Another editor to add to the list of MORONS

http://www.sfweekly.com/Issues/2005-06- ... ogist.html


The Pit Pendulum

After a series of dog attacks, public opinion seems to be swinging against the pit bull. Are you on or off the swing? Take quiz, find out.
By Matt Palmquist

Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2005


In recent weeks, the Bay Area has seen a spate of attacks by pit bulls, a dog type that was historically bred for the purposes of fighting but has since evolved into one of the most popular breeds in North America. Treasured for their ability as guard dogs, pit bulls exhibit the willingness to settle down as family-friendly pooches if raised appropriately and neutered, but have nonetheless retained a reputation as ferocious killers because not all owners are so eager to restrain their dogs' aggressive nature. Several recent attacks in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and San Jose -- one of which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy -- have renewed calls by parents, doctors, and lawmakers for statewide legislation that targets pit bulls specifically. Defenders of the breed, however, maintain that pit bulls are being held to a different, sensationalized standard than other dogs, and that San Francisco's panicky reaction to a few isolated incidents owes more to the high-profile mauling of Diane Whipple a few years ago (which did not involve pit bulls) than a realistic appraisal of the current dangers. Are you a pit bull apologist? Take our quiz and find out!


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1) Increased attention began concentrating on the breed earlier this month, when a 12-year-old boy was mauled to death in his Sunset District home by one of the family's two pit bulls. His mother had left the boy alone in the basement with some video games and snacks while she ran errands for two hours, and she had secured the basement door against the dogs (the female appeared to be in heat) with a propped shovel. But when she returned, she found her dead son's body in a front bedroom, and she now faces felony child-endangerment charges. What does this tragic incident suggest to you about the need for greater awareness of pit bulls' potential for danger?

A) It makes me think, "What ever happened to having a nice cocker spaniel?"

B) Reminds me of my motto: Never mess with a pit bull in heat.

C) Nothing. I blame it on video games.

2) Just a few days after the Sunset mauling, an 8-year-old girl in Santa Rosa was attacked by a neighbor's unneutered, 70-pound pit bull, Smokey, who escaped and pounced on the girl while she was playing in her backyard. The girl survived the assault but received more than 50 wounds to her face, arms, chest, and neck, causing her mother and local doctors to call for political action. As one physician said: "You are not allowed to bring a lion into your backyard, and I think there has to be more concern and legislation for certain kinds of breeds." What's your response?

A) The doctor's right. I think politicians are just the people to solve our pit bull problems.

B) Oh, great. Now they're telling us we can't keep a lion in our backyard. I thought this was America, for Christ's sake!

C) But what's gonna happen to Smokey?!?

3) Although the Santa Rosa neighbor who was taking care of Smokey told reporters she doesn't blame anyone except "that damn dog," defenders of pit bulls argue that the breed is not inherently violent. Rather, they say, it is the owner -- and the owner's love and care -- that determines whether the dog behaves in an affectionate manner, along with the breeding conditions in which the dog was raised. What do you think is the safest, most reliable way to procure a pit bull?

A) From a humane, experienced, fully licensed dog breeder, who can give you the necessary advice to raise your pit bull to be nonviolent and loving.

B) Yeah, but I know this guy who could get you two for, like, half that price ....

C) Win it in a game of chance.

4) In the wake of the high-profile maulings, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom convened a Canine Response Working Group to address the issues surrounding pit bulls and has pledged to crack down on the breed. As he put it at a press conference: "I, for one, have had enough. I think it's time we get serious about pit bulls in this city, we get serious about pit bulls in this state, get serious about pit bulls across the United States of America." Do you agree?

A) Yes, but why stop there? I think it's time we get serious about pit bulls in Canada, we get serious about pit bulls on the moon, we get serious about pit bulls across the galaxy ....

B) The Canine Response Working Group? Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you should put a bunch of dogs in charge of crafting their own policy. (Bonus point for adding: "Only in San Francisco ....")

C) Look, I'm just glad that Newsom has finally (finally) found a controversial, intensely local issue that he can try to make into the rest of America's problem.

