am not racist against any race as a matter of fact I am a African Americam, I wanted to see how people would react to this thread for this reason. I live in Burlington NC, only been here for 1 month, I was walking my APBT that I have owned for 7yrs, he is a housedog never been on a chain, never been involved in a fight, never attacked anyone. He was a friend to my wife and son, a family member. I was stopped by animal control and told that his chain was too heavy and that it was inhumane to walk my dog on such a heavy chain and that I had to turn it over to her while they performed a investigation, I refused and you know what the next step was, exactly the police were called to the scene and as they loaded my buddy up the comments I posted were the same comments that were said to me as a explanation of why my dog was being taken. When I got to the animal shelter to get my dog back they told me that he attacked one of the animal shelter workers and had to be put to sleep, my dog never growled at anyone, never barked at anyone and absolutely loved people to death stranger or not. Needless to say my family and I are destroyed by this event and just like someone responded it makes you not even want to own a APBT because I could never watch a member of my family taken away and then put to sleep. R.I.P. RUSTY I love you buddy,

thablacksheep · #2 01-31-2006, 05:56 PM

Sorry for your loss partna

**14rock** · #3 01-31-2006, 06:01 PM

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.

**Miss Conduct** · #4 01-31-2006, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by 14rock

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.

You took the words right outta my mouth! Good Post.

**~~sajoseph~~** · #5 01-31-2006, 06:08 PM

I'm sorry. That sucks. My husband says he will go to jail if nayone ever takes our Dixie from us.

You own the breed, you HAVE a responsibility to THEM, dont make them look worse then they are, dont live up to THEIR expectations, dont use a huge chain!

Txbkennel · #6 01-31-2006, 06:34 PM

My dog will chew through a nylon leash in a matter of minutes like if we are sitting on a bench or at the vet(he knows where he is and he's nervous!) or whatever other than that just walking he is fine. I can see using a normal sized chain in some situations, but a big chain will make people think that he "needs" to be on a chain that large or else, but I have seen people react the other way and get antsy even when a Pit is in sitting position on one of those retractable dental floss thin leads...lol

**14rock** · #7 01-31-2006, 06:41 PM

What happened to using one of these? They are cheap, strong, deter biting, and dont make you look like a thug.

Edit-and yes, those retractable leashes should not be used by anybody, let along bulldog owners. I've seen a 10 lb. pomeranian break one and a 3 month old pup break the big heavy duty ones.

simms · #8 01-31-2006, 07:46 PM

That suck's!

I would follow up on their story....

Most states require a 10-14 day qaurnteen, then the fate of the animal in question is decided.

Was your dog up to date on his VX? Did you see the injury that your dog was accused of? Did you recive a written report or request a copy of this inccedent?

If that was my dog, I would want those details!!!

RiotDog · #9 01-31-2006, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by 14rock

What happened to using one of these? They are cheap, strong, deter biting, and dont make you look like a thug.
Edit-and yes, those retractable leashes should not be used by anybody, let along bulldog owners. I've seen a 10 lb. pomeranian break one and a 3 month old pup break the big heavy duty ones.

I agree with 14rock, that is the type of leash I use. But........damn have a little bit of compassion. It wasn't necessary for them to take his dog away from him just b/c of that. And then, put his dog to sleep??????WTF!!!!!And if your dog chews on the leash, fix them problem, there are ways. And rusty, IMO ANYONE who is walking an APBT in public is prone to prejudice. But the fact that you were a black man, walking your APBT in public, looking the way you did with big chain and all, it is only common sense to expect negative assumptions from anyone who witnessess you, especially animal control.

GAS HOUSE KENNELS · #10 01-31-2006, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by 14rock

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.

could not have said it better!

**~~rocksteady~~** · #11 01-31-2006, 08:28 PM

how long did it take you to go to the shelter to get your dog back?? I would have been hanging off the bumper of the car that took him away...
I think they were perfectly in their right to stop you and ask about the heavy chain since there are far to many people whom dont use common sense..but I dont think it was in their right to take your dog if nothing was wrong (dog healthy, fit, etc)

Thats why experts will tell you keep the dogs off public streets and get a treadmill for them..

