People's Comments

Name: Mario P. De Luca

Comments: Gary...if you can read..and I don't think you can..I just want you to know..what you did to my little dog..you're going to be sorry you did.

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Name: mwingett@pipcom.com

Comments: I don't have a dog at the moment but I have a parrot..My heart goes out to you in your pain and I hope this site will become very popular and you achieve the goals you are heading for.. My deepest condolences to you and family for the loss of your beloved pet..

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Name: mwingett@pipcom.com

Comments: Thank you from all of us mwingett@pipcom.com for your support and very kind words. We hope to build a very successful site so others can come and share their grief and their stories. Sometimes it helps just to be able to tell someone. I hope others follow your lead. Once again...from the bottome of our hearts...thank you

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Name: Dave Carr

Web site URL: http://ntrprise.dhs.org/public/ncs/

Comments: I had a miniature collie who died a few months ago of old age, went to sleep and that was the end of it. The one thing though she was my best friend and it killed me when she passed. I was devestated for over a week in fact my eyes are teary writing this even now... I am truly sorry for your loss.

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Name: Wendi Kurucz

Comments: You are absolutely right that its the owners more than dogs at fault, if you know or think your dog cannot be trusted it should be muzzled and leash in public, not just for the safety of other pets but for children and adults alike. I hope your law passes, perhaps a petition would help. I am truly sorry to read your story and hear of your loss.

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Name: Darin Masciovecchio

Comments: Hi Mario, Sylvia and Danny Sorry to hear about Gnocchi. Every time we take my dog for a walk I fear the same thing will happen. I know exactly how you feel. I also had a dog that I had to put down because he was beaten so badly, he was beyond repair. The sad part is that he was beaten by my brother in law and not another animal. I wanted to press charges but was told by the police that I would be wasting my time because my brother in law is a nut and the judge would let him go. I wanted to kill him. I’m sure you’d like an hour or so alone in a room with the dog owner that killed Gnocchi. Your right about it not being the 2 dogs fault. They don’t know any better. But the owners should. Jail time for them would be too good, they should be beaten. Anyway I gotta come by and see you guys one of these days. Maybe today if I get a chance. Good luck with myfido. Sounds like something that is needed in this country. We’re too lenient on irresponsible animal owner in Canada.

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Name: Diane

Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. It is so true that the owner of the other dogs are to blame. It saddens me that these two dogs must be killed because of the owners. I had an experience a couple of weeks ago. I was walking my two large dogs on a leash and out of no where came charging a small dog who looked very similar to Gnocchi. If I hadn't yelled and pulled my dogs away they probably would have hurt or even killed this little dog. It is only natural for dogs to do this as you said they don't know any better. I walked home shaking after this...in this case the owner of the small dog should have been at fault. What an excellent website! I love you Gnocchi...xoxo

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Name: wyatt richardson

Comments: i hurd about this mature and i thought i would want to do the same if somthing like that was to hapen to me i am sorry

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Name: (Rev.) Steven Davis

Comments: I've met Gnocchi a couple of times at your business, and he was a sweet little dog. I walk my own dog (a little bigger than Gnocchi but not much) twice a day and have had the experience of dogs charging at him. Luckily, I've always seen them coming and been able to pick my guy up and defend him but I know what would have happened if I didn't see what was happening on time. Often some nut of an owner comes running and says, "oh, it's OK. He's friendly." You wouldn't know it from the growling and the fangs! Many years ago in Toronto I had a dog who was part German Shepherd. He got attacked by a pit bull who got him by the neck. The pit bull owner came running and literally had to wallop the dog over the head with a chain several times (a real thick chain, not a dog leash) to get him to let go. The fact that he carried the chain showed that he knew the dog was dangerous and yet he didn't have it on a leash. What do some people think? I'm sorry for your loss. The thoughts and prayers of our whole family are with you.

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Name: Nicole Carr

Comments: My husband and I just lost our friend (duchess)... she was 15 years old and she went to sleep and never woke up. I totally understand the grief and anger that you are feeling... my condolences to you

and your family

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Name: Kelly

Comments: I am so sorry for your loss. This Gary fellow sure sounds like the scum of the earth and I hope that he gets jail time. Also the City of Port Colbourne should be held accountable for keeping an incompetent like Shibley in their employ for so many years. Blood is on their hands too!!

