Subscriber Comments for
UPDATE: Dog Owner Identified

Most recent Comments first | (reverse order)

COMMENT 315331	2012-09-02 04:40 PM
@DRBUD Perfect. I totally agree. Parents have shown me, repeatedly, that they have no clue about how to introduce their children to dogs, or about dog safety. I bet I have taught upwards of 100 children how to meet and greet a dog. Still, your point is well-taken. Parents must be held responsible, not the animal.
DRBUD	2012-08-31 04:06 PM
The major point in this dog bite fiasco is the owners lack of proper behavior. But as a life long pet doctor I would severely scold those parents who willingly chose to put their child at risk. Asking if the dog is O K is not O K!! Most owners have no idea if children are safe with their dog. Especially a Chow!! So wake up parents!! Consider all dogs, and cats too, a possible risk until you know them very well over time!! Your child deserves intelligent parental care.
COMMENT 314762	2012-08-31 01:46 PM
I was bitten badly by a dog I knew very well. So was a friend. I stay away from strange dogs, and would always encourage people to keep their children at a distance. A dog can be dangerous, as well as loving. Until you are very sure of the animal it's best not to risk terrifying your child for life.
COMMENT 314758	2012-08-31 01:30 PM
573 they have her, even gave her name. Nobody is hiding her.
COMMENT 314654P	2012-08-31 07:50 AM
My daughter had two chow mix dogs. One was a sweetie, so was the other - unless it was surprised or alarmed. It gave someone a nip one time and was always kept under very firm control after that with no subsequent problems. We knew never to bother it while it was eating.
ROGER DODGER	2012-08-31 05:50 AM
I remember when I was a kid I got bit all the time. Back then it was always the kids fault for petting the dog. Even my mom would say "Leave that poor dog alone."
FIRST DISTRICT	2012-08-30 08:53 PM
I am not going to really weigh in on the incident per se, but as one who has had a very appealing breed over many years I must say that I am always concerned that more families don't warn children to never approach strange animals. I hope the child is doing okay and I can't believe this whole thing hasn't been settled.
COMMENT 314573	2012-08-30 08:03 PM
I can,t believe some one here has not reconized her yet, She lied after a attack, or bite to a child , she deserves no sympathy or leniency at all,, That is less than human.. Kids are quite resiliant and I hope she heals up and is not burdend from this very avoidible incident...
COMMENT 314515	2012-08-30 05:17 PM
A great many problems would be solved at offleash areas if: #1 People were actually able to get their dogs to come to them using voice control and ... # 2 Dog owners did not allow their dogs to go up to strangers ( not everyone wants to participate in socializing your dog) but instead called their dogs to their side next to them where they can still get plenty of exercise. Instead of assuming everyone wants your dog run up to them, assume the opposite and practice voice control at the same time. Win/win!
COMMENT 314501	2012-08-30 04:51 PM
The dog attacked the kid and shouldn't have been there in the first place. The women fled and lied. Get the facts straight.
COMMENT 314498	2012-08-30 04:41 PM
The kid punched the dog. Get the facts straight.
COMMENT 314489	2012-08-30 04:24 PM
The $100 fine IS a joke, and the misdemeanor degree of such egregious behavior is too. That's all our fault, because all animal laws are too lax. Stealing them, abusing them, or letting them bite people are all too lightly punished, especially considering how pervasive a part of society pets are. But, the good news here is the perp was identified (and is probably paying more than $100 in shame + loss of income), and the parents can file a civil action. They will win big, even via a settlement. Miss blonde I-ran-from-the-scene has some sort of liability insurance. Financial compensation might help the family a bit. Still, it's not enough. The child will be scarred for life emotionally by the bite, and the notion the owner evaded responsibility. What a bad example to set. Just like hit and run. Total lack of compassion to save your own hide. Shameful way to run your life and treat fellow citizens.
COMMENT 314486	2012-08-30 04:19 PM
I went grocery shopping yesterday and saw a lady with her dog in her grocery cart. Far be it for me to tell her how unsanitary it is for her to have her dog sitting on her produce but what about the next person that uses the cart? And the dog being allowed in the store at all is just wrong to me. I have 3 dogs and I would never take them to a grocery store. I have seen dogs sitting at tables at restaurants on this site as well. Ok people we get it you love your dogs now please love them in your own homes or in dog appropriate settings.
