I am sorry - what were these people thinking - or were they?
The bad thing is it sounds like they now got rid of the beautiful dog - who they set up for this. Stupid people. |
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| It's an unfortunate accident that happened to some people who admitted they didn't complete their childproofing before the baby was born.
I think they've suffered enough without people calling them stupid. |
| really? you think child proofing includes closing bedroom doors - or making sure your dog is confined away from the babies room? I don't - I call it common sense. |
| I think more importantly, they didn't blame the dog and pretty much took responsibility, which is a heck of a lot more than most people do. |
Not really pertaining to the parent's behavior at all...but several things about the news report puzzled me 
They called him a "native american" breed...  He looks like a wolf hybred or a husky mix to me...
They said "experts" felt the dog acted out of fear...fear of what? That would make more sense with a toddler...but not a baby in a crib.  |
| I looked it up, too, because I thought it was a made up breed. Turns out, there's a Native American Indian Dog.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nativeamericanindiandog.htm Who knew? |
I feel very sorry for the family....after watching the full video 
They knew they made a mistake. A horrible mistake but, NOBODY is perfect! When I first read the subject line I thought the same.. "What were they thinking?" Of course children should NEVER been left unsupervised with a dog but, I don't think that was the intention of the family. I know it is a responsibilty of a dog owner to prevent this BUT, it does happen, sad to say! I also wonder if the dog took the baby thinking it was a "weaker pack member" being premature?? Either way it is just very sad... I do hope the little one makes it...our thoughts will be with the family |
| The video I saw today mentioned that a family in CA was willing to pay to fly the dog to to them. They have a very large acerage, so that would be great. And the Animal Control people were evaluating the dog for possible placement, so far, so good.
I agree the parents made a huge mistake, but I have to admire them for standing up and accepting the blame. And in a way, how sad is it that doing the right (taking responsibiltiy) is something to admire because it is becoming so rare. |
Donner's Mom wrote: I also wonder if the dog took the baby thinking it was a "weaker
pack member" being premature?? Either way it is just very sad... I do hope the little one makes it...our thoughts will be with the family That's what I was thinking too. Tragic accident, and I can't imagine what the parents are going through. I'm sure they feel badly enough without being yelled at by the public. |
| still no excuse - you can't tell me 8 months isn't long enough to figure out the dogs and the baby need to be supervised AT ALL TIMES.
People take way too much for granted and it should serve as a lesson to everyone. |
| Normally, I don't respond to these kinds of heated posts.
However, should I ever do something "STUPID" like this it is nice to know that I am in the company of such compassionate, forgiving, imperfect people like Nita, Kathy, and Chris that understand that accidents happen and that "but for the grace of God, go I". My heart breaks for people who are suffering enough in a situation like this without being judged by others who probably have never made a mistake. |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well said...... |
SheepieMommy wrote: Normally, I don't respond to these kinds of heated posts.
However, should I ever do something "STUPID" like this it is nice to know that I am in the company of such compassionate, forgiving, imperfect people like Nita, Kathy, and Chris that understand that accidents happen and that "but for the grace of God, go I". My heart breaks for people who are suffering enough in a situation like this without being judged by others who probably have never made a mistake. Hey, fooey on you, Judi. I was even compassionate this time. I never get to be on the good team.  |
| The story is heartbreaking. That poor child ...and the long term side effects from the injuries if *knock on wood* he gets better. I get sick thinking about a dog carrying a newborn (so fragile) around ...head and neck bouncing and all.
