Pit Bull Surprise

Well, its been proven now that Jades training, learning how to be less defensive with other dogs, has paid off, in a big way!  Yesterday, we had a pit bull surprise.  Jade and I were walking from the car into a grocery store, when suddenly from under the porch of the grocery store, a pit comes running toward us, and stops short to give Jade a good sniffing.  I couldnt believe my eyes! A pit bull, without a leash, hanging out in front of the grocery store, coming up to bother a working dog, a service dog!!! What the hell has this town come to!?  Where the hell was the owner of this beast!?

Jades training has definitely paid off, as she performed exactly as a service dog should in such an unwelcome situation. She stopped and let the beast sniff her, taking her away from her job and her attention off of me. This kind of thing makes me SICK! I am so sick and tired of these irresponsible pit bull owners and they just continue to show that they cannot be trusted to be responsible with their beasts!!!  Nevertheless, Jade stood there and let the dog sniff, and I kept trying to pull her forward, thinking if we just kept moving that the darn pit bull would just give up the sniff and walk away....and I didnt know when the beast would suddenly decide that Jade would taste better than she smells, and its DNA would kick in, and it would perform its best gripping behavior on my girl! But the more I tried to pull her away and keep moving, the more she planted her feet and wouldnt move.  I think she thought it was best to stay still for the moment.

I thought that Jade might turn to her defensive behavior and start growling and defending herself, and then the beast would attempt to kill her....at which point I would have had to brutally kill the damn thing right there in front of the grocery store, in front of about 30 people! But she didnt.  Jade behaved like a perfect service dog.  Standing there, letting it sniff, while I was yelling, "Whos damn dog is this!? Get your damned dog! My dog is working here!" I began reaching in my purse for my weapon, as I was afraid, and didnt know what would happen, when suddenly a lady came out of the story with a shopping cart and aimed for the pit bull.  She acted like she was going to hit the pit bull with the shopping cart and shouted, "Hey, get outta here!" And the pit bull went back to his place under the porch of the store! So we moved along and went into the store.

When we went into the store, I got on one of the shopping cart buggies, with Jade at my side, and realized I was shaking so hard I could barely function.  Jade stood there looking at me, and I had to sit down and just stop, and breathe.  I really couldnt do anything because I was just too upset.  Im really sick and tired of running into loose dogs in this town, with my working, service dog, especially pit bulls, the most inherently dangerous and vicious types of dogs out there! I am afraid of pit bulls and I have a damn good reason to be! If youre not afraid of pit bulls, then your lacking information on them! My dogs been attacked by a pit bull, pets, service dogs, and children and adults have been attacked and killed by pit bulls, and that, if you ask me, is a damn good reason to fear them! Theyve attacked, injured, and killed many a service dog in situations as these.

This town really needs to do something about the pit bull problem.  There are way too many of them, they are over populated, over bred, and overly vicious! The shelters in this town are full of those dogs, which I dont get! If these pit bull lovers love these dogs as much as they claim, then why are there so many of them in the shelters!? Why are they always roaming the streets with no owners? Why isnt this problem getting taken care of?!

Anyway...I have to say that I was VERY proud of my girl, Jade for doing exactly what she was trained to do....be a GREAT SERVICE DOG! It took me a while to calm down, and luckily I have a great group of supportive, encouraging, empathic friends to talk to about these things, which helps me immensely! And I have my amazing service dog to help me with anxiety, depression, and my physical disabilities.

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PIT BULLS AND OTHER DANGEROUS DOGS KEEP ON KILLING

http://www.optuszoo.com.au/news/top/news-com-au/guide-dog-killed-in-pit-bull-attack/750059

ANOTHER innocent Guide dog killed in yet ANOTHER vicious pit bull attack.  When are pit bull owners finally going to understand that their dogs are dangerous; they pose a huge danger to society!

Pit bulls are mauling, maiming and killing people, pets, and service/guide dogs at a rate UNMATCHED by any other type of dog, and WE ARE SICK OF IT!!!!

I dont really care whos at fault, whether its the dogs or the owners; it makes no difference to me. The fact is that pit bulls are dangerous, and a lot of times, so are their owners. So dont bother with your comments about who is at fault, and comment about that "its the owners fault."  I DONT CARE!!!! The FACT is, PIT BULLS CONTINUE TO MAUL, MAIM AND KILL AND IT NEEDS TO STOP, by whatever means necessary! If the damn dogs have to be removed as pets, then so be it.  This guide dog, and NO guide or service dogs, or family pets, or children, or adults deserve to be mauled to death or eaten alive by some aggressive dog, just because its owner thinks he/she has the RIGHT to own whatever dog they want.  Well, guess what....WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO!!!! WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL AND TO BE SAFE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS! 
And were DAMNED TIRED of your vicious dogs harassing, threatening, mauling and attacking, and even KILLING our family members, our pets, and our service and guide dogs! 

