Family dog drags newborn, Alexander Smith, from crib and runs off with him

[Unamused Cat]

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A newborn baby was hospitalized in critical condition after being taken from his crib and carried outside his central Kentucky home by a family dog, authorities said Tuesday.

The infant, Alexander James Smith, is just a few days old and had been put in his crib for a nap Monday afternoon. When his parents looked outside later, they saw their pet, a 4-year-old mixed breed called a Native American Indian dog, holding the baby in his mouth, said Jessamine County chief deputy sheriff Allen Peel.

The baby's father, Michael Smith, rushed outside and chased the dog into a wooded area behind the home near Nicholasville, just south of Lexington. It took the father about 10 minutes to recover his son about 200 yards behind the home, Peel said.

"It's unreal," Peel said.

The baby was taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, where he was listed in critical condition early Tuesday. Peel said the baby suffered multiple punctures and bruises.

The dog, named Dakota, was taken by local animal control officials and was being quarantined.

No charges have been filed, and the case remains under investigation, Peel said.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,534230,00.html

Video (http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/51271232.html)

[RaVen Blackehart]

Now, see, a cat never would have done a thing like that.

http://i28.tinypic.com/116j3es.jpg

[Amazon]

Hmm, possible, but I still call Bullshit.

[PinkiGreen]

Ummm...wha the fuck? When did they last feed that dog?

[DogMom]

Just a few days old? CHRIST.

Never leave children unattended with animals in the house. I love animals, but they are unpredictable. The Animal Kingdom has its own rules and their own instincts.

Poor little thing. I read he's still critical.

[Athena]

Maybe it's just the way the article was written, but it doesn't sound like the dog was trying to hurt the child. This sounds like an unfortunate accident.

If you have a pet in the house (yes, that includes cats), invest in baby monitors, people. Baby monitors. Pets should never have unsupervised access to young children, and monitors will allow you to keep that door shut.

[Unamused Cat]

Now, see, a cat never would have done a thing like that.

http://i28.tinypic.com/116j3es.jpg

And a cat would've taken care of a rat.

[Morbid]

YouTube - Stephen King's Cat's Eye - General vs Troll

[DogMom]

YouTube - Stephen King's Cat's Eye - General vs Troll (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_cFNbrPLx4)


WHAT? THAT'S IT? So....happened to the Troll??

[silvahalo68]

I think it is possible. Like Athena, I think the dog was more curious than trying to hurt the baby, but I do think it would have only been a matter of time the dog would be jealous. I don't think most people realize how much a pet can feel displaced when a baby is brought into the home. Curious or aggressive towards the child can lead up to the same thing, a dead baby.

I really hope this little one pulls through, so terrible and just a few days old. Heal completely little one.

[Mybabiesmomma]

This is scary. I would never leave a baby unattended. But I have to admit that I never thought of the possibility of a dog taking a baby either.

[Lavonna]

This is about an hour and 15 minute drive from me so I searched all our local news channels for this.
http://www.wlextv.com/global/story.asp?s=10756080

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/51253917.html

http://www.wtvq.com/news/5575-family-dog-leaves-newborn-in-critical-condition.html

[DogMom]

Update:

Although doctors had told the family a day earlier the prognosis was grim, the baby's condition stabilized overnight and he was expected to survive. Smith said the boy will likely need to be hospitalized for weeks with two collapsed lungs, broken ribs, a skull fracture and various cuts.

Smith said the dog named Dakota was treating the baby as a puppy and wasn't being vicious. Still, he said he expects the dog currently in the custody of animal control will need to be put down.

http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/51335777.html

[Pete Bondurant]

, they saw their pet, a 4-year-old mixed breed called a Native American Indian dog, holding the baby in his mouth,


You just cannot trust those damned Indians!:wacko:

[silvahalo68]

....the baby's condition stabilized overnight and he was expected to survive. Smith said the boy will likely need to be hospitalized for weeks with two collapsed lungs, broken ribs, a skull fracture and various cuts.

Smith said the dog named Dakota was treating the baby as a puppy and wasn't being vicious. Still, he said he expects the dog currently in the custody of animal control will need to be put down.As bad as I feel for that baby, poor thing was badly injured, I don't think Dakota should be put down. Seems the parents needed to do a better job keeping the dog away from the baby. Instead of killing the family pet maybe they should be educated on caring for a baby with a animal in the home. Sad.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The dog, named Dakota, was taken by local animal control officials and was being quarantined.
Just FYI, no relation. :lollypop:

[Deja]

Now, see, a cat never would have done a thing like that.

http://i28.tinypic.com/116j3es.jpg

I totally agree a cat would never had done that - but a cuddly cat could curl up on a baby's face and suffocate it. I agree - no pets alone with babies.

[ImmortalOne]

Ever hear of the story "A Dingo Ate My Baby" ? Hmmmm How does a dog, even one that big, get into a crib that cleanly and outside with the baby?

[Ceffy]

Ever hear of the story "A Dingo Ate My Baby" ? Hmmmm How does a dog, even one that big, get into a crib that cleanly and outside with the baby?

I would think the same thing but I have a 3 year old Shiba that can cleanly jump a six foot fence despite being a short little shit.
I was reading the site below and someone commented that their Native American Indian dog can jump a six foot fence with ease. A crib would be no biggie.

http://www.wikifido.com/page/Native+American+Indian+Dog

They have nets you can put over your crib to keep animals out. Why not invest in one of those? With my dogs, a net would freak them out too bad to go near it. The Shiba is deathly afraid of anything new, even the crib will scare her. :crazy:

**Just editing to add, I grew up in family that breeds dogs and I've never seen any momma dog give her babies as much as a laceration while raising them. This dog was not mothering, it was eating... D:

[Harley_Tech]

I found several videos on this story and combined them all into one large file. (almost 8 minutes worth) It is uploading now and should be viewable shortly.

