April 17, 2005
The Search is On
After 2 weeks, I am still trying to find a lawyer to take our case.
I have received many suggestions as to who to try. I got no response from the Dog Bite Lawyers though I tried 3 times to make contact with them. Today I posted a message on the board to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and I'll see where that gets me. The lawyers locally don't have any interest in what I bring to the table, we mostly just have lawyers for drunk drivers and car accidents. Which sucks, because I wasn't injured in an accident, but damn I wish I was at this point... atleast it would get their attention.
We have also talked about (as a family) going public with this. The issue I run across professionally... I work at the shelter. So everything I say to the media has to be approved through my manager (silly sounding I know, but I know why we do it and I can't complain). Media has it's plus side and it's minus side.
Media probably would push this further, and I may find a sympathy lawyer because of it. But on the other hand, Media may also turn this into a case against us, and the shelter.
I don't want the neighbor to know I have an upper hand in this, and by working at the shelter, I definately do. The less he knows the better.
*SIGH* It's catch-22's all over. So Media may end up being a last resort for us... that is... if my manager approves the idea.
For now, I'm working on a new section of the web site here. I'm trying to get the conversation from that night (between the jerk neighbor and myself) posted, maybe a video clip or two, and a picture of the map and property lines... Evidence stuff. That's to come.
-Pistol
Posted by Pistol at April 17, 2005 05:34 PMIf you ever need anything email me, I myself and a huge supporter of pitbulls and I feel so bad for what has happened to you, you have been robbed on something you love and that isnt right. You are a better person then me, cause I would of went over to his house and been charged with murder..I support your puppy....If you look at my livejournal info you will see.
Posted by: Jaclyn at April 19, 2005 05:47 PMDamned if you do, damned if you don't...I understand. Your family is still in my thoughts and prayers. I know sometimes it's hard not to cave in to frustration, but keep at it. The media may very well be a last resort, but it's an effective tool. With all my love & support.
Posted by: Brenda at April 20, 2005 09:14 PMI am doing some media research for you. I have also started poking into some reserve resources in the dog community that I have.
In addition to the media, I still think you need a big memorial sign in your front yard. Let the entire neighborhood know that there is an armed killer living on your street.
There is nothing more powerful that a angry off mother worried about the safety of her child. What would have happened if their child was riding a bike up the street at that moment. Unless this guy has some serious marksman training, he could have hit the child instead.
I will e-mail you through LJ when I have what I am looking for.
Posted by: noelcc at April 22, 2005 09:06 PMI know how you feel...my boy was killed last night when my neighbor poisioned him with rat poision....He went to jail, but I am still without my boy....I am trying to get some petioions out to make these people register like sex offenders do....
Posted by: kodybear at April 26, 2005 02:24 PMI read your story off of LJ.
To say that I feel wretched for you and your family...well that truly isn't enough.
I'm angry for you, frustrated for you and just pissed off in general at the blatant disregard for the facts here.
I'm in Tennessee, where the laws aren't much better here, as far as animal cruelty..(more like devastation).
I'd like to add you on LJ, if you felt like having another "lurker" on your list. I won't be offended if you pass...
My regards to you and yours. Keep fighting the good fight, our hopes and faith of all animal-lovers are with you.
Posted by: Melina at May 1, 2005 10:24 AM