I was only about 12 when I was bitten,

I was only about 12 when I was bitten, [2008-06-23]
and I'm still not afraid of snakes. In my new job we actually come across them now and then. We girls gather around and analyze whether we think it's poisonous. If we decide it's not, then I'll be the one to carry it down by the pond ... except the only one we've needed to move so far was bright copper in color, and I never picked up a copperhead-colored snake before, so we called the boss. He carried it without incident.

are they just completely bitten off??or holes [2007-05-25]
adn spots?

completely bitten off - some blooms laying there, like they were cut [2007-05-25]
I know I don't have deer.

Beth-obviously you've been bitten by the elderly abuse issue [2007-02-15]
spew us with your bile. If the woman is lucid, capable of functioning on her own, there is only so much the woman's child(ren) or social services can do UNTIL or IF something negative happens. From the scenario described in the original post, she hasn't physically put herself at risk, not put herself at financial risk. U} Here's a beer to help you make it through the day.

Paris Hilton Boid [2008-11-13]
yes, she said good bird, bad bird (after she has bitten one of us), I love youo and ibat' hanging upside down, being outside with us and even being on the tree outside the door -- wings are clipped so no danger of her flying away thank heavens.

Those pit bull attacks are ashame...sm [2008-11-10]
I don't know why these dogs attacked. I don't know if these dogs were provoked or what. It is hard for me to imagine a dog just attacking for no reason. I can't imagine my dog ever doing that. I know other people who have pits as pets and they have never had a problem with attacks. I think every good owner should know their dog inside and out and know their little quirks. Now I could see a pit bull attacking an owner who was sometimes mean to them or mistreated them in some way. I could see them getting enough and attacking. A lot of times I think that is really behind attacks and we don't know that. Still a dog never should kill a human. When you own a pit you have to have the utmost respect for the fact they could kill an animal or human if they wanted. They are physically capable but most are not emotionally capable. My dad had a couple different pits and I have learned my great grandfather had pits for many years. He would only have one at a time. He took his pit hunting hogs and the pit would hold the hog and my great grandfather would put a rag over the dogs nostrils to cause him to have to let go of the hog and he would do whatever it was he then did with the hog. I didn't ask details. But what I am saying here is this was an man who was in close interaction with a pit and was right there when they attacked hogs and he intervened and had to pull them away from the hog by cutting off breathing from the dog so he would let go. He was never attacked or bitten. My dad said that was never an issue. The dogs knew he was the master and they never got out of line. If these were as unstable as some are made out to be and some may be but if they were really that unstable they could have attacked and killed this man. But he never had to worry about this. All of his pits loved and respected him as their owner. Now one deciding factor could be he never mistreated his dog. Never ever. He always treated them good. I think this may be why his dogs never showed him anything but kindness. Again there are some dogs (pits and others) who are unstable. They are just flat out mean and would do anything. But not all dogs are like this. My husband often says when people say aren't you worried CJ could hurt you one day. He says no I KNOW in my heart with everything in me this dog would die before he would hurt one of us. This pit is the most loving affectionate dog I have had the joy to own. Don't ask me how I know.. You would have to know CJ.

Know the feeling, have a cat and 2 dogs - sm [2008-11-09]
luckily no health problems for the most part, though one dog had a bad sore on his foot, think he was bitten by Copperhead as we had one hanging about (dead now), cost $150 or so for the visit and antibiotics and bitter spray so he wouldn't mess with it. Got the cat off her yearly leukemia shot, asked about that thought it nuts that she had to have it every year.....she is 5, they agreed and said once every 3 is fine....wish they'd told me that 4 years ago. I also get Lyme disease shot which was not recommended around here until this year....apparently lots of it is showing up now, so with Lyme, distemper, parvo and rabies it gets a bit pricey for the 2 dogs and 1 cat. Our vet is very reasonable though, but her costs have gone up with her new addition onto her office and a new partner in the practice too.....we are rural though so that helps keep the costs down quite a bit....only one other vet here (2 miles from her), the next closest vet is 20+ miles away.

Rattlesnake vaccine [2008-11-09]
I live in the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California. We have a lot of Western Diamondbacks here. There is a company called Red Rock Biologic that makes a rattlesnake vaccine. They get 2 shots a month apart the first time no antivenin required. I have read on Red Rock's website that they have different formulations for different parts of the country, depending on what kind of snakes are prevalent. You might want to ask your vet about this.

