Dogs suffer when kids misbehave
By Cat
I've been taking Sunny to the Hawai'i Kai dog park for nine months now, and we've had a serious problem with out-of-control kids.
Don't get me wrong: most of the kids who come to the dog park are respectful and well-behaved. They ask owners before petting dogs. They help pick up poop. They sit nicely and let the dogs play.
But I've seen a rash of incidents involving kids — usually unsupervised — that made me worry about the safety of our dogs.
A young kid came in once with plastic swords, terrorizing the dogs. Another couple of kids were throwing rocks. Once, there were three boys who wouldn't stop chasing and tormenting our pets.
It was all too much.
But it all hit the proverbial wall when, last week Wednesday, an unattended toddler was climbing the fence in the small dog park and, after a series of events, fell and landed on Twilight, an 11-month-old Italian greyhound, breaking her front leg.
Sure, it was an accident — but one, in my opinion, that could have been avoided had the child's parents been watching him more closely.
Turns out Twilight broke her metacarpus — the bone of the paw of the foreleg between the carpus and the phalanges — and had to be rushed to the emergency vet clinic. The surgery, which cost nearly $4,000, was successful, but the vet said it was unlikely Twilight would be able to walk the same again.
And if you know Twilight — or have ever seen her at the dog park — you'd know that's a tragedy. She's so full of energy, always running loops around the other dogs and sticking her head in their mouths. (It's her signature move.) You'd know hobbling around on three legs wouldn't fit her personality.
Twilight and her owner, Tiffany. The delightful Italian greyhound may never walk the same again.
Twilight got into a pool at the recent Hawai'i Kai Dog Park Walk. Her friendly personality has made her a favorite among the dogs at the park.
Here are some of the afternoon regulars at the Hawai'i Kai dog park.
Not only is this devastating news to the owners, but get this: the parents of the child claimed no responsibility for the accident, even hung up on Twilight's owner when she called for an apology.
According to the rules and regulations outlined by the city, dog handlers must be 18 years of age or older. And all minors under 18 are not allowed in the park unless under the control and supervision of an adult.
These are fairly vague, in my opinion, but common sense should prevail. This is a dog park, not a playground. Kids should not be allowed to play — meaning: run, bring toys, chase dogs, play jump rope — in the dog park. Even owners don't play with their own dogs. We just sit back and let our pooches explore, sniff and socialize.
I know it sounds like I'm getting down on kids — and if you know me, you know how much I love and adore children — but there has to be stricter rules — or maybe better educated parents — in order to ensure the safety of the animals.
I mean, that's what the park is there for, right?
(By the way, there are volunteers who roam the park, making sure people are following the rules. But they can only do so much.)
What do you think? How can these rules be better enforced — or do you think the parents were right in thinking they're not liable or responsible for what happened to Twilight?
***
Ask Dr. Dish will return next week. And I won't be on KHNL tomorrow. The station is doing something out of the studio. But I'll be back on next week!
***
Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish, send her an e-mail at cat@thecatdish.com, and now watch her every Thursday at 6:45 a.m. on KHNL News 8.
The Daily Dish
June 24th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Maybe hit the proverbial "fan", instead of wall.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:07 am
It's not the kids fault, It's the parents. They should bear the responsibility of watching over their children. Like you said, it's a dog park, so parents should be aware that animals will be running around and exploring everything. It seems that Twilight is such an inquisitive little dog and when she saw that toddler climbing the fence, she ran to watch not knowing the child would fall on her. I feel sorry for her and the owner.
I'm sure you may get comments regarding having the pet owners watch their animals more carefully, so I can see this debate going on for both sides.