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Name: Doreen Stephens

Web site URL: www.doreenstephensbooks.com

Comments: My heart goes out to you. We just got through an attach on one of our Schnauzers by a Pit Bull who lives next door to us. Our dog was attacked when the pit bull was loose and the attack happened in our driveway with our dog on a leash. The Pit Bull is still next door and chained; however, if one of my dogs ever ventured into their yard, the dog could still attack all over again. The vet bill was over $600.00 and they paid $400.00 of it; however, they still live in denial around the danger of that dog. We happen to like our neighbours very much, but they are blind when it comes to what could happen again and that really concerns me so I carry my dogs in and out of the house with me.

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Name: kristin

Comments: It goes to show you that that stupid breed ban didn't work,as these dogs weren't pitbulls and in fact attacked a muzzled pitbull on its porch I think they should remove the breed ban and punish owners of dangerous dogs,regardless of breed

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Name: Laurie Pietz

Comments: I was outraged to hear about the story and how those dogs were under a muzzle and leash order. The Humane Society should have done surprise inspection on the dogs to see that the order was being followed. My parents live not far from where this happened. They have a problem dog that roams their neighbourhood also. The one day my mom was out for an early morning walk when she approached her street she saw the dog loose. She got home before the dog could approach her and contacted the Humane Society, the dispatcher actually told her that they do not pick up stray dogs in Port Colborne until 9:00 am. I think what should happen to dogs that attack is they should (with owner) go to an obedience training course. For what ever reason they miss one class or fail, the owner should pay a fine of $5,000 no if's an's or but's about it. My heart goes out to all dog owners that have lost their dogs to vicious attacks either by man or animal. Dogs are pack animals and look to us for guidance, if we don't give them this guidance the end result is tragic because now two dogs that could have been good dogs are now to be destroyed.

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Name: Fran Coughlin

Comments: Your Dog's life will not be in vain. I respect what you are doing. I have a pit bull type dog who is so gentle and non-aggressive but has to be muzzled. Meanwhile other dogs snap, growl and bark at him while he is muzzled. He don't respond and it shows his charactor and training, however, while walking in the park I am afraid when I see other dogs running up to him. Firstly, he cannot defend himself if attacked and secondly if attacked, HE would pay the price. In almost every case it is the owner's of the dogs and not the dogs themselves that are the reasons behind incidents. Peterborough has had eight attacks by dogs on dogs just this past week and two dog attacks on children in the past two weeks. The Humane Society is pleading with people to contain their dogs. The courts are filling up with cases of attacks AND of responsible dog owners trying to SAVE their family friendly dogs from discriminatory and unjust legislation. The professionals during the debates were against BSL and said that attacks would increase because people would get complacent about THEIR dogs. Until the other end of the leash is taken to task, instead of the dogs, things will not get better. Owner's who cannot control their dogs NEED to be more responsible. As a caring and concerned owner I support FIDO and wish the Liberal government would have listened and acted intelligently regarding the Dog Owner's Liabilites Act. Humane Societies would not be in such horrible financial states, courts would not be filling up with cases and dog attacks and would not be on the rise.

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Name: Jean

Comments: Just in my neighborhood there is a irresponsible pet owner, he lets his dog run lose at night and I have seen the dog in my yard. I have a small dog and now if my dog has to go outside for any reason I go out with him and keep watch to make sure this dog is not around.I`m very sorry for your lost and this is what I`m afraid with my dog. When this Gary gets into court and before a judge there should be a judgement against him to never own another dog because he has trained these dogs to be aggressive.