With that said, before I was a parent, I was more judgmental than I am now. I think it's terrible, the parents fault for sure, but man.... to live with this mistake will be rough on them. Things happen so fast. I realize now that I have 2 that if I turn for a second ...it's amazing what they can get in. Heck, you don't even have to be turned. Yesterday, I was sitting down teaching lil J how to write his ABC's, and joshee had already sucked the ink in its entirety TWO washable markers!! Thankfully I read they were non-toxic crayolas. If not though, I'd feel hoooooorrible if he got sick. |
ButtersStotch wrote: SheepieMommy wrote: Normally, I don't respond to these kinds of heated posts. However, should I ever do something "STUPID" like this it is nice to know that I am in the company of such compassionate, forgiving, imperfect people like Nita, Kathy, and Chris that understand that accidents happen and that "but for the grace of God, go I". My heart breaks for people who are suffering enough in a situation like this without being judged by others who probably have never made a mistake. Hey, fooey on you, Judi. I was even compassionate this time. I never get to be on the good team. I am sorry Jill - of course you are on the good team! And because you are I know you will forgive me for making a this mistake and overlooking you.  Seriously, please forgive me - I would feel very relieved to have you as a peer when it comes to judging me in the court of public opinion. |
| nope not even going to be offended by the tone, never mind the phrasing and out and out insults
I raised kids - one was hyperactive even, so i am not talking out of a vaccuum. there are just some mistakes you don't get to make without people judging you. Does it make them bad people, nope. And many of the so called saints on your list are not shy about judging people in other circumstances without showing a shred of compassion or talking behind peoples back for no reason. We all have our buttons and this apparently is mine - like I said sorry - but its my opinion. |
| I am at a loss as to why a family with a 3-day old infant would have a wolf in the house - call it stupid, call it human error, call it santa claus, I am still at a loss why a wild animal hybrid is in the house with a 3-day old infant. A python strangled a toddler to death a few weeks ago - again, what is a wild animal doing in the house with a 2-year old. I don't even know if "blame" is a good word, but whatever the verbage, what are people thinking? Infants are innocent whose brains are not developed, animals are innocent - adults who have deveoped brains are the responsible and clear-thinking ones of the 3 groups. |
| As a non-parent (at least of infants...I did raise 2 of my nieces) I dont feel even remotely qualified to comment on these poor peoples mistakes .
However...I can relate to Kerry's comment about this being a "button" issue. Where I live, small child/large dog incidents are horribly common. Usually, these involve under-watched toddlers and huskys. It always seems like the media plays up the "viciousness" of the dogs, and not the fact that the adults nearby should have been paying more attention. I feel sick to my stomach every time another one of these comes up on the news. I also (at the risk of coming across a little preachy ) wanted to point out that its very unlikely that these parents are going to be reading a sheepdog forum...so I really dont think that any discussion here is going to hurt them.
Dont MAKE me haul out my teapot, ladies!  |
Sheepie2 wrote: I am at a loss as to why a family with a 3-day old infant would have a wolf in the house - call it stupid, call it human error, call it santa claus, I am still at a loss why a wild animal hybrid is in the house with a 3-day old infant. A python strangled a toddler to death a few weeks ago - again, what is a wild animal doing in the house with a 2-year old. I don't even know if "blame" is a good word, but whatever the verbage, what are people thinking? Infants are innocent whose brains are not developed, animals are innocent - adults who have deveoped brains are the responsible and clear-thinking ones of the 3 groups.
It's wasn't a wolf, it was supposed to be a Native American dog. Did you see that it was a wolf somewhere else? I didn't read any of the newer news stories. |
SheepieMommy wrote: I would feel very relieved to have you as a peer when it comes to judging me in the court of public opinion.
You only say that because I'm so much bigger than you so you'd know I'd keep you safe from stone throwing. |
| Kerry, I'm with you. I don't care what kind of a dog you have - You never allow it access to a newborn unsupervised. As far as the 'breed' goes, while they are not 'wolves' 'American Indian Dogs' is a fancy name for wolf hybrids and far closer to their wolf roots than 99% of other dogs. When you factor in irresponsible breeding (an all too common occurrence as many people rushed in without regard to temperament to satisfy peoples desire to own a 'wolf'), there is no way to know with absolute certainty how they will react in unfamiliar situations. They can be difficult to handle and need absolute structure and calm firm leadership. The technical breed description is:
A thinking breed, these dogs are very instinctual and territorially conscious. This creates an intense bonding, shown in pack loyalty to their family. They are never vicious, but always alert and tend to be cautious with strangers. They are excellent home and family watchdogs, capable of adjusting to any environment. Working versatility is one of the breed’s exceptional qualities. This breed needs a calm, but firm, confident consistent pack leader who displays the proper authority over the dog to avoid any behavior issues. Socialize well. Regardless of how close the dog was to the family, regardless of how much trust they have in the dog or how much they love the dog, this is a DOG, not a human being. Whatever instinct caused this dog to do what he did, it's obvious (at least to me) that the dog did not intend to kill the baby, or it would certainly be dead. Maybe the baby cried and the dog was trying to take it to the safety of a 'den'. We'll never know. I understand that the family was reeling from a premature birth and had not had the opportunity to fully 'child/dog proof' their home. Exhaustion can make anyone a bit forgetful or less vigilant. That being said, what if the dog had simply got into the crib, laid down too close and suffocated the baby? Would that be any less horrible? My apologies for the long rant. Working in a shelter on a daily basis as I do, I see dogs in horrible situations caused by human ignorance and I pray daily for the human race to grow some common sense.[/b] |
| I do think the parents were incredibly stupid!!! I was a little turned off by his aloofness to questions such as "will you ever forgive yourself for doing this" because I can't imagine that child not having a permanent memory (scar/medical problems), and I'd forever feel terrible deep inside as I watched them grow.