5) Some of the city's proposals include a ban on backyard breeding; a regulation mandating that all pit bulls be spayed or neutered; a policy of implanting microchips in dog breeds that are deemed dangerous so they can quickly be identified; and a school-based educational program to teach children how to interact with dogs. Which of these ideas do you think would be the most effective?

A) Let me get this straight: the "How to Interact With a Potentially Vicious Dog" class replaces my child's arts curriculum, right?

B) Definitely the microchip one. I mean, if there's anything that bugs me when I'm getting ripped to shreds by a dog, it's that I can't recognize which breed it is.

C) All I know is, it's a sad, sad day in a city as sophisticated and urbane as San Francisco when you can no longer breed an unlicensed pit bull in your own backyard.

6) Despite their ferocious reputation, pit bulls are one of the most popular dog types in the Bay Area. They're the No. 1 breed in Oakland, the third favorite in both San Francisco and Contra Costa counties, and No. 6 in San Jose. How do you explain the prevalence of pit bulls here?

A) Don't ask me. I don't like any dog that can't fit into my designer handbag.

B) The prevalence of area prisons.

C) Hey, Cops is a popular show.

7) According to license data, more than 700 of the 12,000 dogs registered in San Francisco are listed as American Pit Bull Terriers, pit bulls, or pit bull mixes, but officials estimate that only one in 10 dogs in the city is licensed. That means there could be as many as 7,000 pit bulls in the city alone. Do you think this population represents a significant danger to San Francisco?

A) Yes. But if handled properly by an owner who isn't raising it for its violent tendencies, a pit bull can be a loving, nondangerous, family-friendly dog. (Bonus point for adding: "Notice I said, 'Can be.'")

B) Nah. They make wonderful guard dogs. You just have to make sure they know whom they're guarding against.

C) I wouldn't know anything about that. And I also wouldn't know anything about a place you can go on Thursday nights around midnight, if you know the right knock, to watch them square off ....


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How to score:

Score zero points for every "A" answer, one point for every "B," and two points for every "C."

0-6 points: Yes, we have to do something about this problem. Could we somehow apply "Care Not Cash" to pit bulls?

7-10 points: On the fence? Just don't get stuck there during a pit bull attack!

11-14 points: You are a true apologist. And, yes, pit bulls are people, too.

Someone on another forum made the perfect quiz of his/her own and added the "Proper" answers to this quiz.
It was great.
I of course e-mailed this idiot and tried to educate him. I would assume my e-mail was central filed but at least I tried to get my point across!
I am hoping that other bully breed lovers will do the same thing!
He needs some serious help writing crap like this.

Sue

 

My letter to this idiot editor:

Pit bull’s 101:


Dear Editor:

I am writing this because am hopeful that people can read the facts and become more educated about topic of "PIT BULLS" It would be extremily helpful for you to learn more about dog behavior in general before writing public "Quizes" that obviously are extremily biased and under educated to say the least.


First, Let me add that I do have extensive experience dealing with pit bulls/ American Staffordshire Terriers (Pure breeds as well as pit bull mixes)
I personally am around approximately 250-300 pit bulls per year. (Probably even more) I think that is more than the average person (not in the dog business)

I believe when a fatal attack happens involving dogs, 99.9 percent of the time It is the owners of the dogs and their stupidity that attributes to the horrific act. (Yes, VERY bad dogs either genetic or human taught maybe a little of both)?

Another problem with pit bulls is people with intent to breed these dogs and to become a wonderful back yard breeder making "tons of money on the dogs offspring too"!!! BACK YARD BREEDERS!!



Pit bulls are not breed to be aggressive towards people in the least.


http://www.austinlostpets.com/kidskorne ... itbull.htm



Actually in my home town and surrounding cities and towns, last year, the number one biter was a yellow lab and a golden retriever. (Mixes as well as pedigree)

Pit bull’s can and do exhibit animal aggression. That is something that is breed into them.

On the other hand, many of them do not have any issues other than being born with the name of "Pit bull".

I train shelter pit bulls (as well as other types of dogs but I do specialize in training shelter pit bulls) for the most part; I find them to be extremely intelligent, loving and funny personality dogs. I adore the breed and have been working with them for over 12 years now.

