Home > Gwinnett > Rick Badie / My Opinion > Archives > 2006 > May > 30 > Entry
Deep relationship between owner, pet proven by hardship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Toby, a black-and-white Shih Tzu, came to the family when he was a pup. He was loyal and his love steadfast, very unhumanlike.
For a while, he was the closest thing to family Matt Ammons had.
“I went through a pretty rough time,” he said, noting the devastating divorce of his parents.
Three years ago, the 24-year-old Knoxville native moved to Gwinnett. He’d been hired as the music minister at Victory World Church in Norcross. Toby, a gift from a cousin, moved with him.
On May 18, Ammons and Toby took their usual morning walk around the neighborhood. He put the dog back in the townhouse he shares with two housemates and headed to work. Somehow during the day, the nearly blind 12-year-old pooch got out.
After work that night, Ammons spent hours searching for Toby. He canvassed his neighborhood off Sugarloaf Parkway and Old Norcross Tucker Road. No Toby. He went back to the church that night and printed out 100 “lost pet” fliers. He checked the animal shelter.
Nothing.
The bond between a pet and its owner is just as strong as that of a parent and child. A friend of mine, Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Grogan, says people can learn a lot about life from their dogs, stuff like loyalty and devotion. He ought to know.
He wrote a memoir about a Labrador retriever that he and his wife, Jenny, brought home before they had three kids. “Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog,” makes burly men cry. It’s a New York Times best seller and may be turned into a movie.
Ammons understands why the tale of Marley resonates with so many people.
“They say dogs are man’s best friends,” he said. “That’s definitely a fact. Anytime I was down or hurting or anything, Toby would be there to love on and to hold. You definitely build a relationship with them. A lot of times people aren’t there for you when you need them. I can say that I could always rely on my dog.”
Three days after Toby vanished, a roommate found the canine near a lake, in a spot that Ammons had searched the day Toby first went missing. I saw photographs of Toby’s condition. Poor dog. Someone had apparently tried to burn him. Parts of his rear and back legs looked like charred marshmallows.
“There were rolled up newspapers that had not burned all the way,” Ammons told me. “There’s no way he made it to where he was found alone because the path to get there was even difficult for me. He probably went into shock and more than likely died there.”
Ammons is trying to find the miscreant(s) who did this. A colleague has put up a $500 reward for information. The sordid tale of Toby makes me think of a line from a Curtis Mayfield song. “If there’s a hell below, we’re all gonna go.” Well, let’s hope not.
But I’d imagine that, somewhere, there’s a special place for people who would torture an animal to its death.
If you have information about Toby, please contact Matt Ammons at 770-597-9972.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By anita
May 30, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this
People are disgusting and always will be. Only people kill for the “fun” of it. If there is a hell, I would pray that these useless cretins spend eternity there, in a “special” hell for animal torturers. Someone touches my cats ——I will not tell you what I would do, but I am one tough middle-aged broad, and I would find the scum.
People [and I use the term loosely] who would torure an animal, will do the same to humans. May they rot in the most horrific hell that can be imagined.
By Sheila
May 30, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this
I believe anyone that maliciously harms an animal, as in Toby’s case, should be charged with a felony and put on a list so we can identify them. Studies have shown that people that do things like this are either already socio/psychopaths or are well on their way to becoming one. I just can’t for the life of me understand why some idiot will take someone’s pet and do such horrible things to them.
By Doug
May 30, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
I just lost my Golden Retriever of 14 years about 3 weeks ago now… I am still Crushed. Like all the stories above…Through the bad times and the Good times MAGGIE never wavierd in her loyalty to me..
By gb
May 30, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this
I pray I never see a ‘human’ torturing an animal. I’ll never forget the day I stopped along Singleton Rd in Gwinnett to try and save a duck in the median of the road. By the time I had turned around a white painter’s truck had successfully run it over, but not kill it. As tears were in my eyes, I grab someone’s push broom and moved it to the curve. That night I went home an hugged my two dogs. Like Anita said…their room is ready and waiting in hell.
By Diana
May 30, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
I am so sad just knowing that anyone would want to hurt a creature that looks to us for protection and care. What a horrible thing…
By Barbara
May 30, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
I agree. I find it difficult to comprehend people that don’t like animals at all, but for people that torture them, unimagineable! I say they should be strung up but the gonads (if they’re of the male persuasion) and by the breasts (if the female sort), and tortured to their deaths. God put us all here, and the animals are to be protected, as we humans have the intelligence and have been blessed with the power to do so. Nothing pains me more than to see an animal suffer, and there’s no reason it should happen at the hands of degenerate humans.
