[OT] I AM PISSED!!!!!!!!

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Please allow me to rant for a minute or two. I'll feel a tad bit better once I get this typed out.

I have/had two wonderful dogs. One was a three year old Beagle named Putt-Putt. I had adopted a dog which was dumped at my work which was a Belgian Malinois which was aged approx. 18 months. Maybe you all remember seeing the pictures of the puppies she had within 5 weeks of me taking her home.

First, a little history. Once we moved into our new house, an agressive Beagle Basset mix bit my son. Lucky the dog didn't break my son's skin, but he had one hell of a bruise. Next, the BeagleBasset mix and the German Shepard next door tore into a friends of our dog while they were out visiting, to the tune of 500.00. Last Thursday morning, those two dogs tore into my Belgian and nearly tore her ear off. I had her stiched up, and she was going to be A-OKAY. She was due to get the stitches out on the 12th.

Yesterday, my husband didn't have to work, so spent the day outside with the dogs, until he went to pick my son up from school early. See since he travels they don't get to spend near as much time together anymore, so he wanted to play some basketball with son. The round trip took less than one hour. I arrived home about 1 1/2 hours later.

Our dogs became sick. The Beagle (Putt-Putt) was having a bad time. The Belgian (Ginger) didn't seem so bad. At around 10pm last night, my Belgian passed. This morning at 5:15, my Beagle passed. Someone has killed my dogs.

The hardest part was telling my son. BASTARDS

Now I need to take my dogs to the vet to find out exactly what type of poison was used. I need to make a police report.

Anyone know a good way for me to find out which one of the two neighbors did the deed?

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Answers

Oh my God! Odds are the poison is antifreeze, but you never know. Once you have the autopsy report, make a police report. When you do that, the police can (I think) check on the record of your neighbors--if you say you suspect them. When you do this, be sure to have your son home. Yeah, I know, I know, but the cops are more likely to help when kids are involved. If the neighbors have any record of similar offenses, the cops may have probable cause to search and, if any other poison was used, might come up with it. I don't know, hard row to hoe. Maybe the vet can be of more help, also any local animal shelter might have advice.

The cops have little tricks to get people to say things, like, do you know anything about who killed this lady's dogs? And they might say, hell, I don't know who would poison them. Who said anything about poison? They're better at doing this than you because they're objective and you're too upset.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


apoc, I am SO sorry.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Oh apoc! I am so sorry. Rotten bastards!

I must affirm what Git said. Let the police handle the investigation. Having the children around is a good thought, but not close enough to hear the conversation. Kids talk.

I sure hope you get the bastards!

You may want to consider legal action against the owners of those dogs that attacked yours. You have out of pocket expenses and that owner should pay them.

keep us posted, but on the 'other forum' please.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


(((((((((((((apoc)))))))))))))

i agree with OG...

there are people in LEO/animal shelter fields who would love to help you track down the perps

would be a good idea to not only have your son at home when you file a report.....but also show any photos you have of the bite he got
(can't believe no action was taken when that happened....i thought dogs that bit humans were at the very least quarantined??)
don't blame you one bit for getting pissed
this is terrible!!
grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Let me add my sincerest condolences. I can completely empathize; we too have 'lost' 3 dogs in less than a year to 'mysterious' circumstances. Not only is the sudden loss of your beloved pets very difficult to take, but contending with the idea that there is someone who lives around you that might commit such an act is unnerving.

(((((((apoc)))))))

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001



I'm sorry to hear this, Apoc!

It's also important to establish a motive. If they offed your dogs because they're sickos, they might come after you or your family.

If they offed the dogs because they barked, what are they bringing in and out of their house that they don't want others to see?

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


I have NO words....but feel my embrace, and know I have you in my prayers....you remember what I just went through with the asshole next door.....My heart weeps for you and your son.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Boy...

No doubt about it, the dogs were poisoned. Stricknine(sp) still in their stomaches.

I filed the police report, but I didn't have my son at home, cause I'm not gonna have him have to listen to me talking to the police man. Police man was concerned, especially since they have a lot of Belgians on their force.

He went and talked to the neighbor then came back to talk to me. Seems their dog is sick too - matty eyes. Somehow having a little matter in the eyes just doesn't compare. There are no leash laws out here in the country, so he told me if the agressive dog that bit my son came back onto my property to shoot it.