I have never been bitten or even growled at by a "Pit bull". I have been severely bitten and put in the hospital by a "GOLDEN RETRIEVER/ YELLOW LAB though. Just last year. This dog was MY OWN!!! A visit to a general surgeon, a plastic surgeon and multiple visits to an occupational therapist for one month as well as a cast and then a splint on my left hand. The attack was unprovoked, (I took him by the collar to lead him to another room)

He had a big issue with dominance aggression!!! So it goes to show, judge each dog individually. PLEASE!!! I still love Golden's and labs. I do not discriminate against that breed.



Here is a recent pic of me featured in the Humane Society of the United States News letter. Yes, I am proud!!

http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/NERO-1.pdf

(Scroll down to the last page and you will find a pic of me and my rescue dog that was beaten severely from some loser in Providence. The dogs name is "Annabelle)".

My other "Pit bull" named Ginger is a pet therapy dog. She was nothing more than a little pit bull sitting on death row with 0 training when I adopted her almost 4 years ago. She has her CGC and has done many public events to promote pit bulls in a positive image. Last year she was in a fashion show that was emceed by news channel 12's Karen Adams. There were over 300 invited guests. Ginger was awesome. Yes, my dogs are exposed to children too.

Ginger recently got married 5/29/05 at the Cranston Country Club (for a fund raiser to help shelter dogs and cats) and had over 90 invited guests as well as the media.

I work hard to promote this type of dog, as they should be a loving family pet.

Yes, they are strong dogs and when one goes bad, you better believe the bite will be bad. One must always remember something my behaviorist once told me. "Always think of ALL dogs as predators, they are canines and all have sharp teeth".

Lets face it; getting bit by a pit bull is not the same as getting bit by a poodle.

It the LOSERS that train their dogs to be killing machines and the dogs go bad because of the human that raises them not the other way around.

I am not saying that all pit bulls are good. And yes, when one exhibits bad behavior, yes, put the dog to sleep. Many shelters now do temperament testing on the dogs that come in.
Here is a Brief overall of what the testing entails:

Ideally, dogs should have at least three days to acclimate to the shelter prior to testing. Forms are used to chart the progression of the tests and to compile an adoption profile. In the beginning, the evaluator spends time observing the dog. This initial period allows the evaluator to see whether the dog is sexually mature and intact, whether it is cautious, and whether it his showing any signs of friendliness. Does the dog acknowledge the tester and/or solicit attention? This information determines if you proceed further.

Once it has been determined that the tests should continue, the evaluator begins stroking the dog in a neutral/non-threatening area first, then progresses to stroking the back, patting the side, patting the head, and finally initiating more affectionate interaction. The dog is rated on all of his responses. Personality traits are then determined: is the dog confident/timid, calm/frenetic, independent/dependent, people oriented/environment oriented, unflappable/reactive, etc. All of these traits have varying degrees of interpretation, so careful assessment is important. Many dogs fall within a continuum of the personality descriptions, and this gives way to further explanation on their evaluation forms. Physical control and restraint responses are tested. This is similar to a veterinary examination: the dog experiences physical restraint and his teeth, ears as well as the rest of his body are checked. Also, the play and prey response is checked. The evaluator attempts to engage the dog in physical play and takes notice of how quickly the play occurs, whether it escalates (i.e. does it become mouthing, grabbing, jumping). When the evaluator stops, he also takes notice of how long it takes before the dog calms down. Interest in toys is tested, too. Retrieving and tug games are applied to see what experience the dog has. A chase response is tested to determine whether the dog is aroused by quickly moving targets.

The evaluator looks at prior training: Does the dog have any? Without physical manipulation and without prompting with the leash or collar, verbal obedience cues and hand signals are given. Response to sit, down, shake/paw, come, etc. are tested. Rewards are given when the dog responds correctly. If no training is apparent, evaluators teach the "Sit!" command using a food lure. This is the beginning of the dog's in-shelter training. On-leash behavior is also observed. Food and object guarding are tested, as are the dog's reaction to visitors and strangers. Dogs are tested to determine compatibility with other dogs and cats.

This is a brief overview of the temperament tests administered at animal shelters. Shelters sometimes improvise by removing or adding additional tests to the routine. In reality, each test is performed in great depth. Each dog is evaluated as an individual and is not prejudged by breed or size. Care is taken when completing the written profile. This information is detailed and should reasonably suggest the type of home and environment preferred for each dog".