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Name: Pat

Comments: I agree with EVERYONE on the pitbull issue.I own a pitbull/husky cross.There's a jack russle that lives on the street that runs across the stress and has latched on to my dog's ears,and the owners think it's funny.It isn't funny and they should pay for being bad owners this dog has also bitten several children as well,again the owners laugh

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Name: Tracey

Comments: I have trained my sheppard who is now 5 years old to stay on our yard.It was very easy to do.Just recently a neighborhood dog had been coming onto our yard. It really make me mad that the owners arent aware that their dog goes missing, obviously they dont care to watch them when it is outside.Now i have to go out with my dog and check the yard to make sure this dog isnt around. The dog doesnt seem to be agressive , but i cant take that chance, and my dog is very protective of here home, the dogs do the usual sniff and seems like harmless play but come on keep your dog on your own property. I have contacted the owners and my next call will be the human society, maybe after having to pick up their dog a few times from the pound maybe they will get a clue.

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Name: Gary Calla

Comments: To Mario, Danny and your family, My name is Gary Calla, you know my family and i live on cross st., one block away from Gary and his horrible dogs. In 2003 i was taking my dog Mojo for a walk, a dalmation cross breed that was mentioned by Jen Foster in her story. I spotted the loose dogs up the road and turned the other way to avoid them knowing they were aggressive. It was to late i could hear them behind me and then i was surrounded. They were growling and lunging at my dog as i was yelling at them to go away, one of them bit my dog on the back of his leg and all i could do was scream and yell, i kept on walking but they were still following and getting more agressive, and my dog was trying to fight back but i was restraing him the best i could, i felt so scared and helpless but luckily a man i have never met before stopped his car and just said hop in and i did.The 2 dogs continued to chase after the car. I offered the man some money but refused but he gave me his number if a witness was ever needed. I called the animal control right away then went to the vet to give my dog a shot, the bite was small but if not for the man who was there for me it could of been worse. His dogs were detained and then later released but he had to pay my vet bill and when he came to my house to do so i said to him to keep his dogs tied up and that people can get hurt but just got a simple yes i know i'm sorry apology. Just about a year or two ago i was awoken to my dog barking hystarically early in the morning when we went to see what was wrong we didn't see the two black dogs but later that day found out that a nieghbors dog had been mauled and killed by them. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! i can't believe that this is still going on and that the owner just pays a fine and the vicious circle starts again. Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to you.

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Name: Crystal

Comments: Mario, This is Crystal, I wanted to let you know how sorry I was at what happened. I posted a myspace bulletin and put a little paragraph on my myspace. I can make you a myspace for FIDO if you like. Let me know. Let me know if you need anything. Crystal.

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Name: Diane Nielsen

Comments: I am sorry for the loss of your little dog. Was Gnocchi on a leash at the time of the attack? I'm guessing not because if he was he could have been quickly picked up when the large dogs attacked. I had two bad experiences this past summer with small dogs not being leashed. The first was in April when I was walking my two large dogs on the parkway. Across the road a man had his little (i think a poodle) with him off leash. When his little dog saw my two he immediately made a dash for them. The poor little guy was killed by a car as he ran across the road to meet my dogs. I'm still haunted by this and have not walked that road since. Just a couple of weeks ago I was walking my dogs in the neighbourhood when all of a sudden a small dog came charging at us, again unleashed. Of course my dogs became defensive and had I not yelled and scared the little dog away who knows what could have happened. It would have been natural for my dogs to bite the little dog who charged at us. It was a horrible experience and all the way home I shook. The owner of the little dog was no where to be seen. The size of the dog means nothing when it comes to irresponsible ownership. For their own protection all dogs should be leashed. Thank you Gnocchi for this great

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Name: Doreen Stephens

Comments: My dog was attacked by a Pit Bull who lives next door to us. Our dog was on a leash in our own driveway when the Pit Bull was loose and bounded over to our property and attacked one of our Schnauzers - fortunately the 2-year old and not the 4-month old - she would be dead. It was so traumatic for us, but at least she lived. That dog still lives next door and the neighbours have guaranteed us she would always be chained, but if a dog was loose and went over to their property, the Pit Bull could still kill our dogs. We carry our dogs in and out of the car to the house. I don't think people with "killer dogs" get it. These neighbours are truly wonderful people and we love them; however, this incident has certainly impacted my total being. The fact that they still have this dog alive on the front porch believing that the chain will prevent any further incidents, is not living in reality. I support your cause 100% and will be available for any future action and support you need. These owners need to be charged to set an example of other owners who live in denial.