While I understand what you're saying, I'd like to think I'm a good mom and I would have never thought a thing of leaving the bedroom door open if my child was in a crib. I'd be willing to bet that most moms don't close the bedroom door thinking their dog will be a problem (unless it's due to excess hair/possible allergies too soon). While I wouldn't leave my newborn alone w/a "pet," I guess I would have no issues leaving my [in my mind and in their mind] loving, always gentle pet in the room while mine was in a playpen (top bassinet part so easy access if I had to use the bathroom real quick or something. I DO remember being cautious w/my first b/c I had no idea what yuki planned on doing when she leaned her face into the playpen or in the swing I always left him in, as I didn't even want her to suffocate (not literally) him w/kisses .......but with my second, I wouldn't have flinched to do so. With #3, I'd only worry about the nails since our new dog seems to jump a lot, but not afraid if she was in her full size crib. |
| I don't think anyone is arguing that it was a batch of poor judgment on the part of parents but, at the same time, they recognize that and hopefully learn from it. I'm not making excuses for them but I just don't think they're worthy of attack.
Jo, I don't think he was being aloof to the question more than that he already felt bad enough and when Diane Sawyer basically asked him a question that she already knew the answer to, it probably stifled him. It was really kind of "Duhhhhh" question. |
| I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog. |
Lil Walty wrote: I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog.
Yeah, I thought that, too. |
ButtersStotch wrote: Lil Walty wrote: I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog. Yeah, I thought that, too. Yeah, me too. Asking if she thought that it was okay to have their black lab at home...Um, yeah, because the most POPULAR dog in America surely can't be around families. |
Quote: It's wasn't a wolf, it was supposed to be a Native American dog. Did you see that it was a wolf somewhere else? I didn't read any of the newer news stories.
Courier Journal, Thursday, July 23, 2009: "He sustained collapsed lungs, broken ribs and skull fracture after the incident with the dog, Dakota, a wolf hybrid." |
ButtersStotch wrote: Lil Walty wrote: I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog. Yeah, I thought that, too. Absolutely.  |
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barney1 wrote: ButtersStotch wrote: Lil Walty wrote: I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog. Yeah, I thought that, too. Yeah, me too. Asking if she thought that it was okay to have their black lab at home...Um, yeah, because the most POPULAR dog in America surely can't be around families. It doesn't matter what breed of dog it is, a baby should never be left unattended with any dog. Read: Lab Puppy Mauls Newborn |
rdf wrote: barney1 wrote: ButtersStotch wrote: Lil Walty wrote: I was kind of put off by Diane Sawyer suggesting that it was dangerous to have a dog in their house at all... and her tendency to blame the dog. Yeah, I thought that, too. Yeah, me too. Asking if she thought that it was okay to have their black lab at home...Um, yeah, because the most POPULAR dog in America surely can't be around families. It doesn't matter what breed of dog it is, a baby should never be left unattended with any dog. Read: Lab Puppy Mauls Newborn I know that. But my point was that labs are considered one of the most family friendly dogs out there, and if Dianne Sawyer questioned if she thought it was safe to have one in their house...if a person uses common sense and keeps the baby and dog separated while unattended, then there's no issue. I know I'm not writing this very well. |
May I just say  Thank God this forum is full of all kinds of people with all kinds of opinions. The bottom line is we are all hoping for a good outcome for the baby and the dog |
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