You certainly have every right to be frustrated! However, I have always found that it's better for me to email or write a letter once I have calmed down a little. Then I can be calm, professional, yet straight to the point. When I write in anger it's never good. You might have your wife read it and see what she thinks?

Ok with that said, IMO, 7 weeks is very excessive time. I think the officer not only took her sweet time but also did not keep you up to date on anything. I do think you need to go all the way to the top to make sure future cases are handled differently. Supervisors don't know unless someone tells them!

What does a level II consist of? I guess I missed that.

I agree. I spoke with my wife briefly about it, and she agreed I should send her a note apologizing for going off on her but pointing out why I was frustrated. I did so. I've already talked to one supervisor. I'm not sure I'll go further. It might depend on how she responds. She was behaving like she was terribly overworked, so maybe I should frame any gripes to the city with that in mind. Don't overwork your officers because it makes them do lousy work.

I don't have a complete list of Level II restrictions, but I know these things are part of it:
* Nothing more than 6 foot leash
* No one under 18 can walk the dog
* Can't go to dog parks
* Must be confined in "5-walled" enclosures, meaning it can't be locked in a backyard where it can escape. It has to be inside or in a pen that has a roof.
* Must be microchipped.
* Periodic visits from animal control.
* Can apply to have the restrictions removed after 1 year.

I found out a few more things in the report: He was fined $150 each for having no license or no rabies. He also got argumentative and refused to sign the Level II notice. We'll see if he agrees to a hearing. He said I told him not to call the cops, and he left because he assumed I was admitting that it was my fault. Unbelievable.

You have made some progress, although it has been very slow and frustrating. Chances are that you won't get all you want or deserve in so called justice, but I do believe that bringing awareness to all involved will hopefully wake up a few people.

Too bad you have to deal with a liar in addition to all the other incompetents in this situation.

Well I am not sure she deserves an apology. Over worked I understand; however, just not responding to you I don't understand. There is no excuse for that. I am a teacher. I am overworked too but I can't ignore parent emails. I feel she is in the same situation and at least owed you a response. So many of us could say we are over worked in our jobs. I think if she is respectful, and you are happy with the outcome, then just stopping at her supervisor is justifiable.

Well at least he will have sone accountability with the level II. Because he sure doesn't sound like a responsible pet owner. If he agrees to the hearing, you both go? What if he doesn't agree to a hearing? Sounds like he is blaming you for everything and is going to be difficult. Sounds like he is a real winner. I keep saying this a lot lately, people completely amaze me with their ignorance.

If he doesn't seek a hearing, he loses. Restrictions start after 15 days. If he seeks a hearing, he and I both go. And my witness if I can get him to come around.

Once the 15 days is up and if there's no appeal, I'll start the small claims process. The first step in that is to send him a letter seeing if he wants to avoid court and pay Lucy's medical bills. If he refuses, we go to court, where I'm pretty sure I can tack on pain and suffering. Her medical bills are almost $2,000, plus interest. Maximum I can claim in small claims is $5,000. I have lawyer who will help me build my case, and I'm hoping he can advise on how to get the maximum.

He SHOULD have to pay for her bills. Sounds like you have a plan Mike. Keep us updated. Good luck!

Mike you know how happy it makes me knowing that Lucy is recovering.


I'm impressed with your patience and persistence. Keep it up. This jerk will pay.


In the end you might be grateful that the officer took as long as she did. Do you now have all the bills and know the total amount that you are having to spend on this injury? Are there any injuries or complications that could come up later as a result of the attack?


I pray that you and Lucy get the justice you deserve and look forward to hearing more good news in the very near future.

Im so sorry to hear that your Lucy was attacked...I haven't been on YT in quite a while and am so sad to come and hear about her experience (and yours)...animal control should have been more forthcoming with updates and information even though they are overworked.

Glad to hear the Lucy is recovering and hoping that you get some of the justice you seek.

Totally agree! He should have to pay and take responsibility! There is no price you can put on what poor Lucy had to endure!! I hope you can get the max!

I'm glad to hear things are moving forward.

Such an awful frustrating situation. My son was bitten by a German Shepherd several years ago when he was only 5. The police told us they could not do anything because it was the first time the dog had ever bitten anyone. Imagine! Some poor soul had to be bitten by the same dog again before they would take any action. My son still carries the scar from that attack.

Seems like each area has their own ideas of how animals should be dealt with when this type of thing occurs. Taking one person's word against another does not make much sense. You have the proof of what happened. Your tiny dog is ripped open by a dog that is so many times her size! What else does that women need to know??

I still walk Gracie with wide open eyes and ears after having one of my other little dogs attacked a few years back. I go out prepared to protect her because you just don't know what could approach you at any given moment. It's sad. I would love to walk her in certain areas but choose not to because of the risk of being confronted by a dog with a senseless owner. I hope somehow you can help prevent some other dog (or person) from being attacked by the one who got your little girl and I pray your little girl will heal well and live out her life without pain from the injury.

Still thinking about Lucy...this was all so uncalled for. I do wish her well and that this guy pays for what he's done to her. Keep fighting for her Mike...

As I'm sure you know, communication is key. It is too bad not everyone knows that! It would have been so helpful in your case. I hope Lucy is doing well. Is she more frightened since the attack? Do you have a court date yet? Thinking of you and wishing you well.

Amazingly, I've noticed no fear or change in Lucy's behavior. She's as happy as ever. I'm even surprised the Yorkies aren't fearful of walks. It was traumatic, and they were right there. The only one affected is me. I'd never been fearful of pit bulls before, but now I go on alert when I see one. It's unfortunate, but I've now been attacked twice by the same breed. The damage they can do is scary. I've also changed my walking habits. I no longer walk big and littles at same time. I can protect one or the other but not both.

alaskayorkie, please be careful, Normally I can walk up to and socialize with just about any dog, vicious or not, but if its with a idiot owner they sense my agitation and get aggressive. Sounds like your Pups are back to being social as usual, a good thing, you should be cautious, yes and take precautions but try to take slow deep breaths to control your anxiety. Dogs can sense this and even friendly dogs might get spooky if they sense your tension, both yours and those approaching.

It's a shame when we have to fear other people's animals. It's obvious this dog wasn't trained properly. It's probably taking on it's owner's behavior. Lol. I had a friend that has a pitbull. He was the sweetest dog. I was always watching him though. I'd never leave Calleigh alone with him, and never without his owner being present. I'm always on the lookout when I see any large dog. I think what you're doing is a good idea. Walking the smaller dogs alone makes a lot of sense. How wonderful the dogs weren't affected by what happened to Lucy. I would think she would be afraid now. I know when Calleigh was bitten by a Silkie it left her afraid of other dogs for a long time. Even now she is very submissive and rolls over when dogs sniff around her for very long. I'm so glad Lucy is doing so well. Please keep us posted on what's happening.