By Joe
May 30, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
We are not a sparsely populated planet, we don’t need all these sick people on this planet, my thoughts are when people do acts like this, get the hell rid of them. All they will do is grow up to become serial killers. Two years in prison for animal torture is not enough, lock them up, forget about them, what good will they ever really do for mankind anyway? Nothing. The same for all the pitt bull fighters, throw their worless butts in prison too, throw away the key. One less thug on the streets. I have dogs and a cat and the person who ever does them harm will have me to deal with. We had an incident in my neighborhood a few years ago with two neighborhood kids torturing animals for fun. I told the father of one of the boys he’d better talk to his son and convince him my yard is not the yard his son ever wants to enter, he was not welcome. My message must have came across, the boy avoided me like the plague. Same goes with certain type males adopting dogs, they get strays to use to before pitt bull fights to use to be killed by the fighting dogs to get them excited for the big fights. We know what kinds of males do this, and they should be denied adopting strays. Profiling, hell yes.
By nikki
May 30, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
We had a weimeraner some time ago. We had a circular drive that went behind our house. Someone came to burglarize our home and our weimeraner stopped them. Whoever it was ran over him, breaking a leg and collapsing a lung. The dog survived and two weeks later, while recuperating in the house, the burglar came back, but was suprised by the dog and took only things out of the garage. I take dogs over people anytime.
By Linda
May 30, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Barbara..you are so right on it. I don’t think there is punishment enough for someone who harms a helpless animal. Some people don’t realize others feel very attached to their pets. God help the person I ever see try to harm an animal…I’m like Anita and would go after them. I hope there is a special place in hell for these animal torturers. I would like to see them attacked by a rabid dog(or cat) and shredded just to let the torturer know some of the pain…or maybe just a match under their big toe for a while…like 30 minutes-full flame.
I feel so sorry for Ammons and hope he feels Toby will be waiting for him “over the rainbow” in heaven. I am just glad the judicial system has made this a crime….now just enforce it to the max and maybe the sickos will stop.
Aren’t there statistics that show if someone will harm/kill an animal, they will kill a human?
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
ok, well what about the people who slaughter chickens and cows just to feed all of the fat-*sses in this country?? Huh??
By NF
May 30, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
I, too, have a Shih-Tzu (black and white) named Toby. Your article gave me goosebumps. My little guy is kind and gentle and loves people and he is innocent enough to think they love him. I hope that the monster that tortured this poor little blind dog is made to suffer as much, or more, than his helpless victim. I only wish I could do the honors.
By Dan
May 30, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Now while torturing animals is unquestionably abhorrent and worthy of some punishment. Someone who seriously believes a bond with a pet can equal that of a child is just as deviant albeit probably not as violent but in serious need of counseling none the less
By Howard
May 30, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
Hey Dan, you are a jackass, saying someone is deviant and violent because they love a pet as they would their child is flat out ignorant.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
I agree with most above! ANYONE who tortures an animal is the lowest scum & should be kept alive & slowly tortured to death in an unimaginably horrible way. Yes, it IS true that animal abuse is a proven springboard for a career as a serial killer. Dan, YOU’RE a deviant, and with a sick mind, no less. I hope you have not reproduced, nor have any plans to do so.
By Linda
May 30, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Tommy Beall, I thought animals slaughtered for consumption were supposed slaughtered humanely.
What does this have to do with someones pet? A pet that possibly sleeps with them and keeps the company. Animals sense stress or other emotions felt by their owners. Leave the “food” animals out of it. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ANIMALS THAT ARE PETS!
Howard & Jo, I agree with you on 100% about Dan…well spoken. I’ll bet most animal abusers turn into killers.
By Dan is an idiot
May 30, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Dan - let me guess who you are. You are the mini-van driving suburbanite who subjects the public to your undisciplined children on a regular basis. To suggest someone needs counseling because they are bonded to pet just shows that you are an animal hater. I would prefer being with a pet than a bratty child any day. I’ll send my counseling bill to you…
By Pat
May 30, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Oh Dan, quite a vicious soul aren’t you. I am truly sorry for you. My Maggie was waiting for Toby … neither in pain and both chasing butterflies.
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Linda, “slaughtered humanely”??? Exactly what does that mean? I’m laughing as I ask you. Yeah, yeah, I know we’re talking about “pets”, but come on, how can an animal be slaughtered humanely? Hanging a cow upside down, then slashing it’s throat while it screams…real humane. Only so your fat-*ss can have a burger…or two.