Fleas!!! help?? Any less toxic solutions? sm [2008-09-03]
We have three dogs - two outside and one inside. About two months ago my husband babysat his friend Apparently they had fleas and infested our dogs kennel We have tried every flea shampoo we can find and cleaned their sleeping areas thoroughly and sprayed for fleas...but they keep coming back. And now our inside dog has gotten them....we keep bathing him with flea shampoo as well. But now - the worst!!! They are in our house!So we have used flea powder for the carpet and washed everything and sprayed what cannot be washed or vacuumed. I feel like our whole house is toxic. And I am not convinced we are done with these little critters!! My daughter actually went to school the other day with flea bites on her (all bugs love her)! The rest of us have not been bitten but have found one or two on us at times.Is there a solution??? Please help if you have any ideas! Thanks

I agree..Thank you. [2008-08-04]
You are right and I agree totallly with you. I am so at my wits end about this. My concern is for the dog as my son can hurt him as the dogs will not bite. I know people say you never know but my son has no fears of this. he has been scratched but then wants revenge and tries to hurt the dog again, even though he is the one that caused the scratch by picking up the dog or trying too. This will probably sound terrible and cause me to get yelled at this board but I think my son does need to be bitten, my dogs are fully vaccinated, just so he knows the consequences from the dog. These dogs are so laid back though that it is just ridiculous how laid back they are. I am totally frustrated and tired. I just don He is normally such a great kid, loving and everything. Recently it has gotten more aggressive. I LOVE my son to death I just don't know the correct way with dealing with this situation. If I knew anything to do, I would no way be posting this on a MT board. I am desperate.

Our dog bit a girl "that was pulling his hurt ear" [2008-07-01]
Well the girl So, you need to contact the police again and find out how you can go about filing a claim. My parentsprovoked the dog. The provoked part didn So, I guess what I am trying to say here is that my parents were your neighbors and they got sued and their insurance premium went up. We I would have to bet though that the foster parents of the bitten dog probably got legal assistance for free too, since they had about 10 foster kids and were getting a fat check each month and obviously not supervising these kids for that girl to have pulled my dog My dog jumped our fence and cut his ear, that girl pulled on the dog I highly doubt that child really need the surgery and probably never even got the surgery, but those foster parents I That may sound harsh and by all means I know that not all foster parents are irresponsible, but in my opinion, my parents got the raw end of the deal. Good luck whatever you decide.

You could try a broom I guess, but [2008-06-22]
I've been bitten by a garter snake before and it was no big deal. They just have short teeth so they won't get fangs caught in you or anything. Or you could try lifting him with tongs and putting him into a pillowcase. He would slow down if your house was cold. That's all I can think of. I got to watch a cat playing with a lizard last week. I felt bad for the lizard, but the cat sure was cute playing with it.

no big deal! [2008-06-22]
I think I would probably have a heart attack if I were ever bitten by a snake.. My dentist bought an old house that was inhabited by snakes. . he shot some, carried some out using sticks, played loud music and finally, after a couple of years, has managed to take over the house. . he has way more patience and courage than I would have.

