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December 5, 2008

Good Times in The Slope

A doubleshot of bad news in Park Slope this morning, courtesy of Gowanus Lounge: First, gunshots were reported around Baltic Street and 4th Avenue on Wednesday night; then, reports of an off-leash pit bull attacking a woman and her dog, breaking the owner's arm and requiring the victim dog to get surgery. Nice.

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Comments

Damn, reminds me of the "good old days." Bit of tough love, Brooklyn style.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at December 5, 2008 10:21 AM

sorry :( i couldnt find the least this morning. no seriously, that is horrible. i HATE people that have their dogs off leashes. question, honestly, what can be done about it? i had a really really bad time in harlem with this issue, one of the reasons i had to get out of there..

as some of you know i DO have a pitbull and he has a choke collar, and im very careful with him as is my roommate and the professional dog walker. i would never keep him off a leash.

there are a few people in my building who walk their dogs off leashes, little yappie dogs... fine. whatever, but i get terrified when they run up to my dog. so far nothing has happened. they say their dogs are fine. but if anything did happen whose dog would be to blame? i am most certain mine?

it's tough, a pitbull would never have been my first dog of choice, but he came into my life for a reason and i rescued him basically from a crappy situation. not all pitbulls are bad. they get a bad rep because of some bad owners.

*hugs* to the victim in this, that seriously blows. and people who breed and make pits fight should have THEIR arms chewed off.

end of rant.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 10:26 AM

On the positive side, they're shooting an episode of Ugly Betty in the Slope today. Which means you'll be chased and assaulted by a group of production assistants (certainly NOT employed from the community) if you try to walk from the subway down Seventh Ave. to buy some wine and food for your dinner tonight. And, perhaps, you'll have to move your car.
And, perhaps, there will be lights, sound trucks and that ubiquitous convoy of trailers, along with that wonderful long table full of food for the crew and cast. I'd rather be chased by a pit bull. Let them film in Vancouver or Toronto, not in my back yard.

Posted by: anonymous552 at December 5, 2008 10:30 AM

It was a legitimate rant rob.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 10:30 AM

Brownstoner- appreciate that you're trying to report some news, but why not write your posts without the 'curbed' style irony.

Really- what is there to gain by being snarky about gunshots and peopled getting hurt?

Posted by: Park Place at December 5, 2008 10:34 AM

The "shooting" is some anonymous guy posting what he thought he heard (most people have no idea what a real gunshot sounds like) on Brooklyian's forum - with no credible verification - and it happened on Wed - so you'd figure by now it could have been verified if it happened (at 10:30pm) and

2nd of all, the "pitbull" attack apparently took place last week and the "source" was a 2nd hand post on Park Slope Parents......

Can you bloggers at least try to sensationalize verifiable events

Posted by: fsrg at December 5, 2008 10:38 AM

"there are a few people in my building who walk their dogs off leashes, little yappie dogs... fine. whatever, but i get terrified when they run up to my dog. so far nothing has happened. they say their dogs are fine. but if anything did happen whose dog would be to blame?"

OK, let me consider this for a minute. "Yappie dog" runs up to your pit bull. Pit bull takes "yappie dog" in its jaws of death, swings "yappie dog" back and forth a few times with said "yappie dog's" throat streaming blood. Yappie dog is now dead.

Whose damn dog do you think would be to blame here? Lappy dogs who don't represent a threat to anyone. Sounds like your pit bull does, you know that it's an accident waiting to happen but you say when it does happen it's not going to be your fault because you didn't choose the dog. You couldn't prevent lappy dog from coming your way. Yeah, Ok.

By the way, I like big dogs. I used to walk a Dobberman and later a pit bull for friends. However, neither dog would ever have attacked another dog that simply approached it. Pit bulls, from my experiennce, can be quite sweet by nature. If yours isn't, maybe NYC is not the place for him/her.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at December 5, 2008 10:41 AM

I have a pitbull on my block in the slope that is constantly off his leash. What can I do about it, I feel a call to the cops would be excessive, is there any recourse?