By Dan
May 30, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
What is vicious about regarding a child more highly than an animal. I love animals and would certainly intervene vehemently with someone torturing an animal, but regardless any animal is a far cry from from a child. These ignorant reactions just prove my position. God help you if you are put in the position where you have to save an animal or a child and hesitate for even a nano second about getting the child first
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Dan, your kid probably acts like an animal…
By Dan
May 30, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
You know Beall, despite it being contradictory to darwinism I would even save your child before my pet, on the off chance that the mother of that child would have passed on some DNA worthy of reproduction.
By Sonia
May 30, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
My husband and I have two dogs and two cats. We also have two daughters. Although young, our daughters have the capability to protect themselves to an extent. Animals do not have this capability at all; they rely on us completely to protect them from sick people like Dan. Someone like him, obviously with a cold heart, has no way of understanding how good, normal people can have the capacity to love creatures of all species. Dan is the one with some serious issues. And I agree with Jo; hopefully he has chosen not to continue contaminating the human race by producing offspring which will invariably carry his own inability to display compassion.
By Howard
May 30, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Dan, maybe you should just sit the rest of this one out, you really stepped in it making the asinine comment above. Judging someone for how they love is flat out ignorant. Truly loving pet owners treat their animals as if they were children, because the pets are completely dependent on them. To cast them as deviant is absurd. I really hope you aren’t the kind of person who thinks getting a 4 year old a cute little lab puppy for xmas is a good idea only to have it end up chained to a tree in the backyard.
By Dan
May 30, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
So Sonia are you saying if your house was burning, you would not run by your pets to save your children?? If so we agree. I never once said you can’t have the capcity to love other animals I simply said they can never be the same as a child and someone who does place equal value on them has a mixed up set of priorities. Don’t append made up scenarios onto what I said. Btw most pets are far more capable of fending for themselves than children.
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
I think Dan needs a kitten to cuddle with…. Oh, by the way, thanks offering to save my “child”…ok if it’s a cat??
By Pat
May 30, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Dan, this whole thing began as the result of an article about someone losing his dog and later finding the dog dead by horrible means, not about saving a dog’s life over the life of a child. I talks about the bond between pet owners and their pets. Think we’ve gotten just a tad off topic. While I love children, I don’t have children. That’s not a topic for this blog. However, I do have four dogs and love them all very much. You may or may not have pets. Reckon we all have to walk a bit in someone else’s shoes. Dan, everybody’s entitled to their opinion. Matt, my heart breaks for you.
By Dan
May 30, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Sorry Howard the blog needed some reality. And no I am exactly the opposite of the person who gets a dog just to chain it to the tree. People who do so are the phony animal lovers not unlike the ones who crate their dogs for 10 hours a day while they work. (I am sure the dog loves that) that is the height of selfishness, the dog would probably much rather be tied to a tree!
By Howard
May 30, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Dan, again, maybe you should just sit the rest of this one out.
By Dan is an idiot
May 30, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Dan - you need to take your agenda somewhere else. Obviously you have issues dealing with pets vs children. Maybe you are the one who needs counseling. I agree with Pat and think your post is completely off subject. Please go far, far away and never return.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Dan, love is love. To me, my cat IS my child. I’ve never said this to anyone, but Lord help me, if it ever came to a choice between saving an animal & saving a child of YOURS, I’d be tempted to opt for the animal, as it does NOT carry your DNA!
By mike ramirez
May 30, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
I have a solution: do onto other as they do onto pets!!! so that criminal should be burned alive. sit back and enjoy your punishment. you deserve it!!
By Dan
May 30, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
No Tommy I would save my pet before yours And Pat I do hear you, and I do feel for someone losing a pet. I was just trying to inject some context and perspective into this. So many people are very vehement about the treatment of animals and rightly so and you can certainly experience pain and loss when you lose a pet I just feel that comparing it to the bond of a child and parent just suggests a lack of context and reason, thus the fire scenario.
But thats fine you guys can keep adding your own made up extrapolations of viciousness and coldheartedness to my simply logical statements, and keep congratulating yourselves on you self proclaimed moral superiority.
By Ann
May 30, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
What kind and loving people are here today. Jo would actually save a cat before a child? A little scary. I will be the first to admit I am really not an animal lover, but can understand the attachment people feel towards their pets. But….they are pets, not children, and to see people describe them as equals is disturbing. These are the people targeted by the $200 a day doggy spas. They are animals, not people. They do not have the ability to truly appreciate a pedicure. The reality line has seriously blurred for some animal lovers. Is torturing an animal wrong? Yes, of course. It is a sick, demented person who gets their kicks that way. I do believe that behavior is a red flag warning of things to come.