If you would like to further educate yourself on this issue [2008-06-12]
INTERESTING ARTICLE I realize this is very long, but as an expert in this field, I want to re-post information I sent, in September, to another blogger concerned about the Best Friends summit. I want to emphasize that the following information is based on years of dedicated research, and decades of dog training experience. I do not simply pass along information I've heard or read somewhere...which is sadly what most people, on all sides of dog-related issues, do. I recognize that some of your readers may find parts of it quite controversial. That's okay. Facts are facts, even if they conflict with some other [expert's] unresearched opinions. As such, I've opted to leave those sections in, because they're vital in refuting unfounded notions about dogs, canine genetics, and dog behaviour, which lead to myths about canine aggression. Any individual point of controversy should not take away from the overall message of fact and reason that does not support the view that any entire dog breed could be considered dangerous. Only once people stop repeating inaccurate information (no matter how good it may sound), will we ever hope to get to the heart of this issue, and start reducing the number of unprovoked dog bites. The following was written off the top of my head, in response to concerns about the Best Friends' agenda. It is not a composed article meant for publication. Please also keep in mind, it has a decidedly Canadian perspective, although there is ample U.S. data referenced. This is what I wrote (with a few minor clarifications): Dear (blogger), As you know, I am an expert in Canadian dog bite statistics. After years of research, there are a number of interesting facts I right here, in one place. The situation with unprovoked dog bites is not what nearly everyone believes it to be. If I had one pet peeve, it is that most people merely repeat things they�ve heard or read. They don�t really know if what they�re saying is true or not. They merely �believe� those things to be true, and that�s enough for them, I guess. You know what I say, �No matter how often or loudly a myth is repeated, it is still just a myth.� Some people simply like agreeing with others. Some like to pretend they�re especially knowledgeable or have unique insight. Whatever the source for so many of these myths, years of research has proven the majority of beliefs I encounter about dogs are simply untrue. Whenever discussing the issue of dangerous dogs, it's always important to remember a few key points about the dog bite statistics (especially as they pertain to Canada): 1. The most dangerous breeds in Canada are, in order: German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Rottweiler, and Golden Retriever. Why do I say this? Well, this is not dog bite data, but rather dog attack data based on the reporting information from the Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). The CHIRPP members (hospitals, and reporting physicians and nurses) have no reason to lie about the information they receive, surrounding the breed of dog that has attacked. Why do I say the most dangerous? Well, because the CHIRPP data only applies to the most severe dog attacks (i.e. those injuries serious enough to require treatment in hospital). These are not little nips that can be treated with ice or even a band aid. These are severe dog bite injuries that need to be treated in hospital. The dogs that cause the most serious injuries in Canada belong to the above-mentioned breeds, more than any others. Unlike municipal dog bite data (where any bite, no matter how inconsequential, or even against other animals, is counted), the CHIRPP data only relates to the most serious dog attacks against human victims. 2. 'Pit bulls' are rarely in the #1 spot in dog bite statistics. Any measures to restrict or ban the #2, #5, or #37 'breed' of dog in the dog bite statistics, but not #1, is pure hypocrisy. As faulty as the logic may be, if you're going to ban or restrict a type of dog in an attempt to reduce the number of dog bites, then it must be the ones who bite the most and/or cause the most serious injuries. Either way, that 'breed' is not 'pit bulls'. 3. There hasn't been one confirmed death of a child attributed to an unprovoked attack by a 'pit bull' in Canadian history. (There has been one unconfirmed death.) 4. The very first human fatality attributed to an unprovoked attack by a 'pit bull' in Canadian history occurred in May of 2006. Until then, every insinuation or claim about Canadians being in danger of being killed in unprovoked attacks by 'pit bulls' was totally unfounded. (In the Ontario case in May, the dog was actually only part 'pit bull'. It was a Labrador Retriever/'pit bull' cross, and the dog's owner was the victim.) (It should be noted that there have been at least two human fatalities in Canada attributed to unprovoked attacks by Labrador Retriever crosses, yet this was the first for a 'pit bull' cross.) 5. Municipal dog bite statistics often combine reported dog bite data against both humans and other animals. While I don�t have any problems with doing so, those citing combined statistics must be aware that the majority of the dog bite reports aren�t against people. To imply otherwise is, at best, misleading and, at worst, dishonest. For example: Toronto has arguably the largest municipal �pit bull� population in Canada. In 2004, 12 of the city�s estimated 30,000+ �pit bulls� had been reported for biting. (That�s about 0.04% of the population, by the way; leaving 99.96% of Toronto�s �pit bulls� completely innocent of such allegations.) However, the majority of those reported bites were against other animals. Only 2 of the 12 could even begin to be called �attacks� against humans. So, when 2 out of at least 30,000 dogs of a loosely-defined type are involved in attacks in an entire year, is that really justification for not just trying to ban or restrict them, but for making sweeping generalizations about all the rest? 6. No matter what dog �breed� tops the dog bite statistics, the vast majority of bites are still attributed to other breeds. To better help people understand the absurdity of a breed-based approach to dog bite prevention, let�s imagine that �pit bulls� are responsible for a virtually unheard of 10% of bites in some Canadian city. That still leaves 90% of biting dogs unaffected by any breed-based approach. This is the primary reason why breed bans have been such a colossal failure wherever they�ve been tried. The majority of biting and attacking dogs are not affected, so their owners are free to continue to behave negligently. 7. All dogs can bite. There is no such thing as a breed of dog that has never bitten, never attacked, never maimed, or never killed (a person or other animal). 8. It is the size of the victim, not the dog, which best predicts severity of injury in an attack. While even the very smallest dog breeds have killed humans, the very largest dog breeds are rarely involved in attacks. 9. Adults are rarely seriously injured by dogs of any size, while children are the most common dog bite victims. Their attackers range from the very smallest to the very largest dog breeds. 10. The dogs actually involved in attacks are not genetically related in any meaningful way. This goes right to the heart of common, yet completely unscientific, baseless claims about allegedly inheriting aggressive behaivours or being bred for aggression. In short, the dogs involved in attacks are not closely genetically related to one another. This tends to refute the idea that the attack was due to some aberrant inherited gene. Think about it. What could the Dalmatian that bit off a boy�s nose 10 years ago and the Golden Retriever that left 76 stitches in a girl�s face, just a few years ago, possibly have in common, from a genetic standpoint? Is anyone really trying to suggest they�re genetically related, and both inherited some sort of as-yet-undiscovered �attack gene�? Even the Rottweiler that killed a child in New Brunswick and the Rottweiler that killed a child in Ontario don�t share any common ancestors in their pedigrees; making the whole notion of a shared genetic cause for attacks completely ludicrous. Put simply, the individual dogs involved in unique attack incidents are not genetically related in any way other than that which makes them dogs. 11. Psychology defines aggression as learned behaviour. I�ve been researching dog biting incidents since 1999. I have yet to find a dog involved in an attack that didn�t have a known history of aggressive behaviour. Aggression has to be learned and practiced before it is perfected. I have yet to come across a case of a dog that attacked unprovoked, without ever having barked menacingly, growled, lunged, snapped, or what have you. This completely refutes the (quite silly) urban myth that �some dogs just turn�, or that dogs can be THIS unpredictable. (i.e. friendly family pet with no history of ever having behaved aggressively one minute; then savage, unprovoked attacker the next) As an experienced dog trainer (one who has spent many of those years SUCCESSFULLY re-training aggressive dogs), I can attest that dogs are not all that unpredictable. Sure, they might do something out of the ordinary, every now and then. However, for a dog to suddenly behave aggressively in a way that is truly threatening or injurious, it must have practiced those behaviours in the past. This is the nature of all learned behaviours. Only practice makes perfect. (I can elaborate more on that, if you wish.) It�s as though people can�t imagine any other form of aggressive behaviour, other than biting. To help them along, I must point out that aggressive behaviours follow a fairly predictable scale of escalation. It may begin with staring or raised hackles (all merely indicating discomfort with a situation). That can lead to raised lips, growling, stiffened body posture, menacing barking, lunging, and attempted bites. Long before an unwarranted bite ever occurs, there are a litany of warning signs that the dog will eventually bite. Even the most die-hard dog fighting breeders admit they have to start their puppies very young (often at six weeks), to turn them into superior fighters. When asked why they have to spend so much effort training their (allegedly bred-to-fight) dogs, none can provide a scientifically or practically sensible response. Most use made-up terminologies to emphasize what they believe are inherited traits, while playing down the daily training they force on the dogs. Yet it is clear that, without this ongoing encouragement, the dogs don�t become proficient fighters. I�ve researched so many cases where the owner has allegedly claimed the attack was the first time the dog behaved aggressively, I now pay little heed to such statements. The neighbours almost always tell a very different story. To use a more famous case as an example, little Courtney Trempe was killed by a dog the owner claimed had never behaved aggressively before. The owner went on to say he �couldn�t have known� the dog would attack, because it had never tried to bite a person. Well, it turns out the dog had not just attacked previously, but had actually killed two neighbourhood dogs in the past. That is an aggressive dog, by anyone�s standards. But it does bring me to my next point� 12. Aggression is aggression is aggression. The idea that aggression can be species-specific is not based in any kind of scientific, statistical, or practical data. It seems to be little more than wishful thinking. Those perpetuating this notion tend not to have even attempted to validate this theory in any way. There is a very disturbing myth being promulgated by a number of groups that should know better than to perpetuate unfounded myths. The idea that aggression towards other dogs is markedly different than aggression towards humans is scientifically and statistically baseless. (But I realize a lot of people learned this myth, and repeat it as though it is true.) I have to point out that the real-world data, in no uncertain terms, clearly refutes such theories. Of the dogs involved in their first aggression incident towards a human, the vast majority had behaved aggressively towards other animals (usually other dogs) in the past. Of the dogs involved in their first bites against humans, where the dog had no history of aggression towards humans, the majority had behaved aggressively towards other animals (usually other dogs) in the past. Of the dogs whose first bite against a person resulted in that individual�s death, and where the dog had no history of aggressive behaviour towards humans, every one of the cases I�ve investigated involved dogs that had behaved aggressively towards other dogs in the past. (see the Trempe case example, above) So, while some aggressive dogs may, for now, limit their aggressive behaviour to other animals, it in no way guarantees it will remain that way forever. Most, if not all, the first-time human biters had only behaved aggressively towards other animals, in the past. Their owners, having believed the myth that aggression is species-specific in dogs, are always surprised when their dog-aggressive dogs bite someone. Again, dog-aggression could remain contained, for a number of social and environmental reasons. Statistically, these dogs are equally as likely to bite a human, one day. Dogs with histories of aggressive behaviour (towards either humans or other animals) are almost exclusively involved in unprovoked biting incidents. 