Posted by: SWY at December 5, 2008 10:41 AM

This post isn't about dogs, it's about the ghetto/projects in the area. All terriers are, by definition, hunters and biters. Even scotties and westies, etc... you should've seen my mom's scotties kill field mice - nice!

All terriers have the ability to lock their jaws. Smart, careful dog owners realize this and train their dogs (or they should). People who want to use this locking feature as a weapon are criminals.

If you want to avoid criminals, a good first step is stay away from projects. People are kidding themselves that the gangsters won't affect them when they move right up against housing projects. maybe you'll be ok, but why risk it? i don't get it.

Posted by: wine lover at December 5, 2008 10:41 AM

Pit bulls should be eradicated. I have an immediate family member who lost part of an ear and partial eyesight to one of those disgusting beasts. Exterminate them. No pity at all. I really don't care if you love your beast. It is a menace and needs to be removed.

Posted by: lechacal at December 5, 2008 10:44 AM

brooklynnative, you seem to have some kind of problem with me ive noticed in the last few days. step off. first of all, if a little yappie dog off the leash went up to my dog ON the leash and that happened yeah i KNOW id be responsible, DUH. the thing is tho, ALL dogs, especially in corridors of hallways should be on leashes to begin with to prevent that from happening. im not even going to get into an argument with you about this issue.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 10:46 AM

"Damn, reminds me of the "good old days." Bit of tough love, Brooklyn style."

brooklynnative- Ever been shot? I have. Ever been bit by a dog. I have.

It sucks.

You're a poseur.

Posted by: Prodigal_Son at December 5, 2008 10:49 AM

What's wine lover's problem??? Talk about a bizarre train of thought! All of Brooklyn is close to some project or another.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 10:52 AM

"OK, let me consider this for a minute. "Yappie dog" runs up to your pit bull. Pit bull takes "yappie dog" in its jaws of death, swings "yappie dog" back and forth a few times with said "yappie dog's" throat streaming blood. Yappie dog is now dead."

Yappie dogs owners fault. Illegal to have dog off leash (outside) and I'm sure your building has rules inside. Ignorance and a toy dog would be 100% responsible...

Posted by: cornerbodega at December 5, 2008 10:52 AM

BrooklynNative: how is one dog owner, responsibly walking his dog on a leash, supposed to prevent an unleashed dog from running over to his dog? Dogs can be unpredictable, and even little dogs can be aggressive, prompting a strong defensive reaction. I (literally) don't have a dog in this fight, but Rob has a good point. Having a dog off leash, even an allegedly non-threatening little dog (these breeds bite plenty of children), is what is most irresponsible.

To the point, though, full sympathies to the victims. All of them. Most especially the 14 yo who was killed in Bushwick (?) the other day. I don't recall seeing a single post expressing sorrow for his untimely and unnecessary death. Guns are the greatest threat here, followed closely by trucks and SUVs.

Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at December 5, 2008 10:53 AM

Brooklynnative,

I'm sure Rob doesn't need any help defending himself, so I'll chime in on behalf of us non-dog owners. Leash laws serve a lot of purposes. One of them, obviously is to protect man and dog alike from unleashed powerful aggressive dogs like some pitbulls. Another--the one that you ignored--is to protect the unleashed dog from getting hurt at the hands of more powerful dogs, cars, paranoid schizophrenics, or whatever.

If your yappy dog is off the leash and is hurt by a dog that is on the leash, the unleashed dog owner is at fault.

mattt

Posted by: mattt at December 5, 2008 10:55 AM

"brooklynnative, you seem to have some kind of problem with me ive noticed in the last few days. step off."