By Howard
May 30, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Yes, Dan, the blog needed some, dreamt up - horrible - house is on fire - who do you love more - reality. The article was about a terrible act on a disabled, defenseless, and weak creature. A creature that was loved very deeply and dearly (like a parent loves a child) and the loss was terrible. What your trite little comment said was
Someone who seriously believes a bond with a pet can equal that of a child is just as deviant albeit probably not as violent but in serious need of counseling none the less
That is a stupid and mean comment in response to the article. It’s like saying, ahh, it was just a dog. To a lot of folks those are almost fighting words. And for you to minimize it and call it reality is narrow-minded.
I don’t wish any ill will to you, your children, or family, just think through your comments a little more carefully. Plus, no one likes to put their foot in their mouth, especially after stepping into what you just stepped into…
By John
May 30, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this
I pray regularly that there is a special place in Hell for people who abuse animals. God put us on Earth to be caretakers for the animals. That means all of them. Does it mean we should be vegetarians? I’m not saying that. What I am saying is that there is a humane and compassionate way to deal with animals. For me…with my own dogs…God help the person who ever tries to harm them, because I will react as if the person had harmed my child: for my dogs are my kids.
By B
May 30, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Jo, You talk of innocent animals and your precious cats. Just how many innocent songbirds, rabbits, squirrels, and moles has your cat needlessly killed just out of the joy of killing? Just a thought…
By jessica
May 30, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
I have to see these things all the time where I work. People are ignorant. I spend so much of my time trying to save animals and to think there are so many people out there destroying our work absolutely infuriates me. Please write every government official and remind them that this is 2006 and animals are our families now.Remind them to vote for stronger punishments for animal abusers.
By Sonia
May 30, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Dan, I agree with the person who stated that you went off-topic but I could not refrain from responding to your ridiculous comment. I did not say I would save my pet over my child, nor did I say that I love them equally. I do, however, believe that some people do love their pets as children; I personally know people who claim to feel this way. What I probably should have just come right out and asked was, who do you think are to argue or criticize another’s personal feelings??
By Yvette
May 30, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
People who hurt and torture animals should be tortured themselves. It’s disgusting that there are people who do this and think it’s funny. They are waste of blood. What’s scary is these are the same people who later move from hurting animals to hurting other people. There’s a special place in HELL for people who hurt animals and children and they will get what the deserve.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
B, my cat is an INDOOR pet. Ann, I can tell you’re not an animal lover. The bond we have with our pets is as real as the bond parents have with their children. Some people simply don’t care for/don’t want to have kids & as long as they don’t HARM (or, even WANT to harm) children, that’s fine, it’s a preference. Maybe the same people have a dog or cat they’re very much attached to. As I stated earlier, love is love & yes, John, part of our responsibility to helpless animals is to look after them.
By B
May 30, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Jo, let your cat outside and watch it. It will kill. You need to understand what you own a little bit better.
By J.T.
May 30, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Last year I took in a stray I found wandering my neighborhood: she was a very aged cocker spaniel who was deaf, largely blind, had tumors, severe arthritis and a very severe heart murmur. I called her Lady. I took her to a neighboring vet thinking he might know who her owner was. That first night, Lady, exhausted and frightened lay at my feet and slept. I put up bulletins and posters, but no one came forward. A week later I’d found someone to care for Lady until such time as her owner came forward. Within minutes of leaving her, the foster owner called me and told me to come back: Lady was crying and wandering endlessly through the house “looking” for me.
No owner ever came forward. We figured her owner was elderly too and had simply been unable to care for her any more and just “put her out” due to her medical needs.
Lady was vetted to make sure she was healthy (as she could be) and I had her groomed every other week (she loved the stroking and rubbing on her sore muscles). She slept in bed with me, though she had to be carried to get there. My other dog, sensed she was old and infirm and never once displayed any jealousy that he has since displayed with a puppy I got.
Seven months after she came to live with me, Lady died minutes after I petted her and left for work.
I mourned her for over two weeks, unable to control myself. This beautiful, loving dog had fallen in love with me instantly and I had been honored to care for her in her declining months. Lady now lives in my heart, but her cremains are on my mantle where I bid her “good night” each evening before going to bed.
How does someone just “throw out” someone (yes, someone) they love? How does someone injure an animal that would lick the hand that beat it? Those who would harm animals need to be under close scrutiny because they are likely to be dangerous criminals in the future.