COMMENT 314478	2012-08-30 04:12 PM
My parents recently adopted a small poodle/cocker spaniel mix, and she has a bit of a biting problem. Mostly towards men running (Hendry's beach). After having a close call, they decided to begin using a muzzle in situations with strangers. Everyone needs to exercise some responsibility when bringing their pets into a public place.
SHOREBIRD	2012-08-30 04:01 PM
Looking forward to seeing her mug shot.
COMMENT 314498	2012-08-30 03:56 PM
Who stabbed the dog?
MTNDRIVER	2012-08-30 03:56 PM
897P--There was an earlier story about this incident, which answers some of your questions. I can't find it, though. It was in July, over a month ago. And as I recall, the parents of the child asked the woman if it was okay for the child to pet the dog, and the owner said it was fine. Always ask, of course. The point is, these people did. And a dog that snaps at kids should not be out in public without a muzzle.
COMMENT 314467	2012-08-30 03:44 PM
This sets a precedence for future lawsuits and is a wake up call for people who are careless with their dogs on or off leash in public areas. (posted after DA charges)
COMMENT 314459	2012-08-30 03:32 PM
Nice goleta address, damn close to a school... moved here less than two years ago from Kansas. Hope she loses everything to the victim in the undoubtedly forthcoming lawsuit.
COMMENT 314501	2012-08-30 03:28 PM
Too bad they aren't felonies! Dogs shouldn't be at First Thursday events in the first place! People need to learn dogs are not humans and bringing them to parades, inside stores, out to eat etc. is not something they enjoy.
COMMENT 299480P	2012-07-19 02:38 PM
897P here-Don't feel sorry for my dog 313. She is very well socialized. I have a large group of friends and family that she interacts with on a regular basis. She also interacts with their dogs. As I said she is not agressive. I just prefer strangers not to interact with her. I would never take her to a dog park. We have plenty of room for her to run with dogs that I know and trust. I will not subject her to a dog park where most of the owners have no hope of actually controlling their dogs off leash. Plus I wouldn't want her picking up any bad habits or being bullied. Each to his own I guess. I'm glad that you are reminded that not all dog owners want strangers to have free access to their pets though.
COMMENT 299313	2012-07-19 10:37 AM
To: 897P, I can't help but feel sorry for your dog. One of my dogs greatest joys is to greet a person or animal and that is because I have made sure she has been well socialized at the dogparks since she was very young. Your post is a good reminder that not all dog owners feel this way and we shouldn't ever "assume" :(
COMMENT 299480P	2012-07-19 10:24 AM
I have to agree with 144. Just because I have my dog out in public does not give anyone the right to walk up and pet her. And when someone tries and I ask them not to touch my dog they act as if I have insulted them. If you want to pet a dog go get one. There are plenty at the shelter. I also say no when people ask to pet her. My dog is not agressive but I don't want some strange person to come up mishandle her in some way. My advice to those out in public, especially with children, leave other people's dogs alone. Regarding the lady in the story, she should not have a dog or be allowed in public.
COMMENT 299169P	2012-07-18 08:52 PM
My current canine companion has taught me to "think like my dog." So, I ask myself, would I enjoy the heat, crowds, costumes, noise of a parade on State Street? No. How about the crowded jostling in and outside 1st Thursday art galleries and shops. Probably not. So, the dog stays home, while the human goes to these events. Smart choice for both.
COMMENT 299144	2012-07-18 06:44 PM
Chows are one of the "bite-y" breeds. However, I do feel some sympathy for the woman because the people requested to touch the dog. It would be nice if etiquette was also required of those who are not in the dog's "family". Most dogs are uncomfortable with strangers touching them - just as any of us would be. If you answer that you'd prefer your dog not be touched, people act strangely. I've had people who were complete strangers stick their face in my dog's face and ask her to lick them. That's just stupid. Also, many people don't read dog behavior and will push the animal past it's comfort zone even when it is obvious that the dog wants none of it. It is inexcusable, however, to give false information or try to leave the scene.
COMMENT 299038	2012-07-18 03:47 PM
@298870- very egregious use of the word confirmed. You had me at the first one.