LOL. What the hell are you talking about? What possible post of mine can you be referring to? The only posts I've made in months are in the last couple of days and on my pictures Brownstoner used which certainly had nothing to do with you.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at December 5, 2008 10:55 AM

"Really- what is there to gain by being snarky about gunshots and peopled getting hurt?"

Comments

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 10:56 AM

How about this novel idea?

If you own a dog be responsible! Train it properly. Walk it on a leash. Use a soft muzzle when walking it if it tends to snap or lunge at other dogs.

All dogs big and small have the capacity to act irresponsibly. THEY are ANIMALS. It's the owners that need to step up to the plate and behave.

If it's too much trouble maybe you should own a goldfish instead.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 5, 2008 11:00 AM

So much vitriol on a post about something that we can't even confirm happened. No wonder a lot of these threads turn into discussions about...well you know.

The unleashed dog is at fault. My akita that I had years ago was a very friendly dog to people and a lot of other dogs. That doesn't mean somme little yappy thing wouldn't provoke him by running up to him. You never know how two dogs will react. it doesn't always depend on how conscientious the owners are.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 11:01 AM

DIBS - I read the PSP post about the pit bull and I find it hard to believe that the poster would have made the story up. Granted, it's not published in the NYT, but I do think it's a credible story, and a discussion about responsibly caring for dogs is a valid one on this blog.

Posted by: Miss Muffett at December 5, 2008 11:06 AM

OK, to all my detractors:

If you own a gun and someone steals it and commits a crime are you at all responsible? Obviously the person who committed the crime is largely responsible. However, I think that if you choose to possess a dangerous weapon, you must take measures to prevent it from harming others. If you own a pitbull put a damn muzzle on it when you walk him/her. It's not that hard and it can prevent an accident that you've already predicted might happen.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at December 5, 2008 11:11 AM

Miss Muffett...you're probably right on the first point and definitely are on the second. I think that you should try and work the pit bull aspect into whether or not housing prices will decline further and you will then find something. :)

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 11:11 AM

Actually, DIBS - I'm working on comments that make NO reference to prices, since I've been chewed out so much for talking so much about falling prices... (though to be fair, I've had plenty to say about schools, and I do have lots to say about the features of specific houses i.e. I loved that "modern in the Slope" the other day...)

Posted by: Miss Muffett at December 5, 2008 11:20 AM

brooklynnative you should open up your mind a bit. Gun rights aside, if you own a gun legally and someone steals it and commits a crime you're not responsible. This is not hard to comprehend...

Posted by: cornerbodega at December 5, 2008 11:25 AM

bnative... agreeance (i know people hate that fake word whatever). i did used to muzzle him when i first got him and had to walk him thru corridors, etc. he's trained and socialized these days. he has a choke collar that keeps him inline (it doesnt hurt him btw, it's loose). i just don't feel like i have to worry all the time walking out my door that some imbecile ditzy owner with a toy dog running down the stairs is going to accost my dog. i mean, if they were on the leash i can guarantee you it would fine they would sniff each other and move on... but the thing is, when a dog is off the leash and comes running up to a dog on a leash it can be bad. why do you think leashes are not allowed in dog runs? it causes anxiety in other dogs and vice versa.

and to the person who said all pitbulls should be eradicated. whatever. hannibal lecter liked to bite people, should all humans be "eradicated" okay seriously stupid analogy, but you get my point, or dont. and also sorry about your tragedy, that is horrible.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 11:25 AM

Any responsible dog owner knows to ask "is he/she friendly?" before having 2 dogs meet. If you don't even have a dog on a leash and he/she gets mauled then you let your dog down big time...

Posted by: cornerbodega at December 5, 2008 11:29 AM

MM - the average idiot walking down the street couldnt identify a pitbull from a boxer from a bulldog, while it may be likely that something happened.....I wouldnt trust the reliability of a PSP post in terms of any details (breed of dog, cause of injury, extent of injury, liability, etc....)