By Pat
May 30, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Morally superior … now, Dan. I don’t consider myself morally superior to anyone and I don’t believe anything I’ve said indicates that I am. Howard, how I wish I were as eloquent as you. Tell you what, if there is ever an article about the necessity of someone having to choose between saving the life of a child or an animal and the decision made, we’ll get together and opine that situation. This article was about the cowardace of a worthless piece of wasted flesh burning a blind dog and how that unthinkable act affected one family’s life. We live in troubled times … I’m done.
By Tadaia
May 30, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Hey Dan Your comment was a bit strong… and probably stupid ;-)… but unlike some others I get the jist of what you’re saying and agree. However a few of the folks on this board have gone much further than you, proving that humans can behave like a “pack” of wild dogs too.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
JT, my deepest condolences, hon. You are a truly good person & I believe you made Lady’s remaining time on earth so much happier. God bless you! B, I have no doubt you are right. That is a cat’s nature/instinct. He’s an animal. He doesn’t know any better. WE are human. We DO know better. That doesn’t mean my cat is evil. He’s been a loving companion to us from the moment we rescued him from the shelter.
By Dan and Tadaia can p*** up a rope
May 30, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
So, Tadaia…you agree that when an article is written about an inhumane act committed on a helpless animal and the feelings of its distraught owner, we should all just think, “Who cares? It was just a dog. Get over it.” What wonderful people you and Dan have just proven yourselves to be.
By sadindeed
May 30, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
It is sad indeed that someone would hurt a pet that way. Based on the comments posted here there are some folks who truly have a kind/soft heart to defend the innocent pet. I wonder if their zeal is as strong when it comes to defending the rights of unborn children? We are quick (and rightfully so) to defend mis-treatment of pets and animals who are defenseless. How quick are we to defend the equally innocent unborn child in the crosshairs of an abortion? Just a thought. I will be surprised if the moderator of this site allows this to be posted.
By Bel
May 30, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
Why judge the many facets of love? Whether directed toward a person or an animal, it is ALL good. Just because you may not have experienced that kind of love doesn’t make it any more or less valid. Since this story is about a pet, let’s use this forum to celebrate our capacity to love and be loved by animals. If the next story is about a parent/child, then we can celebrate that kind of relationship.
By Mike
May 30, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
I love my dog more then any of my past girlfriends and more then my current girlfriend. If anyone were to torture either one of my boys. I would teach them what torure really is.
By Dan
May 30, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
Sonia. I didn’t say you would save a pet over a child, I just posed the question to illustrate the disparity between children and pets and your answer as I suspected it might, supports my position (most people with both children and pets would) Nor did I say anything about it not being terrible to torture an animal which everyone seemed to assume. I just stated my feelings on the absurdity of equating an animal to a child. And aren’t you critizing my feelings? These forums are to explore varying sides of an issue, and it was sliding into a one sided rant. Clearly there is little rational for supporting the torturing of animals. But as much as I struck a nerve with my comments (which everyone had to embellish in order to challenge) Equating a child and a pet struck a nerve with me. Yet because either they disagree or they recognized themselves they took my elevation of a child over an animal to mean I hate or would condone the torture of animals. Nothing is farther from the truth and as I said before I empathize with the story (as well as J.Ts story) My house of fire was not embellishment but rather a source of context, everyone commiserating about the bond with a pet is all hunky dory as long as there is no real comparitive decision to be made, but when reality intrudes my hope is people won’t be guided by those emotions We had a St Bernard when we were growing up, who went crazy (worms on the Brain Epilepsy, not sure no autopsy was done) We had the dog for 6 years or so, I am one of 6 children. My father was able to wrestle the dog into the laundry room while we all went to my parents bedroom. He was going to shoot him (cocoa was his name) but couldn’t. (and he was a cop) I don’t know if I could have either, I was about 12, In the morning he was exhausted could not stand, had bitten off his tongue blood everywhere and was still trying to attack my father, who bound him up and took him to the vet to be put down. We got another dog a year or so later and he lived to a ripe old age. The point being while everything worked out fine it could have been a bad situation had the dog knocked down the door again I don’t blame my father and I would have had similar hesitation but rationally the dog should have been shot and were a similar situation happen today I hope I would be able to do so. (guess I would have to buy a gun first though) You just can’t put a pet and child in the same bucket doing so can be dangerous Thats it I’m done
By Reason
May 30, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
This is pitiful. I agree that inhuman treatment of animals is offensive and should be punished. However, for any of you to dare to compare this to the treatment of people is sick and pathetic.
While I’m opposed to animal cruelty, I’d rather see 1,000 animals tortured than one woman raped (do you not consider that torture too?).
Set your priorities. Animal torture is bad, but human torture is worse. If you disagree, then clearly you have no true friends or family.
