Pit bull dies saving 2 women from cobra

The Manila Times ^ | February 24, 2007 | Herbie Gomez

[csvset]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The crowd at Divisoria Plaza here was celebrating a hero but this was no warrior, no peace worker or anticorruption advocate.

“Chief” died on February 12, saving two women from a cobra attack. He was a pit bull terrier.

Chief saved 87-year-old Liberata la Victoria and her granddaughter Maria Victoria Fronteras, the wife of his master, from a cobra that snaked through an opening in the family’s kitchen shortly after 2 p.m.

The snake struck twice at the women. Twice, the dog dashed from a corner and shielded them.

Marlone Fronteras, the terrier’s owner, said Chief seized the venomous snake in the neck with its teeth and repeatedly slammed it on the floor until it died.

But the cobra managed to bite the dog’s jaw. Chief died a few minutes following their battle, after giving its master a farewell gaze.

The Fronterases and members of the pit bull owners’ group gave the dog a “hero’s burial” the same day it died.

“We just waited for the children to arrive from school because they loved Chief so much,” said Fronteras, adding that his children even called the dog “kuya” (older brother).

Fatal wound

Maria Victoria shed tears as she narrated the dog’s heroism.

“The snake was in front of us, maneuvering a deadly attack,” said Mrs. Fronteras. “I screamed out loud to ask for help.”

Hearing this, the four-year-old pit bull terrier dashed from its sleeping area to fight off the deadly snake, she said.

Maria Fronteras said she saw the cobra expand its neck as soon as she turned the lights on.

She said the cobra looked like it was spitting as it inched closer, about a meter away, toward her.

From out of nowhere, she said Chief jumped on the cobra, bit it in the neck, and then shook and slammed it till it died.

Moments later, the dog slouched flat and fainted, spreading its arms and feet on the floor.

“Chief looked tired,” said Maria Victoria Fronteras.

The dog lost control of its organs some 30 minutes; it started to urinate and defecate uncontrollably inside the house as it gasped for air and panted heavily.

A veterinarian told the Fronterases nothing could have saved Chief. The snakebite was near the dog’s brain and the venom spread rapidly.

Maria Victoria immediately called Marlone who rushed home, stunned by the news.

He said the last thing Chief did was wag its tail while gazing at him.

“Chief gave his two deep breaths and died. It was saving its energy to get a glimpse of his master for the last two seconds of its life,” said Ian de la Rama, a friend of the Fronterases.

Balloons

The local chapter of the Royale Pit Bull Club-Ancient Fraternal Order of the Pit Bulls gave Chief a colorful farewell. Members of their club and their children released balloons and lit candles at the crowded Divisoria Plaza in the heart of this city.

The group also used the event to correct a misperception about pit bulls.

“They are not natural-born killers; they are gentle and very loyal to their masters,” said rally organizer, Eugene Tan.

In other countries, pit bull terriers were once bred for bull-baiting—a “game” where dogs attacked bulls in pits—and subsequently, dog-fighting.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 regulates the breeding and sale or exchange of pit bull terriers and three other kinds of dog—Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brasileiros. The regulation covers crossbreeds of those dogs.

There is no such law here. Nonetheless, pit bull terriers in the country suffer from bad publicity, the rally organizers admitted.

Champ

Chief, they hope, can salvage from beyond the grave his fellow pit bull’s image.

Tan said what the dog did was consistent with the nature of pit bull terriers. “They can be territorial, and they are very protective of their masters.”

Tan’s group officially declared Chief the “grandfather” of pit bull terriers in the city. The dog, he explained, was popular among dog breeders here that up to 60 percent of Cagayan de Oro’s estimated 500 pit bull terrier population owe their existence to Chief.

“Chief was very popular [among dog lovers]. Many loved and sought it for breeding because of its size, and because the dog was tame and loveable,” said Tan.

He said Chief even won a weight-lifting competition for dogs.

“To us, Chief was the Manny Pacquiao of pit bull terriers in the city. He was the champ.”

[csvset]

Rest In Peace Chief.

[FairOpinion]

Doggie ping

[csvset]

[ansel12]

Dogs, Gods subtle bridge between nature and man.

[whatisthetruth]

Finally a positive and heartwarming article about a pit bull. Almost zipped right by this article, glad now I didn't.

[RunningWolf]

Wow.

I wish I had the heart of that little pit bull terrier dog.

Its only when their base instincts take over, and attack children or the weak/old.

I guess dogs, even the pit bull terriers, have a lesson to teach us all. And that is not to get far away from the master.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

A good dog. A very good dog.

See people, not Bullies are evil beasts worthy only of destruction.

