d**n dogs

[hdowden]

So they may not have owners. Here in Florida, esp with the economy what it is, some people are "releasing" there dogs in their neighborhood and/or the everglades. It is sad and isn't a good solution.

around here you see a lot of dogs and cats on sites posted for free even military families are having problems. not only that but we do have pit bull owners around here that have been known to "collect" free animals and use them as bait animals. its so sad. even worse all the shelters around are over full from all the animals pouring in. i refuse to give away any type of animal. i have trapped several feral kittens before and tamed them then found them new homes. the fee that was tacked on was the vet bill and i tend to meet the people at the vets office for them to have the kittens given their shots and fixed that way i know they are going to a good home. i try to make sure each and every animal that leaves here (dog and/or cat wise) gets fixed. i have a female cat that i need to go take one of my live traps out and catch her and see if shes tamable if not them i will find some place that can spay her for either free or pretty cheap that way the cat population doesnt increase. i also try and help recover lost pets as well some times i have luck in finding the animal other times no luck at all and those are the sad stories especially when kids are involved.

 

[Cetawin]

If you are within your rights to shoot the dogs, shoot them on sight when they cross your property boundary. I just shot a Rottie in my barn the other day...danged thing challenged me, snarled and got shot. I won't have it on my property.

I have done both ways....talked and talked to dog owners who did nothing and then I shot the dog and now, just like the Rottie, I shoot them, dig a hole and that is that. Sad thing...no one has ever come looking for the dog or talked to my neighbors about the dog.

Your child has the right to have his pets safe and not mauled or killed by someone else's uncontrolled dog. I am so sorry for your son I would suggest telling him that Oatmeal is not coming home....for whatever reason you feel is appropriate and ask him if he would like to get a new chicken friend. Maybe you could tell him something like "Oatmeal had to leave because he had to visit other children who needed his love too" I think making Oatmeal a special pet to all children in his eyes may help while allowing him to want to have another chicken friend.

I remember when my daughter was very young (about 3 years old) and our little dog died, I told her that God had asked Sami to visit another little girl that was very lonely and scared but that he would send another doggie friend to live with her"...she was so proud that Sami could a little girl from being afraid that she thought it was a good thing for Sami to go. You know your child best but in some way he should know Oatmeal is not coming back and free his little heart to love another bird. Again I am so sorry for your little one.