It is very involved but you can get a good indication overall on the dogs temperament. If the dog does not pass, the dog gets put to sleep. (Check out these ATTS stats on breed temperament) the American Pit bull terrier does rather well!!! http://www.atts.org/stats1.html

I also can personally tell people this: The pit bull is usually not the breed that flunks the temperament test.

I just wish society could understand it’s the morons that own these dogs that cause the problems.

Stop back yard breeding and enforce stricter animal cruelty laws. Ticket irresponsible dog owners. (Of all breeds) Every owner has a shared responsibility to care for their pets and be responsible owners. Teach children to be respectful of animals. Never leave children unattended with dogs and be a responsible parent.

I just love it when I go to the local parks and there are tons and tons of loose dogs running around. I get the dirty looks because I have the "OH my GOD PIT BULL". My dog is always on a leash and doing nothing wrong. Then when their dog approaches mine (due to it being off leash) they will say something really stupid to me like "Is your pit bull going to kill my poor dog"??? "Oh how can you own such a monster"???
My reply??? "Duhh if you cared so much, why don't you get your dog on a leash and be a responsible dog owner and do your part as well" "Looks like you did a great job obedience training your dog".

Personally speaking from a dog training perspective. I still stand by the word individual. Judge each dog by his or her own behavioral acts and always keep an eye on your children. My husband and myself always had dogs while our children were young. We had a red Doberman /German shepherd mix. The dog was our children’s best friend. We also had a pit bull that was an awesome family pet. Our children were taught to respect the dog and vice/versa.

In the case of my golden retriever/ yellow lab dog attack last August (that did require an ambulance ride) if I were a child, I would have been dead ~~~ NO doubt.
They have a "general" reputation of being great with children.


I think no one with small children that is not willing to watch the children like a hawk and take responsibility should have a dog ANY dog. I have seen beagles with horrible food aggression that have had to be put to sleep. (That is one of the important things I look out for with dogs and young children (dogs with food aggression) that is why the temperament testing is so important.

I work at a community hospital and have worked there for 18 years now.

I can tell you MANY stories about dog bites and breeds as well. I also have many friends that are Animal Control Officers in the State I live in. In most cities and towns, Pit bulls are actually at the bottom of the list when it comes to human bites. They are however, high on the list of animal aggressive acts. Not people aggression.

As a general rule, I personally do not adopt out MOST breeds pit bulls or otherwise to families with small children. (Just because I don't trust the parents to keep an eye on their children and then turn around and then blame the dog)!!!

Those are my rules. Of course, there are exceptions and depending on the child and coupled with the temperament test results then I make my decision.
But I have to add just because a dog is strong does not make it vicious.

All pit bulls are not mean. Many are in fact service dogs.


It really depends on the individual family as well as the individual dog. I think most intellegent people would agree on that?


This article has some helpful hints about children and dogs:


http://www.leerburg.com/kidbites.htm

another great one:
http://members.aol.com/radogz/find.html (Can you find the pit bull)?



And last but not least:


http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dogs/dogs- ... -kids.aspx

also a great book that I highly recommend is:
Fatal Dog Attacks ~ the stories behind the statistics. By Karen Delise. (Read below)

"FATAL DOG ATTACKS"
The Stories Behind the Statistics
An Investigative Study into the Circumstances Surrounding Dog-Bite Related Human Fatalities from 1965 through the Present.
By Karen Delise


"There is nothing to fear

except the persistent refusal to find out the truth,

the persistent refusal to analyze the causes of happenings."

Dorothy Thompson, (1894 - 1961)


Today’s media is filled with sensational headlines of dog attacks. Routinely quoted in these newspaper accounts are dated statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. The last CDC study released documented which breeds of dogs caused the most human fatalities from 1979 through 1998. While the CDC did an admirable job of studying fatal dog attacks, and went to great lengths to point out that irresponsible owners were the cause of most of these incidents, the media and lawmakers continue to use CDC statistics to substantiate claims that certain breeds of dogs are inherently more "vicious" than other breeds.