YouTube - Dog Steals Baby

All the videos combined tell an interesting story. I say good for the father for his comments. One interesting note is he claims he was preparing to go to the store and get both gates and a baby monitor, when this happened. Not sure if that is true or not, but his attitude suggest it is.

I also found this interesting video linked as related content after uploading the video. This guy makes some interesting points. I sent him a link to this story and asked him to drop by and share his thoughts. We'll see if he stops by.

YouTube - Native American Indian Dog Snatches Baby from Crib, Drags to Woods

R

[eliz1bef]

Baby gates and monitors should really be in the house before the baby. Hindsight's always 20/20 I guess.

Thankfully, that baby sounds like it will be okay, a bit banged up and frightened beyond description, but not permanently damaged. The dog doesn't sound like it's going to be so lucky.

[myra manes]

Ever hear of the story "A Dingo Ate My Baby" ? Hmmmm How does a dog, even one that big, get into a crib that cleanly and outside with the baby?


Maybe it was more of a bassinet?

[Lavonna]

http://www.wlextv.com/global/story.asp?s=10756080

[OMalley]

This is horrible. Poor baby - heal completely!

I can imagine the absolute blood-running-cold feeling the parents had when they looked out the window to see the dog holding the baby...

When mini-hub was a baby I used to hang out with him on the deck a lot. I worried that a hawk might swoop down & grab him. Heh - I was pretty crazy over that first baby...

[runnergirl]

Hope the baby heals completely, but must the dog be put down? Could it not just be given away?

What a scary thought! I never considered that my dogs may want to use my newborns as chew toys when they were born. Luckily my dogs didn't think of it either!

[sgr1966]

You just cannot trust those damned Indians!:wacko:

i say you cannot trust those damned pete bondurants!!!!!:bootyshake:

[mommacrazy30]

ok first, what is a Native American Indian dog? does anyone have a picture? second, any pet can get jealous, when we brought babycrazy home conan, our cat would try to walk on her..needless to say we kept the baby and gave away the cat.

[coffee achiever]

ok first, what is a Native American Indian dog?

It's not a recognized "breed" by the AKC, and most vets have never treated one. While I haven't seen a verified source for the information, some news outlets are suggesting that "Native American" or "Native American Indian" dogs are actually dog-wolf hybrids.

While I'm not a proponent of banning "dangerous" dog breeds, I think there's a significant difference in owning a pit bull and owning a fucking wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, if that's what this animal turns out to be. A wolf is a wild animal. Owning one of those is like trying to turn a cougar into a housecat. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

And according to THE OWNER, that's EXACTLY what this dog is:

http://www.kentucky.com/171/story/870861.html

When Michael Smith, Alexander's father, spoke to the media Tuesday, he said Dakota was "a Native American Indian" breed and said the breeder told him the dog's grandparentage as "90 percent wolf."

[mommacrazy30]

It's not a recognized "breed" by the AKC, and most vets have never treated one. While I haven't seen a verified source for the information, some news outlets are suggesting that "Native American" or "Native American Indian" dogs are actually dog-wolf hybrids.

While I'm not a proponent of banning "dangerous" dog breeds, I think there's a significant difference in owning a pit bull and owning a fucking wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, if that's what this animal turns out to be. A wolf is a wild animal. Owning one of those is like trying to turn a cougar into a housecat. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

And according to THE OWNER, that's EXACTLY what this dog is:

http://www.kentucky.com/171/story/870861.html

hey, thanks for answering my question!:rock:

[DogMom]

When Michael Smith, Alexander's father, spoke to the media Tuesday, he said Dakota was "a Native American Indian" breed and said the breeder told him the dog's grandparentage as "90 percent wolf."

Interesting. Here is the law on wolves and wolf-hybrids for Kentucky:

"Pursuant to KRS 150.183 and 301 KAR 2:081, wolves cannot be imported, transported, possessed or sold, except for certain educational, scientific, or research purposes approved by the commissioner."

KRS Chap. 65, § 3 reads: "(1) A county, city, urban-county, or charter county may regulate or prohibit the holding of wildlife that have been identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources as inherently dangerous to human health and safety. (1) The department has declared the following species of wildlife to be inherently dangerous to human health and safety and shall establish procedures for denying a transportation permit for said wildlife ... wolf or wolf hybrids over 25% wolf." This law took effect in July 1998.

Informally, it was explained that it is basically up to the local government, not the DFWR, to decide if they will allow or prohibit possession of such animals within their jurisdiction but if a person applied for a permit to import a wolf or wolf hybrid into an illegal county or municipality, DFWR would deny the permit.

http://www.wolfdogalliance.org/legislation/statelaws.html

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Frome the kentucky.com CA linked to:
Ray Coppinger, a biology professor at Hampshire College who studies canine behavior, said the dog's history — where it came from, what it has experienced — is exponentially more important than what breed it is. He's seen similar incidents happen with dachshunds, he said.

Coppinger said that although what happened to the Smiths is tragic, it's a relatively common problem.

The Smiths made a "classic mistake, out of ignorance, and now they're suffering badly for it," he said. Dogs like Dakota don't recognize infants as people, Coppinger said. "It's no more of an act of violence on the dog's part," he said, "than you eating a steak."