Still the issue is that parents and owners need to be aware and take responsibility. That's easier said than done. I'm a dog lover so I kinda side with Twilight.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:09 am
This is absolutely shocking.I feel so bad for Twilight.Such a wonderful dog.There shouldnt be kids allowed in that area at all.Who enforces the rules? I dont think it sounds like you're getting down on kids at all-u shoulda said more. These kids are outta control.This special park is for the dogs to run around,not the kids.Mark off another seperate area for a petting zoo type for the kids and dogs if the owners are so inclined. Another point- what if the kid fell on the owners leg and broke it? Or tripped an owner and tore an achilles tendon?This really makes one wonder. And look at the parents response-they plead ignorance and then hang up.Look no further from where the kids learn their behavior.Totally disgusting.These people should be banned from the park. Its good to have the volunteer watchers.But maybe all users must sign some kind of liability form.A volunteer refuses entry unless said form is signed.Whereas if wildchild causes damage or injury parents are liable.Something along those lines.It should be more than just enter at own risk or every man and dog for himself. As for these particular parents u should be ashamed of yourselves and man-up and take responsibilty. I really dont want to call u names like loosers,but their sure is such a thing called Karma.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Get well soon Twilight !!
June 24th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Wow, that's a little sad.. Not even an apology from the parents? I don't think it's the kid's fault... You can't really blame a kid for who their parents are. I hope they don't come up with some lame excuse like it was the dog's fault for being too close to the kid.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:12 am
CAT,
In management speak, the subordinates emulate their superiors, ergo, kids tend to emulate their parents. In this case, looks like the parents are somewhat to blame for the behavior or misbehavior of their progeny. The victim as usual is the innocent. But not all dog owners are as caring and thoughtful as your dog group. Witness the poop left by poor behavior dog owners on any residential or city sidewalk green space (sometimes right in the middle of the walkway). Here again it is not the dog's fault but the owner...or is the dog emulating the owner???? I guess the owner doesn't give a "poop" about others! My two poop buddies can't wait for their early morning walk so that they can see me stoop for their poop!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:27 am
First, I'd find the parent and punch them in the face. Seriously. On a similiar note, Monday afternoon, during my swim in Waikiki, I saw a crowd of about 25 tourists gathered by the sea wall in front of the Sheraton/Royal Hawaiian. 2 young mainland boys were petting and harrassing a turtle, all to the amusement of the tourists. They practically rode the honu for about 5 minutes. Being a local resident, and understanding how fragile these animals are, it burned me up.
I used to take my dogs to dog parks. It's not worth it. They've been attacked and developed skin problems. Even in lovely Hawaii Kai, you can't trust people and their dogs. I've had issues there as well. Actually, the nicest dog park I've been to is the one at military housing at Moanaloa, by the golf course. Saw what you want about military folk, but that's one group of individuals who are held accountable to community rules, and they abide by them.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:34 am
That kid's parent would surely react in a very different way if their child was hurt in any way. I agree that a dog park should be for dogs only - children should not be left unsupervised - a toddler climbing a fence? I would call the Child Protective Services on them!
I hope this experience will not change Twilight's personality. My friend has a dog that was kicked by a little kid and ever since that incident he will growl at children.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:35 am
This is really sad and I feel for Twilight and Tiffany.
I checked the rules governing the dog park. You stated this already, but Rule 13 clearly applies: "Minors under the age of eighteen shall not be allowed in the off-leash park unless under the control and supervision of an adult." However, if the volunteers tried to remove an unsupervised toddler I am sure there would be liability issues.
The owners should be liable for the costs of the operation. I am saddened by the fact that they seem to have no shame and no sense of responsibility. I am not sure what can or should be done, a lawsuit seems a bit extreme and probably would be futile. I also worry about kids who torment or are cruel to animals. This type of behavior needs to be caught and corrected early on, it does not bode well for the future behavior of these kids.
I am not anti kid and clearly you are not either. But, young children and toddlers do need close supervision. This is a tough one. Like oldshoes says karma will come into play and the parents may get bachi. However, none of that can relieve Twilight and Tiffany's pain. Ayyy, so sad. I want to say more about the parents, but my thoughts are too harsh.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:53 am
when I go in our dog park most of people are good...but if I see a young child coming towards my dog I pick my dog up and I tell the kids please don't touch my dog. I am close by my dog and I have him on leash even if it says the dog can run around. I let my dog run around in our fenced in yard. I would not let him out loose anyway my dog will run away and never come back! I don't like it if other dog come near my dog sniffing..I DON'T WANT MY DOG TO CATCH FLEA..yes other owners should ask me first if their dog can come near my dog!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:58 am
OOps! Mistake ... Should have said "the Parents of the toddler should be liable ..."