Let me also add, that in PS anyway - I would say that 99.9% of the Pitbulls I see are wonderful and friendly dogs. This may be because 99% of the Pitbulls in PS appear to be rescued dogs (thereby generally demonstrated good disposition), who have been fixed, well cared for, and trained by experienced owners.

On the other hand - I'd say about 35% of the little dogs I encounter are growling, barking untrained, unmanaged menaces. This may be because they are bought by inexperienced people who get there dogs without any regarding for proper breeding, spade/neutering and with the selfish (and wrong) attitude that training is unnecessary - because their dog is so "cute" and little.

Posted by: fsrg at December 5, 2008 11:32 AM

THANK YOU FSRG, one of the dogs in the building who is always off the leash IS one of those designer dogs! puggle i think (beagle puggle)... but that dog isnt really the problematic one. it's this other little one that always runs down the stairs in a bolt of lightening. i guess tho since nothing has happened so far they think it's okay, but it's always annoying to have to deal with that, especially on the street.

when i lived in harlem i saw the most vicous dog fight ever. both dogs off the leash. one was an old poodle one was a pitbull. the pitbull did maul the beagle. cops called, the owner fled, the pitbull fled somewhere, it was HORRIBLE. if both dogs were leashed that wouldnt have happened.

ive yet to bring my dog to prospect for the off the leash hours, i just dont trust it. mostly i just dont trust other dog owners.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 11:38 AM

They are airing this video on Inside Edition right now of this amazing dog saving another dogs life by dragging him to safety. It's amazing:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/03/dog-saves-other-injured-d_n_148238.html

Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 5, 2008 11:39 AM

OK fsrg, I see your point about how the PSP poster may not have correctly identified the breed of dog. But in general, all dog-owners should keep their dogs on leashes on the street - there are dog runs to let them run loose. Park Slope is full of kids, and some of them are scared of dogs, or, alternately, some kids love dogs so much that they will just run up to one and try to smother with kisses and having a dog on a controlled leash can help control both kinds of situations (of course, parents must also be responsible with their kids!). Another pet peeve of mine (pardon the pun) is dog owners who don't pooper scoop - fortunately, this is not a major problem in PS but I definitely see dog poop here and there and am amazed that owners would not clean up after their dogs...

Posted by: Miss Muffett at December 5, 2008 11:42 AM

THL...that was amazing.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 11:46 AM

Neither of these dogs are "at fault' - their owners are. It's the responsibility of all owners of big dogs AND little dogs to socialize (train) their dogs, and keep them leashed in accordance with the law.

Moreover, there are always exceptions, but generally, EVERY dog has the ability to be socialized to be non-aggressive toward people and dogs. Pit bulls, other terrier breeds, and certain working-group dogs were historically trained for fighting and bull-baiting (an ancient sport) and thus can be aggressive WHEN NOT SOCIALIZED. It's the irresponsible OWNERS of fighting/working breeds like pit bulls who are responsible for the misbehavior of their animals and the breed's undeserved negative reputation.

A caring and loving owner, with professional help if necessary (available throughout Brooklyn) will be able to successfully socialize just about any dog.

Finally, it's just as important owners of toy breeds socialize their dogs as it is for large-breed owners. Too many small-dog owners believe it's OK to allow their dogs to be aggressive with people and other dogs because "he/she is too small to hurt anyone."

Posted by: East New York at December 5, 2008 11:51 AM

Wow, wouldn't it be nice to live in a place where friendly dogs are off leash...gee, I do now, on my block on xxx street (to protect the innocent) several of my neighbor's dogs (whom we all know and love) are free at times as their owners stand around. Nobody gets uptight. No children have been harmed in the writing of this post.

You might notice that in more rural areas, dogs are more free. Do they get more aggressive in cities? Or do city owners make them so?

Posted by: cmu at December 5, 2008 11:57 AM

I'm with EastNewYork,

Its like children. Behind every asshole child is an asshole parent.
Behind every asshole dog is an asshole owner.