13. Nearly all unprovoked dog bites would not be prevented by dog control laws. Since dog control laws typically only apply to the conduct of owners (and their dogs) when they�re on public property, it completely negates their ability to affect the circumstances that lead to the vast majority of unprovoked dog bites. When it comes to total dog bite numbers, almost all take place on the owner�s property. When it comes to reported dog bite numbers, the overwhelming majority take place on, or directly adjacent to, the owner�s property. Supervised dogs in a public place account for less than 1% of all bites. This makes public restraint laws especially ineptly-aimed and ineffective in reducing dog bites. Most unprovoked biting incidents involve (typically an unsupervised) dog known to the victim. Whether or not the victim knows the dog, the bite usually takes place on the owner�s property (where the dog is either loose or tethered), or directly adjacent to the owner�s property (where the dog was either allowed to venture off the owner�s property, or �escaped�). Very few unprovoked biting incidents involve a supervised dog. Simple supervision appears to be very effective in preventing dog bites. When bites take place far from the owner�s property, the dogs involved were most likely loose, roaming, unsupervised dogs. Simply put, public restraint laws don�t target the situations that actually lead to unprovoked dog bites. 14. Cities that address the real causes of unprovoked dog bites (i.e. lack of supervision & lack of socialization and training) are hugely successful in reducing the number of dog bites. Calgary is the best example we have in Canada. They reduced dog bites by 70%, even during a period where the population doubled. Calgary�s approach was to first enforce existing laws. They strictly enforce licensing, and boast a licensing rate of 90% (compared to most cites� 10-20%). In this way, they have a better handle on the dog population in their community, which helps in making decisions and drawing conclusions. They also have a zero tolerance policy for acts of aggression. (Something I�m personally totally in favour of. Dogs are not weapons, and anyone who unethically uses a dog for that purpose shouldn�t be allowed to own one.) Any report of aggressive behaviour of any kind results in a visit from animal control and a warning. City officials are clear, in that they agree one of the biggest aspects of their success was the creation of ample off-leash areas for dogs to be exercised, socialized, and trained off-leash. With reportedly the largest number of off-leash parks in Canada, it�s no coincidence that Calgary also has the lowest dog bite rate of any major city in Canada. Several years ago, I made this prediction, �When the studies are done, we�ll find the cities with the best access to off-leash parks are also the cities with the lowest percentage of dog bites.� Calgary certainly suggests my prediction was correct. Finally, Calgary increased the penalties for some transgressions. Combined with increased enforcement, the large percentage of licensed dogs, along with the higher fines, has led to Calgary�s animal control department becoming financially self-sufficient. It�s win, win, win, in Calgary, all because they addressed the real causes for unwarranted aggression in dogs. 15. Breed-specific approaches to dog bite prevention have failed. There isn�t one region that can claim a reduction in the number, or severity, of dog bites as a direct result of banning a breed of dog. In Winnipeg, officials promoting the city�s long-time ban on �pit bulls� often misleads the public by stating ��pit bull� attacks� have been eliminated. Well of course they�ve been eliminated. �Pit bulls� are banned in Winnipeg. You don�t have to be rocket scientist to figure that out. There are also no wooly mammoth attacks or saber toothed tiger attacks, either. When Winnipeg banned �pit bulls�, German Shepherds, and their crosses, were far and away the most common biters in that city. After �pit bulls� were banned, there was an average of close to 50 more bites per year, for the following decade. In addition to the rise in overall dog bites, the number of bites by German Shepherds and crosses, Labrador Retrievers and crosses, Terriers crosses, and Rottweilers and crosses, skyrocketed. Kitchener is another example. The city of Kitchener banned �pit bulls� in 1997, without ever having done an analysis on the city�s dog bite data. Only after �pit bulls� were banned was it discovered they were #8 in the 1996 dog bite statistics, �right behind #7 Poodles,� as it is commonly said. In what could only be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, officials immediately halted the collection of dog bite data by breed. Even so, while we don�t know which breeds have been doing the biting, we can still determine if the �pit bull� ban has been effective in reducing dog bites in Kitchener. Every animal bite is required, by law, to be reported to the Medical Officer of Health. With a sleuthing, it was discovered that dog bites haven�t been reduced at all, since �pit bulls� were banned in 1997. They�ve remained pretty constant. According to a BBC report, hospitalizations due to dog bites rose 25% after �pit bulls� were banned in England. Officials from most of the cities that have repealed breed-specific laws have used terms like �ineffective� and �unenforceable�. 16. All dog breeds are genetically identical. Even DNA can�t distinguish between a Chihuahua, a �pit bull�, a Great Dane, and a wolf. (Yes, while there are occasional claims of in-roads, in this area, using markers, all dogs are still considered genetically identical.) Those rare individuals with the personal expertise necessary to accurately attempt to determine a dog�s breed based on appearance alone typically are not employed in the various occupations charged with enforcing most breed-specific legislation. This leaves the subjective determination of a dog�s breed to the very inexpert animal control and shelter workers. In some cases, police officers must decide the dog�s breed, yet not one police officer is trained to (accurately) differentiate between dog breeds. The same can be said of veterinarians. A veterinary license infers expertise in diagnosing and treating illness, for the most part. Neither practicing veterinarians nor veterinary students are required to prove any expertise in breed identification in order to obtain a license. Any expertise an individual veterinarian may possess, in terms of breed identification, or even dog training and behaviour, was most likely acquired outside the requirements of licensing. Because the people enforcing breed-specific laws are not dog breed identification experts, the likelihood of misidentification is unconscionably great. (In Ontario, several dogs have already been misidentified, under breed-specific ordinances.) 17. The public is not in danger of unprovoked dog bites. For instance, every recent dog-related fatality in Canada has involved dogs and victims residing within the same home. The same could be said for the majority of bites and attacks, as well. This is very important information, in terms of quelling the public�s hysteria. �The public� is rarely involved in unprovoked biting incidents. Most bite victims knew the dog and were voluntarily interacting with it at the time of the bite. Most bite victims are bitten by their own dogs. If you don�t own a dog, your risk of being bitten is very low. If you also don�t interact with dogs, or live next door to a dog that is routinely left unsupervised, or one that is known to behave aggressively, then your risk of being bitten is virtually nil. Even when we don�t account for contributing factors (such as proximity) you are still more than 100 times more likely to be hit by lightning than killed by a dog. (In Canada, the likelihood of being killed by a dog you don�t know or live with is virtually zero.) 18. �Pit bulls� are, if anything, less likely to bite. In the U.S., �pit bulls� are estimated to make up 9% of the dog population, yet they typically only make up 2-4% of dog bites, nationwide. In case your readers don�t understand what that means, it would be expected, purely on population alone, that 9% of dog bites would be attributed to �pit bulls�. Since less than half (even a third) of bites are reportedly caused by �pit bulls�, this suggests they�re much less likely to bite than should be expected. 19. �Pit bulls� are less likely to kill than people. In the U.S., even extremely conservative estimates suggest that only 0.00002% of the �pit bull� population has killed. This is much lower than the human population (men, in particular). Whatever someone�s views about �pit bulls� might be, it can�t change the fact that at least 99.99998% have never, and will never, kill anyone. 20. 99.9% of all dogs, from all breeds, will never be involved in an attack. Huge generalizations about dog breeds is not only unscientific, it�s not even practically accurate. I like to put it this way, �If any �breed� were genetically programmed to attack, certainly more than 0.1% of them would.� 21. The media. While I don�t want to get into a protracted discussion about the lack of honesty in media reports of dog bites, I will summarize by saying that reviewing media reports of dog biting incidents is not �research� because the media is extremely biased in regards to which stories it chooses to cover. The media reports dog biting incidents involving �pit bulls� to the near-exclusion of all others. In addition, they use other tactics to exaggerate the details, such as salacious language, or references to other dog biting incidents involving �pit bulls�. There are countless incidents of media bias. In Ontario, a �pit bull� killed another dog, and it was front-page news, that reappeared in the media for weeks. The owner was swiftly taken to jail. Around the same time, two Labs killed another dog, and attacked a �pit bull� without any real media interest. The owner of the Labs was not charged with any serious offence. There are other blatant incidents, as well. One weekend, two off-leash dogs (one of them being a �pit bull�) got into a squabble, and every major media agency reported the incident. That same weekend, a child was mauled by the family�s Golden Retriever, and not one media outlet covered the story. A child was mauled so savagely by his grandfather�s Labrador Retriever, he required treatment at two Ontario hospitals. Only one media outlet covered this story in just one broadcast. Again, relying on the media for the facts of dog biting cases is not advised. Naturally, I could go on. But there you have a pretty good primer (off the top of my head), regarding the facts about the who, what, where, when, how, and why dogs bite unprovoked. Because I kept encountering the same story, over and over and over again, in my research of dog biting incidents, I was led to create a dog bite prevention strategy that deals with the factors common to nearly all the cases I�d investigated. I made it simple, and easy to remember. And I made sure not to include anything that would require an individual to develop some kind of expertise. People who don�t own dogs or aren�t experienced dog trainers still have a right to protect themselves from unprovoked dog bites. The following is what I call, the �3 Simple Steps to Dog Bite Prevention�: 1. Avoid unsupervised dogs. 2. Never leave children unsupervised with dogs. 3. Ensure our own dogs are properly trained and adequately supervised at all times. By following these �3 Simple Steps�, we could virtually eliminate unprovoked dog bites in Canada. It is not just important, but vital, to know what ACTUALLY causes dogs to bite unprovoked, if we ever hope to reduce those numbers. Obtusely theorizing about possible causes or solutions is not helpful and, as in the case of breed-specific legislation, is often harmful to both humans and dogs. If you would like more information, please don�t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Marjorie Darby Founder,