It used to be easy for you who own pit bulls, but not anymore! We are going to FIGHT you! And we WILL NOT STOP until these vicious dogs are off of our city streets and are NO longer in homes as pets.  WE WILL FIGHT until its done; until we can live safer, and in more peace in our neighborhoods and can walk down the street with our children, or our dogs and guide/service dogs, without the fear of being mauled to death by your inherently vicious pit bull type dog! 

If you dont want the fight, THEN CONTROL YOUR VICIOUS ANIMALS! Put up an adequate fence, get a stronger leash, train your dogs, put them in a locked pen....do whatever you have to do to MAKE THIS STOP, or youre going to have the fight of your life on your hands! We are gathering an army of support, most of them victims, and we WILL fight you! 


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2186433/Dog-bite-hospital-admissions-rise--especially-children.html

"In the UK it is illegal to breed or own Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brazilieros. They were bred as aggressive fighting dogs.

It is also an offence for an owner to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

The Government has recognised that dog attacks is a growing problem. In 2011 police seized 1,512 illegal dogs – up from just 27 five years earlier. Meanwhile attacks on guide dogs were now running at the rate of seven a month."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2186433/Dog-bite-hospital-admissions-rise--especially-children.html#ixzz23AkD4Eoa

You CANNOT argue the FACT that pit bulls and their mixes, were bred to fight and kill, EVERYONE seems to know that except the owners of these dogs! 

These attacks are inexcusable! Unacceptable! And completely PREVENTABLE! 

You wonder why people like us want BSL?   THIS IS WHY! Because YOU pit bull owners, and owners of DANGEROUS DOGS cant seem to keep your damn killing machines under control! 

Have you ANY idea what it takes to train a service or guide dog? Have you any idea how much it costs? Do you know what kind of a bond a handler has with his/her service/guide dog?  DO YOU EVEN GIVE A DAMN?????


We Will be quiet NO MORE!!!!!!!

Join us to Walk For Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs

October 27th, 2012

12 noon- 7pm

Lincoln Park, Tucson, AZ 

ITS TIME FOR THE VOICES OF THE VICTIMS TO BE HEARD!!!

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Why I like Pit Bulls

When I first started training the only group of dogs I worried about were the bull terriers. I started my police career in the 80s. Back then the pit bull was very popular with the people who were making and dealing drugs. The would often have several dogs staked out with overlapping circles. The theory was that the dogs would delay the police if they came to raid.

I have a fellow deputy who once had to shoot a pit bull off his arm when the dog would not let go. We were particularly wary of their reputation for the strength of their jaw. I listened to more than one bandit brag about how he had bred his dogs for the aggression.

Fortunately for me, the first bull terriers to come into my center were four American Staffordshire Bull Terriers. They belong to my friend and groomer, Kris. She has been raising and showing these dogs for some time and the male she brought in was in the top ten for the breed.

Knowing that Kris is also a trainer and has very good control of her dogs lessened my worries. I found them to be sweet, easy to train and eager to learn. Now Kris does not train in the Manners in Minutes system, but wanted to see it for herself since like many good trainers she is always looking for something to make what she does better.

When I commented on how nice the dogs were to work with Kris explained that when the dogs were still fighting in the pits before it was outlawed, they were too valuable to let them fight to the death. So the owner had to be able to go into the pit and get his dog out without getting bit by either dog. By breeding they are gentle and sweet to humans.

Later when discussing training bulls with the developer of Manners in Minutes training, Pat Muller, Pat also added that during the period when the dogs were still fighting, they were the family pet during the rest of the week. At the first sign of excessive aggression, especially around the owners children, the dog was put down. So over time only the gentlest and sweetest of the bulls (around humans) were bred.

Since then I have worked with a number of Staffordshires, Am Staffs, and Pit Bulls. I look forward to everyone of them. They have all trained well and are some of the best dogs I have turned out were from these breeds.

The lesson from all this is that any dog is dangerous if it isn’t properly trained and socialized. Pit Bulls aren’t more likely to bite than any other breed. As a matter of fact, the most popular breed in this country is the Lab. And Labs are also the dog breed most often reported to the police or animal control is the Lab.

Books shouldn’t be judged by their covers, and dogs shouldn’t be judged by their breeds.

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Pit Bulls Killing Guide and Service Dogs Continued

Posted: May 07, 2012 1:12 PM MSTUpdated: May 07, 2012 1:13 PM MST

 

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office says it has closed its investigation into an incident that a blind man said caused his guide dog to die.

It happened March 19 when Bruce Cole was out walking with his guide dog, "Quincy."

According to Cole, three dogs attacked Quincy. 

"I could feel the dogs hitting her," he said. "Then they came up and slammed her [to the ground]."

Over the next couple of weeks, Cole said Quincys health began deteriorating. She died on Friday.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office confirmed in an e-mail to FOX 13 News that they were conducting a vicious dog investigation. The e-mail said "there were no documented injuries to Quincy, which the vet confirmed" and that "she developed an internal infection from stress."

The sheriffs office said it cited the dogs owners for letting them run loose and not having them properly licensed.