June 24th, 2009 at 6:58 am
That's terrible that the kid's parents did not own up to the accident and pay for the surgery - or at least offer to help pay for part of it. I bet anything that if their child fell on another child, broke their wrist, had to get rushed to the ER and stuff - they'd totally own up to it and apologize.
This sounds like a case for something like Action Line. Heck - Find a pro-bono lawyer that is pro-animal rights and sue um! Ok – That’s a bit over the top – but seriously, some people just need to get a clue. If you don’t care for animals like pet owners do, you have no place being near them.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Good Morning Cat!
It's a "Dog Park", take your kids to the play ground to play! Maybe their kids need to be on a lash. I blame the parents.
I use to take my dog to the dog park but not anymore. My dog would pick up fleas and ticks from the park and other dogs.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Poor Twilight! I hope she gets better soon!
The toddler's parents are unbelievable...as many others have said it is not the toddler's fault. Put a toddler somewhere to play (where there isn't much to "play" with) and they will amuse themselves...this may result in the toddler unknowingly causing harm to himself/herself or others. The toddler's parents have "no class"! If a dog was climbing the fence, fell on the child, and broke his/her arm, would they expect the dog's owner to pay for their child's broken arm? I believe so! Our court system may also see them sue for damages, emotional distress, etc!
One of our dogs was attacked in our yard by a loose dog in the neighborhood. When she was trying to run away she twisted her paw and broke the bones in it. The recovery process was long and expensive. The owners of the dog were never found (too busy rushing our dog to the vet ER that didn't even bother chasing the loose dog) and all the bills landed in our laps. She can walk now but her paw doesn't look the same and it took her a looooong time to get back to close to where she was before the incident.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:53 am
@M
oh geesh dog park is full of fleas...okay I sooner just leave my dog home then..If I see kid near my dog I pick up my dog...!
June 24th, 2009 at 8:01 am
That's why I have a 90 lb pitbull...kids no can make trouble to her....I mean, my son and I wrestle with her, body slam her, throw her around - she loves it! One of the reasons that pits are just the best...
June 24th, 2009 at 8:15 am
The parents should be at least partially responsible--their child damaged Tiffany's property, but they refused to at least apologize or offer to pay for part of Twilight's medical expenses! I bet if the situation were reversed, they'd be hounding Tiffany to pay for damages to their dog!
Please let us know if that family has the nerve to keep going to the dog park--and if they continue to leave their child unattended.
PS the KCC dog park doesn't seem to have those problems--parents in that neighborhood seem to realize that it's not a playground for humans.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Change up the situation a little. When these dogs play, they play hard. Let's take Twilight, who when playing with certain playmates will put her entire jaw around the other dogs' necks. This is totally fine, right? The dogs are happy, the owners are comfortable, it's just a run of the mill daily explosion of dog energy.
Now insert the toddler. These dogs run in tangled packs through their "safe haven", often times right through where the clump of owners is standing. If a child wanders into or gets caught up in the mix and gets knocked down, scratched or accidentally snared by the flying sets of teeth, image a parent's reaction. They want to jump in to protect their child and yes the child is a victim, but no, the dogs are not at fault. It's the parent's responsibility to teach children manners and respect in regards to any living animal, but to also not put children in a situation that they can't control.
The child on the fence was doing nothing wrong. He wasn't chasing dogs, he was entertaining himself. In a family yard there is no reason that a parent should keep a quietly entertained toddler attached to their hip at all times. But in an area secured as a place for animals to play without restriction, a child shouldn't be left alone. Accidents happen, but there are plenty that can be prevented using basic commen sense and situational awareness. Parents should recognize that rules are in place not only for the protection of our pets (who are like children to some of us) but also to ensure the safety of their own (human) children.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I have a 10 month old puppy and a 4 year old and I would never let them "off the leash" at the same time. Couldn't keep my eyes on both.
I feel so bad for Twilight. It would break my heart if my high energy half- jack couldn't run around the way she does.
I can't believe that the toddler's parents hung up on your friend. Yes, it was an accident but sad that they won't step up.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:01 am
I feel so sorry for Twilight. Let's hope the doctor is wrong and she will be exactly the same. At least, let's hope her fun personality is not changed. My heart goes out to her and Tiffany. I can't imagine what I would do if that happened to my little puppy, Tiki.