COMMENT 299013	2012-07-18 02:47 PM
I have 2 young kids and I am very cautious around dogs with them. I can't tell you how many times when we aren't even trying to pet the dog (often an offleash dog coming towards us), that a dog owner will tell us, "don't worry, s/he's friendly" yet then come to find out this particular dog has never even been around little kids. Some dog owners are very irresponsible and don't think they're dog can ever be aggressive and unfortunately there's no way of knowing which kind you're talking to. Little kids move faster, talk higher, squeal and are less predictable than big humans so dogs that have never shown aggression to big humans, can switch easily. Yes, the parents bear some responsibility in teaching about strange dogs, but I can't even count the number of times I didn't choose to let my kids near a strange dog and it happened because of the dog's owner's irresponsibility.
COMMENT 298980	2012-07-18 01:47 PM
Chow? No brainer, keep it away from everyone, meaning at home. Five is young to be bit, but according to a commenter in a previous post about pelicans, children need to learn these lessons! Parents and dog owners need to take responsibility, it's the right thing to do.
COMMENT 298961	2012-07-18 01:28 PM
Chows and Pits and mixes of those breeds are the most unpredictable and the breeds most responsible for the most harmful bites and attacks than any other breed. This is a documented fact and any veterinarian will tell you the same thing. Or it's easily researched on Google.
COMMENT 314501	2012-07-18 12:49 PM
@298897P There is a full story in today's Newspress. She gave false information about herself and the dog, confirmed. She did not speak with police and tried to flee the scene but was stopped by the father and then gave the false info, confirmed. The daughter asked to pet the dog she said it was fine, dog attacked, woman fled, confirmed. The girl was treated at Cottage, but is fine physically, confirmed. She was identified from previous witnesses that had seen her at other charity events, confirmed. This lady should have never had the dog inside the store in the first place and caused unnecessary liability for the store owner as well as traumatized an innocent young girl, confirmed.
COMMENT 299480P	2012-07-18 12:17 PM
Where does it say she gave false information? Did she speak with the police? I must have missed the informational part of this story. Was the little girl injured or was she just fine? Did the dog break the skin requiring medical treatment or was she just scared? Is there another post that answers these questions?
COMMENT 298891	2012-07-18 12:10 PM
Just another over-entitled person thinking they are exempt from common decency and responsibility. It's an epidemic. She should be ashamed and be forbidden from keeping dogs in the future.
COMMENT 314501	2012-07-18 11:35 AM
This dog should have never been inside a store at a crowded First Thursday event to begin with. The fact that she gave the father a fake name and fake dog registration makes it even more despicable and insulting to good dog owners. Leave your pets at home during these sorts of things, you may think they are having fun, but they are not. It is very stressful to the animal and a liability.
COMMENT 298831	2012-07-18 10:16 AM
I think a lesson here is to keep kids at a distance from strange dogs, whether leashed or loose, and to be wary of dog owners who (almost always) say their dogs are friendly and encourage interaction. Kids have a way of taking the words "okay to pet" as meaning "okay to stick my face up to this strange dog's face", often with smiling approval of their parents. My dogs are friendly - really! - but they are dogs, and there is an unpredictable element there no matter how cozily they sleep on my bed every night. (Not saying it's the poor little girl's fault at all - just am a "why take the risk" parent myself.)
COMMENT 298817	2012-07-18 09:34 AM
I had a chow mix once and she was horrible territorial and if anyone tried to hug me she would lunge for them. She was smart but wouldn't learn, I eventually had to find her another home because I didn't want to be responsible for her hurting anyone. Breeds have certain characteristics, that's just how it is. It is not the same as being racial or prejudiced, there are just some breeds of dog that have a tendancy to be more aggressive than others, just how it is. I hope that this lady has serious consequences for lying about her info, totally unacceptable!
COMMENT 298794	2012-07-18 09:12 AM
I couldn't see the pics either? As a dog-owner upward of 12 years I, too, have noticed the exponential numbers of dogs. I can vouch that I have picked up 99.999 percent of my dogs deposits yet it is highly doubtful that many others can say that. As a dog-owner I am sympathetic to non-dog owners frustration with us. One pile of dog poo unattended makes us all look irresponsible. I hope that little girl heals well and swiftly.
COMMENT 298789	2012-07-18 09:06 AM
I am truly amazed at the number of times recently that I have observed dog owners who take their dogs to totally inappropriate venues. I saw people with dogs at the Solstice parade and I know I'm going to see people taking their dogs to the Fiesta parade. "Stupid is as stupid does".
