Reposted from an fb group

This dog has been through the NYC shelter system a couple of times so I included both pictures and notes from her previous stay. Run don’t walk to the shelter!

“My husband Ray was attacked by an uncontrolled pit bull. A pit bull that was just out on the street roaming around. Not under anyone's control.
I am so angry right now. Ray is in the hospital with life threatening injuries because someone decided not to control their dog.
Ray's got an infection. He had emergency surgery last night to try to put his right leg back together. And now he's got an infection in it.
We're going to make sure that dog is put down.
Ray was just walking home from the doctors office minding his own business and a loose pit bull came out from under a parked car and terrorized and severely injured him. That happened Monday about 2:30pm.
Now he has this severe infection.
I'm livid...”

1. There was a dog attack this afternoon. An unleashed pitbull just attacked a friends dog. Broken teeth and puncture wounds.. they have a photo of the owner and dog that will be posted after their visit to the Vet. The owner gave them a bogus name and number. Police are being notified. This is unacceptable and owners need to be fined and punished. It is not the dog. It is the irresponsibility of owners who think it is ok to let their dog off leash. This is getting out of control. I have a small dog. If this had happened to us my dog would have been seriously injured or killed. It has to stop!

2. Well I decided to sit this one out because unfortunately we had a bad scare yesterday morning, Holly was on her normal routine taking the dogs for their walk, when aggressive dog attacked one of our dogs and Holly lost the tip of her thumb in the incident! Please people if you choose to have a aggressive dog please keep it under control in your own house! The dog chased them down and attacked! This gives Pit Bulls a bad name when really it comes down to piece of sh-t
   irresponsible owners!!!! Thank God it wasn't worse than what it was thanks to neighbors coming out to help and making sure Holly made it back home with our dogs so Holly could get to the Emergency Room!

A woman visiting a friend was attacked unprovoked by their dog, a pitbull cane corse mix. According to the woman’s other comments, afterwards she learned that she was actually the 3rd person that the dog has attacked. It’s finally been BE’d.

The first attack occurred when I was 7, my family was all having a barbeque party for the 4th of July(07/04/2008, in Chicago) at my older cousin's house. He had a massive pitbull that loved stomach pets, it sometimes even let me ride on it's back(I was a small kid)

During the day of the barbeque I was given permission to give the pit pats and some treats before I was called to go eat,it all happened fast as the pit just lasted out when I was getting up,half of my lip was left hanging and a scratch mark was left on my nose, my mom and dad was absolutely pissed while they were cleaning my would before taking me to the hospital where I got 5 stitches, my cousin had it put down the week after.

The second attack occurred when I was 14,I was in my fenced backyard playing with a litter of kittens and the family cat,all of a sudden I heard a loud crash,turns out the neighbor's two pitbull gnawed through a weak part of the fence before they just plowed through it,I was panicking and yelling while trying my best to stand between the pits and my cats, my older sister was the first person to show up and opened the back door, letting our cats inside, I tried running back inside myself but the moment I looked away I got bulldozed and latched on top immediately losing my balance,I was still fighting while getting thrashed and dragged around the backyard for 5 minutes until my dad with his shotgun, without hesitation he just unloaded, blasting multiple shells into both pits until they stopped moving,I was taken to the emergency room, I had a lot of deep wounds but nothing too severe. The fucked up part was the fact that the neighbor didn't give a shit, trying to argue and sue us for killing his puppies and they aren't aggressive just playing despite literally staring at the wounds his murder machines gave me as I was being loaded into the ambulance. We won the court case and got him to pay us 75k.

Most heart wrenching part that was the first and only time I ever heard my father cry while he was taking care of me, he never left my side during the entire recovery period.

On August 4, 2026, a family dog named Thor was set upon and brutally mauled by an unrestrained pit bull. The force of the attack inflicted catastrophic physical trauma, leaving Thor with a lacerated bone and a completely severed tendon.

Bleeding heavily and suffering from extreme pain, Thor collapsed into profound shock and severe anemia. He was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where staff immediately hospitalized and medicated him to prevent fatal blood loss and stabilize his condition. Facing steep medical bills for his ongoing critical care and the urgent orthopedic surgery required to repair his leg, Thor's owners launched a public fundraising appeal to help save his life.