[coffee achiever]

If this dog's grandparentage was 90% wolf, he'd be 22.5% wolf - just under the threshold for regulation by DFWR.

[coffee achiever]

Frome the kentucky.com CA linked to:

I saw that quote, and for domesticated dogs I believe it to be true. But when you start crossbreeding wild things with domesticated things - like wolves and dogs - all bets are off regarding training and temperament.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

I saw that quote, and for domesticated dogs I believe it to be true. But when you start crossbreeding wild things with domesticated things - like wolves and dogs - all bets are off regarding training and temperament.
I think that would make it all the more true. Anyone that thinks a dog - of any parentage - is 100% safe with a defenseless infant is delusional.

[Pete Bondurant]

I think that would make it all the more true. Anyone that thinks a dog - of any parentage - is 100% safe with a defenseless infant is delusional.


I was raised by a pack of hyenas and I turned out rather will, I think.

[coffee achiever]

I think that would make it all the more true. Anyone that thinks a dog - of any parentage - is 100% safe with a defenseless infant is delusional.

That's true. What I was getting at is that the notion that you can domesticate a wild animal simply by treating it like a house pet is ludicrous.

Sigfried and Roy learned that shit the hard way too.

[Aslan]

but must the dog be put down? Could it not just be given away?

Yes. And no.
Don't get me wrong, I dig dogs much more than I dig humans.
However (and this is important) this dog has already put an infant in the hospital. A tiny baby that very well could have died.
In essence, this dog is now a HUGE liability for anyone that chooses to assume care. Considering previous history, the onus is no longer just on the dog, it's on the owners as well.

In simple terms,
This dog has a record of harming people.
Those who 'post his bail; (assume responsibility for him) will be held responsible not only in criminal but in civil court if he decides to play Mary Poppins again.

As much as I would love to see crappy owners getting the vet's needle, it doesn't seem like that's a bill that will be passed.
The dog needs to go.

[Chaindrive]

But what about those who don't have kids and have the time to watch him?

[Little Pea]

This is so tragic for everyone involved.

Heal completely little one.

[smallwonder4]

There is an American Indian Dog in the therapy dog program I take my pit bull through. This particular dog is only about 40 pounds or so, has a very wild wolfish look to it, but is very demure and well behaved. His owner is also a great dog owner who knows how to maintain her place as pack leader...

[DogMom]

Infant injured by family dog, showing improvement

The fight is still far from over but a baby critically injured by the family dog a week ago is showing more signs of improvement.

Alexander James is now a week and a half old and for most of his life he's been in the hospital fighting for a chance to live.

A.J. is doing much better. His father tells us he was awake for two hours Monday morning, holding his parent's fingers like a baby does.

Since then hundreds of calls have flooded the Jessamine County Save Center wanting to adopt the dog.

http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/51815282.html

[mae]

But what about those who don't have kids and have the time to watch him?

No one can supervise this dog (or any dog) at all times. It's simply not feasible. And the owner still has a massive responsibility, and if they turn their back for a minute and an accident happens, just like in this case, we are right back to square one.

It's simply not responsible as unfortunate as the alternative is.

[Chaindrive]

Those of us that have a large dog and no kids can supervise a dog at all times.

[dougxthexwookie]

...Why the fuck would you keep a wolfdog when you're bringing home baby?

I would also really like to know how the hell the dog got outside with the baby without anyone noticing? Where the hell were these parents. FAIL.

[Chaindrive]

And what door was opened?

[Aslan]

It only takes a second to hurt/kill/lose a child.
Chaindrive if you think you can watch a dog at all times and keep them away from anyone they may potentially injure or kill, more power to you. Speaking for myself, I could never assume that responsibility.
Dogs go by instinct. They cannot be reasoned with or made to feel guilty. They can absolutely be trained but even then there are no guarantees.

I love my dog. I also put him in another room when my neighbor comes over with her newborn. Not that I think he would do anything, it's just that I can't promise that he wouldn't.

This case seems open and shut to me. The dog maimed a human. When it comes as to whether or not he should be put down, the one who has thumbs wins.

Stupid parents are things we really can't avoid. Dangerous pets are things we can.

[Rawrehz]

awww i underrstand the poor condition of the infant but why must the mut be put to sleep? like WTF is that showing?? i am a HUGE doggy person and the poor thing was carrying it as a child!
i do do do feel bad for the infant ((once again so people dont yell at me :dong: )) but the doggy could find a new home or something.

this is tragic && makes me sad. my husband totally disagrees with me, however, and believes the dog should be put down "since its just a mut," and " a baby is a human."
I dont know. this is a real story of animal lover and common sense i guess?

but i so think the dog could get adopted elsewhere or anything....
put to sleep just brings back to many childhood memories in which i never really forgave my parents. its the easy-out situation suchas abortion. (( no offense to any )) :stupido3:

[Chaindrive]

Chaindrive if you think you can watch a dog at all times and keep them away from anyone they may potentially injure or kill, more power to you.

All I know is that I have a 120 lb black lab. He stays in the house 23/7, unless he's doing his business in his yard or being walked by me. He's never allowed out unsupervised. There are also 6 indoor cats in the house. They never go outside. So he is with them during the day in the house while hubs and I are at work by himself, and with them at night when we are asleep. I'm a little older so I don't have a lot of baby activity, but if I did, I'd be prudent and not let babies around him unsupervised. Not because I don't trust him, but because that's the correct thing to do.

Honestly, I'd be more worried about him trying to "save" a baby then him hurting one.