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Name: Manuela

Comments: When I sent you the e-mail regarding the Lasagna I had no idea about what happened to Gnocchi. My sister called last night and actually told Michael first. We are all very sorry to hear about what happened. That was a very tragic way to go, for any living being. The kids can't believe that black labs would be so vicious. I didn't think they were either. I am so sick of pet owners who think that their dogs won't hurt anyone!! I can't tell you how many times I have gone for a walk and seen a big dog loose and was scared shitless and the owner is nowhere to be seen. I hope that these two dogs have been put down so they can't hurt anymore dogs and even worse children!! Our best to you guys,

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Name: Mike

Comments: Mario sorry to hear about Gnocchi it is total bullshit that u had to lose your dog because of some degenerate dog owner that is probably not even fit to take care of themselves let alone a dog. I hope you take action as far as you can against the owner of the dogs who did this. Good luck and again sorry to hear this shit happened to such an awesome little dog.

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Name: Liz Sullivan

Comments: I commend you on this web site. To take your pain and anger and turn it around to assisting and helping others so they may not go through such a horrific experience. I am truly sorry for your loss. It should not have happened. Irresponsible dog ownership is not acceptable and accountability has to be demanded from the public. The smoke screen of Bill 132 (the BSL law) needs to be repealed with a well thought out law that does not blame the dog but the owner. End of discussion. Mario, count on me, as I support your cause fully. Let's put the blame soley where it deserves to be the owner that refuses to believe that they need to follow basic rules. Blaming the dogs are not acceptable, and dummies like Michael Bryant and Dalton McGuinty need to be called out on this matter.

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Name: Chloe

Comments: I think banning pitbulls was stupid.As you can see these dogs were NOT pitbulls and it makes me fume that wonderful dogs are killed without a muzzle but these dogs aren't? We need to wake up and realize pitbulls are great dogs,it's the owners that are the issue not the dog or breed

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Name: Gina McMillan

Comments: Silvia & Mario, I'm so sorry to hear about your precious loss of Gnocchi. Losing a pet is difficult enough through illness or old age but to have your loving pet brutally tortured for absolutely no reason is heartbreaking. I support your cause for FIDO 100%. There is no need for innocent animals to be in danger for their lives because of owners who have no respect of others or of city laws for the past 2 years. Major changes are long overdue. Maybe we should chain and muzzle the irresponsible dog owners!!!! Much continued support, Gina & John

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Name: Laura Czinege

Comments: I hope the labs are euthanized & the owner does time in jail.

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Name: Shirley From the USA

Comments: I agree with you Mario, jail time is what is needed in this case, 1 time might be considered an accident if you don't know how aggressive your dogs are, even that is unacceptable but the continuing and refusing the law that was given to him in the past of muzzle and leash law he disobeyed, Jail time plus never be allowed to have a animal of any kind again, no animal needs him as an owner. The labs might have been great dogs if they had an owner that cared. He didn't and he needs to pay the consequences.