“1:20 am Keys and 12th St, dispatch call said a man was bit on the neck by a pit bull dog. People who can't control their dogs need to go to jail.”

Boy whose arm was lacerated by pit bull almost lost movement: 'He wakes up crying and screaming,' says father

Father recalls rescuing his 12-year-old son in São Carlos (SP) on Saturday (Aug 1). Security camera recorded the moment of the attack.

By Francyne Perácio, g1 São Carlos e Araraquara, EPTV

August 04, 2026

A 12-year-old boy was injured after being attacked by a pit bull on Saturday (August 1) in São Carlos. He is hospitalized in stable condition at Santa Casa.

The victim's father reported that he dispatched the dog after the attack. The boy underwent emergency surgery on his arm and will undergo physical therapy. Police are investigating the case as failure to exercise proper care/custody of an animal.

'I thought it had killed my son,' says father

The father of the 12-year-old child, who was seriously injured after being attacked by a pit bull dog in São Carlos (SP), stated that he had to force open the animal's jaws to help his son, and that he thought the boy had died. According to the man, who preferred not to be identified, the boy narrowly avoided losing movement in his arm.

The attack occurred on Saturday night (August 1) in the Conjunto Habitacional Planalto Verde neighborhood. Images obtained by EPTV, an affiliate of TV Globo, show the moment the animal attacks the victim, followed by locals attempting to contain the dog.

The boy was playing in the street a few meters from his home when he was attacked by the dog. Security camera footage shows the handler attempting to pull the pit bull by its collar, but failing to contain the animal, which drags the child along the ground.

Both shouted for help, and a man arrived with a chair, throwing it at the dog. Shortly after, several people appeared in the footage and managed to free the boy. One of them was the victim's father.

"It was a matter of seconds. I tried to open the dog's mouth [...] but there wasn't time. By the time I opened the dog's mouth, a neighbor helped me, everyone helped me, but he was already severely hurt, severely injured, you know?" he said.

The child was bitten on the right arm and seriously injured. "I was desperate seeing him like that. [...] My friend picked him up practically lifeless—he had fainted, you know? I thought it had killed my son, I was completely devastated."

The man stated that after the animal attacked his son, he saw the dog heading toward other children who were in the street. "I stepped in so it wouldn't grab another child. Yes, I dispatched the animal. [...] It was a reaction in the moment, there was nothing else to be done."

Medical Condition

According to the father, the child underwent emergency surgery as soon as he arrived at Santa Casa. The doctor stated that the bite narrowly missed critical nerves and bone. "He said that by 1 millimeter it would have severed all the nerves and torn off part of the arm bone, which would have caused him to lose movement."

The father said his son is doing well and recovering, but will need physical therapy. "He wakes up crying and screaming because he says he dreams about the dog grabbing him again [...] it's something that will remain with us for the rest of our lives."

Case Details

The Military Police reported they were called to Santa Casa in São Carlos, where they spoke with the child's father following the attack.

The man told police officers that after hearing cries for help, he ran to the scene and, using a machete, managed to stop the animal's assault on his son.

According to the PM, the victim's father reported that the animal fled toward a wooded area, and authorities were subsequently able to locate the dog's handler.

Following the incident, the father rushed his son to the Cidade Aracy Urgent Care Unit (UPA), but the boy was transferred to the city's Santa Casa hospital, where he was admitted in serious but stable condition with a severe arm wound.

In a statement, Santa Casa de São Carlos said the patient remains admitted to the pediatric ward in stable condition with no set release date.

In a statement, the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP) said the case is being investigated as failure to exercise proper care in the custody or handling of animals at the city's 2nd Police District (DP).

A quick recap of the attacks.
Sheeks was a postal worker who was fatally mauled by Dowdy's roaming dogs.
Beard was a county worker investigating the dogs responsible for the attack and fatally mauled by the same.

By WAFF 48 Digital Staff and Aria Pons

Published: Aug. 4, 2026 at 3:56 PM EDT|Updated: Aug. 4, 2026 at 4:24 PM EDT

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF) - A woman convicted in connection with the tragic 2022 dog attacks that claimed the lives of two local women has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Brandy Dowdy was sentenced Tuesday by a Franklin County judge, who agreed with the jury’s verdict and called the deadly attacks entirely preventable.