I agree with you about the dog park. However, parents not watching their children seems to be a common problem everywhere. I was at a restaurant once and the mom was letting her son run around and stand on the empty tables. She finally went over to him and I thought "finally she is going to take him off the table" but all she did was feed him a bite of food!!
June 24th, 2009 at 9:05 am
It's not just at the dogpark that parent behave badly. Parents everywhere are just lacking in parental skills and common sense these days. Ever walk around pearlridge lately. Geez so many young kids with babies smoking outside with their kids, screaming at their kids, not monitoring them, etc etc.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:13 am
I am truly an outlier here. I enjoy the blog greatly, but I couldn't believe much of what I read in Cat's piece or the comments of others on it. Without detailing my quibbles with the several lopsided, biased, and overly emotional conclusions in today's item, I should point out that I have broken my arm; my son has broken his arm twice; and I have felt Twilight's physical pain. I feel a bit of it everytime it rains. A family dog was struck by an automobile when I was a child, and I understand caring for a dog with a damaged limb. There is just too much good/pure versus evil/corrupt in today's blog. I definitely don't see it the same way.
While not a straight news piece, today's blog would still be a great piece to bring to one of Cat's journalism classes as an exercise for the student's to identify bias, distortion, emotion, and hyperbole.
Scott can puch me if he needs to let off some steam. I would prefer shoulder to face, but I'll let him punch me in the face if he's got the money for my funeral or medical bills willing to do it in front of a uniformed law enforcement officer and other witnesses and then do the 90 -180 days in jail that may follow.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Unfortunately, a lawsuit seems to be the only way for the dog's owner to recoup her expenses.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I remember reading about it when your posted it on Twitter. It was just another tweet, but it kept coming to mind for the next few days. What's doubly troubling is that Twilight is a greyhound. As you stated, she is so full of energy. These breeds need to run to burn off energy.
The bright side is that animals have a way of adapting - and making do with what they have. Hopefully, Twilight will make a full recovery and be able to run once again.
As for the kid's parents - not even an apology?
Maybe they can't be banned from the park, but they can sure feel uncomfortable there. You'd be surprised what a few "stink eye" can do.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:47 am
this poor dog. i'm pissed at the child's parents. how rude for hanging up on twilight's owner and not taking responsibility.
i agree with rod. "stink eye" works well.
leslie
June 24th, 2009 at 9:48 am
parents definitely need to be better educated on the rules of a dog park. btw...the mother never apologized! it was an obvious accident but if someone/animal is hurt a good person would apologize and offer to help in any way she can!
June 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I would be outraged if I were Twilight's owner. The Hawaii Kai dog park is a great resource, but it really does need better "policing." Sadly, we've proven that we can't monitor our own behavior and act responsibly without some Big Brother keeping us in line.
When kids are at the park, I don't only worry about the dogs' safety, I worry about theirs. I once saw a little girl thrown off the ground by a running dog, who just wasn't looking her way as passed. Thankfully, her dad was nearby to help her, but it gave us all a fright. Just as dog owners should closely monitor their pets and intervene immediately when necessary, the same should be the case for parents.
To me, it makes sense that adults are liable whenever they or their kids negligently hurt an animal (or human). They are also liable whenever their pets do the same. Yes, accidents happen, but that's usually when both parties are engaged in play, as in the incident I mentioned above. Not in Twilight's case.
Last thought... I don't agree that running shouldn't be allowed, as I've seen many pet owners run along side their dogs in the large park, helping them get exercise or chase down a ball. Maybe in the small park owners can sit back and watch their pooches play, but in larger spaces, owners need to stick by their pets and keep a close eye as they roam.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:28 am
@papaya: I agree
owners need to stick by their pets and keep a close eye as they roam....if I see my dog going close to the baby I be quick and take my dog with me...and nobody is alowed to come near my dog..I hate it if other people come close let their dog sniff my dog what if thier dog has flea..or carry sickness ...I try to avoid people with their dog but they come charging close to my dog..I feel bad but I kind of yank my dog away ..I warn kids don't touch my dog..omg kids with filthy hands just my luck !
Maybe the dog help the baby....the dog cushion the baby falling on his head....!