They said there were no other reports against the dogs, and with no other bites or complaints on file, they closed the investigation.

Cole said he has already started the process of getting a replacement for Quincy, but that it could take upwards of one year. 

    NOW  HERES THE REAL STORY

BRUCE COLE, A LEGALLY BLIND RESIDENT OF SARASOTA, WAS WALKING WITH HIS GUIDE DOG QUINCY ON MARCH 19, WHEN ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS...........

                         2 PIT BULLS

BEGAN JUMPING ON QUINCY.  MR. COLE, HAVING WORKED WITH QUINCY FOR 7 YEARS WAS SENSITIVE TO HER MINUTEST MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE HARNESS THE DOG WORE AND KNEW THAT DOGS WERE HITTING AND PROBABLY BITING QUINCY.

BRUCE CALLED 911.  THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULLS CAME FROM HIS HOUSE AND HEARD BRUCE SAYING THAT HIS GUIDE DOG HAD BEEN ATTACKED  AND  HE CALLED HIM.....

                  "A (EXPLETIVE) LIAR"

WHICH CAN BE HEARD ON THE 911 TAPE.

TWO DEPUTIES FROM THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE ARRIVED BUT QUICKLY TURNED THE MATTER OVER TO AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.  THIS OFFICER COULD DETECT NO BITES ON QUINCY BUT FOUND DROOL ON HER SHOULDER AND NECK, A COMMON SIGN OF BITING AND CHEWING.  THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER ISSUED CITATIONS TO THE OWNER FOR NOT KEEPING HIS DOGS UNDER CONTROL AND NOT HAVING PROOF OF SHOTS FOR EITHER DOG.  THE OWNER SAID......

"IM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FRONT DOOR AND I NEED TO FIX IT."

QUINCY DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY SYMPTOMS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT SEEMED TO BE SHAKEN.  MR COLE SPOKE WITH A VET BUT THEY AGREED HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR HER CONDITION.  THEN SHE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WHEN WALKING AND MR. COLE REALIZED QUINCY WAS LOSING THE USE OF HER HIND LEGS.  HE TOOK HER TO BENEVA ANIMAL HOSPITAL ON APRIL 9.

TESTS REVEALED THAT QUINCY HAD 2 FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND A BACTERIAL INFECTION, THE CAUSE OF WHICH, GIVEN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OTHER TRAUMA, WAS LIKELY A PUNCTURE WOUND SUFFERED DURING  THE PIT BULL ATTACK.


          QUINCY DIED ON MAY 4




"IT IS A CRIME IN FLORIDA FOR ANYONE TO "PERMIT A DOG THAT HE OR SHE OWNS TO INTERFERE WITH THE USE OF A SERVICE ANIMAL BY OBSTRUCTING, INTIMIDATING OR OTHERWISE JEOPARDIZING THE SAFETY OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL OR ITS USER......" THIS IS A SECOND-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE.  MORE SERIOUS CHARGES CAN BE FILED IF THE CONDITIONS OF THE INTERFERENCE INVOLVES INTENT .........

*************OR THE SERVICE ANIMAL IS KILLED ****************

IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED FILING SUCH A CHARGE, WHICH WOULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

CIVIL LIABILITY IS ALSO POSSIBLE.  SOME STATES NOW APPLY STRICT LIABILITY TO ATTACKS BY PIT BULLS.  WHEN STRICT LIABILITY IS APPLIED, AS IN A CASE DECIDED BY MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT IN APRIL (TRACEY V. SOLESKY), "IT IS NO DEFENCE THAT A KEEPER EMPLOYED REASONABLE CARE, OR EVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF DILIGENCE TO PREVENT THEIR ESCAPE.  LIABILITY IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY FAULT ON THE PART OF THE OWNER."  STRICT LIABILITY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO LANDLORDS OF TENANTS WITH PIT BULLS.

MANY STATES INCLUDING FLORIDA, HAVE PASSED LAWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE SUCH INCIDENTS AND THE RESULTANT COST TO GUIDE DOG USERS, WHO MOST OFTEN WAIT UP TO A YEAR TO GET ANOTHER DOG, AS IS LIKELY TO BE TRUE FOR MR. COLE.

HAVING LAWS ON THE STATUTE BOOKS CANNOT HELP IF AUTHORITIES REMAIN UNAWARE OF THEM OR REGARD THEM AS UNENFORCEABLE.  IT IS HOPED THAT SERVICE ANIMAL INTERFERENCE LAWS, AND INCIDENTS THAT SHOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THEM, WILL RECEIVE GREATER ATTENTION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE PUBLIC, AND THE MEDIA, IN THE FUTURE.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

ROYAL OAK MI - PIT BULL BREAKS FREE FROM A 10-YEAR-OLD AND ATTACKED A DOG BEING TRAINED BY LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Sunday - June 3, 2012 - A   PIT BULL  broke loose from a 10-year-old girl Sunday afternoon and attacked a dog that was being trained by Leader dogs for the Blind. The  Golden Retriever that was attacked was training in the citys downtown with an instructor and a blind client.