[Aslan]

Screw Neverland, Michael Jackson should be buried in your yard;)
That's a lot of pets. 120lb lab is cool with being in the house unless it's bathroom time?
Ha, one of my friends had a lab (RIP Lucky) and he thought he was a lap dog. Beautiful boy, though. Really sweet as well.
6 cats?
Again, more power to you. I wouldn't let my cat near the neighbor's baby either. Animals are....well, animals. They aren't predictable and again, all it takes is a second in time.
Instead of those folks calling about this dog that has already hurt someone, I wish they would call the animal shelter for dogs that are damned through no fault of their own.

[Chaindrive]

I get you there, Aslan. I wouldn't trust my cats for a flat second with a baby. And yes, 6 cats. I want to kill them all at times. ;)

Drake (the lab) is well-trained about bathroom time, and hubs gets up a 4 am (county worker) and Drake goes out then. Comes back in. I get up at 7 am (casino worker) and if he needs to go out I take him out again.

Hubs gets home at 2 pm - lets him out. I get home at 5:30 pm and if he needs to go out I take him.

Hubs goes to bed around 8:30. I'm up still, so if Drake needs to go out later I take him.

Drake was a rescued dog. Former neighbor's ex didn't think they could provide him with the attention he needed because she had little kids (hence house dog status here) so she gave him to me when he was less than a year old. He's the most patient dog I've ever had - with kids, cats, and mom and dad.

[smallwonder4]

My 2 pits and 2 pit mixes are mostly inside dogs. We have a tiny yard that they probably only get 1-2 hours outside in depending on the weather. When my friend comes with her 7 month old, I put the most excitable one outside, but when we go for a walk I take that same excitable dog and then I allow her to sniff the baby when we get home. She's so hot she has no interest and that's how I'm conditioning her to children so small. I have no intention of getting rid of any of my dogs when I become a mother, and frankly the fact that so many people do disgusts me.

I'd love to see this Indian dog find a home like chaindrive's because I believe if a wolf hybrid wanted to kill a kid, it would have succeeded. (Granted it almost did kill the baby by what I think was an accident) Then again, I think all dogs can be rehabilitated or do better in other homes and euthanasia should be reserved for the sick or those that are truly too far gone. This dog didn't even have a chance to get acclimated to the baby. Consider all the drama in the last week/month for that dog. How much time he was alone, how much anxiety was in the house, and then when things got back to 'normal' there was this new pink thing he had never encountered before. The way it plays out in my head, he was just trying to figure out what it was. I didn't hear anything about him shaking it, which is a pretty common kill move. It was awful that it happened, and I wouldn't put the dog with a young couple that may have a child in the near future, but I don't feel like it should be killed.

I'm glad this baby is pulling through!

[Chaindrive]

I'd love to see this Indian dog find a home like chaindrive's because I believe if a wolf hybrid wanted to kill a kid, it would have succeeded.

Thank you. I have had an inside wolfdog before. But she was a she. And very, very gentle (except when it came to stealing the steaks off the table that hubs was getting ready to bbq.) What she got for her efforts was a crockery plate bonking her in the head.

I think she was trying to help the cats.

[dougxthexwookie]

Hm, let me think... can we put the parents to sleep for being so stupid?
Am I the only one who would've found the dog a home BEFORE I had a baby...?!?!? Newsflash folks ITS A FUCKING DOG. They're animals. Baby's safety is fiftymillion times more important, and I for one would not be willing to take ANY chances with such a breed, especially if that particular dog has never been around little ones before. Don't get me wrong, I loves me some doggies, but I love my baby more.

I did have to find my lovely kitty a new home when I was preggo, she was a very high strung cat that needed to be petted all the freakin time or she would get pissy. She was also one of those "let me sleep on your face types" NOT SAFE. I knew she would be jealous of the baby and I knew that babies take up so much time that I wouldn't be able to give her the attention she deserves. So, she now has a wonderful family who dote on her and spoil her, and I could sleep soundly at night knowing my girly wouldn't be smothered by miss fluffy butt. And you had better believe that if I had a dog instead, especially a "dangerous breed" or a particularly needy, jumpy, or large one. I would have gotten rid of it too.

[Nell]

Selfish. How can you just discard your pet because you are pregnant or have a baby? Are you serious? This baby was brand new, and while the parents are idiots for not having the babies door shut, he looks like a good dog that was just playing. Not his fault. If people bothered to acclimate their pets to babies you wouldn't have to worry as much. But give up your pet just cause you are pregnant? Well then I guess you don't care for them like you should.

[smallwonder4]

Wookie, I wish you were the only one with that mindset. There are ways of keeping a baby safe without rehoming or taking your pet to be destroyed at a shelter (there isn't room for all of them, statistically about half are euthanized). I hope if you have a second child that the first isn't too attention seeking or jealous... I'd hate to think of what you'd do to protect your new baby!

[dougxthexwookie]

LOL you guys are funny!

Firstly Nell, She was not "discarded" she went to live with a lovely friend of mine who had been begging me to take her home for months. She has a wonderful life there, more than likely much better than she would have ever had with my husband who HATES cats, and myself who is just far too busy to take proper care of her. Yes, I agree one hundred percent that it was a selfish move. But, as cleaning cat litter when preggo is a great big no no and she was one of those cats who likes to sleep on faces. I felt I had no choice.

Secondly, smallwonder, I would never send my pet to a shelter. I would always find a loving home with someone I know and trusted. Oh, and it isn't a child. It a fucking cat.