Have some animal knowledge [2008-06-12]
To those of you speaking about how pits are so evil, I have two things to say... 1. Any dog is capable of that behavior. We have two dogs and one is a search and rescue dog and both are very loving... but you should never ever underestimate a dog no matter what. they are still animals and they still respond according to their instincts in certain situations. ALL ANIMALS have this capability. That being said... 2. So if you outlaw pits, who What animal species will be evil incarnate after that? Basically, it all boils down to the owners, the training and the language the animal gives off in certain situations. For example, my friend recently told me that someone she knows put their golden to sleep because it bit their child. When they euthanized the dog, a technician made the incidental finding that one of the kids had shoved a pen into the dogs ear. They came to the realization that this is why the dog had bitten, but no one ever even tried to sit down and figure out what had happened... nope, the dog is just put down.. no questions. You know, I would have torn that kid in two myself if that had happened to me, so its the kid and not the dog. Go to a dog language class, take some training and learn some things before condemning an animal to death for instincts that supposedly only that breed has. Its ridiculous and completely ignorant.

How do you feel about pit bulls? [2008-06-11]
A year ago we adopted this amazingly sweet puppy from an animal rescue. Was told he was a golden retriever mix, they thought with Aussie. As he grew we just did not see the Aussie and in trying to figure out his breed, through the vet and some research found out is part pit. He is a lovely, sweet, gentle dog. Here is the problem. Ohio has strict restrictions regarding pits; you have to carry extra liability, fenced yard, keep them in a pen, etc. Any incidents and the dog is destroyed. My dog is never outside unattended. If we aren't with him, he is tied. When loose we are always right there, and he listens well. He loves our cat and has never shown any aggression towards other people or animals. You should see him with kids and babies. Would melt your heart. My neighbor's Sheltie is meaner than my sweet baby, having bitten my kids several times, and they let him roam loose. Now a representative Yates in Ohio is proposing a bill that all pit bulls or those suspected of being pit bulls be taken and euthanized. If this bill passes, the dog warden would have the right to issue a warrant and come and take your dog if it is suspected of being a pit. You can read about the law here: http://www.animallawcoalition.com/breed-bans/article/524 Breed specific legislation is so amazingly stupid and closed minded. Any dog is capable of being vicious, it is just a matter of responsible ownership.