By luna
May 30, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
I realize it’s been said that this is a forum for pet-only abuse, but I can’t help think of all animal abuse. Call me idealistic, (and I truly don’t mean to sound like I think I’m better than anyone else) but I finally stopped putting off my PETA membership dues til I turned veggie, and now I’m trying to go veg. Not vegan, but veg. I’m mostly veg, but I do screw up. I also try to live a more sustainable life that includes living in an urban area and not contributing to sprawl and pusing animals out of their environment. Because seeing THAT kind of suffering also makes me sick. If everyone tried a little harder, then I’d appreciate the compasion towards all animals, not just the cute fuzzy ones. My cat (I found 11 months ago) is my world, sadly. My people friends tell me that I’m way too animal sensitive.
By GladShesDead
May 30, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
They should treat the animal abusers like the ignorant robbers who got killed in Midtown last night. Too bad that guy couldn’t kill all five of those criminals.
By Anne
May 30, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
Dan, you are right, it is insane to compare some pets with some kids. As in the case of some human monsters such as Hitler, Bin laden, Jeffery Dahmer…most anyone would agree that that mangiest mutt at the shelter would have been a better save than those monsters. You’d be insane to pick these humans I mentioned to save over any animal on the planet.
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
GladShesDead, I agree totally. That stupid pregnant b*tch had it coming. Thank god her illegitimate kid won’t be around to end up like her. We are talking about animals, right?
By GladShesDead
May 30, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget the worthless pieces of garbage who tried to attack the Marine in Midtown last night. They are lower than dogs too and its too bad they all didnt die (along with thier worthless parents) last night.
By GladShesDead
May 30, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
TommyBell,
That’s the truth. I am so thrilled that little piece of garbage is dead. Too bad they are not all dead. Hopefully they will all die in prison.
By Kathi
May 30, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
I just hope Matt honors Toby’s memory by adopting another dog from a shelter or rescue group and saving a life.
Toby was found 9 days ago. Why didn’t the AJC cover the story?
By Sarah
May 30, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Reason, your opinion is just that, yours and yours alone. I am married, childless. We have two beautiful dogs we care very much for. We decided not to have kids for different reasons, none being any of your business. However, my protective instincts come out strong when my dogs are threatened, thats just nature, my nature. I am not sick or insane; you’re comparing apples to oranges here. I do believe most people have the capacity to love animals as well as humans alike. One thing is for sure, if you can’t care for the basic needs of a pet, you shouldn’t even entertain the idea of having a child, you failed the test already. The world is full of parents that do not have the mental capacity to care for a goldfish, much less a child. Lets take this one step more, sterilize those who abuse animals, they have forfieted their rights to care for a living creature, they can’t possibly parent in a way thats required to nuture a child.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Sarah, you are 100% right! Your doggies are lucky to have you as a “mom”. Reason, you are certainly opinionated & how DARE you presume Sarah & I have no true friends or family? My, I’m glad you know SO much about our lives! And yes, while rape is a horrendously heinous crime indeed, raping someone like that pregnant slime who tried to kill that Marine is NOWHERE near as bad as animal abuse. In fact, she deserved that & worse. Which brings me to: Kudos to Tommy B. & GladShe’sDead. Oh I get SO sick of people saying murdering a pregnant woman is even worse than murdering someone not pregnant. A fetus is NOT a person but we can save that for another blog! But you two are right. That lowlife pregnant teen was a waste of human (??) existance & I wish he’d gotten the others as well.
By Mark
May 30, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
MacDonald’s triad describes the traits common in serial killers 1. Sets fires 2. Tortures animals 3. Wets the bed (age in-appropriate)
Looks like this guy got 2 out of 3. Even if he does not graduate to the level of a serial killer, I am sure that he will be, as we call them, “a frequent flier” or “problem child” in the criminal justice system.
By Bruce Wilcox
May 30, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how far off track these comments can get. Anyone with a little sense realizes that there is a difference between the bond of a child and a pet. Some like Dan must assume everyone has a child at home and pet lovers neglect thier children in favor of thier pets? The comparison is laughable.
But back to the original article. I have a wonderful lab, you know the typical lab, ‘throw the ball’, ‘throw the ball’ all loving and loyal. The sad thing about this wonderful Lab is she is limited to our home and backyard, her safe zone, otherise she is terrified. Terrified of new surrounding and terrified of people.
You see this wonderful Lab was badly abused before we rescued her at six months old. I can not imagine the terror she must of suffered to leave her scared for life. Our vet has never seen anything like it and she is five now.
At times I wish I could find the person responsible, then I realize it’s better that I do not. Would a low life that caused the damage be worth the penalty I would face if I ever found them? I doubt it.