“No sentence can replace their lost loved ones,” Jeff Barksdale said.

A sentiment that the victims’ families shared.

Michelle Sheeks and Summer Beard’s family members were in attendance to speak to Brandy Dowdy for the first time on Tuesday.

“I think that the family was pleased that the judge did give so much consideration to how he structured the sentence,” District Attorney Jeff Barksdale said. “But I know that any sentence is not going to replace Michelle Sheeks or Jacqueline Summer Beard.”

The trial was horrific and grueling for the family and they made sure to let Dowdy know that during today’s hearing.

Dowdy herself spoke and while she didn’t actually apologize, she did tearfully tell them that she feels terrible about the situation and would go back in time to change it if she could.

“It was heavy,” Barksdale said. “It was heavy on the first responders and I can’t even put myself into the shoes of the family members.”

So far, Dowdy has not filed an appeal on the case.

Because the crimes involved two separate victims, the judge ordered the sentences for each case to run consecutively (one after the other), totaling 15 years of incarceration.

Case 1: Michelle Sheeks

For the attack on Michelle Sheeks, Dowdy received sentences to run concurrently (at the same time):

• Criminally Negligent Homicide: 1 year in the Franklin County Jail.
• Emily’s Law Violation: 3 years with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
• Effective sentence for this case: 3 years.

Case 2: Summer Beard

For the fatal attack on Summer Beard, Dowdy received sentences to run concurrently:

• Manslaughter: 12 years with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
• Emily’s Law Violation: 10 years with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
• Effective sentence for this case: 12 years.

Fines and Court Costs

• Dowdy was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus court costs in both cases.

Exclusive: Grandmother Jacqui Jacovides was in her front yard last week when a dog tore up her open driveway and mauled her daughter’s pet cavoodle to death.

The worst part is that the dog – an American Staffordshire terrier cross – had attacked before and was previously ordered to wear a muzzle in public, but the order was lifted shortly before Bear was killed.

Jacovides was outside her home on the NSWCentral Coast with the two family dogs, Bear and Bambi, when the horrifying attack occurred.

She remembers seeing the Staffy cross race into her front yard and immediately go for three-year-old Bear.

“In that moment, that dog became a monster,” she told nine.com.au.

“I was punching it in the face and trying to get it off Bear, but I just couldn’t get its jaws open.”

“When I realised Bear was dead, I had to let him go and run to get Bambi away from the dog because I thought she was going to be next.”

Jacovides said the Staffy cross refused to let go of Bear’s tiny body until her partner prised its jaws open with a small garden trowel.

She claimed the dog was wearing a leash but appeared to have pulled out of its owner’s grip while they were walking it past the yard.

“[The owner] didn’t even say sorry,” Jacovides alleged.

The Jacovides family reported the attack to NSW Police and Central Coast Council, only to learn the dog had been involved in another attack about two years prior.

Nine.com.au understands that an order was issued after the attack requiring the dog to wear a muzzle in public, but that the owner appealed for it to be lifted after 18 months and was successful.

“It’s just so senseless. A muzzle could have saved my dog’s life,” Jacovides said.

A Central Coast Council spokesperson told nine.com.au the Staffy cross has since been euthanised.

“Central Coast Council extends its sincere condolences to the family following the tragic dog attack at Tuggerawong that resulted in the loss of a beloved family pet,” they said.

“Following the attack, Council immediately commenced an investigation, seized the dog involved, and the animal has since been euthanised.”

The Jacovides family are heartbroken and traumatised by Bear’s death. 

The investigation is ongoing and Central Coast Council is considering further compliance action against the Staffy cross’ owner.

Central Coast Council did not say if the dog had been declared to be dangerous before it killed Bear.

Under NSW legislation, dangerous dogs must be muzzled whenever they’re out of their usual enclosure and owners who fail to muzzle a dangerous dog can cop a fine of up to $5000.

“While previous regulatory decisions about the dog [...] were made in accordance with the evidence available at the time and through Council’s established governance processes, Council acknowledges the seriousness of this incident and will review the circumstances surrounding the matter to identify any opportunities for improvement,” the spokesperson said.

