Remember Achilles the pit bull? I wrote about the 5-year-old dog in April. Here is a photo of Achilles taken by its owners, Danny and Susan Polston:
For seven months, Achilles sat in dog jail, confined at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at $10 a day awaiting trial that would determine if it was a dangerous animal.
Achilles was set free on May 21, released to his owners.
OK, free is overstating it a bit.
Achilles is not allowed to run with other dogs. Even inside a six-foot-tall wooden privacy fence. It must remain on leash under its owner’s control, or confined in an “escape proof” kennel — the kind with a roof and secured at the bottom so the dog can dig or climb out.
Why such precautions? Because the last time Achilles ran loose in the yard, he launched himself over two fences, about four-feet tall, and mauled Moonbear, a 12-year-old mixed breed dog owned by next-door neighbors Michael and Diane Elmore. Moonbear is seen relaxing below in a photo submitted by the Elmores.
Already, Achilles is causing heartburn on Nokomis Circle, an unincorporated neighborhood on Colorado Springs’ eastern edge.
The plea agreement called for Achilles to be on leash or in an escape-proof kennel whenever he is outside. But Diane Elmore said Achilles was running loose inside its fenced backyard the first night home.
Danny Polston denies it and calls it a “big misunderstanding” and warns Elmore to mind her own business.
Ouch. Sounds like the humans are doing as much barking as the dogs.
Here is a link to my previous column on Achilles.
Any bets on how this one ends?
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In regards to the article about pit bulls and their so called “dangerous natures,” all of you pit bull haters out there need to do your research and get a life. I am the owner of a pit bull. Pit bulls are very friendly and very loving dogs. No different really than mutts, beagles, or any other breed of dog. While they are protective yes, they would never hurt someone without just cause. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. The people who inhumanely use a pit bull’s loyal nature against them and use them as fighting dogs should be the ones in the situation who are euthanized! This is not the dogs fault. It has no desire to fight another dog, nor is it pre-programmed to kill. Any dog can be trained to and forced into fighting. Even the cute, cuddly little poodle down the road, if brought up in an unloving, uncaring home can easily maul a child or another dog. I must however bring up this issue – remember Michael Vick? All but one of his pit bulls were readopted into loving homes – many WITH CHILDREN! Kudos tho the Humane Society as well as the ASPCA and other pit bull friendly agencies and many thanks. Have there been any maulings by these dogs? NO. As for the comment posted that all pit bulls should be shot and poisoned. My the same fate fall upon you! I hope someone shoots your sorry self while you are standing in your backyard, minding your own business. I will agree that vicious dogs should be euthanized. I cannot argue that. I would be stupid and inconsiderate to not believe in that, for not only is the dog vicious, it is suffering. No dog should have to live like that. Also, the owners should be forever prohibited from owning or having anything to do with another animal, even if it is hamster. Why must everyone punish all of us pit bull owners who know how to love and raise these dogs to be what they really are – lovers, not fighters. I would give my life for my pit, as would she for mine. Why should the dogs be punished when they, themselves have done nothing wrong? It is not only Pits, but Rottweilers, Dobermans and German Shepards, that have be alienated by society and had their characters assassinated by people who don’t understand the breeds and are too lazy to research their needs and characteristics. To all of the people out there who fight pit bulls and raise them to be nasty and vicious, shame on you and may you rot in hell for doing so. You too, Michael Vick! Don’t care if you think you are the greatest thing to ever hit a football field. You didn’t do near enough time. In fact, you should have had to do it in a regular prison! While I understand that there is so much bad info floating around about these dogs, please, do research, get to know a pit bull, see what loving animals they really are before you pass your judgement. People who have had bad experiences with these dogs I realize will probably never change their ways or beliefs. That’s all well and good, but don’t make your neighbor’s life hell just because they have one. To the parents of Achilles, please, follow the rules that have been laid before you as they are for your dog’s welfare and best interests. Quit trying to prove a point or whatever it may be that you are trying to do, before you add more tar to the reputation of these fine animals. For all of the fellows pit bull owners and lovers out there, please keep your animals safe and give them love. That’s all they want after all. I must apologize to Moonbear and owners, please understand that not all pits are like what you have witnessed. I hope that no more issues are forthcoming from this incident at least for the sake of the dogs.
I own a pit along with a Westie and a Mutt. They all live in Harmony and go to the dog park. After reading that article is it clear to see that the owners arent being responsible. They seem to have somewhat of a “dont care” attitude. The problem is, if you dont socialize a dog with other dogs and keep it home all the time, it may develop animal aggression. Again, NOT the dogs fault, but the lazy or ignorant owners. This may be a great people dog but clearly it doesnt get along with the older dog so precautions should be taken. It is unfortunate that ignorant people choose to own this breed and thus they get such a bad rep. I love all my dogs and my pit is a lover to the fullest! It hasnt been easy but Ive paid for training for all of them, socialized them with children and other dogs, and have been responsible since the day I adopted them out of the shelter. If someone cant put the time in, they shouldnt own a dog. This neglectful ignorant treatment is not what the dog deserves and its creating problems for those of us who do own great pit bulls!