Please refer to "The Murder Of My Dog - Part 1"

I have once already lost a dear friend through tragic circumstances.

I live with my father now.

I had a boyfriend who had a dog called Leo... But he didn't look after him very well so I decided to adopt him. But it was more a case of Leo adopting me... He was such an excitable dog. He would jump up on me every time he saw me, happy to see me.

When i first got him I cleaned him up. De-ticked him, bathed him, combed him... Not that it helped, he loved to go roll in the dirt

I had a new boyfriend who worked at a service station down the road... Leo would walk down there during the day and hang out with him, he'd often sneak in the back door and lay INSIDE the shop in the air-conditioning. My boyfriend would sometimes give him a bit of ice cream that had melted.

That dog brought me to life when I was going through a hard time (I am still mourning the loss of my first pet)

Everyone knew him and loved him...

The night before he died i gave him a bath and he slept next to my bed.

I woke up the next morning to my step mum saying to my dad "Phil, come here... there's something wrong with Leo" I knew something was wrong immediately and got out of bed. Leo was in the laundry (He'd spent the morning laying down in the shower recess) his back legs had become paralyzed and he couldn't get up... At first we thought he had been bitten by a snake... But there was no sign of a bite, and he hadn't been outside all morning.

We rang the vet who was luckily in town at the time (we live in a very small country town) she came around quickly, and by this time, Leo was fully paralyzed and had started fitting. My step mum and I were holding him, comforting him. We had to place a folded up towel under his head to stop him from bashing his head on the tiles...

The vet made some calls and described his condition... His symptoms were very similar to that of what would happen when a dog gets baited. And the suspected poison was strychnine... He had no hope.

He lasted about 5 - 10 minutes before he had one last fit and his body gave up... I SAW him die... It was just awful.

I had this overwhelming feeling of "I can't believe this is happening AGAIN"

We spent the rest of the day digging a hole for him... We planted a tree on him, the "Leo tree"

About 15 baits were dropped around our area, killing a total of around 10 - 15 dogs. The culprit still remains unknown, we will probably never find out... There only remains that one clue, that they used strychnine - You need a license to obtain it.

I feel empty. I have lost my faith in humanity.

Oh my goodness, I have just read your stories and they are horrible! My faith in humanity would be gone too if I were you, but remember only a few really bad apples can ruin it for everyone, but most people would not do such horrible things to an innocent animal, please remember that.

Your doggy looked so cute in the picture above, I am so sorry for you. I too lost my doggy of 14 years last week, although he luckily had a long full life. As for the couple with the dog who kicked your little Sophie, ugh, I cannot imagine living with myself if I had done that to ANYONE OR ANY BEING! It baffles me that these same people have pets of their own.

Anyway, just wanted to say that there are so many animal lovers out there, and I am one of them! We still have our two cats, Lenny and Cloud, and they are treated like royalty in our house. Please remember that not all people are evil so-and-so's! Also remember that your pets had a wonderful time with you for the time you had them, I try to tell myself that too, and you know, it actually works.

So sad about your doggies, don't know if I've helped you at all, just wanted to say I am so sad to hear about your dogs, and yes, it does make me sad that there are people out there in the world, but there are many more who treasure their pets.

Many many hugs to you, you deserve them!

Moira

Why is it that everyone elses posts have at least 20 replies and mine only has a few??

Maybe no one gives a ~~ after all

Cold and Lonely--

I can tell you why it is, as I perceive it. I know that I myself haven't even been able to bring myself to read your posts. Most of us are already in deep pain from recent loss or impending loss (as I am myself), and when we hang around here, we are subjected to even more pain. So we have to feel strong in order to be here and respond to other people's posts.

I personally saw your posts' titles the night before I was going in for facial surgery for skin cancer. My own dog is dying, and the whole combination was just too much for me; hence I didn't read your posts--I just couldn't bring myself to face any further pain that day, or this whole week.

