Blind Guy Identifies Cocker as His Attacker

	Message 1 of 10 in Discussion
From: manuelNgabby (Original Message)	Sent: 10/22/2003 10:01 AM
I've been following this story a couple days now. This woman's 13 year-old cocker spaniel gets impounded because a blind guy says it attacked him. My first question is, if this guy is blind how in the heck can he be sure the aging cocker was the culprit? Well, he says he may be blind but can still make out shapes and colors. Hmm...he can make out the shape of a dog...that really narrows it down. Second question, how did he inform the police it was her cocker spaniel? Did the police bring in a bunch of dogs into the police station and put them on a line-up, "Yes officer, that third blur on the left was my attacker." Observation - this is one feisty 13 year-old cocker spaniel. I only hope Gabby feels his oats at such an age. With all respect to this blind person and his guide dog, lock up my Gabby on a hunch and there's going to be holy terror. http://www.hernandotoday.com/MGAA3SM51MD.html

Message 2 of 10 in Discussion

From: manuelNgabby

Sent: 10/22/2003 12:06 PM

Day six and Freddy the cocker spaniel, owned by 80 year-old Helga Curtis, is still locked up at the dog pound.

Hernando County Dog Pound

News photographer, for Hernando Today says Freddy was trembling in fear standing in a puddle of urine when photographed at the facility.

David Bearden (supposed victim)

Nature boy looks more like a drug dealer/user than a victim.

	Message 3 of 10 in Discussion
From: manuelNgabby	Sent: 10/23/2003 3:31 PM
After continuous threats of legal action from both the county and ~~crack head~~ I mean supposed victim, David Bearden, 80 year-old Curtis Helga agreed to surrender her 13 year-old cocker. In return, the county agreed not to take legal action against her. After signing the papers, Helga left the building in tears. But Bearden said her gesture was "not enough". A Florida cocker rescue has claimed Freddy and will find him a new home. Woman, 80, Has To Give Up Longtime Pet

	Message 4 of 10 in Discussion
From: ButtersDad	Sent: 10/25/2003 8:38 PM
What an idiot this guy is!!! It's bad enough she gave up her dog to get this guy off her back, but he still won't quit. I think we should find out his address/phone number/email and set him straight. What a freaking moron!!

	Message 5 of 10 in Discussion
From: manuelNgabby	Sent: 10/22/2003 3:18 AM
I agree. He seems pretty heartless.

Message 6 of 10 in Discussion

From: manuelNgabby

Sent: 11/1/2003 4:54 PM

There's not much detail in the story but Freddy the cocker spaniel finally found a new home with a Titusville couple. Since the first story of Freddy's plight, the local newspaper has been swamped with letters of sympathy and concern over his welfare.

Freddy finally finds a new home

	Message 7 of 10 in Discussion
From: Powder Puff Cocker 1	Sent: 11/11/2003 4:40 PM
I agree that it is very sad that this woman had to give up her lifelong friend. However, I think the real issue is that she is no longer able to care for the dog. The dog has already physically injured this woman & the woman was not able to contain the dog to her yard. What a shame that all of the supporters didn't get together & help her put up that fence. Was there not a neighbor willing to give a helping hand on occasion? I know I have certainly been willing to help elderly neighbors in the past. Sometimes we need to do more than just write letters & complain - a little bit of action might have been able to prevent what happened here. I also think it is important to remember that this was a service dog. These dogs cost thousands of dollars & hundreds of hours of training. A few years ago in this area, we had a similar situation where the service dog was actually attacked & then took off & hid for several days. The dogs injuries were not serious, but the dog was ruined for life. It was traumatized to the point it could no longer work in harness. This woman had waited years to get this dog & now the process will have to start all over again. The owner of the service dog stated this was the 4th time the cocker had come after them & had also had numerous other situations with other dogs. I suspect this was just the final straw. This county must not have or is not enforcing leash laws. I also think to pursue legal action on an 80 yr old woman after she has given up the dog is unreasonable.

Message 8 of 10 in Discussion

From: manuelNgabby

Sent: 11/11/2003 10:18 PM

This was an unhappy ending for everyone.

Freddy the cocker - looses his home and family which he's been a part of for 13 years, although he was recently adopted by a caring couple.
Freddy's owner - An 80 year-old who's so sick of being harassed that she tearfully gives up her 13 year-old cocker.
Isaac the service dog - for being owned by such a looser.
Blind Guy - now everyone despises him. He gets threats over the phone. Even his neighbors tried to run him over with a truck for "picking on a little old lady."

You can read the latest news here : Blind Man Fearful

	Message 9 of 10 in Discussion
From: ButtersDad	Sent: 11/12/2003 10:50 PM
Gee.....what a shame. If his guide dog is scared of a dog half his size, he should find himself a new guide dog.

	Message 10 of 10 in Discussion
From: Powder Puff Cocker 1	Sent: 11/14/2003 10:54 AM
I am not sure why you are calling this guy names: "looser, crackhead"? Is there another part of this story stating he has been arrested for drugs? And if so, what does it have to do with dogs running at large. The woman did break the law by not keeping the dog confined to its own yard. For that she should be cited. Are we supposed to bend the laws just because one is elderly? This is just part of responsible ownership. By allowing her dog to run lose she was endangering the dogs life. Could have been stolen, poisened, or hit by a car. Should some of the people who are really upset & felt compassion for this woman have offered their assistance (and I don't mean by running a human being down, that just shows how sick society is)? YES! Find a constructive, not destructive, way to assist.