I’ll enjoy the companionship and love my friend (child) gives while asking for so little in return.
By Howard
May 30, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Dan, go back and reread your post, I used your own words, not mine – no embellishment. I don’t doubt that you love animals, just that you should more carefully consider your words.
This is the proposition that you made:
Someone who seriously believes a bond with a pet can equal that of a child is just as deviant
Consider the definition for the word you chose:
Deviant: something that deviates from a norm; especially: a person who differs markedly (as in intelligence, social adjustment, or sexual behavior) from what is considered normal for a group (from dictionary.com)
Then you went on:
albeit probably not as violent (again, as an animal torturer, referencing the previous sentence)
and in conclusion you stated
but in serious need of counseling none the less
The reason everyone jumped on you is that what you said could be interpreted as everyone who believes that they love their pet as much as a child is a deviant who is probably not as violent as an animal torturer but still needs the services of a social services professional. It just seems an inappropriate thing to post after the article above. After reading your post, I really don’t think you meant that. At least I hope not.
Any way I agree with you on one other thing, I’m done also.
Hey Reason, your name is poorly chosen.
And finally, what does the unsuccessful robbery attempt last night in midtown have to do with any of this?
By Tommy Beall
May 30, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Howard, the robbery attempt in Midtown last night really doesn’t have anything to do with this blog, other than the btch with the insult in her belly that was killed was “an animal”…I think we all are just hyped up that trash like them trying pull their sht in Midtown got what they deserved, dead baby and all…
By Pam Moore
May 30, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Studies confirm that there is strong link between people who commit cruelty to animals and human violence. I have a human child and 4 four legged children and I love my four legged ones just as much as my two legged one. The great thing about dogs is they don’t mouth off, annoy people at resturants, drink, smoke, etc. Shame on anyone who would hurt an animal. I know and “DAN” I suppose I need a lot of counseling, but your type is one of the main reasons I like animals better than people. I know exactly how Matt feels about Toby because I had a cocker who lived to be 14 and there were times when I felt he was the only friend I had and never left my side during those difficult times. So if people who love animals as much a people, are crazy then label me ready for the looney bin!!!
Pam
Pam
By ashley
May 30, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
This is just awful. I feel so badly and can only imagine how much pain you must feel. I am sorry you had to experience something so awful in life. I can only hope that your love for Toby and love for animals and experiencing how unfair life can be for animals would lead you to save the life and give love to another. www.deathrowdogrescue.org is a wonderful site, they save dogs here in GA. that are to be put to death in Georgia shelters by a gas chamber method that is still used in a few states and Georgia is one of them. I hope you can find solace in giving love to another pet since you are unable to be with Toby. You are in my thoughts.
By Jo
May 30, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Pam, my heart truly goes out to you on the loss of your beloved child. You brought up such a valid point; animals love us unconditionally. If you’re ready for the looney-bin, I’d be proud to be your “rubber roomate!” Hope they let us keep pets there!
By enoughalready
May 30, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
OK, the sicky sweetness has finally activated my gag reflex. Dogs and cats are not children - they are pets. I have a dog, he is a cool little guy and I like him just fine. However, my feelings for him can’t even compare to my love and attachment to my children. I think we have taken pets and tried to turn them into humans, they are not. We are reacting to the commercials from stores like Pet Smart who try to convince us that the dog needs a stocking under the tree. Hellooo….they want us to buy their stuff, and we fall for it hook, line and sinker. It is great that you all have such great pets, but please, the sentiments being expressed here are scary. Do I think you need to be locked in a rubber room…probably not. But please quit buying little pink hats for your poodles and treating it like a baby. by the way - torturing animals is wrong. It is a good indicator of upcoming behavior against humans.
By Sarah
May 30, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
Andre Yates and the other monsters out there who murdered their children could learn a lot about parenting from an animal. Most animals will die defending their young while Atlanta is chocked full of sicko’s who killed their children, so don’t preach to me about that so called mother and child bond, preach it to Andrea Yates. I have a special place for anyone who comes in my yard to abuse my dogs, it’s the crosshairs in my husbands rifle.
By Renee
May 30, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
I am a dog and a cat owner, both of whom I love like family. I abhor people who kill and torture animals, however, do people spend this much time on the kill and torture of humans. I see so much on the fair treatment of animals, but how about the fair treatment of people.
Like I told a friend of mine, if my house is burning, I’m concerned about getting my CHILD first, not my dog or cat first.
I’m way more concerned about child abuse, domestic violence, etc, than I am about animal abuse.