The 10-year-old girls mother left her with the Pit bull on the sidewalk cafe of Burgrz Restaurant on South Main.  Lana Louys of Wyandotte, who was dining at the restaurants outdoor area said she heard the girl screeam and looked up to see th Pit Bull scrambling after a seeing-eye dog and a blind man who were passing by....


THE PIT BULL PINNED THE SEEING-EYE DOG TO THE GROUND AND HAD IT BY THE THROAT. ABOUT 10 MEN GOT INVOLVED AND SOMEHOW PRIED THE PIT BULL OFF" THE 18-MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER.



One of the men held the dog on his leash while others finally found the girls mother about five minutes later.  Police said that neither of the dogs needed medical treatment, though there was a small spot of blood on the golden retrievers neck.  Animal Control is investigating.

A spokeswoman at Leader dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills said it will take another week or two before they are able to determine if the incident will have any lastsing effect on the Golden Retriever and possible end its eligibility as a leader dog.  It had completed 4 months of training and was in its final month, when leader dogs typically work with deaf or blind clients.

Make NO MISTAKE-PIT BULLS ARE KILLERS!!!!!!!

Pit Bull owners are the lowest of the low, most vile, disgusting people Ive ever had the displeasure of interacting with!

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Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs

I made this video in honor of all the victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs, because people need to see what these dogs are doing.  They need to see the impact that their pit bulls are having on families, and communities nationwide.  People need to be aware.

The pit bull zealots have for years refused to see the danger in having pit bulls as pets, and continue to refuse to this day; but just because they wont admit to the facts, doesnt make them untrue. Please watch this video and you would, please share it with as many people as you possibly can.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bMMECgOG-aM

Thank you.

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Service Assistant Guide Dogs Attacked

Several service/assistant/guide dogs are being attacked by loose dogs, mostly pit bull type, gripping, fighting breed dogs, and this NEEDS TO STOP!!!  Its bad enough that people own these types of dogs at all, but the fact they seem to be the most irresponsible dog owners out there, always letting their grippers run loose, is reeking havoc on most cities nowadays.

I have previously blogged about this on another page, here in this blog, but it seems this topic needs more and constant attention.  There are service dogs out there that are having to be retired early, and even killed by loose, and aggressive dogs, leaving their handlers devastated, and taking away their handlers independence and freedom. This is just NOT okay.

Yes, as far as the law states now, in many cities, people are able to own their dog of choice (not everywhere though) and if people want to own a vicious breed of dog, that was originally bred for the purpose of fighting and killing, then so be it; but these types of dogs must NOT be allowed to roam the streets injuring people and their dogs.  Mind you, NO dog should be able to roam the streets, loose, becoming a nuisance and even a danger to society, but these fighting breed dogs are causing serious problems, and are impinging on the rights of good citizens to feel and be safe.

The owners of these vicious types of dogs are always screaming out their rights to own these dogs. Fine, then BE RESPONSIBLE! Admit that your dog is capable of killing another dog or person in just a few minutes (sometimes seconds) and do the right thing. Keep them on the sturdiest leash you can find, muzzle it if need be, or just dont take it out in public where it can be a danger to someone.  The owners are always talking about their rights to own these dogs, and that they will fight to the death to keep them from being banned (as they are in several cities, counties and even countries) but if you ask me, theyre are precisely the ones that are causing these bans to get enacted, but they just dont realize it. They are causing it because they are over-breeding these dogs to make a buck, and treating them "just like any other dog," which is certainly NOT the case! They are being completely irresponsible and letting these dogs roam the streets, they have inadequate enclosures for them, and they always "somehow" get out and hurt someone. There are millions, yes millions, of these types of dogs filling up shelters all across the country, yet the owners are always talking about how much they LOVE their vicious dogs.  Im sorry, but if you love your dog, you make it a safe and appropriate enclosure so that it cant get loose and lost, you keep it on a sturdy leash, and you make sure its not consistently hurting people and dogs, as to give it a "bad reputation" therefore ensuring that your type of dog is not consistently in the news causing law makers to have to take action. Get it?

Disabled people and their service dogs have rights too! Everyone does. The right to own a dog, feel safe, be safe, be independent and free, freedom of speech and the like are not rights that are only reserved for those who wish to own the most vicious and dangerous type of dogs out there! Although it seems that these type of dog owners seem to think so.  Can they stop for one minute to think about the rights of others? Just once???

I wonder if they realize the blood, sweat, tears and money that goes into a disabled person acquiring and training an assistance dog? I wonder if they even care? I think its a major problem that the owners of these types of fighting breed dogs wont even admit that their dogs are serious potential danger.  They wont admit the facts about their own dog, which I dont understand. I will freely admit that the breed of dog I have is subject to chasing birds, retrieving things, and is subject to certain types of health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, but the owners of gripping type dogs refuse to accept or admit that their dogs are dangerous.  I just dont get it.  They seem to blame everyone else, especially the victims of their dogs, for their dogs behavior.  I dont understand this way of thinking; it just doesnt make sense.