I've walked the property, and haven't found anything yet. I'm gonna keep looking. Searching heavy woods is kinda difficult, especially with all the leaves down (and more coming down).

While the police man was still here, she came up to the property line and asked if she could come over. She said she'd pray for my son. I told her it was a "DAMN SHITTY" think that someone did. When the police left, she told me about her dogs matty eyes. I told her that it didn't compare and I didn't want to hear about it. She wanted to give me a hug.... know those kinda fake ones. I looked her in the eyes and said No Thanks! I'm not sure who did this yet, but I have a good idea. With that, she left.

I searched the papers this morning, and no one is selling Belgians. They are the best dogs, but hardly anyone has them. They're more police and military dogs. The vet had told me I had done good by her, cause she was a sweetie and wasn't upset when he (a stranger) looked at her torn up ear. We've worked hard with her.

I cannot express the loss I feel, as she was a good friend. Heck they both were. We were bonded as a family. It is like two children have been taken from me. If you can't tell, the Belgian was mine, and the Beagle was more my husbands.

Due to the wildlife around, we are letting the vets bury the dogs. It was all I could do to lift the Belgian into my car. She needed to be burried quickly. I don't think I could have dug a hole that deep that large quickly.

The vet has stomach content samples that he has frozen. He'll be keeping them for a while for me. There was still plenty of it in their stomaches for him to take. He was actually surprised that it took them that long to die.

crying buckets,

apoc

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


((((((((((apoc))))))))))

I don't know what else to say except that I do understand how hard this is.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


I had sort of thought (hoped, at least) that strychnine was no longer available.

There's a possibility it was a secondary poisoning, that strychnine- laced bait was set for, say, some obnoxious birds or rodents, and the dogs ate the carcasses. (Birds of prey tend to get nailed that way.) I suppose an important question would be whether the vet could determine what else the dogs ate along with the strychnine.

Is there anyone in the area that is trying to get rid of pests? I understand your instincts that it was one of the two sets of neighbors and they had your dogs in mind, but if someone is setting out poisoned bait for some other reason, then lots of other animals could still get into it. Any string of carcases that might lead you to the source?

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001



One method of operation for home burglary types, and home invasion and car theives, is to get rid of the dogs first.

Be very careful and alert. Lock the cars up, use the security bars if you have them and so on.

Could be you and maybe your neighbor are being set up to get robbed.

[this is not meant to frighten you, but to prepare you. This has happened to a friend of our's parents, and the dog was little poodle type mutt. Noisy but fenced in from the cars.]

Be alert!

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


(((apoc)))

There's no way I could know one way or the other about the woman who barged into your grief, but when a particular neighbor was breaking into our house, vandalizing our cars, making obscene and harrassing phone calls (pre-caller ID days) and throwing questionable objects over our fence -- that neighbor was always the first on the scene expressing loud sympathy and the anxious hope it wouldn't happen to them. We had proof that particular neighbor did it all, including eye witnesses from across the street (elderly couple we helped out a lot). I guess they wanted to get into the middle of the situation hoping to figure out what we knew and what we were going to do about it.

Then there was another neighbor -- out here, in fact -- who stole our children's dog. She was registered but spayed, and he must have been disappointed to discover this. He made a point of coming over here uninvited -- we had never met him, and he showed up in the dark trying to walk into our house without knocking -- and he made a point of telling our children that he had found the dog's dead body while he was mowing. He even speculated on who had done it (not himself, of course). He mentioned that he and his wife wished they could have a dog, but alas they had no time for one. I called his wife before he got home and heard our dog barking into the phone at the sound of my voice. We had eye witnesses that they had the dog, but we couldn't legally go in there to get her back. Instead of letting her come home, they got rid of her before the cops got there.

The common theme in the two stories is that dogs return to their vomit, so to speak, and you know what I'm getting at.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


(((((((Apoc))))))),

I'm so sorry to hear about your pets - how horrible! Could they people responsible put out antifreeze? I hear that animals like it because it "tastes sweet" to them... :-(

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


The poison wasn't antifreeze, but strychnine. That is for sure.

As to if someone has put out bait for wild animals, I don't think so, as I have not seen a single dead animal around. I went looking today too.