By Anne
May 30, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Love your child with all your heart and then some, thats great. With that said, don’t come down on others who have a special and strong love for their pets. Are you people aware of how many kids are tortured, maimed, raped, abused and killed by their parents daily in the world? Its obvious that some pet owners do love their pets more than some people love their children. If you can’t see this point, and you have kids….well, you prove the point that any two amobeas floating upstream can latch onto one another and procreate, it’s not a big deal.
By Tricia
May 30, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26 We have been charged since the very beginning to protect the animals.
By Carole
May 30, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Never underestimate the love of a person and their pets. I was three when I was given a kitten that lived with me for the next fourteen years. In 1989 my nineteen year old brother was mad at the family and he took my cat, then fourteen and blind, out to a rural area and just dumped him and laughed when he told us. I never saw the poor old blind cat again, we looked for him for a week. I have never spoken to my brother since then. I have never met his wife or his two kids and never intend to. Why would I? Anyone who would marry him, in my opinion anyway, is not worth knowing me and his kids are people I have about as much love for as any other two kids I don’t know. he could die tomorrow and I could care less, like he said about the cat, he has to die sometime, right?
By JOHN WHAT????
May 30, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
I am not here to be a care taker for animals, and God sure didnt put me here for that either. I have dogs that I love, but not as much as my own flesh and blood, or anyone else (Human) that has a soul. For those of you who pray to God for someone to go to hell, you really need to rethink your comments. Please do not bring God into your fighting or wishing death or pain to someone else. People should be punished, and punished severly for hurting animals. But to wish someone to hell is pretty wrong.
By RM
May 30, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
admittedly, I am not an MD nor do I hold a Phd in any field; I do know that it has been said by those who do hold the aforementioned degress that a humanoid that mames an animal will graduate to humans sooner or later; catch the jerque(s) that did this before they mame and kill again!
By doinou
May 30, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
I’ve raised my children. I would be alone if it weren’t for my precious companion dog whom I love very much. She protects and loves me. I think I would shoot someone if they tried to harm her.
By Andre Chamberlain
May 30, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
SO WHEN A TYPICAL FAT AMERICAN GOES AND EATS A BURGER, DO YOU THINK THAT COW FELT GOOD ABOUT BEING BEHEADED AND HACKED TO PIECES?
By Darlene
May 30, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
I am a strong believer in “an eye for an eye”. This is especially true when it comes to the torture of animals. All people who commit this act should be treated EXACTLY like the animal was treated. I am sick of some freaking judge, or whoever, trying to convince us that an animal is “just an animal”. They bleed, they hurt, they love, they reproduce - they are just like humans EXCEPT they still love the one that mistreats them! If there is a Hell, surely every person who abuses an animal will show up there even though Hell is too good for them!
By Kat
May 30, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
To quote an old friend in connection to these evil ba@$$%s’ deeds. A waste of good skin. I’m sure there are lots of skin cancer patients and burn victims out there who could use it much more. Therefore, we could do society two favors; get rid of these deviants before they graduate to human toys, while at the same time donating skin and organs to the medical community and the worthwhile humans that could use them productively.
By anita j
May 31, 2006 05:27 AM | Link to this
I had an incident last fall, here in Lithonia. I woke to a gunshot on a Saturday morn @ 8am. Then I heard a most horrific screaming from a dog [my neighbor’s] and another gunshot. The dog was shot dead…why ? Because he was barking in the morning, for food. I called Dekalb police—they did NOTHING, as usual. I have nothing but contempt for the neighbor cretin and the Dekalb police. That dog suffered, for absolutely no reason. May that cretin read this and KNOW, we KNOW what a primitive throwback he is. He has had numerous dogs in past few years and they all are tied permanently to a tree, in heat, rain, everything….doubtful the poor things get food or water on reg basis. I have called Animal Control and others, but they do NOTHING, but collect paychecks.
By Denise
May 31, 2006 05:43 AM | Link to this
For all who are concerned about children vs. animals, it has been long known that many psychopaths start their “careers” by torturing animals. I do cat rescue and have seen some horrendous things that people do to animals and many justify it by saying “it’s just a cat. What’s the big deal?” Until the laws we have are as enforceable for offenses against animals as they are for those against humans, people will continue to think they can do whatever they want because “it’s only a dog (or cat).” It’s the whole question of “dominion,” a right people think they have that comes from Genesis to do whatever they want with and to animals.
I hope they find whoever tortured Toby and that person goes to jail for a very long time. My picture of Hell is one where the animals are in charge. Wouldn’t that be divine justice????
To quote Gandhi: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals”.
Boy are we in trouble…….