The result of sensationalizing individual incidents of severe or fatal dog attacks, included with the use of unexamined statistical "evidence" has created an unfortunate and inaccurate public and political perception as to the dangerousness and predictability of certain breeds of dogs. Despite enormous public and political interest in fatal dog attacks, there is no agency or organization that does investigative work (with the exception of this study) into each of the individual cases of fatal dog attacks and records the number and circumstances of fatal dog attacks on a continuous, yearly basis.

This study is conducted in an attempt to understand the human and canine behaviors that contribute to a fatal dog attack. Only in understanding the events and circumstances surrounding these incidents can we hope to prevent future tragedies.

STUDY FINDINGS:
After reviewing over 431 cases of fatal dog attacks it is apparent there is no single factor that translates in a lethal encounter between a person and a dog(s). A fatal dog attack is always the culmination of past and present events that include: inherited and learned behaviors, genetics, breeding, socialization, function of the dog, physical condition and size of the dog, reproductive status of dog, popularity of breed, individual temperament, environmental stresses, owner responsibility, victim behavior, victim size and physical condition, timing and misfortune.

While many circumstances may contribute to a fatal dog attack, the following three factors appear to play a critical role in the display of canine aggression towards humans;

Function of the dog - (Includes: dogs acquired for fighting, guarding/protection or image enhancement)


Owner responsibility - (Includes: dogs allowed to roam loose, chained dogs, dogs and/or children left unsupervised, dogs permitted or encouraged to behave aggressively, animal neglect and/or abuse)


Reproductive status of dog - (Includes: unaltered males dogs, bitches with puppies, children coming between male dog and female dog in estrus)
It is necessary to emphasize that a fatal dog attack is an exceptionally unusual event. Approximating 20 deaths per year in a dog population of 53 million yields an infinitesimal percent of the dog population (.0000004%) involved in a human fatality.

THE BREED FACTOR
Many communities and cities believe that the solution to prevent severe and fatal dog attacks is to label, restrict or ban certain breeds of dogs as potentially dangerous. If the breed of dog was the primary or sole determining factor in a fatal dog attack, it would necessarily stand to reason that since there are literally millions of Rottweilers, Pit Bulls and German Shepherd Dogs in the United States, there would have to be countless more than an approximate 20 human fatalities per year.

Since only an infinitesimal number of any breed is implicated in a human fatality, it is not only unreasonable to characterize this as a specific breed behavior by which judge an entire population of dogs, it also does little to prevent fatal or severe dog attacks as the real causes and events that contribute to a fatal attack are masked by the issue of breed and not seriously addressed.

Pit Bulls in particular have been in a firestorm of bad publicity, and throughout the country Pit Bulls often bear the brunt of breed specific legislation. One severe or fatal attack can result in either restrictions or outright banning of this breed (and other breeds) in a community. While any severe or fatal attack on a person is tragic, there is often a tragic loss of perspective as to degree of dangerousness associated with this breed in reaction to a fatality. Virtually any breed of dog can be implicated in a human fatality.

From 1965 - 2001, there have been at least 36 different breeds/types of dog that have been involved in a fatal attack in the United States. (This number rises to at least 52 breeds/types when surveying fatal attacks worldwide). We are increasingly becoming a society that has less and less tolerance and understanding of natural canine behaviors. Breed specific behaviors that have been respected and selected for over the centuries are now often viewed as unnatural or dangerous. Dogs have throughout the centuries served as protectors and guardians of our property, possessions and families. Dogs have also been used for thousands of years to track, chase and hunt both large and small animals. These natural and selected-for canine behaviors seem to now eliciting fear, shock and a sense of distrust among many people.

There seems to be an ever-growing expectation of a "behaviorally homogenized" dog - "Benji" in the shape of a Rottweiler. Breeds of dogs with greater protection instincts or an elevated prey-drive are often unfairly viewed as "aggressive or dangerous". No breed of dog is inherently vicious, as all breeds of dogs were created and are maintained exclusively to serve and co-exist with humans. The problem exists not within the breed of dog, but rather within the owners that fail to control, supervise, maintain and properly train the breed of dog they choose to keep.

CANINE AGGRESSION - AN OVERVIEW
it is important to emphasize that dogs bite today for the same reasons that they did one hundred or one thousand years ago. Dogs are no more dangerous today than they were a century or millennium ago. They only difference is a shift in human perception of what is and is not natural canine behavior and/or aggression and the breed of dog involved.