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Name: Anonymous

Comments: Danny & Mario, First, I want to offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your precious companion. I cannot imagine the pain your family is enduring. I used to live on the east side in Port Colborne with my very loving Siberian Husky. Since we didn't have a fully fenced yard, I always had her tied up when she was outside. My husband and I ensured that the rope didn't go near the sidewalk, not so much in fear that she may hurt someone, but more so that pedestrians didn't feel uncomfortable walking by as she was a very large dog and she looked intimidating due to her beautiful markings. Whenever she was walked, we always had her on a leash and we always kept her walking right beside us, she was never allowed to roam free, although due to her breed (huskies are runners), sometimes she did get loose and we always retrieved her within minutes without any incidents. On several occasions, while she was tied in our yard, we have had to chase other dogs away from her, large and small. They were unleashed and wandered with no owner in sight. One particular dog, was always wandering the neighbourhood, it was to the point that I would walk around the yard and check down the street before letting my own dog outside. One day, we had our dog out and this dog came back and was attacking her, my husband went out with his baseball bat to chase the dog away. The owner came and saw my husband and actually threatened my husband (the attacking dog was never harmed, my husband just had the bat for protection in case). The police were called and nothing was done about this dog. I used to walk my dog and at the time, my baby around the east side often. There were a couple times when I've had dogs run off their porch and come after my dog. Since mine was very well trained (I took her to obedience school geared to huskies) she wasn't aggressive back, she was more frightened. I remember one time, I screamed when a dog came at mine, and the female owner laughed at me, I was so upset because not only was I unsure what her dog would do to mine, but I had a baby with me. No one should be fearful when walking down the street. Where I live now, there are a couple dogs across the street from us and they have attacked people and pets walking by. They had attacked twice in two weeks, but nothing has been done. Once my mother had come for a visit as she lives out of town and parked in front of our home, the one dog (who is very large) jumped up at her car, barking at her. It stayed staring in her car window for a few minutes before the owner even noticed that the dog was harassing someone. Again, these dogs are allowed to roam free, no leash. I strongly feel that all owners, if they are allowing their dogs to be outside in a yard that is unfenced, they should be leashed not only for other's protection, but their own.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you are reading from the emails you have received as well as the facebook posts, that this is far too common of occurrence and something needs to be done. Calling the humane society is useless, especially if it is not during their hours of operation. They often only arrive hours later, when the dog is gone. There is little no to follow up on owners who do not follow orders to keep their dogs muzzled or leashed. Also, even if the owner is banned from owning pets for a number of years...how often does the humane society actually follow up on this? When the time comes that the ban is lifted, do they really think the owner has changed? Do they check up on the owners? I agree with the comments that people have been posting that it is not the breed that is the problem, its the owners and once that is realized, then maybe some changes can be made. Again, my condolences for your loss, I do know how it is to love your dog with everything you have, and to lose them. My sweet puppy (although she was 11 years old and 80 lbs, she'll always be my 'puppy'), passed away one year ago due to a brief illness. I wish you all the best with your cause, and I fully support it.

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Name: Shelley and Jerry

Comments: Dear Danny and Mario So very sorry to hear about your sweet little dog. It just doesn't seem right. I cannot understand an owner that would want to keep dogs that would do this. Obviously he has no compassion OR common sense.

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Name: carrie mcintyre

Comments: I live in the Bell street area and I have a 6 year old daughter and Gary needs to be put away for his actions.

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Name: Trina Upper

Comments: Good pets, start and end with good owners.

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Name: Doreen

Comments: I was drawn to your story upon reading the tragedy that occurred to your beloved pet.Right across the street a large husky is being allowed to roam free in my neighborhood.This is a school zone which has me concerned.I myself am nervous around large dogs.Do I need to report this?

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Name: Beverly Mattocks

Comments: These dogs need to be put down and the owner jailed.

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Name: Jean Comments: I read the Leader today and the laws and by-laws in any city have to be changed to be tough on irresponsible dog owners, especially dogs that are running lose. Gary should get jail time for letting his dogs terrorize a neighborhood. We have a person in our neighborhood who has three dogs and are seen running lose, but when these dogs are pick up, it is not long before the dogs are home and running lose again.

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Name: Kelly Marr Pascuzzi

Comments: I am so angered by the owners total disregard of the order put on him and the dogs, my condolences on the loss of your pet, i do have a dog myself and can completely understand the loss. The animals become part of our family. Good luck on your fight. you have my families support. When was this man going to listen??? Was he going to wait until they killed a small child!!!!!!!!!!! He truly is an idiot.