Truly, people around here give more of a ~~~ than you can believe, but most of us have very deep, soft, easily wounded hearts. The word "murder" has probably scared most folks away. We care a great deal, and without knowing your story, I feel deeply for you for your loss. I think it was your choice of language in your titles, even if "murder" is the truth. Cut us a little slack too--everyone here is grieving.

I am sorry that I am still unable to read your stories. We've had some other shockers here recently that have actually driven some of the regular posters away. No one wants to ignore you or hurt your feelings--it's just maybe more than at least some of us can bear.

My heart really does go out to you--your dog was a handsome boy (part 2) and I'm sure you are in horror and shock and outrage and terrible pain. Sorry I can't offer much more than my empathy for your situation.

Hugs--

Margi and Ladywolf

Cold & Lonely,

I've not been on here for several days to even look at the new posts as I've had major computer issues. I have pulled away from posting as much as I once did or even reading all the sad, sad losses. I lost the dog that was my pal who I had the strongest connection with 16 months ago and I still miss her everyday. I think some of us have to take a break from some of the sadness here and some of us need to digest a disturbing story such as yours in order to even attempt to find the words to express sympathy.

What to say? DISGUSTING action in both cases. There are others here who have had cats shot or killed by a dog so I am sure you'll receive other support. We seem to have lots of posts for a few days and then not so many for the next few. Weekends are also a slower time. Don't get discouraged, post more as it is helpful and you will get support.

I really do not understand how any human can do what has been done to either of your beloved dogs. I have had a dog ever since I can remember (other than a "dry spell" of a year after the tragic loss of a wonderful young Poodle). I also lost a Poodle by a dog that was actually on a leash when he killed my dog.

The first idiot who kicked your dog is disturbing since they had a dog also. I feel sorry for any pet they have. Poisioning dogs is so cruel.

Each loss over the years have been hard for me but I have no idea how difficult it must be for you to have lost 2 at the hands of someone who claims to belong to the human race. I know there are mean people in the world but it is very unfortunate that you've encountered two that have cost you your pets.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dogs and I am sure it is even more difficult since you really could do nothing whatsoever to prevent what has happened. Many of us have had the opportunity to extend or at least ease the final days for many of our babies.

Remember all the good times rather than the tragic part of your beautiful dogs' lives.

Dear Cold and Lonely

I read both of your posts, 1 and 2 several times. I just could not believe what happened to you, not just once but then again. I truly felt lost for any words and please forgive me for not replying earlier. I kept starting to type but the words just didn't seem adequate, now I know that just a 'thinking of you' , would have been better than nothing at all.

The forum has been very quiet just lately, we have lost two of the main contributers over the last few weeks, as they are going through their own nightmares, once again. I think this has put some of us regulars into 'shock' once again., and I find that at these times I feel so sad that I can't find suitable, comforting words. Also as mentioned, weekends are much quieter, I'm sure more people will be back soon.
Please keep faith that there are many good 'humans' out there, that must be hard for you to believe after your dear fur babies terrible experiences at the hands of those cruel, cruel people.
Please forgive me again for not being able to reply earlier, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your fur Angels.
Love and hugs

Jan and my Angels, and newly rescued Pixie xx

Cold and Lonely--I'm so glad that others were able to respond to you. Notice also that the threads that have a LOT of responses have been up here for months--that's just the way it is around here. There are only five or six of us who post regularly right now--others drop in occasionally--it all tends to go in a cycle. I initially came here because of my own pain when Poppers was dying, and find that I have to "pace" myself when confronting other peoples' pain. My personal thing is that I just can't BEAR stories of cruelty by man to animals, I just can't BEAR it.

So I still haven't read your stories, but I've gotten the gist of them from other peoples' posts. A pox on all of mankind who does NOT love animals. I simply cannot understand it--but I can't understand fighting and war, either. I'm such a pacifist, and such an animal-protector, myself...

My heart, and Ladywolf's too, are with you in your pain.