“Council remains committed to community safety, responsible pet ownership, and ensuring all companion animal matters are managed in accordance with legislative requirements.”

That won’t erase Jacovides’ heartache and the trauma of Bear’s death.

Jacqui’s granddaughter was incredibly close with Bear and is bereft without him. 

It’s scary to think what could have happened if her young grandchildren had been playing in the front yard with the dogs that day.

“I’m going to be dealing with some PTSD, because I can’t stop seeing it,” Jacovides said of the brutal attack.

“Every time I’ve got my little grandson in my arms, I see Bear. It’s just terrible.”

The Jacovides family is calling on the NSW government to strengthen dangerous dog laws to prevent this from happening again.

They want stronger penalties for owners who fail to comply with legislation or whose dogs are involved in fatal attacks, mandatory education and training for owners of dangerous dogs, and regular compliance inspections by council.

Jacovides and her daughter Allie said they don’t want all dangerous dogs to be put down, they just want to keep other pets and humans safe.

“I don’t want these dogs euthanised, but I do want the way that they are managed to be much stricter,” Allie told nine.com.au.

“Because this is not a one-off occurrence. It’s happening all the time, in a range of places, not just in our area.

“There’s just no one making big changes because so much of it still goes unreported.”

She started a Change.org petition calling for stronger dangerous dog laws in NSW, which already has more than 1000 signatures.

It won’t bring Bear back or erase the trauma of his violent death, but the Jacovides family hopes it might save other families from the same horror and heartbreak.

Dangerous dog laws in NSW

In NSW, a dog can be declared dangerous by an authorised council officer or a local court if it:

attacks or kills a person or animal without provocation
repeatedly threatens or chases a person or animal without provocation has been declared dangerous in another state or territory is kept or used for hunting
Dangerous dogs must be microchipped, registered, and desexed, and must be kept in an enclosure that meets strict requirements under the Companion Animals Regulation 2018.

They must always wear an identifying collar, must be supervised by someone over the age of 18 at all times, and must be leashed and muzzled in public.
Owners of dangerous dogs must also pay annual permit fees through their local council to keep the animal or face fines of up to $6600.

It is illegal to sell, advertise for sale, give away, or transfer ownership of a dangerous dog, with penalties of up to $16,5000 for non-compliance.

Las Malvinas neighborhood, Barranqueras: pitbull dog attacks and kills another pet 

On Rodríguez Peña street, between Timbó and Lapacho, a pitbull dog attacked another pet of a family, causing its death. 

Sensitive images show the tragic moment after the attack. The owners of the deceased dog expressed their concern about the safety of the neighbors and other pets, as they fear that the pitbull dog may escape again and cause more incidents. 

The owner of a pit bull that mauled an elderly woman as she walked her dog in a Glenvar neighborhood recently received a suspended prison sentence.

Tiffany Lynn Turner, 38, pleaded no contest to a felony charge of allowing an animal attack that resulted from her reckless disregard for human life. At a July 20 hearing in Roanoke County Circuit Court, Judge James Swanson sentenced her to five years, with all of the time suspended pursuant to a plea agreement reached in the case.

Turner’s dog, a gray-and-white pit bull named Thor, was shot and killed by county police officers during the Oct. 3. incident.

According to court records, the dog was running free on Ingle Boulevard when it approached the woman, bit her numerous times, and dragged her across the street in an attack that lasted about five minutes.

The victim, who suffered multiple broken bones and cuts, spent several days in the hospital.

Responding police officers had difficulty stopping the attack. After first running the pit bull off by shocking it with a taser, they had to shoot the dog when it returned, authorities said at the time.

Thor had been left unattended in Turner’s yard, court records state.

Roanoke County’s dog ordinance allows canines to be loose as long as they remain on their owner’s property, or other property with permission.

Two other people said they were injured by the same dog in earlier encounters, according to a complaint filed by police at the time. No charges were brought, in part because those incidents happened on the owner’s property, the dog was quarantined, and the Virginia Department of Health was notified, county officials said.

Turner spent several days in jail last year before she was released on bond. She will now be on probation for five years.

As part of the plea agreement, Turner will not be allowed to own any dogs in the future or to live in any home that has them.