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Name: Mary Butera Dimberio

Comments: Hi Mario, I am so sorry about the death of your beautiful little dog Gnocchi. How horrific. This should of never happened and I am feeling real sad about this. When my sister told me about this terrible incident, my heart dropped and I felt such sorrow for you. I have a schnoodle named Sammy. I love him with all my heart, and he is like the son I never had. He is 8 years old and I don't know what I would do if something so awful happened. Although, I have been through some experiences myself as I was walking my dog one day. This man who lives on our street never leases his German Shephard and I was walking in our neighbourhood park, and his dog started running towards me and Sammy. I picked him up in time and my dog was so afraid that I had to hold him tight and ended up getting scratched up all over my arms and stomach protecting him and the jackass just called his dog over. He thinks his dog is old and loves people, who cares. He never leashes this old dog and I respectfully leash mine all of the time. It angers me that people don't get it. They are dogs, need to be leashed and follow the law. I am so tired of all of this too. I am continually calling the Humaine Society and have complained to the town on numerous occassions about dogs that run away (my neighbours) and they still are loose, bark all night, etc. This person who owns those 2 dogs, he should be put away too! Your dog was innocent and loved and I can't even imagine the pain you are in. Horrible and disgusting this whole situation is. Mario, I hope you heal and win this and that idiot rots. Dave, Christina and I are very sorry about what happened to you and we feel very deeply about all of this. We are thinking of you and are standing right behind you and God Bless You.

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Name: Mario P. De Luca

Comments: For those of you that feel we are being hard on Gary and the dogs...please read this. It is long so I am going to paste it in sections. Weekend dog attack in Port Colborne leads call for tougher animal control policies By ALLAN BENNER, Tribune Staff Local News - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 @ 09:00 PORT COLBORNE - Eric Arenburg ran outside Saturday to find Freddy, the family’s five-year-old dog, lying dead where he’d been tied out that morning. The two dogs that had apparently killed the purebred pomeranian stood over his lifeless little body. It was a frantic telephone call from a neighbour across from their Cross Street home that alerted him to the trouble. “She was yelling on the phone, telling me to go out front,” the 20-year-old recalled. But by the time he got to Freddy’s side and chased away the two mixed breed black labs, it was much too late. “He was torn almost in half,” Eric told The Tribune. Eric grabbed a baseball bat and chased the dogs around the corner onto McRae Avenue. He followed them for two blocks onto Johnson Street where they attacked a second dog a little pit bull. While continuing his pursuit of the dogs, Eric yelled to the pit bull owners to call the police. The dogs led Eric to their home on Johnson Street, but their owner wasn’t home. Instead, a neighbour put the dogs in his garage. Eric loved that dog, he said, but it was even more precious to his mother Edie. “He was my baby,” she cried. “I know that sounds really silly, but to me that’s what he was. “Every move I made he was at my heels, as soon as I moved on the couch, he was at my feet. When I got out of bed in the morning, he was right there shaking and waiting for me. He’s going to be missed a great deal.” Freddy was tied out that morning just as he had been everyday since since he came to live with the family about four years ago. The family always kept him on his leash, trying to keep him safe. The fact that Freddy died so violently despite their efforts left Edie speechless. “Words can’t describe the feeling,” she said. It’s not the first time the dogs had been terrorizing the neighbourhood. “They have killed at least one other dog that I know of,” Edie said. “And they attacked my dog two years ago.” At that time, she said a friend was walking him along the road when the same two dogs attacked him. She’s seen the same two dogs running loose many times since. “When I went over and found out where they were living, three or four of the neighbours came out and were complaining about the dogs too,” Eric added. “They couldn’t let their dogs out because these dogs would attack them.” As of Monday afternoon, the dogs were being held at the humane society’s Port Colborne shelter. And Edie hopes that’s where they remain. “They’d better not be set free again,” she warned. Welland and District Humane Society manager Ted Bettle said the humane society is limited in determining penalties by municipal bylaws. And they’ve been lobbying to add some teeth to Port’s animal control policies. “In fact, we are in the process of looking at the bylaw structure in Port Colborne to add some severity to it,” Bettle said adding the dog attack Saturday will likely help the humane society’s efforts to do that. “I think this incident would certainly help that process,” he said. Port Colborne’s director of community and corporate services, Peter Senese, agreed that the city’s animal control bylaws could stand for some improvement. “What they do need are stiffer fines on them,” Senese said. “Over the next few months we’re going to be working with the humane society in reviewing our bylaw. If there’s anything there they feel we could provide more to that would help them do their job easier and better, then we would probably look at considering those and bringing any amendments to the bylaw to council at that time.” As of Monday afternoon, investigators still hadn’t made contact with the owner. And since the investigation was ongoing Bettle couldn’t delve into much more detail such as releasing the name of the dogs’ owner. Still, Bettle was confident charges would be levied against the owner. “A muzzle order and fines are pending,” said Bettle. While dog attacks of that severity don’t happen very often, Bettle said it’s the same sort of situation that can result in injuries to people especially children who might try to break up the fight. “It’s very unfortunate,” he said. “This is a rarity, and thank God it is, but obviously it happens.” It’s ironic that the second dog that was attacked was a pit bull a breed of dog that was the topic of the province’s recent viscous dog legislation. “It makes a good point,” Bettle said. “This legislation should have covered this circumstance as well, not just the breed. That’s what we were hoping it would do, but unfortunately the provincial government never followed through with any suggestions from any of the humane society’s or the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).” For Edie, the tragic loss of her companion is something she never wants to have to bear gain. “That’s it for me, no more pets. I can’t do this,” she said. “I can’t go through this again. It’s like losing one of my family members. It just breaks your heart.”