Unlike most humans, there are many decent ones out there.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

... not ALL Bullies ...

Gah, I suck.

[Captainpaintball]

This story has it all: drama,adventure, wild animals, a fight scene, heroism, dispelling of stereotypes, screaming Filipino girls, and of course, a Manny Pacquiao reference!!!

[Slings and Arrows]

Evil Pit Bull Attempts To Drown Innocent Kittens With Drool!

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Awwwwwww..... CUTE!

[dandelion]

Good Dog - Good Boy! Go Home and rest; the Master is waiting...

how often I wish we could be as good as our dogs.

[Slings and Arrows]

My sentiments exactly.

[Syncro]

Its only when their base instincts take over, and attack protect children or the weak/old.

There, fixed it.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

how often I wish we could be as good as our dogs.

Even on our best day, we could never be as good as a dog.

[ansel12]

See people, not Bullies are evil beasts worthy only of destruction.


... not ALL Bullies ...

Gah, I suck.






I may disagree with you, but I'm not sure, I'm going to make a drink and check back in a little bit.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

I'm not quite sure how to respond.

One one hand, I'm insulted, on the other hand, I'm confused. On the gripping hand, I definitely need to proofread more throughly.

[RunningWolf]

I think I saw where you went wrong on the typing...,

Like 'Wolf never has done that /sarc>

[ansel12]

"One one hand, I'm insulted, on the other hand, I'm confused. On the gripping hand, I definitely need to proofread more throughly."




""I may disagree with you, but I'm not sure, I'm going to make a drink and check back in a little bit.""


I was confused too, that is why posted like that.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

/shrug

Pass the margaritas.

[ansel12]

"I think I saw where you went wrong on the typing..., "





Thank goodness that none of us are drinking.

[RunningWolf]

No problem and thanks.

I was talking from the perspective of a kid on his bicycle paper route in the wrong area of town, and set upon by a pack of stray dogs (of which 2 were pit bulls, or bigger)

I know what its like to get clamped down on real hard.

Looking back I am glad I did not try to run, but got under that bicycle and stuck rolled newspapers into the dogs mouths. The whole thing was over in 6 minutes.

[Greystoke]

Well said

[Syncro]

I have been chased by dogs on a paper route, and attacked by a couple when I was a meter reader. Neither one was a pit bull

Dogs seem to like to chase paperboys!

[BnBlFlag]

Ping!

[Greystoke]

I am a weimaraner fan and owner for a long time, that said, I think most pit bulls are only mean because of their owners who want a 'bad a$$ tough dog' and bring them up wrongly. During the worst parts of my life, the one thing that was always their for me were dogs, dogs who only love, unconditionally. What a wonderful gift from God, truly a gift!

[B-Chan]

HERO DOG

[HawaiianGecko]

   http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm

The Pit Bull immediately strikes one as being a dog of power, passion, and undying willingness. The brick-like head, which is especially broad between the cheeks (to house the powerful jaws), is carried upon a thickly muscled, well-defined neck. The neck runs into a deep, thick, well-sprung chest. The American Pit Bull is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for his size. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional. Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the ADBA. The eyes are round, and any color is acceptable. The teeth should form a scissors bite. Its coat is made up of thick, short, shiny hair. All colors are admissible. The tail tapers to a point.

That sly smile, those determined eyes, that unwaning pleasure to please... the mere quality and characteristics of the APBT have evoked more human emotional, rational, and irrational response than any other breed that exists today.  By no means are these dogs people-haters or people-eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are toward other dogs and animals, not people.

If they are properly socialized they will not even be aggressive with animals. These are truly quality companions for quality owners only! The American Pit Bull Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet, which is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, it is always eager to please its master.

It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of vitality. Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death. It is usually very friendly, and has an uncanny ability to know when it needs to protect and when everything is okay.

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be willful and needs a firm hand. They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood.  For the most part they are very friendly, but not recommended for most people. Excellent with children in the family, they have a high pain tolerance and will happily put up with rough child play. As with any breed, they should not be left alone with unfamiliar children.

Originally used as fighting dogs, the powerful American Pit Bull may go for the throat of strange dogs. A minimum of training will produce a tranquil, obedient dog. Socialize very thoroughly when young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this is a very good dog and a great family companion. Unfortunately, some choose to promote the fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name.

I personally grew up around three pit bulls and until a few months ago owned one myself.  Never leashed, never locked behind a gate, it was the neighborhood dog.  I live on a peninsula that rises to a very high peak and is quite a popular walk for tourists to pass by my home. This dog would lie in the shade until she spotted a walker, would run towards and greet them at the entrance to the estates, walk with them to the peak, and walk back with them until they passed my home at which time she would lie back down in her spot.

