Day 5, Lost my Nugget Options

[Debbi]

I am new to this board. Nugget was our 5 year old pit, the sweetest dog in the world. He died Wednesday of this week from 2 gunshot wounds he received from police officers serving a warrant at my home for my son. Nugget did not die right away and I was praying that he would make it, but he did not. I am heart broken, angry, and devastated to say the least. I find reading some of your posts helps me cope with this tragedy. Today was not a good day, cried the whole day.
I go back to work tomorrow, so at least I will be kept busy for a while.

[Daisy's Mommy]

What a horrible way for your poor dog to die. It is a shame that so many people are ignorent about pitbulls and just assume that they will be hostile. All the pits I know are the sweetest of dogs, loving and gentle.

Daisy's Mommy

[bellemocha99]

Debbi- I am so sorry you lost Nugget and especially under those cir%%stances. My Mocha was a lab/pit mix. She was protective of our home and gave me such a feeling of security. She scared anyone that came to the door that didn't know her-but I couldn't have asked for a more loving and gentle dog. It was so hard to say goodbye to her ( I had to put her to sleep as she had a lymph disorder and congestive heart failure). I cannot imagine losing her so suddenly and tragically. I hope you can find some solace here among this great group. It has helped me tremendously.

[Kim R.]

This is a heartbreaking story . Your poor dog had nothing to do with what was going on with that situation. Did they even have reason to fire at him or was it 'breed discrimination'? I am a HUGE fan of the breed, but sadly enough, even when I was once playing with the idea of getting one, I decided not to just because of all the hype that surrounds them making life difficult for those who own them. Insurance companies refusing coverage, bans on them in certain cities, and not to mention the situations like what you are facing just because people are ignorant . I have about 10 years of vet tech experience and I have never met a pit that was 'vicious'. They have all been such wonderful dogs (aside from their good looks, that's what drove me to want one). I'm more cautious of chihuahuas than I am a pit bull ! I'm so very sorry for your tragic loss, and I hope you can find peace in knowing Nugget knows how much he was loved, and you will see him again one day.
Just wondering....has anyone (the police department) said anything to you about the incident and been apologetic at all?
Your friend in grief,
Kim

[Debbi]

The detective told my son that it did not go the way they had planned. I am sure they are not going to say the words "I'm sorry" because that would mean that they did something wrong. When I arrived at my house, they had already taken my son. The detective said they were waiting for animal control and I asked why and he said "because we had to shoot your dog". I starting crying and saying that they did not have to do that. I looked in my back yard and saw my Nugget up on the hill laying down, they would not let me near him. I plan to file a lawsuit against the city. They came to the front door, my son acknowledged the police at the door and the officer told my son to put the dog in the backyard. When he did, there were officer's there who had jumped the fence. Of course Nugget is going to bark and run up to them. They fired 4 or 5 shots at him. My son jumped out in front of Nugget to get them to stop. I guess I should be grateful that they did not shoot him. Something went terribly wrong that day and someone has to answer for it. Why they did not use mace or pepper spray is beyond my comprehension. There has to be a better way. I am looking for an animal rights attorney to see if they will take the case. My son's lawyer advised me to take it slow first so the police will not retaliate against my son. I have 6 months to file a claim and believe me, I am going to.

[Juanita]

Dear Debbi,
I felt physically ill reading your description of how Nugget was killed. Losing a beloved pet under any cir%%stances is emotionally charged, but how one might deal with the element of senseless violence is beyond my comprehension.

It sounds as though you have been well advised to take some time before starting legal action, but I hope you waste no time in getting some help for yourself. I hope that you will contact your vet or anyone else who can recommend a professional grief counselor, preferably one who has experience with owners of deceased pets.

From my deepest heart and soul, I pray for your safe passage through this nightmare.
Juanita

[5catsmom]

What a heart-breaking and senseless way to lose your loved one. I personally would definitely file a suit - not cause money will help your pain - but it may bring enough publicity to educate others. I live in the DC area and we've had several very publicized cases recently about the breed and attacks, but in the end it seemed to me that the owners never socialized the dogs, and the situations were waiting to happen. The police in this case seemed to be have lost control of the situation, and police need to know how to use their weapons much more judiciously. Do look around and find an attorney who has experience with animal cases and can advise you accordingly, or you might end up seeming to be the one at fault.

To lose a dog who was only acting according to instincts basic to every dog is such a shocking and sad event. You have my deepest sympathy - please come back and let us know how you're doing. Take care - Barbara

[Juanita]

Debbi,
I have not stopped thinking about you and poor, innocent Nugget. About a lawsuit...you may have already thought about this, but I'm sure one of the Pit Bull rescue or advocacy groups can advise you on where to begin and might even be able to recommend an attorney. Unfortunately, I'm sure this isn't the first time it's ever happened.
Juanita

[Karen44]

Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. I read your posting about Nugget after you replied to my post about Max. A sudden loss like this is so hard, but you have important work to do to make sure nothing like this happens again. I know that Nugget is in a better world than this one and will play happily until he gets to see you again. Hang in there, Karen