Sorry for the profanity, folks.

Posted by: Prodigal_Son at December 5, 2008 12:00 PM

Ok ay,I am happen to have known and loved pit bulls. But the leash law applies to every public area so that means that having your yappy little dog off-leash in the hallway of your building is illegal -- you do not have to be outside.

Posted by: BH76 at December 5, 2008 12:09 PM

To quote the great Bushwick Bill from the Geto Boys "size ain't shit." All dogs should be leashed, no matter how friendly or well trained. No exceptions to the rule. I've seen on many occasions tiny teacup dogs acting like little maniacs around larger breeds, and one even chased my boy down the street—it was comical because it was a 5-lb dog. But what if that dog bit him? No matter its size, it's getting a size 12 to the ribs around my family.

Posted by: Fjorder at December 5, 2008 12:12 PM

I thought the Blog was about the restoration of Brownstones.

ROTMMFLMMFAO!!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 5, 2008 12:14 PM

miss muffet, i was called a f*gg*t when i was picking up my dogs poop once. because i was picking up its poop. supposedly in some neighborhoods picking up your dogs poop is emmasculating. :-/ cant tell you how many times i stepped in it in my hold hood. gross.

*Rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 12:16 PM

cmu-

I grew up in "rural" western ny state. When I was little, I was bitten by a neighbor's agressive malamute. The dog was never properly leashed, trained, or socialized. I wasn't on the dog owner's property- the dog had to go pretty far to reach me where I was playing with a friend in her back yard.

While I escaped the encounter with no serious scars (Boy could I run fast!) the dog went on later to severely mangle the face of a little girl who lived a bit further away. After that, the authorities stepped in and the dog was put down.

Living in a rural area doesn't make dog owners any smarter or dogs less agressive if they are not properly trained and socialized from day one.

Also Rob? Have you considered a harness instead of a choke collar?

Posted by: ennuiater at December 5, 2008 12:24 PM

aaaahhhh...a dogless society!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 12:37 PM

he's a lot better with the choke collar. actually i was using a harnass most of the time when it was just me walking him, but when i moved to PS and my roommate would walk him he wanted to use the choke collar and thought it would be better for the dog walker. i didnt see any difference really. i was always more comfortable with him with the harnass tho. i might actually go back to that now that they are obviously used to walking him.

and to the poster who claims that all his/her neighbors on the block let their dogs roam free and kids frollick around with no problem like it's mayberry, please. dogs in rural areas can go running the woods and stuff, yeah it's in their nature, but running around a city? no i dont think so. some people also think it's mean to have a dog in the city. i dont know, maybe they have a point. but most dogs seem fine. all he ever really likes to do is sleep, eat, and cuddle anyway.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 12:38 PM

Good morning, Pithy as ever today What!

It really is 'a study' to watch these threads d/evolve...

We're back to discussing poop I see.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 12:43 PM

BRG:

"aaaahhhh...a dogless society!"

I guess you and I are the only cat people here.

A dogless society indeed.

Posted by: Prodigal_Son at December 5, 2008 12:49 PM

Yeah, enough about the poop already. Not that I'm trying to get into a pithy contest, or anything.

Biff

Someday this disclaimer will end...

*My view and opinion expressed above does not necessarily represent the opinions of other posters or the directors, officers and employees or advertisers of this blog.*

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 12:50 PM

Hi Cobblehiller How are you doing?! Fine I hope ; ^ }...

Yep, Lame as it ever was. I see you don't post much, maybe it's a good thing because things are going downhill on Brownstoner.

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 5, 2008 12:51 PM

Isn't it a pithy...
Isn't it a shame...

Biff

Someday this disclaimer will end...

*My view and opinion expressed above does not necessarily represent the opinions of other posters or the directors, officers and employees or advertisers of this blog.*

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 12:56 PM

Creepy Emoticon of the Day award goes to:

; ^ }...