**14rock** · #12 02-01-2006, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by RiotDog

But........damn have a little bit of compassion. It wasn't necessary for them to take his dog away from him just b/c of that. And then, put his dog to sleep??????WTF!!!!!

I do feel bad this man lost his dog and his family lost a friend! However, right now my compassion goes to the dog I'm seeing walked down the street with a huge chain for no other reason that to be an ego booster to the owner. Unfortunately, the dog died because of the walkers image. It damn sure isnt right....no body is saying the SPCA did the right thing. Far from it, however I just feel its irresponsible to play on these stereotypes you know exist and then whine when the reaction you knew people have cause you some greivance. I've always been told "you hang out with the trash and you get thrown out with the garbage". Don't take that the wrong way and assume I'm calling you trash, as I'm not at all! What I am saying is your acting the part of a stereotype so dont be suprised when people stereotype it. I know there is a stereotype of say Fat bald men with rebel trucks, hoods, and pick-up trucks. Would it be responsible of me to do all those things I listed previously and then complain when I get stopped by the police? Of course not. Do you get the point I'm trying to make....and no its not that I'm a rebel flag toting,truck driving KKK member and your a trash bag

Txbkennel · #13 02-01-2006, 12:35 AM

Well said, you're already going to get a dirty look for walking an APBT PERIOD...even if you are a 76 year old little granny in a pink dress...the rest of the story was like adding fuel to the fire.

Originally Posted by 14rock

I do feel bad this man lost his dog and his family lost a friend! However, right now my compassion goes to the dog I'm seeing walked down the street with a huge chain for no other reason that to be an ego booster to the owner. Unfortunately, the dog died because of the walkers image. It damn sure isnt right....no body is saying the SPCA did the right thing. Far from it, however I just feel its irresponsible to play on these stereotypes you know exist and then whine when the reaction you knew people have cause you some greivance. I've always been told "you hang out with the trash and you get thrown out with the garbage". Don't take that the wrong way and assume I'm calling you trash, as I'm not at all! What I am saying is your acting the part of a stereotype so dont be suprised when people stereotype it. I know there is a stereotype of say Fat bald men with rebel trucks, hoods, and pick-up trucks. Would it be responsible of me to do all those things I listed previously and then complain when I get stopped by the police? Of course not. Do you get the point I'm trying to make....and no its not that I'm a rebel flag toting,truck driving KKK member and your a trash bag

**SEAL** · #14 02-01-2006, 11:47 AM

again i know its off topic but you project a certain image to reflect a part of your personality. They call them Fashion STATEMENTS for a reason bcs they are saying something. I can tell you from experience you see me coming off of work button down 100 dollar shirt, Linen Slacks, Dress shoes and a Tie even at 22 i get a different level of respect from ppl than when im sitten at the bar wearing my cowboy boots a Beat2Sleep t shirt and a pitbull belt buckle. How you present yourself is critical remember first impressions are everything. that said
Walking my Pit down the street with Tow chain around his neck and a pad lock as a collar with a spikey harness and a shirt that reads I dont like you go away is going to get me treated a certain way right off the bat.
Being an Adult extends to many aspects of your life.
Its like the clowns here that wear the shirts that say " ya youll do" or im easy or beaver cafe and crap like that does that show any respect to the girl your about to walk up and talk to.

jasong · #15 02-01-2006, 12:02 PM

Yo Rock,

The man just lost his dog your your giving him shit. Relax a little damb. What is your prupose for saying what you did other than to make him feel bad and hurt someones feelings. Wow, some people on this forum are just plain a-holes.

Silverpearl · #16 02-01-2006, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by jasong

Yo Rock,

The man just lost his dog your your giving him shit. Relax a little damb. What is your prupose for saying what you did other than to make him feel bad and hurt someones feelings. Wow, some people on this forum are just plain a-holes.

Look, obviously everyone here knows what the "public image" is of pit bulls...evil, killers, baby-eaters, and only macho tough drug dealing scum of the earth owns them...