That being said. I know well enough to know for damn sure that I won't be getting any more animals any time soon. It just wouldn't be fair to anyone. Maybe when I'm done having children and they are old enough. I might. As it stands now, I don't have the time or patience to take care of anyone else.

So if I'm a horrible person for that, awesome. Faced with the same circumstances again, I wouldnt hesitate to find another home for my pet. My baby girl is just too important.

[Nell]

I don't even own pets and I find that awesomely selfish. If your hubby hates cats why get a cat in the first place? These are live creatures. Not stuffed animals. Don't you think that the cat missed you?

You know what? Nevermind. You won't agree with me and I don't have the patience to debate today.

[dougxthexwookie]

Yes. I'm selfish.. It just so happened I came with the cat. He put up with her for me. Because I loved her and wanted to keep her. But, he wouldn't clean the litter or any of that stuff, it was part of the deal.

You don't seem to think that it was a difficult choice for me to make. Yes, I'm sure she missed me. And I miss her every day, that cat was a dear friend to me and it killed me to give her up. But, SHE LIKES TO SLEEP ON FACES. Can't have that with a baby. Couldn't afford to move to a better place than I had to be able to make sure baby had her own room that the cat couldn't get into. So, bye bye kitty. I guess you would have rather I kept the cat and got rid of the baby?

Newborns and pets do not mix in my opinion. Had I planned to get pregnant, I would have never gotten the cat in the first place, I didn't plan to get pregnant, it just sort of happened. I'm pretty sure its really silly for you to be so outraged right here. You don't understand the situation at all.

Oh, and yeah, I am agreeing with you. It was a shit thing to have to do. But I still did the right thing for my kid and would do it again if I had to. End of story.

[Nell]

Not the way your post came across. If you were sad on losing kittie this isn't the best way to express it.

Am I the only one who would've found the dog a home BEFORE I had a baby...?!?!? Newsflash folks ITS A FUCKING DOG. They're animals.

And again, I don't own pets. Because my man is allergic. Because i don't have the patience. Cause i don't really like them. And no, I wouldn't suggest you got rid of the baby. That is silly. But if you are going to own a pet during the period of your life you plan on having kids then you should acclimate the pet and supervise it, not get rid of it. That is my opinion. You do not have to agree.

[dougxthexwookie]

Ok, lets not fight. This really is totally silly.. I didn't mean to come off like that, but I do mean every word of it.Just... Not the way it sounded... I just don't always express myself properly...I kind of sound like a bitch regardless of whether I mean to or not.

Believe you me my dear, I wouldn't have gotten a pet if I had planned on having kids. No way no how, I just don't feel like they mix, getting knocked up was an "accident", I never actually planned on having kids, totally caught me by surprise. I was completely unprepared for it in every way. Maybe it wasn't the best thing I could have done, I felt that it was the best thing for everyone at the time. But yeah, I would have found a different home for any pet I might have had if I thought it wouldn't be safe for booger. Because it isn't a person, Its an animal. People are more important.

That is me though, and that is why I won't be getting any more pets. Can we kiss and make up now? Internet fighting is bullshit.:flowers:

[smallwonder4]

"it's just a fucking dog" "It's just a fucking cat" "I don't want to fight" what the fuck ever wookie. Actually, it's proven to decrease an infant's risk for future allergies to be raised in a home with pets. There's JUST ONE reason pets and kids do mix. I see, your baby was an accident. So was my kid sister. It was one of those things they didn't think possible till they found out it was happening and then they figured out how to make their expanding family work. I watch children grow up with animals every fucking day, and it's beautiful. As early as 5-6 months old a child recognizes the animals and reaches for them. The animals subject themselves to a child's early learning of gentle touches and they lay at the baby's door when he naps and run to the mother when he stirs. She already knows because she has a monitor, but the animals make sure she's on point. Whatever, those families are differant than yours. Maybe you don't have the patience or the necessary skills to combine the two, what I take exception to is that you're suggesting that everybody dump their pets when they get pregnant and that is fucking absurd. I"m glad your lonely friend who begged for your pet has a friend now. I'm sad your husband wouldn't care for the cat while you carried his baby even though he doesn't like cats. Just don't think your decision was the only way... that's the only part I take issue with.

[dougxthexwookie]

I think DANGEROUS pets and babies don't mix. If other people want to take that risk. Awesome. Good for them. I won't.I think anyone who does is a moron. It really is just an animal. NOT a person. My child is more important than any animal could ever be. Sorry. Thats the simple fact of the matter. I didn't feel it would be safe, so I did what I had to. Cry me a river.

[myra manes]

Brought both my sons home from the hospital with two cats at home ..
Didn't even worry about it ..

The kids loved the cats ..
The cats loved the kids ..

Never any problems ..

[DogMom]

Baby A.J.'s condition improves; shelter has received offers for dog

Alexander James Smith, the Jessamine County newborn who was taken from his crib by a family pet, was upgraded to fair condition Thursday at University of Kentucky Hospital, a spokeswoman said.

A.J. was born July 17 and taken home July 19; he has been at the hospital since July 20.

"A.J. is doing good. He's been breast-feeding with his mother about all day today. So it's as good a news as we can get," Michael Smith told reporters Thursday. "He's got one little feeding tube because he's not eating as much as he should, but he sleeps normal, wakes up."

Smith said he thought A.J. would be released from the intensive care unit in the next day or two. He might have to stay in hospital care a couple of days after that, but Smith said he expects A.J. to be sent home within a week.

A.J.'s temperament hasn't changed since the incident with Dakota, his father said.