Instead of poop, thank you for changing the subject so we can talk about the idiocy of posters who can't stand this blog and have said for a long time that it's jumped the shark yet can't stand to stay away.

Biff

Someday this disclaimer will end...

*My view and opinion expressed above does not necessarily represent the opinions of other posters or the directors, officers and employees or advertisers of this blog.*

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 1:00 PM

Howdy What, And the same to you this fine Friday.

I'm reverting back to lurking more regularly. And apparently, I really don't have much to say about dogs and poop.

And I'm focusing on the job-hunting and baking cookies for Xmas gifties. Where can I send yours?! : D

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 1:02 PM

Oh, and there's Biff...here to * brighten * everyone's day. Not.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 1:09 PM

"And I'm focusing on the job-hunting and baking cookies for Xmas gifties. Where can I send yours?! : D"

I got a great deal on some Silkworm Missiles from China! I have some work done on the Bunker! The Camo green looks great and now I putting in motion detectors! I have to get ready for the implosion of the Mutant Asset Bubble! I think Asshat Hill is going to look like Evil Dead 4 LMMFAO!

Those Unemployment numbers came in smoking hot!

Here Cobblehiller I think you will get a kick out of this story. The "rich" is gettin roasted in the collapse of the MAB. Have a great weekend...

Profiles in Panic

http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2009/01/wall_street200901

"With Wall Street hemorrhaging jobs and assets, even many of the wealthiest players are retrenching. Others, like the Lehman Brothers bankers who borrowed against their millions in stock, have lost everything. Hedge-fund managers try to sell their luxury homes, while trophy wives are hocking their jewelry. The pain is being felt on St. Barth’s and at Sotheby’s, on benefit-gala committees and at the East Hampton Airport, as the world of the Big Rich collapses, its culture in shock and its values in question."

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 5, 2008 1:11 PM

"And I'm focusing on the job-hunting and baking cookies for Xmas gifties. Where can I send yours?! : D"

Those Unemployment numbers came in smoking hot!

Here Cobblehiller I think you will get a kick out of this story. The "rich" is gettin roasted in the collapse of the MAB. Have a great weekend...

Profiles in Panic

http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2009/01/wall_street200901

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at December 5, 2008 1:11 PM

"I guess you and I are the only cat people here. A dogless society indeed."

Wrong. I have a dog AND a cat. The world is big enough for all of us to live side-by-side for the brief time we're here.

Posted by: East New York at December 5, 2008 1:21 PM

my pitbull is cat-friendly if that means anything to anyone.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 1:26 PM

Lechatel @ 10:44 who wants to "eradicate" all pit bulls, you are an ignoramus who knows nothing about dogs and nothing about pit bulls. But once an ignoramus always an ignoramus, so I won't waste my time explaining why you are an ignoramus.

Posted by: Suburbandude at December 5, 2008 1:30 PM

Since you went there, cobblehiller.

""And I'm focusing on the job-hunting and baking cookies for Xmas gifties. Where can I send yours?! : D""
- cobblehiller

"Those Unemployment numbers came in smoking hot!"
- The What

So cobblehiller, who has unfortunately recently learned that she's lost her job, is exchanging pleasantries and baking cookies for the deranged poster who continues to express glee at the rising unemployment numbers. Some pal you've got there, cobblehiller.

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 1:44 PM

"I guess you and I are the only cat people here. A dogless society indeed."

Give me a Kitty any day over a Dog.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 1:44 PM

Whatever Biff, you'll twist any situation to suit yourself. Go bug somebody who cares. I see BRG is here, maybe she'll spar with you today. Or skewer you...

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 1:51 PM

"I see BRG is here, maybe she'll spar with you today. Or skewer you..."

Kababs!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 1:55 PM

Actually, Cobble, I've got a lawsuit on my hands, I'm dealing with today.

