Be sure that an elderly person wants a dog before giving them one.

Great! Even if they are full they can probably help with other resources. The rescue was featured in a series on the discovery channel a while back--it was actually what made me open to owning a pitbull. Kudos to your daughter to help that poor pup!

Elizabeth,

Thanks so much! I am going to forward this information to my daughter.

I know that there are many dogs (all breeds and mixed breeds) that are neglected and abused. I hate the fact that pit bulls have been used for fighting. It’s awful.

Hi NeedHelpwithMom,
Villalobos rescue is a large pitbull specific rescue in New Orleans, if that's where your daughter is located.
If it's not too late, she could call them and they will send out a team to assess the situation. If they feel like the dog is being mistreated they will work with animal control to get the dog turned over to them. I beleive they also cover some of the areas near NO.
Here's the link:
https://vrcpitbull.com

I would call Animal Control where I live.

Let’s face it, owning animals is huge responsibility. The vet bills, food for them, etc. It’s expensive, plus time for them. They deserve to be shown love.

cwille,

You make a valid point. I do know that some apartment buildings will not allow certain breeds to reside there, or even dogs over a certain weight limit. You know what’s funny though, little dogs can be very feisty and mailmen complain about them more often than big dogs. My friend refers to them as ankle biters 🤣.

I agree that different breeds do have distinct temperaments. Training is crucial. Being with the correct owner is especially important.

I have never understood why people want snakes as pets. My brother had one as a kid. It escaped. My mom told the woman that lived next door to us and she freaked out! She said that she wasn’t going to be able to sleep knowing that his snake had escaped.

I just heard that a snake escaped in a mall in Baton Rouge, LA. Mall of Louisiana. I have gone to that mall. My daughter attended Louisiana State university in Baton Rouge. Anyway, they had to shut down the mall, so they could find the 12 foot long snake!

My mom hated my hamsters. I thought they were cute. She referred to them as ‘little rats!’ LOL, One time, one of them got out. He was lost for three days. I heard my mom screaming one morning while getting dressed for Mass. Hahaha, Charlie was hanging out inside of her shoe! I was so happy to see him.

Nature vs nurture?
I think when it comes to breeds whose bloodlines have been kept true centuries of breeding for certain characteristics can be impossible to overcome and it takes much more dedication than most pet owners possess to mange them. It's one thing when sight hounds gotta chase or herding dogs gotta herd, but IMO dogs that have been bred to fight or guard can be dangerous if their essential nature is ignored.

I personally believe that a dog’s behavior depends on how well the dog is treated, training and so on, versus the particular breed of dog.

Having said that, I do realize that pit bulls are strong dogs that can hurt others if they aren’t trained properly. We do have leash laws in New Orleans. Dogs are not allowed to be off leash and freely run the streets. We have dog parks where people can let dogs play and run.

I took my greyhound to the dog park often. Most people were responsible and watched their dogs. Occasionally, there would be scuffles between dogs because people wouldn’t keep a close enough eye on their pooch. I have heard of lawsuits if a dog is hurt and the owner is ordered to pay vet bills for the injured dog. Socialization is important, but the owners of dogs are supposed to monitor their dogs while visiting the park. It’s risky for people to get in the middle of a dog fight.

Dog’s personalities are so interesting. My schnauzer thought she was the boss of all other dogs! When I picked her up from being groomed, the groomer said that she barked at all the other dogs! She was affectionate and sweet. I loved her dearly but she was stubborn. I did obedience training to learn how to control her behavior. She lived to be 13. Then I rescued a greyhound. Oh my gosh, it was love at first sight for us! He was so sweet. I adored that dog. He also lived to be 13. I had a Boston terrier as a kid. They are incredibly sweet!

I do feel like someone will love my daughter’s neighbor’s dog. They do have to understand this breed. I feel some people don’t do enough research to select the proper dog. People have distinct personalities. Dogs have distinct temperaments. The person and the dog have to gel to have a harmonious relationship. Selecting the right breed for the person who will own the dog is crucial. I don’t know if a pit bull is a good pick for an elderly man who drinks! My daughter feels sorry for the old man but says he isn’t the best neighbor. We have all had great neighbors and a few that weren’t so great.

I used to volunteer with a greyhound association. We did ‘meet and greets’ so people could become familiar with the breed. Several people asked me if a grey would make a great jogging companion. I had to tell them no. Greys sprint but aren’t long distance runners.

You're daughter needs to forget the idea of being neighborly.
It doesn't sound like they were great neighbors BEFORE the dog.
Quickly call Animal Control or ASPCA --a life is at stake.
Give your name. They know how to handle these kind of situations.

Need, the pibble won't attack the old man no matter how badly he treats his dog. But if it's allowed out, not under control, and it's hungry and afraid, it could unintentionally do serious damage to somebody or something else, and then it'll be shot. These dogs are lovely, and loyal to a fault, but immensely powerful - they're a breed whose owners have to be especially responsible.

I would call the Animal Control and tell them. This poor dog is being abused. Heck with the neighbor. He is also allowing a hungry pitbull to roam the neighborhood. The dog could hurt another dog or a child.

God love 'em, small dogs always seem to think they're 300 pound mastiffs...my nephews little dachshund mixed breed used to routinely "terrorize" my much larger Samoyed! Fortunately, my guy was a gentle soul and didn't mind the littler dog jumping all over him nipping at him! And with his thick fur, I was never worried about him getting hurt. When he had enough, all he had to do was to stand up; the little one wasn't tall enough to do anything

Thanks for the feedback. My daughter was very upset about this situation. She feels like she can’t ignore the situation. She’s probably going to call to report this issue. I guess she can do it anonymously, if she doesn’t want to give her name. I have no idea how that works. I have never had to report any animal neglect or abuse.

It’s awkward because the old man is quite contrary. His nephew is a bit of a jerk. My daughter says that they are always squabbling over the old man drinking. My daughter has kept her distance from them but felt awful after seeing the dog being mistreated. She hates that the old man is mean to the dog and feels that it’s natural for the dog to defend himself but certainly doesn’t want to see the old man getting hurt. Maybe he has some mental health issues. Who knows? Maybe the nephew had good intentions giving his uncle a dog, but not everyone is up for the responsibility of being a pet owner.

My daughter that lives here in New Orleans and next door to this elderly man has a small dog that thinks he is big! Hahaha. My other daughter in Colorado went from a little poodle to the Siberian husky that I have as my profile picture. I have had small and large dogs. Our family has always been huge animal lovers.

Animals bring us so much love and all they want is to be shown love in return.

I think a call to the local animal shelter is a good idea. Not only will it help the dog, but if the elderly gentleman is starting down the road of cognitive decline - which might explain why he's treating the dog the way he is - it puts him on the radar, so to speak; if the humane society sees some sort of cognitive issues, they can make a call to the local APS. I'm sure the humane society in particular deals with this sort of scenario more often than we imagine.

I agree, the days of looking the other way because it's not my business are a thing of the past. It might be that a little official oversight is needed by the old man as well and this could start an investigation.

I want to add that sometimes even when someone wants a pet they don't have the ability to look after one.

Call the animal welfare people now, at once, immediately. What a horrendous situation!

Poor poor little pibble. No such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. I hope they'll find him a forever home.

She should call the humane society. Starving an animal because you dont want it is beyond cruel. I wonder if the dog is really the nephew's and he needed a place for the dog. Regardless the humane society should be called.