My trainer often fosters these types of dogs; fighting breed dogs, such as pit bulls (and their cousins) but is willing to accept and admit the truth about them.  She accepts and will tell you that these dogs are a potential danger to people, a lot of people are afraid of them, dont like them, they are prone to violence and prone to attacking other dogs and people too.  She will tell you that these types of dogs have a different body language that is extremely difficult to read, even by other dogs, therefore leading to surprise attacks by these dogs.  She will tell you that these dogs need a special type of training, a special type of enclosure, as they are escape artists, and will tell you that these dogs are NOT for the average dog lover.  They need a special type of care.  I dont see why the owners of these dogs dont admit and accept these facts.  If they would, Im certain there would be a lot less problems with these dogs.  There wouldnt be so much news coverage on them, and there wouldnt be so many attacks and killings perpetrated by these types of dogs.  "Theyre just like any other dog," just isnt getting it done!

Thats my rant, and after all is said and done, who really cares what I say, or how I feel, but the point is that service/assistant/guide dogs, and others, continue to be attacked, mauled, and/or killed by these types of dogs.  So because the owners refuse to accept the facts, refuse to admit the truth about their gripping dogs, dont cry when the law makers have to take over, or step in to keep the public safe from your fighting breed dogs.

I cant imagine what it would be like to be blind, period; and then to be walking down the street, led by your noble guide dog (which cost you $40,000 to acquire and maintain), feeling a great sense of pride and accomplishment, independence and freedom (which took you almost 10 years to accomplish), when suddenly, some irresponsible gripping dogs owner has let their vicious dog out to come and savage your noble guide dog, ripping apart that independence and freedom you have worked so hard to acquire.  Yes, picture it!  What is a blind person to do in this situation?  Ive read that some just let go of their guide dog and offer it the opportunity to defend itself, or scream in terror for help to anyone that might be willing to jump in and save your noble friend.  Service dogs are NOT like any other dog.  They are specially trained, and difficult to acquire and maintain, not to mention expensive.  But why should the owner of a fighting breed dog care about this?

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH AND THINK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES RIGHTS TO BE SAFE AND FREE, AND INDEPENDENT.  PLEASE THINK ABOUT WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE DISABLED AND TO TRY TO DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST THIS KIND OF ATTACK.

Great Video about Guide Dogs:

http://explore.org/#!/videos/player/guide-dogs-america

Another guide dog attacked in England....

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/guide_dog_attacked_by_another_dog_in_magdalen_street_norwich_1_1333084

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Service-dog-attacked-Owner-needs-help-with-needed/xDKYZ4kBo06aa7qHw9_WuA.cspx

http://servicedogsawayoflife.blogspot.com/2011/06/news-service-dog-attacked-on-walk-with.html

PLEASE SEE MY PAGE (IN THIS BLOG) ON "SERVICE DOG DANGERS"

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Bertie Dog Training closed this week

Both venues  - Oadby and Langtons are closed this week. Normal services will resume the following week.

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Bertie Blog Bertie Dog Training closed this week

Bertie Blog: Bertie Dog Training closed this week: "Both venues - Oadby and Langtons are closed this week. Normal services will resume the following week."

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Bertie Dog Training Langton Group

We started our new beginner course this week which is outdoors. We still have places so if you know anyone that may want a place please let them know. Details can be obtained from http://www.bertiedogs.com/

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Quincy the Guide Dog Viciously Killed by Pit Bull Dogs

I chose to once again post the story of Quincy the Guide Dog who was viciously attacked and killed by pit bulls, because there are some important updates to this story.  Please visit Quincys page at https://www.facebook.com/QuincyColeGuideDog and see whats new with Quincys story.  RIP Quincy, brave and wonderful soul!

Posted: May 07, 2012 1:12 PM MSTUpdated: May 07, 2012 1:13 PM MST

 

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office says it has closed its investigation into an incident that a blind man said caused his guide dog to die.

It happened March 19 when Bruce Cole was out walking with his guide dog, "Quincy."

According to Cole, three dogs attacked Quincy. 

"I could feel the dogs hitting her," he said. "Then they came up and slammed her [to the ground]."

Over the next couple of weeks, Cole said Quincys health began deteriorating. She died on Friday.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office confirmed in an e-mail to FOX 13 News that they were conducting a vicious dog investigation. The e-mail said "there were no documented injuries to Quincy, which the vet confirmed" and that "she developed an internal infection from stress."

The sheriffs office said it cited the dogs owners for letting them run loose and not having them properly licensed.

They said there were no other reports against the dogs, and with no other bites or complaints on file, they closed the investigation.

Cole said he has already started the process of getting a replacement for Quincy, but that it could take upwards of one year. 

    NOW  HERES THE REAL STORY

BRUCE COLE, A LEGALLY BLIND RESIDENT OF SARASOTA, WAS WALKING WITH HIS GUIDE DOG QUINCY ON MARCH 19, WHEN ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS...........