Pits [2008-06-11]
I have never been for pit bulls in this country...they are banned from ssome other countries. The problem is they were bred for aggressive behavior. I do understand your situation.....he was raised in a loving home, not aggressive, and it is hard watching a neighbor's dog have aggressive tendencies butyours being singled out for euthanization. BUT pits have very specific physical traits that put them in a different ballpark....they jaws are like steel traps. Once they bite on, you CANNOT get them loose and this is why they are reported on the news as killing children, etc., once they get going, they will kill and not let go. My brother-in-law had one from a puppy on. She was beautiful and very friendly but there was always something I NEVER like about her. She would come up to me and put her paws on my chest, trying to be nice, but her muscular build alone would cause her to leave big bruises and lumps on my arms. They had children and that always made me nervous. I never let my children around that dog and my husband wouldn't either. I just didn't trust her. Well, after 9 or so years with them, raised from a pup, one day a neighbor's child was playing in their yard with their children, and for some reason she just started chasing the child, knocked her down, and had her by the back down on the ground. My brother-in-law, a very muscular guy, could barely get her off. She had not actually bitten into the child but her jaws were open and pushing down on her back and she meant business. Out of the blue, she became aggressive and that was all I needed to know. The vet had told them the tendency is there,as it is in other breeds, but with this breed, because of their jaws, they clamp down and you CANNOT get them open. The jaws literally lock into place like a steel trap. They are bred for this. So, please be careful. I know you love her, I really do understand that, but this was 9 to 10 years into her life with them she went bazerk and it could have been fatal.