Leash your dogs, people!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 1:56 PM

Yikes, sorry to hear it BRG, sounds like a 'pill'.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 2:03 PM

cobblehiller, what am I twisting? You've announced you're going to be out of a job and every day hear The What posts about how happy he is to see unemployment numbers rise. I'm not twisting anything. Those are the facts. Stop invoking my name if you don't want to hear from me.

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 2:07 PM

should be "every day here"...

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 2:08 PM

Yes, Biff, it should be "every day here".

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 2:13 PM

As a seasoned pitbull owner, I'd like to add my input.

It's the owner, not the dog. Pits are usually cuddly, obedient dogs. They are total mushes! You don't know where some rescues came from, but that's why you should be cautious...as with any dog.

I can't stand to see dogs off leash in the city or the country. Do people really trust their dogs that much? All it takes is one second for them to run into the road and get killed. Besides, it's against the law.

Posted by: rh at December 5, 2008 2:14 PM

OMG, you are such a child Biff.

Get back to work at the Death Star before they figure out that you don't actually do anything for them all day because you are too busy blogging.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 2:17 PM

cobblehiller, at least I still have my job. Have fun baking cookies, sweetie.

Posted by: Biff Champion at December 5, 2008 2:32 PM

Biff...your 2:32 post was uncalled for!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 2:36 PM

HA! Point proven, thank you sweetums - Only a complete child would say a thing like that.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 2:39 PM

"HA! Point proven, thank you sweetums - Only a complete child would say a thing like that."

^^^^ and that.

Enough, please, both of you!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 2:42 PM

^^^ and look who's saying 'ENOUGH'
If this isn't irony!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 2:42 PM

Indeed, BRG. What's come over you dear?! ; )

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 2:45 PM

"Indeed, BRG. What's come over you dear?! ; )"

Humility

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 2:56 PM

I guess pitbull don't read so good. I said there were SOME dogs who WE ALL KNOW who come out with their owners and hang out on the stoop or sidewalk. And yes, the kids all know THOSE dogs and love them and they're friendly. Dogs are not unpredictable the way some portray them. If you don't think this is better than having each of your slavering animals with a choke collar, face mask and yanking at their leashes, you shouldn't have a dog.

What's with you guys? Ever been to England? Dogs walk into bars with their owners there. Dogs are seen in restaurants in France. And here you invoke "it's the law" for dogs off leash in hallways. Sad.

Posted by: cmu at December 5, 2008 3:21 PM

There once was a poster named Snark
On a blog that some say jumped that shark
Now the ranting's grown boring
This roaring breeds snoring
So he vanished off into the dark

Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 5, 2008 3:23 PM

Snark...
I might join you!

Can you whip up a limerick for me.
I'm a little dejected right now :(

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 3:28 PM

Nicely done, as ever Snark.

There once was a poster named Cobble
She came here to read about houses
The houses got lost
At a terrible cost
And now all anyone does is squabble.

Posted by: cobblehiller at December 5, 2008 3:29 PM

Photos of Michael Vik's pitbulls are on wine bottles from some vinyard. They are all being rehabilitated by some shelter and those that can will be put up for adoption. The proceeds from the wine go to some animal rescue fund.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 3:35 PM

CMU, I think it's pretty clear I love dogs. But they belong on a leash, except in controlled environments. And the only way I'd ever want to see a dog in a bar is if I personally owned the bar.

Posted by: East New York at December 5, 2008 3:39 PM

I don't mind dogs in bars. There's a boxer that comes into Dirty franks in Philly and sits on a stool.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 3:42 PM

quote:
Dogs are seen in restaurants in France.

ew another reason not to like the french :-/

whatever. sorry dude this aint england or france. dogs belong on leashes in public. do whatever you want in your home or in your own backyard, but it's a public safety issue. i don't feel like getting sued and going more bankrupt than i already am because some entitled twatwaffle decided to leave his or her dog off the leash.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 3:42 PM

Can a dog be rehabilitated?