COMMENT 298787P	2012-07-18 09:04 AM
Never bend over to a strange dog. It is a sign to the dog that you are trying an aggressive type of being dominant (dogs do the same type of dominance, just on the other end). A form of "getting in your face." Can result in face or chest bites. Not to excuse it, but it's hard for an owner to control somebody coming up and 'making nice' with a dog that way suddenly. (Also, when a kid crawls up to dog's face --best example of this is when the dog is eating, therefore especially guarding his territory/food -- a dog can interpret that as the same type of "in your face" aggressive move from the kid.)
FLICKA	2012-07-18 09:04 AM
782, If the woman gave false information she must have known the child was bitten. She was asked if the girl could pet the dog so she knew the result.
COMMENT 298782	2012-07-18 08:56 AM
Besides having no information about the extent of this dog bite there is no information about the incident itself. All kinds of inferences and speculations but no facts. What evidence is there this woman knew that the dog bit this little girl? How did it happen? What kind of function was it that allowed a mixture of wine drinking, socializing, little children and dogs? It is pretty amazing how easily some of the readers and commenters here are willing to, not only draw their own inferences and conclusions out of thin air but treat them as fact and then make often draconian reommendations to support them.
COMMENT 298780	2012-07-18 08:45 AM
I really do hope that little girl is alright. Why are some people so focused on 'breed behavior'. Sure, some dogs have high prey-drives, but that can be controlled beginning at a young age with proper, consistent training. If a dog of a certain breed bites/attacks, all the 'garbage' of that breed is brought out displaying why it is such a bad breed. I remember when negative focus was on Doberman Pincers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds & Mastiffs. Now made "popular" because of dog fighting rings, Pitt Bulls. Oh, and any dog even having a slight resemblance to a Pitt is absolutely dangerous, according to the Lennox case in Belfast. The garbage is so strewn over the breed that the dog is ignored. The dog is punished, but not the owner, who is the obvious reason that dog displays bad behavior. I have passed many dogs on the beaches that won't give you the time of day because they are so mommy/daddy focused, besides behaving well due to proper training.
COMMENT 298772	2012-07-18 08:33 AM
Could assault charges be filed; how about a hit and run offense too. With more and more of us filling the same space, we need to become less tolerant of anti-social behaviour if we are to survive and prosper. Why is it that you have to license a dog, but not children? Anyone can produce offspring willy nilly but it's canines that everyone wants to discuss; procreation propensity, licensing, breed specific racism. Gone to the dogs S'Auntie Barbara
COMMENT 298760	2012-07-18 07:56 AM
There are lots of great canine citizens. There are also self entitled dog owners who are in denial about their dog's behavior. "He is fine. He's never hurt anybody". Dog bite prevention begins with understanding dog behavior or personality (anxious or fearful or painful) for owners and parents alike. I recommend learning dog ettiquette...how to approach a dog. Check out Dr. Sophia Yin, veterinary behaviorist Huffington Post blogger for great online info.
COMMENT 298752	2012-07-18 07:48 AM
Am I the only person here who thinks a $100 fine is a joke? That child is likely traumatized for life and may have a lifelong fear of dogs. I know the family can sue in civil court but come on—$100 is just not a consequence for irresponsible behavior that places people, especially children, at risk. That child's face may be scarred. She'll have to go to the doctor and be tested and possibly treated for infection and possibly diseases. She may require stitches or possibly surgery— more trauma. I think this law and a few others need some revision. $1,000 would be a consequence. The same for "accidentally" starting a fire. Currently I think it's a $500 fine. How about $5,000?
COMMENT 298751	2012-07-18 07:46 AM
People have complained that the potential $100 fine is not enough, which is true enough! But in addition to the fine there will be court costs, attorney's fees (unless the woman is dumb enough to try to represent herself in all this - a real possibility since she is dumb enough to give false information in a criminal matter after strutting her face around in front of cameras), medical costs, possible lawsuits for pain and suffering, especially if rabies vaccine was used, cost of time lost from work while in court and giving depositions, and the social cost of being pubically strutted about on Edhat and Newshawk etc as a cruel, disingenuous, child abusing moron who can't be trusted in public with a dog. Plus she may lose her dog and will likely lose her homeowner's or renter's insurance if she does not lose the dog voluntarily.
COMMENT 298748	2012-07-18 07:40 AM
Once again the community over-reacts to incredibly biased and reactionary reporting. Then the boo-birds come out in full force spinning misleading yarn and reinforcing modern day sterrotypes. Stories like this one should start with the child: Was she hurt? Is the there an injury? Did she suffer? Will there be lasting marks? The answer to all these questions is No. The fundamental issue here is child welfare, everything other is secondary.