"He acts and reacts exactly like he did when he was in the hospital when he was born, so everything has been positive," Michael Smith said.

Michael Smith said no decision has been made about Dakota.

The dog, a female wolf hybrid, has been in quarantine at the Jessamine County SAVE Center, the animal shelter in Nicholasville. Officials say state law requires dogs, cats and ferrets that have bitten a human being to be quarantined for 10 days.

The quarantine period ended Thursday, but Dakota will remain at the SAVE Center until a police investigation of the incident is finished, center director Jenise Smith said.

Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Corman said the investigation should be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Dakota will not be euthanized, Jenise Smith said, but otherwise the dog's future is still in question.

Jenise Smith said she has fielded many offers of adoption from Kentucky and out of state. The center is not taking any more applications.

Jenise Smith said she has shared several options with Michael Smith; he said he doesn't have a preference on whether the dog goes to a private home or a sanctuary.

http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/879086.html?storylink=omni_popular

Many people raise their children from birth with animals. Many do not. It's an individual preference. But...small children and animals are to be monitored with extra vigilance.

These parents had just brought their baby home from the hospital when this happened. They were caught up in the excitement. They shouldn't be punished or scorned.

The good news is, AJ is recovering and Dakota will get a proper home. Looks like its a win-win.

[scorpiogirl]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2953198170_2ceeeb251a.jpg

[Chaindrive]

For what it's worth...when I arrived in this world my parents had a Boxer named Joe. When I learned to walk, Joe protected me from falling. If it looked like I was maybe gonna fall he just leaned against me. He was super supportive and gentle as hell. I spent my first 6 years gripping that poor dog's coat, tail, head, ears.

[tricia381]

Im so glad to hear that the baby is improving.

When I got pregnant with my first (unexpectantly) I had just gotten a kitten...he was the purttiest thing ever (he looked siamese and had a perfect black "mask" across his eyes). He was my little lover kitty. He would lay on my growing belly and drool on me when I would pet him. Aw, how I loved him. After I had my daughter he became distant and weird. I still tried to love on him as I had before, but he would have none of it. I felt like he hated me. I thought maybe he thought I had replaced him, but when I would try to get close he would run from me. It broke my heart. He slowly started to come around about a year after my daughter was born, but he was never the same. He just died last year...his brother had died a week before and I dont know what or why but they both died unexpectantly.
I dont know why. I just thought I'd share my kitty story. I had never loved any animal like I did him and I never will again. Im not really a "pet person" but he captured my heart.

[carolinablue]

my cats thought each of our babies was just a very large hairless kitten. not only would they sit at the nursery door, if baby cried or even made a noise in his sleep they would all run to find me, frantically meowing. i could tell they thought i was lacking as a momcat. they were all so gentle and protective, it was heartwarming. but i drew the line at their attempts to "groom" the babies.

[Aslan]

Are your cats indoor carolina? I'm only asking because my ex and I had 2 siamese cats and when we were engaged he became worried that if and when I became pregnant I may get toxoplasmosis. (it took me forever to find the spelling of that, by the way. I kept going with tax+something+cat) google isn't always nice
No idea why he freaked about it so much but then again I've always been a dog person

[smallwonder4]

Handling cat shit is dangerous for expecting moms. Toxoplasmosis is a real risk for anyone with a developing or diminshed immune system. My understanding is that it's the poop more than the animal itself, though.

I'm glad little AJ is improving and not showing other negative effects.

[ImmortalOne]

wow I read what you said Wookie and you are utterly disgusting to me to think you would ditch a pet because you suddenly had a baby coming. Especially in a world where the unwanted pet population is already high and climbing. While I can understand not being up for the financial strain between pets and children and giving up the pets because of that, the mere presence of a child does not mean an animal should be banished from a home. Especially dogs, which have historically played roles of protectors of homes.

For the record, I have a Hybrid Husky Mix (Wonderful dog), 3 cats (1 is 13 years old), and 2 Ferrets.

My one cat has been a member of my family longer than my 11 year old! He's survived 2 children growing up and pulling on him and loving on him. In fact when we got the dog (which he hated) if the baby cried in the same room as the dog, he would stalk and attack the dog.

My dog has protected my toddler while on a walk when a strange dog came barreling towards her from across the street. My dog was only a few weeks with our family at that time, and she is an older dog, but her entire heart and soul was into protecting my toddler.

The ferrets and other cats have been members of our family for almost 2 years. And my daughter, who will be two on the 21st, can tell you all about the "Kitties" and "ferrets". She interacts with our animals on a regular basis and will even cuddle with the cats. Having these pets have taught my 2 older children animal responsibility (Like the summer my daughters each had to pay for 1/2 of the surgery to get their cats fixed, or how now they are required to pay for 25% of all animal food and upkeep - like litter and bedding etc.)

I am pregnant with #4 and it should be stated that ALL my kids are healthy and without allergies, for the record. My family and husband help take care of the pets when I am pregnant and nursing (extra precautions)

[scorpiogirl]

I love all animals.

However, when I gave birth to my first child, my much loved cat and friend had to go. I thought it was all good, the cat seemed to love the baby, but during a nap when my little girl was a month old, I caught the cat licking my babies mouth, on the inside. This scared the piss out of me.

[DogMom]

Handling cat shit is dangerous for expecting moms. Toxoplasmosis is a real risk for anyone with a developing or diminshed immune system. My understanding is that it's the poop more than the animal itself, though.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my OBGYN politely asked me to rehome my cat. I was ill during the pregnancy and my baby was considered at risk. That was the only reason. Normally, its "keep your cats, but no changing the litter boxes".

