(no subject)
On June 16, 2010 my golden retriever "Buddy" was shot and killed in our driveway behind the invisible fence line by a city policeman. The policeman walked up our driveway and Buddy ran out of the garage barking at him. The police was scared and pulled his gun and fired twice. Buddy was a beloved member of our family and we miss him so much. This is my Letter to the Editor of our daily newspaper. I thought I would share it with my friends.
Dear Editor:
On June 16, 2010 my golden retriever was shot and killed by Wapakoneta Police Patrolman James M. Vogel. Buddy was like a member of our family and I was just as crushed at his horrible death as I would have been had I seen my brother laying shot to death in my driveway.
Buddy died on his own property, inside the invisible fence line. According to an eyewitness report, Buddy was several feet up the driveway behind the fence line and Officer Vogel was a step or two up the driveway.
Buddy didn’t do anything one of your pets hasn’t done. He came out of the garage barking when the officer approached our home. The officer became scared, and then bolted. Buddy chased to the invisible fence line. He was protecting his home.
When the officer ran, Buddy chased. The same thing hundreds of other dogs do each day. But my Buddy was killed for this.
We continue to have nightmares of the scene of Buddy lying on the driveway while a pool of blood ran down to the street. The sound of gunshots outside your front door is terrifying. This will haunt me for the rest of my life.
It is true that there were reports of Buddy nabbing two mail carriers. However, it was never investigated why. After becoming used to the mail carrier bringing treats and calling him out of the garage to receive those treats, Buddy began approaching the uniform for his daily treat. The substitute carriers were not aware of this routine and were scared when Buddy approached them. This wasn’t their fault, but it wasn’t Buddy’s either. He was a very intelligent dog and was simply doing what he was being taught.
I admit that Buddy’s size and bark could be intimidating if you didn’t know him. But all you had to do was reach out to pet him and he would lap up the attention. He was not vicious, mean or dangerous. He was a companion to my handicapped niece and protected her to the day he died. I would not trust her safety, without supervision, to any other dog.
Buddy was a gentle giant and did not deserve the fate he was given.
Our police force is supposed to protect and serve, not shoot and kill. This was a split second decision that has caused immeasurable pain for my family and I.
There is no doubt in my mind that this action was unnecessary. Not one neighbor cited any danger in Buddy and I have spoken with numerous people outside my family who have dealt with Buddy or have approached our home while Buddy was out and not one of them reported anything dangerous about Buddy.
We not only had to witness the horrific scene and loss of our pet, but also had to pay for his cremation. Our beloved Buddy is now in a box on our mantel where no one can harm him anymore.
Nothing can be done to bring Buddy back, he’s gone forever. We however, weren’t even offered an apology.
My reason for writing is simple. I want Buddy remembered for who he was and what he meant to our family.
Buddy WAS NOT a dangerous dog. Buddy DID NOT attack, he never touched Officer Vogel. Unfortunately, Officer Vogel can’t say the same.
Sincerely,
Tracy S. Lee