Examination of newspaper archival records dating back to the 1950’s and 1960’s reveal the same types of severe and fatal attacks occurring then as today. The only difference is the breed of dog responsible for these events. A random study of 74 severe and fatal attacks reported in the Evening Bulletin (Philadelphia, PA) from 1964-1968, show no severe or fatal attacks by Rottweilers and only one attack attributed to a Pit-Bull-type dog. The dogs involved in most of these incidents were the breeds that were popular at the time.

Over two thousand years ago, Plato extolled a basic understanding of canine behavior when he wrote, "the disposition of noble dogs is to be gentle with people they know and the opposite with those they don’t know...." Recently, this fundamental principal of canine behavior seems to elude many people as parents allow their children to be unsupervised with unfamiliar dogs and lawmakers clamor to declare certain dogs as dangerous in response to an attack.

Any dog, regardless of breed, is only as dangerous as his/her owner allows it to be.

Addressing the issue of severe and fatal dog attacks as a breed specific problem is akin to treating the symptom and not the disease. Severe and fatal attacks will continue until we come to the realization that allowing a toddler to wander off to a chained dog is more of a critical factor in a fatal dog attack than which breed of dog is at the end of the chain.

Only when we become more knowledgeable, humane and responsible in our treatment of dogs can we hope to prevent future tragedies.



"Fatal Dog Attacks" explores and discusses the truth behind fatal dog attacks; including:

Where and under what circumstances do many of these attacks occur?

Why are certain breeds of dog implicated in more fatal attacks than other breeds?

Who is most likely to be a victim of a fatal dog attack?

What are the REAL causes of a fatal dog attack?

Who is ultimately responsible for these incidents?

What can be done to prevent these types of attacks"?

I highly suggest people purchase this book TODAY!

http://www.theanimalprint.com/JuJuWeb.pdf

Above is a link to The Animal Print's recent magazine that just came out on stands.
Scroll down to almost the end (page 23) and you can see pics of my husband, my pet “Pit Bull” bride and myself on her wedding day fundraiser that was held May 29th. 2005.

Yes, children were there too!!



Sincerely,

Susan

 

excellent response Sue...hopefully this guy will be a bit more educated about pit bulls and maybe even print something about what he's learned!(we can hope right?)

 

What an idiot!!!! Why bring up Dianna Whipple, admittedly he said that it wasnt Pits that attacked her....but then why bring it up. If anything I would have thought that horrific attack and killing would be more appropriate if pushing for Dangerous Dog Laws which cover ANY breed, seems as though that was a 'play' in the media to have people subconsciously associate the attack with Pits.
His quiz reminds me of something my daughter wrote once, something along the lines of..
"What should we do with mean people"
Should we....A) Send them all to jail.....B) Chop all their heads off.....or C) make them go and live on a island with other mean people.

She was being bullied at school at the time...she was about 8 YEARS OLD !!!!

 

Here is a picture of the genius editor.

http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/spec ... quist.html

( WOW~~ intelligent as well as great looking ) :shock:
Does anyone agree that he looks just like "John Boy" Walton???
:mrgreen:
I wonder what breed of dog (if any) he owns?

 

I dont know about John Boy Walton but he looks about 12 !!!
Hopefully the only pet he owns is a pet rock.

 

:lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Here is John Boy Walton's quiz again.

This time with the PROPER ANSWERS to the questions.
(I have to add that these are not my answers, they came from another great forum and these answers are so good that they are worth sharing with others. I hope that the person that wrote the answers does e-mail John Boy and give him a piece of their mind)

1) Increased attention began concentrating on the breed earlier this month, when a 12-year-old boy was mauled to death in his Sunset District home by one of the family's two pit bulls. His mother had left the boy alone in the basement with some video games and snacks while she ran errands for two hours, and she had secured the basement door against the dogs (the female appeared to be in heat) with a propped shovel. But when she returned, she found her dead son's body in a front bedroom, and she now faces felony child-endangerment charges. What does this tragic incident suggest to you about the need for greater awareness of pit bulls' potential for danger?