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 3:42 PM

Sure BRG but I think all of us are beyond hope. How are you dealing with the lawsuit? Did you get an attorney off the ads in the subway?? This has the makings of a Law and Order "ripped from the headlines" episode.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 3:51 PM

Can a dog be rehabilitated?

Yes

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

Posted by: East New York at December 5, 2008 3:55 PM

can a girl from bay ridge be rehabilitated? there used to be a cute bar dog at barcade in williamsburg.

*Rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 5, 2008 3:56 PM

"Sure BRG but I think all of us are beyond hope."
-BIBS

“In all things it is better to hope than to despair”

I haven't heard from the plalintiff since 1:56pm

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 3:59 PM

Did you knock him off?? That's what usually happens on TV when they don;t show up.

Headline:

"Bay Ridge Mol Whacks Churchgoer"

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 4:03 PM

I think I knocked off a few people today.

I was going to do a spin on your headline..but my heart's not in it.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 4:13 PM

http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Attack-of-the-50-Foot-Woman-Poster-C10126126.jpeg

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 4:15 PM

Is that the BQE???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 5, 2008 4:19 PM

Yes, right before the demolition of the 'Green' church..you can see it in the background.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 5, 2008 4:25 PM

Hi Rob. I used to train dogs, and I just wanted to give you some friendly advice. A choke collar can be an effective tool if used correctly, but most people don't know how. The choke is meant to give the dog a signal, but most people end up getting dragged down the street by a choking dog. More effective is the Halti, which is a head collar that uses the same principle as a horse bridle. It looks like a muzzle, although it won't stop your dog from biting. It will turn his head towards you when you make a lease correction, which is what you want (as the head goes, so goes the dog). If your dog won't tolerate a Halt, you can also use the Sen-sation Harness (www [dot] softouchconcepts [dot] com). This is a no-pull harness that attaches at the FRONT (rather than the back, as with traditional harnesses). The problem with a back attach harness is that dogs have something called an opposition reflex, which means they pull against tension. That's what makes them so great for pulling sleds and other work. However, that reflex means you get dragged down the street by a dog in a back attach harness. The front attach harness actually pops the dog around to face you when they run out of leash, which gives you the control you need. In addition, walk your dog on a relatively short NON-EXTENDING lead. If you are interested in training, I can recommend Renee at Walk This Way (www [dot] doggiecouch [dot] com) who is wonderful and powerful and very humane. Pit Bulls do get a bad rap (I had a Pit mix who was the gentlest sweetest animal you ever wanted to meet) but do not underestimate the unpredictable nature of an animal who was abused (which I gather your dog was, since you rescued him). You have no idea what his triggers may be, so the best thing to do is take all precautions. and love him.

Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 5, 2008 5:36 PM

"sorry dude this aint england or france"

Nothing like a provincial point of view to prove your case.

I'll enjoy my block until you guys send the leash patrol over.

Posted by: cmu at December 5, 2008 5:59 PM

Awright, on a more conciliatory note.

See, I like to deal with what-if's not what-must-be's (those are correct use of apostrophes.) I look at (in this case) other countries which don't get so uptight about leashed dogs and think, is that how I'd like it to be? And in this case, yes. The fact that there are angry owners and angry untrained dogs rampant HERE may make it impractical, but it's just a wouldn't-it-be-nice-if. And then I also wonder why we can't be that way.

So I don't see why pitbull has to have a pitbull-like response to this.

Posted by: cmu at December 5, 2008 6:04 PM

I've got to post something on Brooklynian quick. any nonsense will do -just so Gowanus Longe and brownstoner have content. It's amazing I could make up that a man fondles himself in front of a stroller on President St , and it would light up the blogs. Makes me lament the days that newspapers and fact checkers ruled the roost.

Posted by: doldrums at December 5, 2008 6:57 PM

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December 5, 2008

Good Times in The Slope

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