[Jeff Higgins]

We just had a long exchange on this very board about pit bulls and dogs in general. I learned a lot from that, most important of which it is generally the owner, not the dog. That said, when the dog (not its owner) is threatening, it's time to deal immediately and decisively with the dog. The owner should be next.

I had a similar incedent over 15 years ago when I was out mowing my lawn. I live next to about 18 acres of undeveloped property that was unfortunately used by dirt bikers, drug dealers, and a combination thereof. One of their dogs, I believe a pit bull, ran out of the woods and attacked my lab that was laying under a tree watching me mow. It locked onto my dog's neck, at which point I let go of the mower. I ran full speed down my front hill and planted the instep of my size 11 boot right into its ribs. Having played soccer my whole life, right up through college, I kind of knew how to do this. The dog quacked like a duck once, and lay still in the yard. He later died from internal bleeding and a collapsed lung.

Like I said, the owner should be next., and this one was. He came running up to me with a couple of buddies in tow. Surprisingly, they all stopped short - maybe the look on my face. The owner picked up his limp, gasping dog and tried to leave. As they were a bunch of punks that I felt were probably capable of some form of sneaky, cowardly retribution, I stopped them.

I then proceeded to explain how they were now in charge of my dog's long life and happiness; the safety and well-being of not just him, but my property in general. They very stand-offishly stated that I could never prove a thing. I pointed out that I would never even try - it was just between us; our little secret, if you will. I never had any further trouble from them, even after their dog died from his injuries.