A) It makes me think, "What ever happened to having a nice cocker spaniel?"

B) Reminds me of my motto: Never mess with a pit bull in heat.

C) Nothing. I blame it on video games.

D) "This tragic incident suggests there is a need for greater awareness of the potential for danger with any animal, more so in times of increased stress (such as mating)".[/b

2) Just a few days after the Sunset mauling, an 8-year-old girl in Santa Rosa was attacked by a neighbor's unaltered, 70-pound pit bull, Smokey, who escaped and pounced on the girl while she was playing in her backyard. The girl survived the assault but received more than 50 wounds to her face, arms, chest, and neck, causing her mother and local doctors to call for political action. As one physician said: "You are not allowed to bring a lion into your backyard, and I think there has to be more concern and legislation for certain kinds of breeds." What's your response?

A) The doctor's right. I think politicians are just the people to solve our pit bull problems.

B) Oh, great. Now they're telling us we can't keep a lion in our backyard. I thought this was America, for Christ's sake!

C) But what's gonna happen to Smokey?!?

D) "The physician was SO CLOSE. All he needed to do was change "Certain kinds of breeds" to "neglected, abused and/or bored animals kept on chains in the backyard"


3) Although the Santa Rosa neighbor who was taking care of Smokey told reporters she doesn't blame anyone except "that damn dog," defenders of pit bulls argue that the breed is not inherently violent. Rather, they say, it is the owner -- and the owner's love and care -- that determines whether the dog behaves in an affectionate manner, along with the breeding conditions in which the dog was raised. What do you think is the safest, most reliable way to procure a pit bull?

A) From a humane, experienced, fully licensed dog breeder, who can give you the necessary advice to raise your pit bull to be nonviolent and loving.

B) Yeah, but I know this guy who could get you two for, like, half that price ....

C) Win it in a game of chance.


D) From a shelter who has an experienced dog trainer/behaviorist working with the dogs while they await their forever homes. Also from a shelter where the dogs going up for adoption have been temperament tested to determine which dogs are going to be available for adoption and what type of homes are they suited for.

4) In the wake of the high-profile maulings, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom convened a Canine Response Working Group to address the issues surrounding pit bulls and has pledged to crack down on the breed. As he put it at a press conference: "I, for one, have had enough. I think it's time we get serious about pit bulls in this city, we get serious about pit bulls in this state, get serious about pit bulls across the United States of America." Do you agree?

A) Yes, but why stop there? I think it's time we get serious about pit bulls in Canada, we get serious about pit bulls on the moon, we get serious about pit bulls across the galaxy ....

B) The Canine Response Working Group? Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you should put a bunch of dogs in charge of crafting their own policy. (Bonus point for adding: "Only in San Francisco ....")

C) Look, I'm just glad that Newsom has finally (finally) found a controversial, intensely local issue that he can try to make into the rest of America's problem.

D) "Can the Canine Response Working Group take a look at targeting irresponsible dog ownership in general instead"?

5) Some of the city's proposals include a ban on backyard breeding; a regulation mandating that all pit bulls be spayed or neutered; a policy of implanting microchips in dog breeds that are deemed dangerous so they can quickly be identified; and a school-based educational program to teach children how to interact with dogs. Which of these ideas do you think would be the most effective?

A) Let me get this straight: the "How to Interact With a Potentially Vicious Dog" class replaces my child's arts curriculum, right?

B) Definitely the microchip one. I mean, if there's anything that bugs me when I'm getting ripped to shreds by a dog, it's that I can't recognize which breed it is.

C) All I know is, it's a sad, sad day in a city as sophisticated and urbane as San Francisco when you can no longer breed an unlicensed pit bull in your own backyard.

D) "Education is always a good thing, but can we expand it to more than just school based? What about across the country?? Children and adults alike. A school based education program is a great idea especially when it could potentially save a child's life if they were attacked by any breed of dog".

6) Despite their ferocious reputation, pit bulls are one of the most popular dog types in the Bay Area. They're the No. 1 breed in Oakland, the third favorite in both San Francisco and Contra Costa counties, and No. 6 in San Jose. How do you explain the prevalence of pit bulls here?

A) Don't ask me. I don't like any dog that can't fit into my designer handbag.