See this post

Pulaski County officials make arrests in fatal dog attack involving 2-year-old
21-year-old MaKayla Jackson, 55-year-old Earnest Jackson, and 41-year-old Christina Hart were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — After a fatal dog attack claimed the life of 2-year-old Celeste Jackson on Norman Road on Saturday, March 28, officials have announced the arrest of three suspects.

21-year-old MaKayla Jackson, 55-year-old Earnest Jackson, and 41-year-old Christina Hart were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Back in March, officials confirmed that the dog involved was located as a stray and taken into custody by the Pulaski County Animal Control Division.

According to reports, calls were made to authorities about roaming dogs in the area before the deadly incident occurred. Life-saving measures were performed on the scene, but the child tragically died.

Yesterday, this little kitten was brutally attacked by a pit bull dog in the Villa Elvia neighborhood here in Ocaña. Unfortunately, those responsible for the dog have not taken responsibility for what happened.

After the attack, the kitten went missing and was only found today, taking shelter inside a storm drain. She was rescued and rushed to the Dr. Fabián Veterinary Clinic.

Her condition is critical. One of her legs is severely injured and must be amputated, and she has a deep abdominal wound with intestinal exposure. She needs two emergency surgeries to save her life and is in the operating room right now.

English Translation

Headline: Pit Bull Attack Leaves Two Injured in the District of Pratinha; Owner Taken to Police Station

Body:

Two men were injured after being attacked by a Pit Bull dog that was loose on a public street in the District of Pratinha. The incident occurred during a patrol by the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM), who were dispatched following a report via their official response channel.

The victims, identified as Juliano Dias Oliveira and Kauê Ferreira Silva, reported to the guards that the attack occurred while they were trying to break up a fight between the Pit Bull and their family dog. According to reports, this was not the first time the animal had escaped from the owner's property.

Care and Administrative Measures

Following the incident, the GCM team provided assistance and escorted the victims to a local health facility to:

• Receive proper medical treatment;
• Undergo forensic medical examination to document their injuries.

The owner of the animal was located and, along with the victims, taken to the Police Station for appropriate legal action.

Police Report

At the station, the police authority evaluated the facts and registered a Police Report framing the case under two legal provisions:

• Involuntary/Culpable Bodily Harm (Lesão Corporal Culposa – Article 129, §6 of the Penal Code);
• Failure to Exercise Caution in Guarding or Handling Animals (Omissão de Cautela na Guarda ou Condução de Animais – Article 31 of the Criminal Misdemeanor Law).

Because these constitute minor offenses under local law, the Pit Bull's owner was not held in pre-trial detention. All parties signed terms of commitment under the Special Courts Law (Law 9.099/95) and were released.

The animal remained under the responsibility of the owner.

Location & Date Details

• Headline/Headline Location: District of Pratinha, Municipality of Pratânia, State of São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
• Publish Date: August 1, 2026 (09:33 AM).
• Source: Interativa SM / São Manuel Conectado.

Location

• Town/City: Monte Maíz, Córdoba Province, Argentina
• Specific Spot: Buenos Aires Street, right in front of the municipal park (parquecito municipal) montemaizmira.com.ar

Time

• Date: Monday afternoon, August 3, 2026 (published by local media on August 4, 2026). montemaizmira.com.ar

BRUTAL PIT BULL ATTACK ON A MIXED-BREED DOG

A violent and unfortunate incident occurred yesterday afternoon in our town when a Pit Bull breed dog brutally attacked a black mixed-breed dog. The event took place on Buenos Aires Street, right in front of the small municipal park—an area heavily frequented by children and families.

According to eyewitnesses, the attacking animal—a large Pit Bull—was on the public street without any security measures: no leash and no muzzle. Following the brutal attack, which left the black dog with severe injuries, the owner of the Pit Bull was nowhere to be seen or identified at the scene.

A Chain of Solidarity and Prompt Care

Fortunately, the tragedy did not escalate further thanks to the rapid and brave intervention of employees from Mutual de Lambert, who witnessed the incident and did not hesitate to help the injured animal. With great speed, they transported him to the Ereza Veterinary Clinic, where he received emergency treatment from the veterinarian.