June 24th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Even if it was an accident, the parents of that child need to take responsibility. What is going to happen to them when their child does more harm to others as he gets older? Are they going to hang up on everyone. That child will always think that he can do no wrong.
These are usually they type of people that believe that everyone else is CRAZY.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
MY dog is small so I protect him more...my boys are gentle and if my boys are playing I make sure my dog is not too close. With small dog you have to be extra careful....
June 24th, 2009 at 10:37 am
So lesson one I stay home with my dog!
June 24th, 2009 at 10:44 am
You have to be proactive and not reactive. If you or anyone saw kids behaving badly, then someone should have addressed the problem before the proverbial wall was hit. I don't know if I'm generalizing but imo, "local" folks tend not to do or say anything. Then when something happens, it's too late.
June 24th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Scott, easy bull.
Yes, the parent should apologize. But surely, the toddler is not a baby serial killer out to purposely torture innocent little dogs by falling off a fence and breaking the dog's leg in a cruel sadistic ploy.
Emily is right. It's the responsibility of the parent and the responsibility of the dog owner to make sure that nobody gets hurt out there.
But people, accidents happen.
And Scott may punch a parent in the face for the actions of their toddler in defense off his dog, and that's fine. But remember, parents will kill to protect their children.
Everybody got to stay cool. No get nuts.
Peace out. Aloha.
June 24th, 2009 at 11:30 am
somone should drop their pet onto that baby....
ok, that was mean, but you get my point. pets are people's kids too.
@cat,
what's on tap for tomorrow's (too) early morning news???
June 24th, 2009 at 11:51 am
That's so sad! Twilight looks like such a sweetie. And to not walk the same again? *sniff* 4K? No apology? Hmph.
I think if it were two kids involved it might be a different story. I can't believe that they left their kid unattended. I technically don't know that but still could have been prevented.
Protect Sunny with your life! It's a dangerous world out there.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
This may be a moot comment.
Since we are talking about $4,000 in medical bills (A lot) not considering any punitive sufferings, this matter may be worth pursuing. In the event the parents of the child carry homeowners insurance, there should be a clause in their policy (under liability) to reimburse for damages caused by a child (or anyone) in a household. See "Doing Damage to the Property of Others" or the Liability medical section of the policy. Unfortunately, if there is no policy, it will take a law suite against the parents on their childs' accidental act. It is obvious that this is an accident, as such would be a covered provision.
If the owner knows any Attorneys or people that have knowledge regarding this type of liability, it may be worth looking into it. Or have her ask her Insurance Agent. (Spent 40+ yrs as a State Farm Ins Agent.)
At $4,000 plus, its' worth a try.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
If a dog owner has a dog in a park that specifically says "No Animals Allowed," do we get a ticket should our pet somehow cause damage to property or if the dog owner decides to leave some of their pet's waste at the park without cleaning up? What if the dog bit and hurt a child? Then what?
Why isn't it the same thing going the other way? Accident or not, if you hurt someone else you should be liable for the damages and in this case, the parents should be liable.
June 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
How about maybe the dog made the baby fall? Was the dog jumping on the fence etc etc...SO who do you blame? The baby is allowed to be on the park so long as the parent is around. Seeing the owner did not watch her dog and keep her dog in arms reach she is responsible too. Every dog should be on leash regardless..
June 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Some people with dog just let the dog run and jump all over then blame other people the dog get hurt etc etc. WHy is her dog so close to the baby...if my baby is around a darn dog watch out the dog will be out of here.!
June 24th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Anyway if I see a dog park and it is full of small children I go back home!
June 24th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Maybe the vet can lower the price....!
June 24th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Rosette: dog park=dogs off leash. This is ok
Kids under 18 unsupervised at dog park=not ok
Unsupervised kid injures dog at dog park=kid's fault
Parent not taking responsibility for child's action=parent's fault
Parent avoiding responsibility by avoiding injured dogs owner=still paren'ts fault
Travieso-why in the world would I punch you in front of a cop?
Although, I know Mendel Borthwick, maybe he can give me a discount on your creamation....I kid, I kid.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
yes off leash doesn't mean the dog can come near me or anybody.
I am sure the baby mom is near..but it is scary that her dog is close to thebaby...I wont let my dog cloes to any baby...I am scared other people's big dog walking!
but how about unsupervise dog hurt kids and the kid is supervise.