COMMENT 298742	2012-07-18 07:31 AM
Yes, something archetypal is happening. Dogs are being used as the medium. Longing for fidelity in our age of moral relativism?
COMMENT 298735	2012-07-18 07:18 AM
Hold on a minute. There are many well behaved dogs just as there are appropriate dog owners. Don't let the "bad" ones tar the others. For the most part, dogs provide nothing but joy and love. A responsible owner controls their dog, picks up after them, and is completely aware of their animal's behavior. Responsibility is the key. Teach, learn, license.
COMMENT 314654P	2012-07-18 07:07 AM
I feel sorry for the kid - and the dog.
FLICKA	2012-07-18 06:46 AM
I found her photo on another posting. Just wondered what a person looks like who would let her dog bite, give false information, and not be concered about the little girl her beast bit.
FLICKA	2012-07-18 06:26 AM
How do I see the photo? It's not with my information, although others indicate they saw the picture.
COMMENT 298685	2012-07-17 08:16 PM
638 - What you are describing is already happening - just without the cameras. It's called archetypal patterns
COMMENT 298684	2012-07-17 08:15 PM
Thank you ANunez & your colleague(s). You guys work your understaffed butts off & we appreciate it! BTW, this was a Thursday. First Thursday. And you can google the address.
COMMENT 298669	2012-07-17 07:24 PM
People started domesticating dogs tens of thousands of years ago. Not a new phenomenon. But bringing them into stores while shopping is a new thing. But I notice the Farmer's Market prohibit dogs -- and it's right across from Home Depot, and it's outside!
COMMENT 314467	2012-07-17 07:05 PM
651 interesting observation. It's not only the younger people. For the older generation the dog is filling the empty nest syndrome. Notice how many you see in the shopping carts at Home Depot...unless they have changed their policy. I think everyone has their own reason for wanting to be accompanied by their dog. My walking partner would not think of going out without her little white, fluffy dog. She is single and I can't tell you how much attention that little dog gets her. Dogs do help you meet people that's for sure!:-)
COMMENT 298655	2012-07-17 06:56 PM
Just read Malcolm Gladwell's "What the Dog Saw" that reported chows have a high incidence of bites (as are pit bulls). Who knew? Hope the woman I see who lets her bit bull run free on Hendry's and Goleta Beach would leash that thing up.
COMMENT 298742	2012-07-17 06:42 PM
Anyone noticed dogs are now showing up everywhere - tons of them. Surprised this random biting isn't happening with more frequency since dogs are "wild". But the fashion trend of dragging the dog along like a purse or backpack (or kid?) is the curious phenomenon. There has to be some sociology about this going on among this younger doggie generation, who expect their dogs now to be accommodated everywhere; instead of the other way around. I guess tattoos have now played out their shock value and now it's mutt in your mug.
COMMENT 298647P	2012-07-17 06:28 PM
Cats already have this all worked out. They're sleeping in the sun and laughing in their dreams.
COMMENT 298669	2012-07-17 05:58 PM
Google knows everything. Cameras are everywhere, and images are being amassed on huge server farms. Soon, Google FutureView(tm) will predict everything that will happen and there won't even be a need for cameras. Our lives will simply become a formality, acting out what has already happened in Google's predictive cyberspace. But dogs will be exempt.
COMMENT 314467	2012-07-17 05:54 PM
The photo was probably taken at the art event by someone who offered it to the SBPD for identification of the individual.
COMMENT 298622	2012-07-17 05:02 PM
How the heck did they get the photo of her if they don't know who she is??
COMMENT 298619	2012-07-17 04:51 PM
Throw a big book at her, impound her dog. There is NO excuse for this behavior.
COMMENT 298817	2012-07-17 04:48 PM
Good!
COMMENT 298618P	2012-07-17 04:48 PM
How is the little child doing?
COMMENT 314467	2012-07-17 04:44 PM
What kind of a human would walk away after an attack by their dog, especially on a child? You hear this happening often at the beaches where dogs run loose, maybe a bigger fine would be in order. What's $100.00, not enough to encourage most owners to be responsible. Of course the lawsuit will follow and the parents or anyone who is attacked would be perfectly justified.
COMMENT 298606P	2012-07-17 04:38 PM
Haaaaaa hah ha haaaa GOTCHA

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