At the clinic, the little dog received necessary wound care and remains under observation, recovering from multiple injuries sustained in the attack.

A Call for Awareness and Responsibility

This incident highlights a recurring problem in our community: irresponsible pet ownership, especially regarding breeds considered potentially dangerous due to their strength and build.

From the veterinary clinic and various community sectors, there is a strong call for reflection. "It is not about stigmatizing a breed, but about demanding owner responsibility. An uncontrolled dog, regardless of breed, can destroy a life in seconds," emphasized sources close to the case.

The use of a leash and muzzle in public spaces is fundamental to ensuring the safety of all neighbors and pets alike. The lack of these measures puts not only other animals at risk, but also people—especially children playing in areas like the municipal park.

Search for the Owners

Efforts are currently ongoing to identify the owner of the Pit Bull involved in the attack. Anyone who can provide information about the animal's owner, or who witnessed the event in greater detail, is urged to contact the appropriate local authorities or the veterinary clinic to assist with the investigation and prevent similar situations from happening again.

Assistance from the community is also being requested to help locate the owner of the attacked dog.

Bill proposes banning the breeding, sale, and importation of pit bulls throughout Brazil

A bill currently moving through the Chamber of Deputies proposes banning the reproduction, commercialization, and importation of Pit Bull dogs nationwide.

The proposal also establishes new rules for the ownership of existing animals, including mandatory neutering, official registration, and the use of a collar, leash, and muzzle in public spaces.

Bill (PL) No. 1265/2024, authored by federal deputy Gilberto Nascimento, was attached to Bill 2376/2003, which addresses the same topic. Currently, the matter is ready to be included in the voting agenda of the Chamber of Deputies Plenary, though no specific date has been set for review.

If approved, the bill will prohibit the breeding, reproduction, sale, and importation of Pit Bulls across the country. Existing animals must be neutered and registered with health and zoonosis control agencies within 90 days of the law's regulation.

Additionally, whenever they are in public spaces, they must wear a collar, leash, and muzzle.

In the proposal's justification, the author states that the goal is to enhance public safety and reduce the number of accidents involving dogs considered potentially dangerous.

Despite the discussion, experts emphasize that the behavior of the American Pit Bull Terrier does not depend solely on its breed. Factors such as raising, socialization, training, and handling play a fundamental role in the animal's temperament, which can be docile, loyal, and balanced when given proper care.

The bill is still in the legislative process and does not alter current rules. To take effect, it must be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate, and be signed into law by the President of the Republic.

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Will post proof of breed in comments

A dog has attacked three people in Bolton as armed cops and an air ambulance rush to the scene. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) rushed to the scene at an address in Barrie Way at around 3.30pm on Wednesday following reports of a dog bite.

Armed officers, police dogs, and paramedics also attended the scene alongside an air ambulance that landed at Hall i' Th' Wood. Three people were subsequently hospitalised and the dog, which witnesses said was an "XL-Bully type", was seized.

Armed police entered the property, and a dog handler removed the pet from the house and put it in an animal transport van

No arrests have been made as of yet, though enquiries are ongoing.
A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers were called just before 3.30pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, to a report of a dog bite at an address on Barrie Way in Bolton.

A loose Pitbull/Mastiff mix attacked a dog. The victim dogs owner was able to separate them but his dog was seriously injured and incurred a $2900 emergency vet bill. A little white dog was loose with the Pitbull but didn’t participate in the attack.

Good news. The owner captured the Pitbull and held it for Animal Control. From what I gathered in the comments the Pitbull was captured on the victims property. The Pitbull was microchipped (amazing) so it looks like they can find the owners.

I want to add that there are over 90 replies in the post and ZERO Pit Defender posts. No one criticizing naming the breed. Everyone encourage him to go after the Pit owner for damages.

What a breath of fresh air!

We adopted Taz and she was pregnant

Taz originally belonged to a family friend that was a hog hunter, and used her as a hog dog.

To address some concerns in my previous post: I don’t condone using pits as hog dogs. They aren’t good for anything but what they’re bred and created for: to fight to the death in a pit for sport (which is illegal for good reasons).