My dogs didn't bark, unless someone came up to mess with the house. Those girls were lovers not fighters. I honestly believe it was because of me having to speak to them (the GS's owners) for the third time about their dog attacking animals on my property.

I hope and pray that each of you will never have to witness what I did last night with my beloved animals.

My husband made the decision to get another dog today. He thought it would help my son. So he picked him up after school, and they found a wonderful dog. He's about a year old and is some kind of Shepard mix, and not fully grown. My son and husband loves him. He's nice, but he's not my Ginger. My husband says he misses the Belgian too, and wants to get another, as that was the best dog either of us ever had. Trouble will be finding one, especially one that isn't being trained.

We did rescue this dog from the pound, and they had him classified as "nervous". I think all the little yappers were just getting to him. He loves to be pet! He's eaten and been given treats. We've taken him for a walk on our property. It'll be a while before we allow him to be seen by others. We just want him to become comfortable with us and his new home.

I'm going to be getting estimates for a fence around the property. I have a feeling it will be in excess of 10K. Not sure if I want to spend that kind of money on a fence. Maybe I can just do an acre or two. I want my son, dogs, and friends to feel safe here.

I've had a very emotional day, so if I read like I'm typing in gibberish, I appologize. It has been a great help to me in typing this, just to keep from screaming at the top of my lungs. I did do a little anger release with a basketball. Still to mad and emotionally drained to do target practice. That'll come this weekend. ;)

I have to make sure my aim is good don't ya know. If that beagle/basset comes and charges me or my family again, I'll take the police advice.

Thank you everyone!

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


(((((apoc)))))

I really sorry to hear about your dogs. Poisoning is sooooo low...

Strychnine is a restricted-use pesticide. Legally, you have to have a certified applicators license to buy the stuff. I got my license at my local extension office. Maybe you could check through your extension office to find out if either of your neighbors are licensed.

Because it is a restricted-use pesticide, you can't buy it just anywhere. Check your local farm chemical suppliers and co-ops to see if they sell it. In South Dakota, sellers of restricted chemicals have to keep a record of who they sell the stuff to.

Do either of your neighbors work at golf courses, ball fields, parks, cemetaries, etc? Strychnine pellets are often used to poison gophers and ground squirrels at such places.

As far as the neighbor's dog goes...if he crosses your property line--regardless if he is threatening or not--do not hesitate to take the cop's advice. Shotguns do not require a lot of aiming skill--just point and click. If the owner is not around, just follow the 3-S rule: shoot, shovel, and say nothing.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001



apoc....

you might want to consider training your new doggie to NOT eat anything unless it comes from his own dinner bowl

(this is something that people train their guard dogs to do, when they are allowed to roam around an area they are guarding)

i've heard that a way you can do this is to leave a few hunks of meat laying around in the yard (where he'll find it) that have had pockets cut into them, and something like ground red pepper inserted

i'm sure it's a little more complicated than this....but that's the general idea

hope things go well with this new doggie, and he quickly becomes a "member of the family"

i know he can't replace the two you lost, but he should help you get over your loss

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001


apoc, My heart goes out to you friend. The excruciating pain of losing one of your dearly beloved furry friends that really are part of your family, is something no words can express.And the closer you were to them, the harder it is, I know only too well. But to think that another human being who has so little regard for life, and such an inhuman evil in their soul, that they could poison a part of your family, is beyond my comprehension. Know that I weep with you; I know the rip in your heart that the loss of a family member of the four legged kind, can cause. Especially if they are extra special, as is your bond with them. It is so hard for me to believe that with the hatred and violence going on in th world, that other Americans would perpetuate more, on harmless loving beings. I will never understand the mindset, much less the heartless person who could have done this feat. Truly a sorry excuse for a human being. Karma will take care of this individual, in time. I weep for you apoc, I know how connected you were to this part of your family. Hugs to you and yours friend, across the miles.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Could have been someone going for the Beagle Basset and the German Shepard next door, the troublemakers; not that it makes your lose any less... Sorry to hear about your loss. I've lost a dog and two cats to poisoning, it's horrible to watch them die that way and nothing you can do about it. Didn't know that about strychnine requiring registration to have access... good place to start if you want to find the culprits...

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Please know I am still sending you special prayers to help ease your loss..and in time to "deal" with what happened.

at I C I posted the day I was able to Confront the basturd that shot Butchie. (((Apoc)))) I am so very sad right along with you.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


SAR,

Thanks. I read about the day you dealt with the neighbor over at currents. I am so glad that you were able to confront him.