At this rate why pay tax for all this calamity....
I still think the baby's mother I woudl like to hear her side first.....soe,m dog will jump at baby !
June 24th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I need to hear the other lady story..maybe when she called the lady she screamed at her..etc etc.
June 24th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
EVERY STORY AS TWO SIDES...
June 24th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I don't mind a baby in the dog park because I be watching my dog like a hawk! MY DOG WILL BE LEASHED and no one is allowed to touch my dog!
June 24th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
It must be happy hour at a bar with internet access.
June 24th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Cat you freakin’ rock!!! I am Twilights owner and want to thank Cat for bringing this situation to light. Another big thanks to all of Twilights well wishers. She has a pink cast now and is getting her stitches out on the 30th of June. She isn’t allowed to walk around so I have to be with her 24/7 for the next 4 weeks. She definitely misses her dog park friends.
I’m with ya on this one “Scott”. The mother of the child was not only unapologetic but made an off hand remark after my boyfriend had left the park with our screeching puppy. I personally think that there needs to be a rule in the small dog park that children must be seated on the bench at all times or be held by their parent. This was not a freak accident. Just a month earlier the same thing happened to another dog. A girl (probably 10 or 11) decided to walk through the middle a dog wrestling match because she thought it would be funny. She ended up stepping on a dogs head and then falling on the dog. The biggest lesson to take home from this is to stand up for your dogs rights. They can’t do it themselves so they rely on you to do it for them. Stand up for them BEFORE something happens don’t wait until it’s too late.
June 24th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I do believe that animal injuries of this type are far more serious to the animal then the same type of injury would be to a child or even adult.I mean ,how many times have we heard of a horse with a broken leg being euthanised....lots.Even champion Derby winners.They just can't survive these type of injuries.Let it also be known,especially in this economy,$4000 is big bucks.Some dog owners may have simply not been able to afford the medical attention that the dog needs.Thus a dog also could be euthanised.I hardly think that a broken arm or leg suffered by a child would be cause for a parent to put said child down.Another decision for a dog owner-do i really want the dog to suffer the rest of its life or can a certain type of dog even function properly with only 3 good legs.?All owners are different,with different capabilities,and different incomes.Animal injuries are very serious.
June 24th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
My heart goes out to Tiffany and her cute pup Twilight!!! Peanut and I used to go to the dog park once in a while but it's really far from Mililani
I think that something should be done and Tiffany should'nt have to bear the cost of the medical bills!!! And I can't believe the parents didn't even apologize!!! Its a dog park not a kid park!!! Drop them off at the zoo and leave them there!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
If someone is violating park rules, call the agency in charge (state or city parks) to report the violation. They might tell you to call the police. Sounds kind of harsh, but it's better than violence.
As for Tiffany, she can go to small claims court and sue for damages ($4000). No need for a lawyer. Just prove that there is a requirement that kids be supervised, that the kid was not supervised, that the adult defendant is the kid's parent, that the lack of supervision caused the injury and produce the vet's bill to prove the amount of damages. No guarantees, but there never is one in court.
June 24th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I want to give a bark out to all my peeps.....Sunny, Disney, Zeke, Munchkin, Darwin, Mokie and Spring. I'll still catcha with only 3 legs. No worries.....I fed that kid one of our famous "hershey bars" before this happened. Yummmm FUUD
June 24th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
The max in small claims is $3500.00. And one can always be countersued. Its definately worth a try.I think everyone would be most interested in the judges decision.Just who is responsible and for how much? It would definately open alot of eyes of parents if the decision came back against the parents of the kid.! But something wierd could always happen ...like the kid's parents sue the city because the fence was defective. All the while a beautiful dog is suffering...
June 24th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
[...] Sarah Perez wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMy two poop buddies can’t wait for their early morning walk so that they can see me stoop for their poop! Scott: June 24th, 2009 at 6:27 am. First, I’d find the parent and punch them in the face. Seriously. On a similiar note, …. I was at a restaurant once and the mom was letting her son run around and stand on the empty tables. She finally went over to him and I thought “finally she is going to take him off the table” but all she did was feed him a bite of food! … [...]