With that being said, why on earth would you walk down the street with a pit bull on a huge chain?! That's just asking for trouble, IMO. Yes it's unfortunate that things happened the way they did, but in the same sense, it's the owners fault for perpetuating the stereotype! Of course people are going to get scared, then AC will demand to take your dog, you argue with them, and people get even more scared!
It's a shame that we have to live in a society that judges people based on their looks, but guess what? WE LIVE IN THAT SOCIETY! So if anyone learns anything from this: don't walk your dog down the street on a huge chain w/a padlock and a chain collar, or a huge spiked harness or vest, b/c you are only furthering the thoughts of some that these dogs are only for the tough macho thugs who are "bad ass" and no one can touch them!

I'm sorry for the OP who had to learn this the hard way...

Txbkennel · #17 02-01-2006, 01:05 PM

whatever happened to do doing things because you like it?...people will assume what they will, even if you aren't trying to "say" anything...if i wanted to drive around in a Cadillac Escalaide with 30in. rims on it, i don't have to be doing it for anyone else...what if i just like it. should i be limited to what i can drive because of a stereotype? as long as you know why you are doing what you're doing, it shouldn't matter...BUT i know it does...

Silverpearl · #18 02-01-2006, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Txbkennel

whatever happened to do doing things because you like it?...people will assume what they will, even if you aren't trying to "say" anything...if i wanted to drive around in a Cadillac Escalaide with 30in. rims on it, i don't have to be doing it for anyone else...what if i just like it. should i be limited to what i can drive because of a stereotype? as long as you know why you are doing what you're doing, it shouldn't matter...BUT i know it does...

It's unfortunate, it really is. But it's the way some people are and it's not gonna change anytime soon. Hell, it's getting to the point where you can't even do anything nice for someone anymore. There was a person who brought their chinchillas to an elementary school for a show and tell type of thing. Someone's kid ended up getting sick (cold, maybe, or flu?) and the mother called a reporter and said that the fluffy little rodent is what made her kid sick. Ridiculous! I think adults need more educating than kids do nowadays, and to think these kids are learning from their parents...

#19 02-01-2006, 08:58 PM

Personally, Rusty, I would fo llow up on everything. Although you "say" your dog never growled or acted inappropriately, believe me, animals can do a 180 when placed in a situation they're uaware of, not used to, and while placed in the company of people they've never seen before. A 180!!!! I work MANY hours at boarding facilities, and an animals behavior changes dramatically when they're there. So, follow up on the "report". If a bite did infact occur, especially at a shelter, it should have been documented, and a report filed.
Then find out what your local laws are. If a bite occurs, what are the WRITTEN steps that are then taken by officials or ACO.
In regards to the post having officials present a warrant. If L.E. deems a situation as "probable cause", a warrant, therefore is not necessary. The huge chain, they could have felt gave them probable cause, as, why is that dog being walked on such a HUGE chain, especially since Rusty said it was a good dog, a house dog, and never hurt anyone? Why, then, would you want to draw such unnecessary attention to yourself, if the dog is such a mild mannered dog? With all the grief this breed already gets, imo, that just seems foolish.
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. That truly sux!
Follow up though, and see where it gets you. The inicident COULD have happened. If so, you'll at least have, somewhat, of a piece of mind, as to why. and again, sorry to hear about your loss.

simms · #20 02-01-2006, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by SEAL

again i know its off topic but you project a certain image to reflect a part of your personality. They call them Fashion STATEMENTS for a reason bcs they are saying something. I can tell you from experience you see me coming off of work button down 100 dollar shirt, Linen Slacks, Dress shoes and a Tie even at 22 i get a different level of respect from ppl than when im sitten at the bar wearing my cowboy boots a Beat2Sleep t shirt and a pitbull belt buckle. How you present yourself is critical remember first impressions are everything. that said
Walking my Pit down the street with Tow chain around his neck and a pad lock as a collar with a spikey harness and a shirt that reads I dont like you go away is going to get me treated a certain way right off the bat.
Being an Adult extends to many aspects of your life.
Its like the clowns here that wear the shirts that say " ya youll do" or im easy or beaver cafe and crap like that does that show any respect to the girl your about to walk up and talk to.

Veary true.....