I get it oh so well!!!!!!....... [2008-05-28]
My mother didnYou still on that computer, you don....and, Did I just knock you off the computer when I called? Well, if she thinks she would knock me off the computer, then why call anyway? She knows I am available if there is an emergency, but she doesnstuff, things my brother and I would never thought of having. I never asked for any money because all I heard was I don't have it. We would have just liked to have her acknowledge our presence. She made an effort to give my brother swimming lessons, boy scouts, etc., but never and I mean NEVER signed me up for anything. I had plenty of friends from the neighborhood and I played sports since I was small and this was because many of my girlfriend's older brothers paid my softball registration, etc., to allow me to play for their church teams. I am grateful to them to this day. My mother never and I mean NEVER came to one thing I ever did. Not one game, not one thing at school, nothing, and that is NO exaggeration. Living away, I just let things slide when she called. I would sit and let her talk for hours just to get things off her chest but I drew the line when she forgot who she was talking to one day and said about my niece, ******** feels more like a daughter than ****(insert my name here), then she nearly choked when remembered it was her daughter she was talking to. Who the *** does she think spent all the time taking care of her business, listening to her whine for hooouuurs about this and that, and taking care of things for my brother that really wasn't my place, but I did. I haven't felt the same since. She would rather my niece and nephew do everything for her now that they are grown... her golden children. Of course, they should feel like her children more than my brother and myself....she certainly spent time with them like she should have spent with us but didn't. I came home one year and she didn't have time to be with her other grandchildren (my children), she had to attend my niece's softball game...and she went to all of her practices. That just blew me away!!! She would sit on the bleachers and constantly complain how wrong they were treating her baby....they didn't pitch the ball right for her, didn't give her an opportunity, blah, blah, blah. I just canYaShe. No, she's tired of you telling her at age 29 what she needs to do and how to do it. Her and her husband go out of town nearly every weekend all over the place, taking vacations here and there. I have several pets and guess what? I had to feed them right along with my children, all the time still having to work. Big deal!!! She never once inquired how I was feeling during my pregnancies. Too busy playing mom to my brotherI bought it for (niece) but she is just sooo small and petite, so I thought you might be able to wear it but you. My daughter was never fat, so that hurt terribly. My nephew has mooched off her and is now 27 years old and she constantly gives him money for his debt he gets himself into, even with his great paying job. ItWell, (niece) said I could probably do it without all that. Well, my niece couldn't even do this job, but it's always good to know how little they think of me. My two children are college graduates and when they look at some of the stuff I do, they cringe at the thought. My daughter is a teacher and says she would rather teach those unruly kids all day than have to deal with my work. So, itmother thing. Some people just don't realize that all mothers do not really mother....but as they age, they suddenly think you should be available now that they have nothing else to do. You're right, it really is frustrating. My husband said a long time ago I should just not pick up the phone because I feel physically ill when I see that number come up on my phone. Such hateful comments and snide remarks. I can't feel happy living here and have wanted to move since we moved back here, but my children are grown and work here now, so I would like to be around for my grandbabies. Oh well......anyway, I do get it!!