                         2 PIT BULLS

BEGAN JUMPING ON QUINCY.  MR. COLE, HAVING WORKED WITH QUINCY FOR 7 YEARS WAS SENSITIVE TO HER MINUTEST MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE HARNESS THE DOG WORE AND KNEW THAT DOGS WERE HITTING AND PROBABLY BITING QUINCY.

BRUCE CALLED 911.  THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULLS CAME FROM HIS HOUSE AND HEARD BRUCE SAYING THAT HIS GUIDE DOG HAD BEEN ATTACKED  AND  HE CALLED HIM.....

                  "A (EXPLETIVE) LIAR"

WHICH CAN BE HEARD ON THE 911 TAPE.

TWO DEPUTIES FROM THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE ARRIVED BUT QUICKLY TURNED THE MATTER OVER TO AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.  THIS OFFICER COULD DETECT NO BITES ON QUINCY BUT FOUND DROOL ON HER SHOULDER AND NECK, A COMMON SIGN OF BITING AND CHEWING.  THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER ISSUED CITATIONS TO THE OWNER FOR NOT KEEPING HIS DOGS UNDER CONTROL AND NOT HAVING PROOF OF SHOTS FOR EITHER DOG.  THE OWNER SAID......

"IM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FRONT DOOR AND I NEED TO FIX IT."

QUINCY DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY SYMPTOMS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT SEEMED TO BE SHAKEN.  MR COLE SPOKE WITH A VET BUT THEY AGREED HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR HER CONDITION.  THEN SHE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WHEN WALKING AND MR. COLE REALIZED QUINCY WAS LOSING THE USE OF HER HIND LEGS.  HE TOOK HER TO BENEVA ANIMAL HOSPITAL ON APRIL 9.

TESTS REVEALED THAT QUINCY HAD 2 FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND A BACTERIAL INFECTION, THE CAUSE OF WHICH, GIVEN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OTHER TRAUMA, WAS LIKELY A PUNCTURE WOUND SUFFERED DURING  THE PIT BULL ATTACK.


          QUINCY DIED ON MAY 4




"IT IS A CRIME IN FLORIDA FOR ANYONE TO "PERMIT A DOG THAT HE OR SHE OWNS TO INTERFERE WITH THE USE OF A SERVICE ANIMAL BY OBSTRUCTING, INTIMIDATING OR OTHERWISE JEOPARDIZING THE SAFETY OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL OR ITS USER......" THIS IS A SECOND-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE.  MORE SERIOUS CHARGES CAN BE FILED IF THE CONDITIONS OF THE INTERFERENCE INVOLVES INTENT .........

*************OR THE SERVICE ANIMAL IS KILLED ****************

IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED FILING SUCH A CHARGE, WHICH WOULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

CIVIL LIABILITY IS ALSO POSSIBLE.  SOME STATES NOW APPLY STRICT LIABILITY TO ATTACKS BY PIT BULLS.  WHEN STRICT LIABILITY IS APPLIED, AS IN A CASE DECIDED BY MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT IN APRIL (TRACEY V. SOLESKY), "IT IS NO DEFENCE THAT A KEEPER EMPLOYED REASONABLE CARE, OR EVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF DILIGENCE TO PREVENT THEIR ESCAPE.  LIABILITY IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY FAULT ON THE PART OF THE OWNER."  STRICT LIABILITY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO LANDLORDS OF TENANTS WITH PIT BULLS.

MANY STATES INCLUDING FLORIDA, HAVE PASSED LAWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE SUCH INCIDENTS AND THE RESULTANT COST TO GUIDE DOG USERS, WHO MOST OFTEN WAIT UP TO A YEAR TO GET ANOTHER DOG, AS IS LIKELY TO BE TRUE FOR MR. COLE.

HAVING LAWS ON THE STATUTE BOOKS CANNOT HELP IF AUTHORITIES REMAIN UNAWARE OF THEM OR REGARD THEM AS UNENFORCEABLE.  IT IS HOPED THAT SERVICE ANIMAL INTERFERENCE LAWS, AND INCIDENTS THAT SHOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THEM, WILL RECEIVE GREATER ATTENTION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE PUBLIC, AND THE MEDIA, IN THE FUTURE.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULL WAS ALLOWED TO TAKE THE DOG WITH HER AND WAS ADVISED TO QUARANTINE IT FOR 10 DAYS.

These are the two idiots that let their pit bulls attack and viciously kill Quincy, a beautiful and brave Guide Dog that was only out doing her job. See the update of whats happened to them at Quincys Facebook page below. 

Please check out Quincys page at

https://www.facebook.com/QuincyColeGuideDog

ROYAL OAK MI - PIT BULL BREAKS FREE FROM A 10-YEAR-OLD AND ATTACKED A DOG BEING TRAINED BY LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Sunday - June 3, 2012 - A   PIT BULL  broke loose from a 10-year-old girl Sunday afternoon and attacked a dog that was being trained by Leader dogs for the Blind. The  Golden Retriever that was attacked was training in the citys downtown with an instructor and a blind client.