Big hugs--

Margi and the Wolf

I read both your posts with great difficulty and responded to one of them. It is not easy to read posts like yours, where cruelty is also a factor in the loss of a beautiful creature. It is a devastating loss to you and we do have so much sympathy for you. The people here are very caring, you will see that when you have been around a while. Take care xx

madi xx

Dear C & L,
What has happened to you and your pets is so tragic, I am sure many who visit here can not find the words to express their sorrow. (You can see the # of viewings, of those who have read your post.) One can go a lifetime and not experience anything like what you have. My heart goes out to you, and I hope this pain will lesson each day.

Our pets are so wonderful in what they give to us in their days or years, but they can not tell us about their sorrows, or who has abused them. It may be that you will never know who has done these things to Leo. But, trust me, there is such a thing as "karma" in this world. You may have to resign yourself to assuming that whoever did this will have to answer for his/or her actions. It will always make you angry, but it may not always consume you like today. It must be small comfort to see that murderer only fined, when it resulted in Sophie's death.

I don't visit here too often, because it sometimes make me too sad..., but I also get strength from reading what others have to say. Perhaps you may find this also. As horrible as your tragedy, at least you were able to give love to Sophie and Leo till the end. What a wonderful person you are for that!

Mourn when you must, but please try to keep the faith, that many human beings have as much respect for animals as you do.

We just lost our Chihuahua, Peanut, at 18 years old, from "old age". Mona. (Felix's mom)

I replied to your other post, but as the others have stated, it is very hard to keep coming back to help others. It's very sad to read all of these posts. It just drags up our own very difficult pain. I've written on here many times, with no response. That's ok - many times I'm just writing a letter to Hunny and Lily.

I believe in karma too. It may take a long time, but usually people get what they deserve in the end. I'm just so sorry that poor, innocent animals are the ones paying the price this time.

I'm so sorry for your losses.

Lynette.

Sorry for that, I was just in that angry mood... Angry at people.

I also find it hard to read some of the posts here - And I do realize that my story is... Graphic, and pretty awful to read.

Despite the pain it brings me I will continue to fight for the rights of animals, where not a lot of others will...

I am currently getting on to the RSPCA about our ranger here - We rescued a dog from him a few months ago (Before Leo died) We named him Skippy because he looks like a Kangaroo When we first got him he was malnourished and VERY skinny (could see the ribs) He was also very thirsty and 'Whofing' down food for about a week...

Every time I've called the RSPCA about issues here they have directed me to the local ranger, who is obviously incompetent and doesn't care for animals very well (His job is to shoot them after all)

Anyway... Thanks for the comments.

Ps: My name's Lily, and I'm 16.

Lily...I am so sorry for your losses...I don't come here as often anymore...it is too hard for me. I use to post alot and often on every new post, but I can't do it anymore...I'm at a loss for words and I think just saying "I'm sorry" isn't enough so I say nothing.

Some human beings just don't have the right to live...anyone who can purposely hurt an animal is worthless. I just don't get it...to hurt something so innocent and helpless...it is sickening.

I totally understand your anger...totally. All I can say is my thoughts are with you and I hope you can find peace in all of this.

Hugs to you and your angels,
Brutus' Mom

Lily... first, really *really* sorry for your losses. Lost two dogs within the last year myself, and likely will lose my third ancient grrrl within the next year to progressive paralysis, but your situation is very different and far more traumatic, and I know that. As stated, there is little we can do but say how sorry we are you are going through it. We can only be here for you to listen, certainly understand your pain, share your anger at the perpetrators, and hopefully help you heal because eventually you have to.

I read both stories. To put it simply, I've been wrong all this time when I've told my kids there are no real monsters! Sophie's attacker has been addressed already; I agree he got off lightly.

Re: Leo. Similar circumstance in our area... three dogs in the neighborhood were poisoned several years ago presumed by antifreeze, perp never found. All you can do IMO until you know otherwise is presume this was accidental - that your dog was not the target (perhaps no dog was, perhaps another critter even though that alone is still sad), that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Ladywolf, lynette, and others have already explained about the posting habits here.

Please continue your good works on the animals' behalf. There are good people still in the world; see, you are proof of that. :]