I am nearly as bad as he sounds as far as having highly sensitive skin - [2007-06-25]
I get a red, itchy welt if a mosquito even lands on me. I have also been bitten by horseflies. My doc has recommended just Benadryl lotion on the offending bite and then 2 of the pills. I also put ice on my skin to help with the swelling and itching. You might try this before you take him in. Best of luck. :-)

something is eating my roses - [2007-05-25]
just put three rose bushes out - all had buds and blooms. Today I walk out and all buts and blooms have been bitten off. What is this and how do I stop? I know there are squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Who is doing it? (If it is chipmunks I am up against a wall - there must be a million).

What about red ant bites? [2007-05-04]
You might want to see what those look like. I don't know. I know it seems like he would have felt himself being bitten, but sometimes you don't when you're exerting yourself and can't stop to think about pain.

I grew up with fire ants and believe me sm [2007-05-04]
You KNOW when youinsect(s) from the tree we bought (see post something occurred to us).

Hey ya all, I am from the south so [2007-04-13]
I am heading west. I loved visiting California also. I just love my traveling though, bitten by the bug years ago

Any other LOST fans? spoiler [2007-03-28]
DH and I enjoy Lost, and record it with DVR so we won't miss it. Did anybody see tonight's show? They sure misled us with the promo. Do you think both the man & woman just mostly dead? Because that man could have been bitten thousands of times, right? And he should have recovered sooner ...

Never saw either of those, but [2007-02-24]
since I joined Netflix, I have a huge list and a lot I never heard of but sound interesting - but that way of picking movies has bitten me in the behind, too, and I think, what was I THINKING? Right now I have Boys on the Side with Drew Barrymore and Whoopie Goldberg. Have you seen it?

Anyone who has just finished school [2007-02-10]
would be more apt to pass the CMT test. However, to say that would eliminate toilet errors is not the way I see it. Someone with a lot of years experience in this field is just as good as a CMT if not better. Passing a test and putting initials after your name means nothing when it comes to work ethic, discipline, and experience. I just think if you have 9 years of experience, you are going to be just as attractive as someone with a CMT. It seems to me companies or physicians seek well-rounded MTs that have experience in quite a few specialties as opposed to having CMT after your name. I am not so sure physicians are aware of this testing process, but the Nationals seem to have bitten on it, but I I If you want to become more attractive, then I CMT, in my opinion, is a waste of money especially when you have verbatim accounts and the client is always right, no matter what the books or for that matter AAMT has to say about the way it should be done. Just another opinion.

I agree...go to ER immediately. sm [2007-01-30]
I knew someone who was bitten by a brown recluse. They are extremely venomous spiders and nothing to fool with. The person who was bit experienced skin necrosis for over a year. This was on her face and caused a lot of distress and disfigurement. It is like a flesh eating virus. Do not mess around with this. go to the er soon!!! good luck to you.

I have not but [2007-01-30]
I know a person who had to spend time in the hospital and lost some flesh, had to have surgery don�t know from where. A brown recluse if that is what it is is nothing to fool around with. I would have gone to the emergency room if I thought bitten by one.

He's *gorgeous* with a pedigree to die for. sm [2007-01-09]
I ;o) BTW, the win he had under judge Kathleen Kanzler(Innisfree Siberians) is very impressive. She and her daughters are very well known and respected in Siberians. It was her dog that won Best of Show at Westminster (in 1984, I think it was). Try not to get bitten by the show bug. It I hope Sasha likes him so he can live with you!