The 10-year-old girls mother left her with the Pit bull on the sidewalk cafe of Burgrz Restaurant on South Main.  Lana Louys of Wyandotte, who was dining at the restaurants outdoor area said she heard the girl screeam and looked up to see th Pit Bull scrambling after a seeing-eye dog and a blind man who were passing by....

THE PIT BULL PINNED THE SEEING-EYE DOG TO THE GROUND AND HAD IT BY THE THROAT. ABOUT 10 MEN GOT INVOLVED AND SOMEHOW PRIED THE PIT BULL OFF" THE 18-MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

One of the men held the dog on his leash while others finally found the girls mother about five minutes later.  Police said that neither of the dogs needed medical treatment, though there was a small spot of blood on the golden retrievers neck.  Animal Control is investigating.

A spokeswoman at Leader dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills said it will take another week or two before they are able to determine if the incident will have any lastsing effect on the Golden Retriever and possible end its eligibility as a leader dog.  It had completed 4 months of training and was in its final month, when leader dogs typically work with deaf or blind clients.

WE NEED BETTER LAWS TO PROTECT GUIDE AND SERVICE DOGS NOW!!!!

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Jade And The Firemen Train At Home

Well, if youve been keeping up with my blog, you saw that Jade went to the firehouse to do a little bit of training with the firemen there, which went very well.  Jade has had some fear issues with men in uniform, so my trainer and I took Jade to the firehouse previously to help her get used to men in uniform.  We specifically chose the firehouse, because its often the firemen and paramedics that show up at your house when you call for a medical emergency. That has been my main concern; I was afraid that if I have to call for help, as Ive had to before, Jade would have problems with the firemen/paramedics entering our home to help me.  So, we started by taking her to the firehouse and letting her get used to these men and women in uniform, all their gear, and the noises.  Jade was very apprehensive at first and a bit fearful, but before long she was playing and engaging with the firemen as if they were her best friends.  I was very happy about how that went. My trainer asked the firemen if theyd be willing to come over to the house, as that would be the real test for Jade.  Whether or not she could handle them coming through the door is most important.  We were both pleasantly surprised at how responsive and willing the firemen were to help us with this training! They agreed to come over to my house and help out.

Currently Jade is trained to assist me in many ways.  There have been times where I suddenly have severe spasm and end up on the floor, unable to move for some time. Jade can now help me, by running to find my phone.  She brings my phone to me and lies down next to me and awaits help with me.  My fear was that I would call for help and the firemen/paramedics would have some real problems entering my house to help due to Jades fearful response, and protective/defensive barking.

Yesterday, my trainer showed up around 2pm and we went over all the tasks that Jade performs to help me around the house.  The trainer was impressed to say the least! She was amazed that Jade hadnt been trained to do any of these tasks prior to our training with her organization.  She just couldnt believe how much Jade had learned in less than a year and how well she performed the tasks.  Some of them are opening/closing the sliding glass door, opening/closing the fridge, closing drawers and cabinets, retrieving my cane, phone and other items, getting the laundry in and out of the dryer, etc.

The firemen showed up at 2:30 pm just like they had told us they would!  We saw the firetruck pull up in front of my house and we were so happy they were able to make it! The night before I had baked them some cookies as a thank you, for them to take with them.

It was such a great experience! Jade barked and growled a bit at first, after all, this is her house. Once she sniffed the firemen, it was like a bell went off in her head, and she suddenly became her usual friendly self, still a bit apprehensive about the noises their hand-held radios made.  I gave Jades treats to the firemen and things just started rolling from there.  Jade started handing things to the firemen, her leash, her toys, etc. and we all laughed. We stood around talking a while at first and letting Jade get used to their presence, then we performed a real-life reenactment of what would happen should I have to call for help.

The firemen went outside to wait, and Jade and I walked to the back bedroom, with the trainer lagging behind.  I faked a fall and told Jade to run and get the phone.  She sensed the urgency in my voice and ran for the phone in the living room.  She brought the phone to me, and laid down next to me waiting.  I acted like I was making a call, and told the trainer, "Ok, let them in."  The trainer let the firemen in, and I told Jade to stay with me.  The firemen reentered my house saying, "Fire department, we got a call someone needs assistance!" Jade wanted to run to the front door and bark, but she stayed next to me with her eyes on the bedroom door.  When the firemen walked into the room, Jade stayed put.  I could hardly believe it! They talked to me, and then said, "Were going to act like were doing stuff to you to see how she reacts."  They started to touch me and move me around and Jade just sniffed their hands and looked from me to them and back again.  She was great! Then they helped me up, and Jade got up too.  She wagged her tail and sniffed their hands as they helped me up, but no growling, no barking, no fear.  I was impressed! We stood in the bedroom talking some more, and they played with Jade some more, letting her sniff their equipment, and they talked about other dogs theyve had to deal with in these circumstances.

