NWR: Save Bella!!!!!

So some of you may have heard about this by now, but if not here's a brief story.

A few weeks ago, pop singer Vanessa Carlton was bitten by a dog while she was out running in PA. Subsequently she pressed charges and thereby sentencing the 9 month old pit bull puppy be put to sleep. Bella was labeled a 'dangerous animal' by the state of PA and was supposed to be put down yesterday. Fortunately there is some good news: http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100515/NEWS/5150353

Now, Bella happens to be the lovable pet of one of FH & my very close friends and his family. She is a 9 month old pit bull who is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. Such a moosh and a pushover for tummy rubs. She also doesn't bite anything harder than a puppy nip. From what I can gather Ms.Carlton was bitten and is on antibiotics as a precaution, however no stitches were required (and as best I can tell skin was not even broken). And now to add insult to injury, the state of PA has filed a lawsuit against our friend for not taking Bella to her death.

All this being said, please help give Bella justice and save her and her family! Please visit her page and donate if you can. Also join her Facebook group. Even if you can't give money the sheer numbers and support can help change laws and help stop this in the future.

I will now get off my soapbox, thank you for reading, and please pass this along to gather support for this adorable and lovable puppy!

I think that's a horrible thing that happened and it makes me really sad to hear it. I just donated. I wish her the best

Omg!! I read this and wanted to cry!!! Thats horrible!!! Its only 9 months old, its in a little nibble stage!!!! FH says this is just like putting a baby to it's death for chewing when it's teething!!!!! I'm Totally going to helpt!!!

Carlton's music ***** anyways, she mutilated the rollings stones paint it black.

First off, thanks to everyone who has been supportive of Bella, it's REALLY REALLY appreciated.

I also wanted to add that Ms. Carlton claims that she doesn't want to see the dog harmed, but she's afraid for the next kid who goes running by. I see Ms.Carlton's statement as a BS validation for her actions, and a desperate cry for publicity.

By her pressing charges it means one of two things for my friend. 1) Incur massive legal and registration fees for the dog (and maintain an insurance policy), for which they do not have money, and keep her muzzled & locked up for the rest of her life; or 2) put Bella to sleep.

I felt that was left out of my previous post and warranted explanation; so legally there was an option other than death, but the family felt that a life time of being locked up wasn't fair or any quality of life.

I personally detest this woman for her actions and agree with the statement 'it's not what you bite, it's who you bite.'

So yes, thanks to all for your support and please help continue to get the word out!


ETA: While the family had 2 options legally, the state only gave them the option of turning Bella over or taking her to the family vet to be put to sleep. She is currently residing with a rescue group while charges are being fought.

The first post I read from you i wanted to cry bec the dog doesnt deserve to be killed!!!

i LOVEEEEEE dogs but being that i read that the couple had another option i personally would have done my best to go with it. I understand it really is troublesome for them, but as someone who has a dog who used to get a little too happy as a pup and bite people , I muzzled him when we went out after the first time it happened bec god forbid it is a child next time. The dogs do not mean harm but accidents are still accidents. I am really sorry for your friends, I know animals are part of the family but as part of the family sometimes we have to take extra precautions to make sure they dont accidently hurt people. Anyway just my personally opinion sorry if i offended you in anyway.

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Posted by jenn_eric

First off, thanks to everyone who has been supportive of Bella, it's REALLY REALLY appreciated.

I also wanted to add that Ms. Carlton claims that she doesn't want to see the dog harmed, but she's afraid for the next kid who goes running by. I see Ms.Carlton's statement as a BS validation for her actions, and a desperate cry for publicity.

By her pressing charges it means one of two things for my friend. 1) Incur massive legal and registration fees for the dog (and maintain an insurance policy), for which they do not have money, and keep her muzzled & locked up for the rest of her life; or 2) put Bella to sleep.

I felt that was left out of my previous post and warranted explanation; so technically there was an option other than death, but the family felt that a life time of being locked up wasn't fair or any quality of life.

I personally detest this woman for her actions and agree with the statement 'it's not what you bite, it's who you bite.'

So yes, thanks to all for your support and please help continue to get the word out!

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ok here goes. I cringe every time i see another pit bull bite story. As a person who has been involved w pit bull rescue for years, I realize we have a larger responsibility as owners of this breed than other breeds.

terriers chase. They see something run and they want to chase. Its the nature of their breed, even if they just want to play.

Puppies bite. They do. That's why at a very young age they have to be trained not to do this. 9 months is early enough to teach her not to nip people. You can stop that behavior.

Cierra, my pit rescue is very mouthy, hence the reason I wont let her play w small kids. she doesn't bite, but she does run around w her mouth open and poke you and I don't want a kid getting hurt bc she's wild when she plays. If a kid started crying, she'd be upset and slink away. A parent may not see her playing as cute ya know?

Also, dogs should never be left unattended. I have a fence and my dogs are still on a lead. I don't trust fences. Bella shouldn't have been left outside alone where she could get loose.

As a pit owner, there are just things you have to be more aware of than if you owned another breed. It *****, but let's be realistic. The world is not exactly pit friendly, especially when this isn't a real recognized breed and its the most abused one w anyone breeding these animals regardless of bloodlines and temperament. Anyway I can go on about this forever...

Realize that every bite is supposed to be reported...regardless if it's a yorkie or a mastiff. Even though Bella is a sweet puppy, pits are a sticky strong breed and that could present a problem later. Unfortunately, she was right to report it, I know that's sad, but it is true. The judge was a bit harsh tho9ugh. It wasn't a vicious bite and it was a first occurrence, That in itself seems to be extreme. She should have been temperament tested and required to go to training.

what the owners need to do is get Bella her Canine good citizen certificate. That could help legislation see she's been trained. I think all dog owners should have this actually.

and..PA is NOT pit friendly. Not a breed to own there. NY is way more pit bull friendly.

Its sad that this happened but maybe this could have a good outcome. Maybe this can educate people that pit bulls are the same as other dogs. They're not an evil breed. a challenging one yes, but they can be a really loyal and sweet breed if trained correctly...like all breeds should be.

I have to agree with Amy & Adeyla.

I've worked with pits in the animal shelter and YES, many are total mushes but even the sweetest are extremely powerful. They need to be trained at a very young age never to use their teeth, even for play. I read Bella's story and I do believe that she didn't mean to hurt Carlton (if pits want to hurt you, they're not just going to nip you once) but I don't disagree with her formally filing a complaint. She doesn't personally know Bella, how sweet she is, etc. All she knows is of a large dog barreling at her.

I love dogs, but I'd be scared sh#tless and worried for other people, especially children if I just let the incident go.

Pit owners DO have to face alot more stigma and responsibility. I COMPLETELY disagree with the notion of putting her to sleep for this one incident but that wasn’t the only choice they were given. Yes, it may cost money. Yes, Bella may have to be more supervised but I don’t think that greatly affects her quality of life.

I agree that there must be more pressure on your friends since their dog bit a celebrity and I truly feel bad for them but had it been a child, I think the ramifications would’ve been worse.

I hope they find the best solution for their family and Bella.