B) The prevalence of area prisons.

C) Hey, Cops is a popular show.

D) "See why do you love the Bully breed? For a more clear picture".

7) According to license data, more than 700 of the 12,000 dogs registered in San Francisco are listed as American Pit Bull Terriers, pit bulls, or pit bull mixes, but officials estimate that only one in 10 dogs in the city is licensed. That means there could be as many as 7,000 pit bulls in the city alone. Do you think this population represents a significant danger to San Francisco?

A) Yes. But if handled properly by an owner who isn't raising it for its violent tendencies, a pit bull can be a loving, non dangerous, family-friendly dog. (Bonus point for adding: "Notice I said, 'Can be.'")

B) Nah. They make wonderful guard dogs. You just have to make sure they know whom they're guarding against.

C) I wouldn't know anything about that. And I also wouldn't know anything about a place you can go on Thursday nights around midnight, if you know the right knock, to watch them square off ....

D) " In the wrong hands, any one of the 12000 registered dogs (and 120000 total, by these statistics) can become a vicious dog. Even Tinkerbell drew blood on the hand of a TV Producer...but if I had to spend that much time with Paris Hilton, I'm sure I'd be a bit violent myself".




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How to score:

Score zero points for every "A" answer, one point for every "B," and two points for every "C."

0-6 points: Yes, we have to do something about this problem. Could we somehow apply "Care Not Cash" to pit bulls?

7-10 points: On the fence? Just don't get stuck there during a pit bull attack!

11-14 points: You are a true apologist. And, yes, pit bulls are people, too.


Now, whoever wrote these answers is a very educated pit bull person!

 

way to go Sue, I wish the media would get off off of their soapbox and work on other issues, like Fireworks, our news said yesterday in Calif last year alone 3000 people required medical attention and there wre 8 deaths. my point is, there are so many other things causing more deaths and serios injury and people dont complain about.

and the dog bite thing too, there are so many other breeds that are just as bad, but you dont see them making the news.

and the SF death from what I have read, I think th monther is neglible in that one

 

here is one that is sad but will put a few in their place.

A friend came across this, I have not seen it here but was a true story picked up and carried in one of the dog magazine's. Maybe if these people had read this first?

Here is a story I am going to tell which I read in this months issue of Dog Fancy magazine.. I will warn you it is a tear jerker, but deserves to be told..

Tahoe was a therapy dog and often paid visits to a certain little boy in a childrens hospital who was fighting leukemia. Tahoe usually visited on certain days of the week. One morning the little boy asked his nurse if he could see Tahoe that day. She told him it wasn't the day for his regular visit. The little boy said "I know, but I really want to see him today. Please call and ask if he can come see me." The nurse called the owner and asked if she was busy. Said for some reason Tommy really wanted to see Tahoe today. The owner agreed and her and Tahoe went to see Tommy. Once there they walked into the room. Tahoe stopped and looked at Tommy who had tears in his eyes. Immediately Tahoe climbed up on the bed and gently laid down beside Tommy. Tommy wrapped his arms around Tahoe and hugged him as tightly as he weakened state could. Tahoe laid his head across Tonmmy's neck. A few moments later Tommy passed away with Tahoe in his arms. Tahoe was a pit bull terrier. When they left the hospital the owner with tears in her eyes and Tahoe with his tail down and looking very sad. A lady across the lot yelled.. "GET THAT MONSTER OUT OF HER, THERE ARE KIDS HERE." The owner simply stopped, turned around and looked at the lady with tears in her eyes and said quietly. " I know, that is why we are here.

 

YOGI! AWSOME! Yes, it did bring a tear to my eye.
I just want to THANK YOU for posting it and just for everyone's info, I did sent a copy of it to the editor of the pit bull quiz Matt whoever AKA "John Boy Walton"
Sue

 

it is also unfortunate

that if he taken time to actually check the status he would have never listed is "1. Cocker Spaniels account for more dog bite in the US on average than any breed. I wonder where he was at that day...?

 

:cry: Thats was sad Yogi.

 

I have some real winners on another forum that thinks Pits are the devils dog. I just can't express the point well enough to these guys.

http://www.compucations.com/portal1649/ ... p?13.22600