I gave him to a farmer cousin and the cat became an outdoor barn cat. He spent the rest of his 12 years happy as a clam and an excellent mouser. And totally in charge of that farm.

[Ceffy]

I feel that getting rid of pets when becoming pregnant shows that person didn't really look to the future when obtaining said animals.

My fiance and I decided five years ago, no more kids, due to a very high risk pregnancy but here I am, pregnant for the 2nd time. I currently have three cats, three dogs and a fish. I will not be getting rid of any of them despite having hyperemesis and hypertension. I'm also at increased risk of premature labor and blood clots and I go weekly for fluids to keep inpatient hospital stays to a minimum.

This was not caused, nor worsened, by having pets. Taking care of them is a challenge but so is taking care of my child and I'm not "rehoming" her.

I feel my pregnancy and the problems that go with it are my problems, not my pets problems. The dogs and kids are not allowed to be alone together as it is, so obviously, a baby won't either. The cats I had when my oldest was an infant and it was not a problem in the least. The fish, well, we'll see about the fish... :laugh:

[Kaylara]

I love all animals.

However, when I gave birth to my first child, my much loved cat and friend had to go. I thought it was all good, the cat seemed to love the baby, but during a nap when my little girl was a month old, I caught the cat licking my babies mouth, on the inside. This scared the piss out of me.

Ummm... That's normal cat behavior. >_<
---------------------------------------------


I am currently 9 months pregnant... (Due on the 21rst!) I have two dogs, and they're not going anywhere. When I rescued them it was with the understanding that I was now their owner/boss/pack leader and responsible for them. They are part of my family, and one does not simply get rid of one family member because a new one is on the way and there might be a problem.

It is my responsibility as a parent and pet owner to make sure that my child is protected from my dogs, and my dogs are protected from my child. Until I know how the dogs are going to behave, we have no bouncy seats, no swings, nothing that the baby will go in that is low enough or has wide enough openings so that the dogs can access the baby without me being directly in the middle of that interaction. I am not particularly worried about it either.

It might be CRAZY. It might be IRRESPONSIBLE. But I think it's perfectly reasonable to think I can be a good mother AND a good pet owner. I think dumping your pets because you're pregnant is ridiculous.

[coffee achiever]

I have 2 12 year old dogs and 1 2 year old child. I agree with the sentiment that pets and children don't have to be mutually exclusive - and I also agree that it's horribly unfair to a pet to get rid of it when a kid arrives.

However, there are a couple of circumstances under which I'll give the parents a pass:

Allergies: I know a couple of families whose children were violently allergic to animals, despite having no family history of pet allergies. Allergic to the point of repeated hospitalizations. Ultimately, the pets had to go, even though the entire family was heartbroken about it in both cases. Both families gave their dogs up to rescue orgs where they wouldn't be euthanized, and from what I understand the dogs have been rehomed and are happy.

Aggression: Sometimes, no matter how hard you work to get them to accept a new baby, pets just won't go along with it. Aggressive alphas tend to be the least accepting, because they don't want to be displaced in the pack. I worried a LOT that our min-pin / manchester terrier was gonna eat the baby when we brought her home; he's always been aggressive, especially around strangers and new people, no matter what we do, and he's a total alpha - he bosses our 80lb lab around all the time. He's a stray we took in and we don't know his history, other than he's one of those aggressive little yappers. Fortunately, he seems to love our daughter and hasn't yet shown any aggression toward her. But if he had so much as bared his teeth at her, he'd be off to the manny rescue in a heartbeat. I love my dog, but I love my kid more.

Regardless, I think that shipping off your pets, while sometimes understandable, should be the LAST resort, not the first. If you're a pet owner, it's your responsibility to do as much as possible to help your pets adjust when a new member arrives in the family - whether you're adding a new human member or another furbaby.

[OMalley]

My cat used to sleep on my pillow, draped over the top of my head every night. But when the baby came home he ended up co-sleeping (not the original plan!) so the cat had to sleep elsewhere. Before the baby came home we found the cat sleeping very happily in the crib. We didn't consider getting rid of the cat but he ended up being banned from the baby's room and our room. We were careful & watchful. He's a BIG cat and with his "head sleeping" habit I was afraid he might smother the baby.

As it turned out, we found out when he was 3 that "baby" is allergic to cats. Due to the layout of this house we were able to keep the cat and just keep him out of the bedrooms and carpeted areas. Still, when this cat passes on we probably won't get another (even though we love cats!) unless the child grows out of his allergies. Here's hoping!

[DogMom]

No charges will be filed against parents whose dog snatched their baby

NICHOLASVILLE — A Jessamine County grand jury did not return an indictment against the parents of an infant carried away by the family dog, and the investigation into that July 20 incident was closed, police said.

Allen Peel, chief deputy of the Jessamine County sheriff's office, said Friday that the case was presented to a grand jury earlier in the week.

"There was no criminal intent in the case," Peel said. "They didn't return an indictment," so no charges will be filed.

The baby suffered a cracked skull, cracked ribs, one collapsed lung and one partially collapsed lung, and was in critical condition for several days at University of Kentucky Hospital. He has since returned home.

Dakota remains at the Jessamine County SAVE Center, the animal shelter for dogs and cats in Nicholasville, said cat manager Anna Cox.

Michael Smith and SAVE director Jenise Smith have discussed options for finding Dakota a home; Michael Smith has said the dog would not return to his house.

http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/895341.html

[OMalley]

So glad the baby has recovered.

[DogMom]

OH you will NOT believe THIS.