There is so much that I haven't written, but the old saying of "watch what they do, not what they say" is so true. Based upon actions of the neighbor that owned the German Shepard, I know now where the poison came from. The words that flowed from the mouths were completely different. The Police Chief here at work agrees that her actions indicate guilt, and should be dealt with in kind.

In time. There is also an old saying of "what comes around goes around". My new name is now "Goes Around". In time, all things will be dealt with. I am humane however, and would never dream of putting an animal what my beloveds went thru.

My boss called me late last night, and told me to take the morning to help heal myself. I think that he would have given me the day, except for a very important meeting I had scheduled for this afternoon. I just got out of the meeting a few minutes ago. I told him that I would be into work this morning, as it was to painful just to sit around the house. Everywhere I see reminders of my pets. The brushes, leashes, favorite blankets, toys and more toys.

My heart hurts deeply. I honestly feel as if someone killed two of my children. At the moment, however, I am just emotionally dead. Everyone that has seen me today has expressed sorrow at my loss. Each wanting to know exactly what happened. Every single time, I have broken down. It is just to fresh.

Yesterday late afternoon, before my husband got home with my son and the new dog, I took some time to take out some anger on a basketball. It felt good. The basketball cannot even be used for a placemat at the moment. I also turned up the tunes in the garage so that I could listen and sing while I walked part of my property looking for the evidence. My choice of music fit my mood. The first cd I listened to was Van Halen (1). The first song was screamed from the top of my lungs. [yeah I'm a sick and twisted kinda person, and I guess I wanted to let it be known] Next it was Creed, in which I just screamed in the general direction of the neighbors house the words to "What If", especially the part of "what if eye for an eye". I progressed down Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against the Machine. [my husband loves more of the harder rock if you can't tell. I've grown to where I can tolerate it, but it does have its advantages at time.... ;) ] My final music piece was a song from Sheryl Crow entitled "Maybe Angels", then complete silence for a few minutes until I let out my last anger scream.

I will once again walk my property with a dog (Chewy), and brush and love. I, however, will be armed to defend myself and my dog from any agression shown from other animals just as the good deputy suggested. Wonder how long I'll have to walk? ;)

My husband surprised me last night when he told me that he wanted to get another Belgian. I do too, but had not mentioned it to him. He agrees with me that she was the best dog either of us have known or owned. I've started the search. At the moment, I haven't found a breeder in my state. I'll find one somewhere, of that have no doubt. I shall train this dog, as well as produce a loving companion.

going to serve a dish cold,

apoc - aka - Comes Around

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


In Loving Memory

Ginger Putt-Putt

11-05-01 11-06-01


-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


"My boss called me late last night, and told me to take the morning to help heal myself." I'm so glad to hear you are getting this level of support. When it was time to put down my beloved Coon cat, and I was struggling during the last stages of her illness to cope at work, I was acutely aware of those who were compassionate enough to give me some slack and those for whom it meant nothing.

Is there a Belgian rescue group? It might mean flying one in, but it would be an older dog for which there should be some history on temperament, etc.

The Belgians I have seen have all been at dog shows, usually the obedience trials. I'm guessing you would like to fill the void pretty quickly, but if there are any shows coming up in your area, it might provide you with some useful leads.

AKC web site, with show information: http://www.akc.org/index.cfm

Links to rescue groups: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


Another link: http://www.malinois.com/links/Kennels/

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001

Belgian Malinois rescue (somehow I was blanking on the breed)...:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/3552/

Rescue/breeder contacts (including someone in outside Tulsa):

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/3552/contacts.html

http://www.breedclub.org/malbreed.htm

Kathy Greenwood 30366 S. 4390 Road Vinita, OK 74301 Daytime Phone: (918) 495-5028 Evening Phone: (918) 256-1066 E-mail: malinois@mac.com Home Page: www.home.earthlink.net/~okgreenwood

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


Brooks and Meemur,

I love you both!!!!! I had found the rescue, and was thinking about getting the one the next state over. Meemur, I'll contact the lady you listed to see if she has one.

Love ya gals,

apoc - who realizes that they are still good people out there, and she knows (even if only cyber) the best of the best!

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001


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