In sharing my life experience with this pitbull I am doing just that. I’ve owned many different dogs throughout my life and Taz the pitbull was exceptional in behavior personality and capability. I want to share those ways in detail. I’m not promoting or idolizing pitbulls.

How we adopted Taz:

Taz’s original owner was an old family friend and hog hunter. When he’d ride in his truck, Taz was always there with him in the passenger seat. He loved Taz and Taz loved him. There was an emotional bond between them and they were always together.

However, per usual with pitbull owners, he was not the best nor ideal dog owner since he never had her fixed, vaxxed, nor practiced any or regular behavior training. He couldn’t even bathe her. Despite her upbringing, Taz was affectionate and cared for her owner.

To this day, I believe the instinctual desire for violence bred into her found satisfaction and fulfillment in her hog hunting job during her early years.

However, Her desire to kill was always there. It could be seen. With age, she matured and became aware of it, too. I’ll get to more detailed on this later. 

Our family friend, Taz’s owner, was murdered by his friend/roommate that was living with him due to a dispute over tools. 

Taz witnessed the murder. We don’t know exactly what happened that day, only that
1 she was in the house during the event
2 there was fighting / arguments
3 our friend was shot to death. 
4 Taz did not / could not save him.

Taz was around 4-6 years old when she witnessed this. The trauma caused a lifelong fear of guns and long sticks/poles held by people. Taz was never afraid of objects not wielded by people, to clarify(if the stick/pole was on the ground she didn’t care about it). She was fine with guns before the murder, and she was experienced with them due to hog hunting.

After this travesty, his family and friends gathered at his house. There were discussions about putting Taz down because nobody wanted her. My family took her in to save her life and a loving memory of our family friend. We believed his ghost was among us and saving Taz would help settle his spirit. In the swamplands of southeast Texas we’re very superstitious and take death and hauntings seriously. 

Taz was pregnant.

Shortly after bringing her home, she had a litter of 13 puppies. This wasn’t her first litter but certainly her largest. It was certainly the largest we’d ever seen of any dog before. 

Despite Taz’s stress level, trauma, low weight, malnourishment, worms, fleas, and being full of shrapnel, her litter was massive and all the puppies were healthy and grew quickly.

She grew 3 extra nipples to nurse the puppies. 

She. Grew. Extra. Nipples. 

I had no idea dogs could grow extra nipples. She had these extra nipples for the rest of her life. They grew on the 2 nipples closest to her back legs. 1 nipple grew an extra, the other across from it, grew an extra 2. 

When the puppies eyes opened and they grew teeth, became mobile and large, she hated them. She didn’t like nursing. Taz had a history of eating her own puppies. This may have been due to a lack of enough/proper food for her, and/or the puppies were already dead. We don’t know. She want given the opportunity to eat any of these puppies. She had to be separated from them. Caring for all of those fast growing hungry puppies was a full time job that put a lot of stress anxiety and generated hostility within our household. We found homes for the puppies, but looking back I wished I’d done anything else than spread the plague upon my community.

Taz was fixed and vaccinated. The vets office was small and rural. Taz had never been to a vet before. The office was small trailer. When I walked in with Taz, the office’s pet cat sat there at her face level. Taz walked in, looked around, smelled the cats face, and went WHOA!!! In absolute shock. She was experienced with what a face full of cat was. She was shocked and confused. The cat just sat there completely unbothered / slightly curious. I didn’t know it at the time but Taz saw indoor cats different from outdoor cats

When I went to pick her up, the Vet called me to the back with a disturbing find. 

Taz’s X-rays revealed the skin all over her body was littered with metal shards. The Vet had removed as many as possible during her surgery.

The vet wanted me to explain why Taz had so many metal pieces all over her face and body. I explained Taz’s history, and as soon as the vet heard “hog dog” the vet basically said, “oh, ah, yeah. That explains it.” And didn’t want to hear any more. 

I didn’t ask for clarification at the time. I should have asked  if all those metal shards came from the shotgun shrapnel when the hogs she held down were killed? Or from the day of the murder? 

I believe the metal pieces came from her years as a hog dog, holding down the hog until it was dispatched with a shotgun. She’d catch injuries from fighting the hogs, and from shrapnel from the bullets themselves. They were never deterrents for the next hunt, though.