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Name: Kristy Royer

Comments: I am the owner of the Sheppard named Princess. My dog was attacked by Jasper. I am not here to convince anyone of anything. I am having my vet report posted so all can see for themselves that it was a dog attack, she was not hit by a car. So any wittnesses who seen her hit by a car like to blow smoke.

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Name: Mary

Comments: It is a shame that a website created for such a good cause has turned into a venue for hatred and insults. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter that Gnocchi wasn't leased that day. Two wrongs certainly don't make a right. This entire thing is a tragedy of significant proportions. It impacts the lives of two families. Yes, Gary included. Should he go to jail. Well, I don't think so. If you could prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the attack on Gnocchi was deliberate, then of course jail time would be acceptable. As a dog owner, is Gary liable. Of course he is. He should be fined and prohibited from owning pets or go to obedience training with his future pets. That would be for the courts to decide. I know that these labs are of a mixed breed. Are they part pit bull? Not an accusation, just a question. I am sorry for everyone's loss. Again, the tragedy affects two families. To say that Gary is scum, yada yada is wrong. I don't know anyone from either side of the issue so I am not a quote " Gary lover nor am I sleeping with him".I can speculate until the cows come home about what would have turned the 2 labs into killers, but what would be the point. There are certainly a lot of would've, should've could'ves here! All in all a tragedy! However, the laws are too loose and keep up the good fight!

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Name: J.S.

Comments: Hello Mario, First of all I want to express my condolenses for Gnocci. It brought tears to my eyes to read your story, and made me ill all over again as it brought back a flush of memories of my 2 dogs and me being attacked by my neighbours mixed boxer/rotweiler two years ago. I know it's devasting beyond belief what you endured. I just finalized my lawsuit with my neighbour over the incident that took place in Scarborough just east of Toronto when I lived there. I just moved to Niagara a few months ago. As I walked my chihuahua and shih-tsu one evening right in front of my house my neighbours dog came running at us in the dark and I was fortunate enough to have the chihuahua already in my arms,and even more lucky to have the shih-tsu in a body harness (NOT A COLLAR) or I might have choked her to death trying to save her life from this attack by swinging her up in the air to avoid being attacked by this vicious huge dog, and by doing this I did save her from being bit and surely being mauled to death. Unfortunately as I tried to run from the dog he chased us right up to my front door still trying to bite us, all the while the dogs owner walked nonchalantly towards us not even trying to get his attacking beast! and in the commotion my chihuahua @ 2lbs fell from my arms trying to protect me and my other dog who she thought was her mother being attacked. This huge dog then saw my chihuahua on the ground and instantly ran to attack her, but by the grace of God, I was quicker than the rotweiler and was able to scoop her up in time from the rotweilers mouth!!! My chihuahua sustained serious injury as result from the fall, and had to have extensive leg surgery and have her leg put back together with pins by an orthopedic surgeon! Who I might ad was amazing and is an angel Dr. Joanne Cockshutt (orthopedic surgeon) although it cost me over $3500.00 in vet bills and 3 weeks off work for my mom and I to stabilize her leg to heal properly,my chihuahua is alive and well now...and fortunately I have an amazing mom who was able to get time off work to help me with her to heal. I am leaving the names of my babies out to protect the innocent, as they say in law, but I wanted to write to tell you that I did win my lawsuit and it cost my neighbour over $6000.00 as a settlement, and it came from his home insurance! Although this lawsuit is finally over and settled, and I have received the money from his insurance, it is a case that sets presidence as it is probably one of the biggest settlements in a dog attack case to date. I am extremely lucky to have my baby chihuahua, who was a puppy then, unfortunately my shih-tzu died not long after from cancer, but the incident still haunts me to this day, and I will never walk my small dog again in a public place, because you just never know when some ignorant, irresponsible person is walking their huge vicious dog loose and unleashed regardless of the by-laws, and have the audacity to say his 100lb dog was just trying to play with my 2lb dog!!! He didn't understand what all the fuss was about? Guess what? He understands now!!!! If only more dog owners paid out a lawsuit of over $6000.00 every time their dog attacks, and if they can't pay it go to jail, believe me, leash and harness sales would be up dramatically!! Or the jails would be filled!