Dad now wants wolf-dog home

NICHOLASVILLE — Michael Smith, the Jessamine County man whose family dog carried Smith's infant son from a crib in late July, now wants the wolf hybrid returned home, authorities said Friday.

Jessamine County Attorney Brian Goettl said a court order will be needed before Dakota the dog is returned to the Smith home.

"I'm concerned about the safety of the child, and we are going to be reviewing the situation over the weekend to see what can be done to ensure the safety of the child," Goettl said.

Smith, who could not be reached for comment Friday, had previously told reporters that Dakota would not return to his house.

News that the dog might go back to the Smiths' home came on the same day that the Jessamine County Sheriff's Office said it had closed its investigation of the July 20 baby-snatching incident.

On Friday, a Jessamine County grand jury did not return an indictment against Michael and Chrissie Smith, Chief Deputy Allen Peel said.

Michael Smith said during a press conference July 21 at UK Hospital that he hoped Dakota could be adopted by another owner.

"Obviously, Dakota is not coming back into my house," Michael Smith said then.

Dakota remains at the Jessamine County SAVE Center, the animal shelter for dogs and cats in Nicholasville, director Jenise Smith said.

She said Goettl had left specific instructions that "until he notifies us otherwise, we're to continue to hold Dakota."

She said that Michael Smith had mentioned the possibility that Dakota would return to his property.

Jenise Smith said she did not "get into a discussion into that."

"I was a little shocked and didn't see any good coming out of that situation," Jenise Smith said.

Her recommendation was that Dakota should go to an animal sanctuary.

Goettl said he would prefer that a judge issue a court order on the dog's future. From a legal standpoint, such an order would relieve the county of any liability should there be another incident involving Dakota, Goettl said.

He said he informed the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services about Michael Smith's request.

http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/story/895341.html

[Lavonna]

Why? To finish the job? I don't want to see the dog put down but he shouldn't be around kids.

[Lazlo]

The dog is obviously a fine problem solver and would be an asset to any childless family. "They brought this damned squalling thing into the house, and it is sucking up ALL of my attention. I'll fix that!" LOL

Glad the child wasn't killed. I'm sure it was a traumatic event. But I gotta hand it to the pooch! Smart doggie.

[jus shaking my head]

I was reading some of the comments.

Sanar wrote on 08/14/2009 01:05:11 PM:
I just hope they found a good home for the other female hybrid dog. I think they have already been shown that these are not good dogs to have around children.


RansomI wrote on 08/14/2009 11:34:43 AM:
OK, fine. No criminal intent. Big brick house, nice family, great outcome. How about the low income parent living in the mobile home park that goes to sleep and their child gets out and wanders off or gets into a car or, whatever? Will they be afforded the same consideration? In both cases the parents are not watching closley enough. Children and dogs are sneeky, fast and unpredictable. What's fair for the goose is fair for the gander!


I find I agree.

[DogMom]

It's damn irresponsible. The baby is home and the dogs were to be adopted out or to a sanctuary. Now he changes his mind? It's sets everything up for FAIL.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

http://i48.tinypic.com/mlnuw3.jpg http://i48.tinypic.com/vp7x8p.jpgFour months after a newborn baby was carried off into the woods by a beloved family pet, his parents are finally talking about that terrifying July day.

Fully recovered, little A.J. has overcome two collapsed lungs, broken ribs, and a fractured skull. The only sign left of his ordeal is a scar on his cheek.

His parents, Michael and Chrissie Smith, say the wolf-dog mix named Dakota was known for taking things from the house and hiding them in the woods.

They say they were baby-proofing their home as A.J. napped when it happened. All of a sudden the house went quiet, and the back door was open wide.

The Smiths say they almost immediately suspected Dakota.

Michael Smith describes the scene when he found his newborn son, "Just laying down there pretty motionless, he had a nasty cut that was right here, that was open and you could tell he was in shock and he had blood in his mouth."

Dakota, who was taken by animal control after the attack, has found a new family.

The family said no matter what had happened, it was tough to give her up.
http://www.wbir.com/news/regional/story.aspx?storyid=106006

[skeptik]

Good Fucking Gawd.

I am so amazed that this child recovered so well, what a wonderful thing that is! Yay!

Now, if you'se all don't mind I am going to weigh in on this argument ya'll were having before you had the misfortune of my arrival.

My GSD has an incredibly high prey drive. When he was a pup I was young (23?) and didn't have any friends with children so it was very difficult if not impossible to acclimate him to them. It also wasn't a chance I was willing to take with someone else's unfamiliar child. He was professionally trained and I also worked with him and as time his prey drive lessened and he really turned out to be a wonderful dog. This was also, hundreds of hours and hundreds of dollars later. He's top notch. Just no experience with children.

Six years into our life together (he's my first born fur baby) I got knocked up. I was pretty concerned so I had him evaluated by a new trainer where we live now. The trainer thought that as long as I was vigilant things would be fine. And, they were. GSD never had unfettered access to baby and still doesn't. I spent more time with the dog one on one alone. When baby was 7 or 8 months old and we had closed on our much larger house and yard I got a puppy to keep GSD company. Scheduled time with both dogs and clicker trained the new pup while baby slept or was in bed for the night.

During the day my dogs are on the patio and in their yard. In the evening they come in. Now that babe's older we spend time together outside playing.

All in all it has worked out really well. I didn't want to set the kind of example for my kid that you break your commitment to animals or people because the going gets rough. However, I don't judge anyone too harshly that can't make those same decisions. Keeping your child safe is the first priority.