They said most dogs will bark at them, with their hackles up, but usually back away while they bark. They did say that they have dealt with aggressive dogs, and they usually put their bags in front of them and just "go for it," hoping that one of their men can get the dog and remove it to another room or outside.

The firemen told me about getting a lock box, and gave me some instructions on how to call for an emergency. They said to make sure that when you call, state that you have a service dog, what her name is, and that you have a lock box, and give the code.  Great ideas!!! Never thought of any of this, especially the lock box.  A lock box is a metal box with a code on it, that stores your house key so the emergency services dont have to break anything to get in.  They also said that if they know your dogs name, they will use it when they come in to help the dog relax a bit.  This will help tremendously! It will also help your dog if you let it get a sniff of the firemen/paramedics in your area so that your dog isnt totally caught off guard when something happens.

Once again, with all the excitement, the trainer and I forgot to ask them about coming to the training organization to give a small talk about how they deal with your service dog when they come to your house.  Also, to help service dog handlers know exactly what to do, and how to make these calls more effective for the emergency responders. So, after the firemen left, the trainer and I sat and talked a bit and I felt SO MUCH BETTER about this issue.  I certainly feel much more confident that Jade will be okay when they come to the house to help me.  I feel more relaxed now knowing that I can call for help and not have to worry about them having to hurt Jade, or remove her in order to help me. What a relief!!

The trainer gave me a couple of her cards, which I will take to the firehouse. I will ask them about the possibility of coming to the training organization for a brief class, talk, with the service dog teams. I really believe the teams would benefit GREATLY from this kind of an experience.  I know I did!

I gave the firemen the cookies Id baked them, and YES, I was able to snap a few quick photos for you all.  Sorry for the long post and rambling on about this, but its been a most exciting and informative experience!!! Thank you for reading!

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Feeling Restless

Jade and I really rely on our park outings every evening for some quality time together (not that we dont get that every day) and time outside for some fresh evening air.  The park is kind of our drug, since we dont get out much.  We usually get to go to the park every evening, and we walk, play fetch and enjoy the air.

The last few days weve been stuck in the house, as Jade has hurt her leg again.  She injured it before playing fetch, and shes managed to do it again. Shes just plays a very vigorous game of fetch, and no more how I throw the ball, she doesnt seem to slow down at all.  I tried not throwing it very far, but it doesnt change a thing. She still bolts after it, as fast as she can run, the she either catches it on the bounce, or chases it along the ground, twisting and turning, and sometimes even taking a tumble.  Gotta get that ball! Ask anyone that owns a Lab! These are definitely ball dogs! Then she runs back and drops the ball right in my hand.  A master Retriever! But, shes just a little to vigorous with the game, and she hurt her leg not too long ago.  She was limping and Id taken her to the Vet then, worried about arthritis, or dysplasia, Valley Fever, or something horrible.  Luckily, the Vet could find nothing wrong with her leg, after an examination and an ex-ray.

Two days ago, off we went, back to the Vet for the same thing, same leg.  The Vet checked her again and again found nothing.  He chalked it up to something like a "sports injury" having somehow strained a muscle during twisting and turning that didnt quite heal completely from the last time it was injured.  He gave her a prescription for rest and an anti-inflammatory again.  He said that the best thing would be for her to play fetch in the pool, thereby getting physical therapy in the water, and slowing her down some in her game of fetch.  I wish! I dont have a pool, but wouldnt that be great!? So, the Vet says, "no more fetch for a good long stretch of time."  Poor girl, its gonna hurt.  I cant imagine her not being able to play fetch...its the thing she loves most of all. Nevertheless, we have to follow doctors orders; dont want her to hurt herself again.  He said to give a long while to heal up completely and then see.

I really cant afford her to have an injury so I have to be careful.  I use Jade for bracing and for mobility support, so its important that shes in the best of health and the best of shape.  So, stuck in the house are we for at least a few days, then we can at least go for a walk at the park...no fetch though....sorry, girl.
:( .

Well, shes already feeling better.  Shes not limping anymore, and shes totally restless! She just stares at me for a while after dinner, like, "You ready now? Are we going to the park?" I feel bad, but its for her own good.  Once she gets that were not going, she hops up on the couch, curls up, looks at me one last time, like "Really, were not going?", then a long sigh, then she closes her eyes and drops off for a nap.  Shes been bringing me her toys for the last few days, tossing them around the house and even chasing the cat around, which she rarely does anymore.  I know shes getting restless when she starts chasing the cat. Poor old guy.  My cat is 17 years old and probably thinking, "Please take this damn dog to the park already!" :)

(As if our animals think the way we do, right? Haha!)  Anyway....were both restless....so Ill share some photos, and hopefully tomorrow well hit the park for a short walk.

Pretty Green Eyes

Jades first day with me. 11 weeks old.

Sporting the football jersey.  It says, "Wide Retriever" on the back.

Playing in the river.

Sleeping with her toy.

My old man.

The park makes this girl HAPPY!

Playing fetch

Relaxing in the cat bed :)

Proud digger at 3 months

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