June 24th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Tiffany our hearts go out to You and Twilight.
Ive had the pleasure of meeting both Tiffany and Twilight. Although I bring my son to the dog parks with me he also knows to stay away from the dogs. Dont run from a dog. He knows proper dog park etiquette. Being a military spouse dose not always afford me time so take my dog to the with out my child. But he knows better!!
I really do think the whole thing was a freak accident. And knowing that the parents to the child did nothing to help or apologize I just couldnt fathom it. It just blows me over.
We really hope Twilight is back to her normal self very soon. Cupcakes misses her friend and roos her a speedy recovery as well!
Amber & Cupcake
June 24th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I remember a local show way back when of a dog trainer (Uncle Macky?) that used to put lemon juice and water in a squirt bottle and use it to train the dogs.
Maybe we should shoot the parents with it. Oh, what the hell, the kids too.
Kidding.
Maybe.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:26 am
This sucks. Twilight is a nice dog. I totally agree there are way too many kids at the HK dog park, and that in general they are not supervised. Frequently, small kids are brought into the big dog section and that just seems like a disaster waiting to happen. It's far too easy for some kid to get inadvertently run over by a dog. Obviously not the dog's fault, but I'm sure the parent would blame the owner.
I have been to the KCC park and had some child run around trying and at times succeeding in picking up and carrying my dog.
Maybe the dogs can be off leash and the kids should be on.
June 25th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Um. The baby made several attempts to climb the fence. I would certainly have my eyes on my child at all times in a dog park. What were the parents doing? Then the woman makes a off-handed remark about the dog's suffering. Wow, I think both the child and the dog of these folks need protection.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Sorry so late. I absolutely agree w/you. Kids should not be allowed into the park unsupervised. Like you said the park is for DOGS! There are several neighborhood parks for kids to play at w/play apparatus too:) Where in the world are the parents and why aren't they watching their kids. Us dog lovers begged for this park for our animals kids not human kids. For the parents of the kid who hurt Twilight "SHAME ON YOU".
June 26th, 2009 at 9:55 am
kids shouldn't be allowed in the dog park. As for the poor dog causing the brat to fall of the fence, please! Keep your brat keiki away or control them.
June 26th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Tiffany
I have 4 Iggy girls including an older sister of your Twilight. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.
If I were you, I would notify the park authorities about the breach of regulations and I would also notify the child services regarding lack of child supervision and negligent and endangerment of a child
June 27th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I think they should build kids structure with the dog park so the kids can play and leave the dogs alone..we have a kids structure in our park and kids play alonside with the dog no problem...and dog they like
watching kids play....and the kids don't bother the dog.
June 27th, 2009 at 10:34 am
The baby was in his own section in the corner minding his own business climbing...
June 27th, 2009 at 10:42 am
they have many things for her dog to do what chance her dog would be right beside the climbing baby..even if the baby was on her mother's lap the baby will fall on top of the dog anyway especially the dog is attracted to the baby..
July 10th, 2009 at 6:48 am
This is not the full story. I am also a dog owner and would be devastated if my dog was injured, but for those who frequent HKDP, you would know that Twilight is a VERY high energy, underweight Italian Greyhound mix, that was FINE-BONED. Who knows if he was not even getting enough calcium in his diet and developed weaker bones? The owner always commented to the other patrons that her biggest fear was her dog would break bones at the dog park. I think the owner is a very wonderful, loving dog owner, but was too lenient/lazy about implementing obedience training with Twilight. If you have an underweight, HIGH energy, FINE-BONED dog, why would you bring it to the dog park where it often ran circles around the other dogs and wrestled with them? Why not walk it twice daily, riding your bicycle or jogging alongside it? Dog parks can be a lazy alternative for walking your dog and/or obedience training. I feel awful about the owner's predicament, but it's often obvious to obedient dog owners that the small dog park is often packed with puppies with lazy owners who have no idea how to exercise/train their dogs, and think that their puppy is being "cute" when it barks incessantly, bites other dogs, or humps. Obedience training is not just about training your dog to sit on command, but is also very important for your dog's safety. Lazy dog owners think they're doing their dogs a favor by letting them run circles at the dog park, but for those of us with older dogs, we know what the untrained dog will become when they get older....