NOTE FOR COURT: NOT MANY ARE AWARE INCLUDING LAWYERS, THAT CHAPTER 349 APPLIES IN DOG ATTACK CASES, I DISCOVERED THIS ON MY OWN-NOT MY LAWYER DURING MY LAWSUIT. UNDER THE DOG OWNERS LIABILITY ACT ONT 157-05 CITY OF TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349 re: OFF LEASH SEE: DOGS ARTICLE 4, DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE OR CALL ACCESS TORONTO 416 338-0338 OR CALL TORONTO ANIMAL SERVICES 416 338-7297 FOR A COPY OF THESE BI-LAWS THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO YOUR CASE. I KNOW THIS INFO WILL HELP YOU, BRING A COPY OF THESE BILAWS TO COURT WITH YOU FOR THE JUDGE, I'M SURE THEY ALSO APPLY TO NIAGARA AS WELL. YOUR CASE IS A CASE OF STRICT DOG OWNERS LIABILITY ACT. I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU...IT IS NOW MY MISSION TO HELP OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN TRAMATIZED AS I WAS FROM A DOG ATTACK. God Bless you and your family, and for a little peace of mind, after watching psycic Sylvia Brown on Montel, she said that she does see dogs in heaven they run around with other dogs and people they know that have passed away in your family, and are free from all pain and suffering,and amazingly had described dogs that have passed away down to the colour of their coats with owners in the audience! I was so glad to hear this as I do have dogs that I had lost In the past...so you will see Gnocci again one day.... All the best and I hope you win on Sept. 30th at court perhaps bring a copy of this email to help you as well...by the way I won my case alone without a lawyer, but suggest if you do have one, make sure he is aware of chapter 349. Feel free to email me if you have any questions....

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Name: Marilyn

Comments: Dear Mario and Family, Firstly, I am heart struck by your tragic loss as I too am a pet lover and have experienced the anguish of losing a pet. May I suggest that you offer links on your website for your supporters to send their letters requesting enforcement of the Act on the negligence of the owner. If changes are initiated in Port Colborne, it may spill over into other communities as well. Awareness goes a long way toward making changes. Please let me know how specifically I can help with this. With empathy and kindness, Marilyn.

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Name: Aly

Comments: My Dear Friend Mario!! I'm so sorry about what happened. I read the entire posts and I'm shocked! How can anyone stand up for someone who ignored court orders, who's dogs have killed many other dogs? When my Maggie died several years ago I was devistated, and to this day will not have another one. Maggie was the best behaved child I had and if you remember, my girls were often referred to as "Bebe's Kids". Keep fighting for what you know is right. Don't let the small minded people that have such disregard for the law get to you. Your one of the strongest people I have ever known. Sorry it took so long to get to you. Love and Hugs always.

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Name: Aly

Comments: I can't believe I have let so many years go without contacting you, I miss my friend :(.. as for time healing it never completely heals, but it does get a little easier with time. After at least 4 yrs without Maggie, it hasn't completely healed and I miss her to this day. If I can do anything please let me know. Kayla sends her love (the one that wanted to model for ya)

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