I do admit that a few would turn around and not come into our neighborhood upon seeing a pit bull running towards them.

[RunningWolf]

I think you are on to something there, and it probably takes a lot of abuse to get any pit bull to behave like that all of the time.

I have always wanted to have some dogs and a few kitties. But only where they had a good space and I could take care of them most of the time.

[RunningWolf]

D-U


mean TUI...


????????

[ansel12]

My people are on this, my lawyers are already declaring #%b, *&/) ??{{'{

[PizzaDriver]

Once you EARN a dog's loyalty,it's actions will Amaze YOU.

If you are good at Earning that loyalty, and have spare time; look into doing "Breed Rescue".

Look at your "foster dogs" as Prize Students. When they leave your home, view it as Graduation Day for that Favorite Student.

It is a Celebration!

[Zeon Cowboy]

Pit Bulls have a reputation that really isn't deserved.

[RunningWolf]

Ansel12! Hearts to U!!

And from the SheepDog..., comes the RunningWolf

[Gamecock]

***look into doing "Breed Rescue".***

Hear hear!


I have rescued two dogs from the pound.


One, a Miniature Schnauzer, had the heart of a Pit Bull when it came to protecting my kids from all perceived threats. My mom has a scar on her ankle from when she tried to rough house with my then 8 year old.

My current rescued dog, a Lakeland Terrier, has attacked dogs 5 times her size, had them by the throat, when they came too close to us. She is great with people. A robber could clean us out, but he better not bring his dog with him.

[SuziQ]

One of my brothers had a pit bull that was the sweetest, most loving dog! When she had puppies, he gave another brother one of them, which he named Buster Brown. BB was a real goof, and another loving dog. I have a picture of him and our then 3 yr. old son, after an afternoon session of chasing each other. They have both collapsed on the floor, our David wrapped in his blanket, with his head laying on Buster Brown's side.

One day, Buster Brown disappeared from the fenced back yard when the family was gone for the day. He was gone almost a year, but one day, limped back into the yard. He had been beaten and starved. My brother assumed he'd been stolen to be a fighting dog, but when he didn't fight (as it wasn't in his nature), he was abused. He was home for about 6 months, then was taken again. That time he never returned.

[ansel12]

I hope that is a good thing.

[freepertoo]

I don't have first hand experience, so I can't say, but most vicious or deadly attacks I've read about are from pits. Recently, my little Australian Cattle Dog passed away and I went to the shelter to find a new companion...without exception, every single dog (every SINGLE DOG) in the cages were pits...and most had warning signs on the cages.

That's good enough for me to stay away from pits.

[tupac]

Finally, a Pit Bull gets it right. In this country it seems all they do is kill or maim the innocent and helpless. Here's an idea - Arm your four-year olds and grandma's with King Cobras to distract the muderous beasts while escaping.

[tupac]

Yes it is.

[Dysart]

This example of bravery and loyalty from a Pit Bull Terrier only shocks people who have never owned one. Thanks for posting.

[Ditter]

Good dog. My Jack Russel Terriers would have done the same. The part that got me was the fact that they lived in cobra country but they had a hole in their kitchen that a snake could come through. Gives me the creeps thinking about it.

[SLB]

When I was growing up in Wyoming our neighbor had an English Bulldog. Toby was in the yard one day while Mrs Loomis was hanging out laundry. A rattlesnake had coiled up by the clothes basket and Toby saw it and grabbed it and killed it before it could strike. He was bit once, but survived and supposedly had an immunity to the venom from then on.

[Dysart]

These dogs are NOT for everyone, and sadly by the time many find their way to a shelter they are frequently not adoptable by anyone without considerable expertise in handling powerful dogs with an improper upbringing. This ranges from abuse by thugs to simple neglect.

[EmilyGeiger]

This needed a tissue alert. :( Nice article

[kanawa]

In this country it seems all they do is kill or maim the innocent and helpless

Woman saved from fire by pit bull says her dog the best

[tupac]

Haha, what a story, the women is on drugs and then sets her bed on fire and her dog which was declared "dangerous" by local officials saves her from the fire. Yeah, makes me a believer.

Good thing she wasn't an innocent toddler who thought she was just playing with the family pet and then had her face ripped off by one of these unstable, murderous, four-legged nightmares.

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/112504/cover1125.html

[semaj]

I love my dogs.

[semaj]

Good thing she wasn't an innocent toddler who thought she was just playing with the family pet and then had her face ripped off by one of these unstable, murderous, four-legged nightmares.

I believe dogs take on the personalities of their owners. Every APBT that I have owned or members of my family have owned, have been exceptional dogs. Displaying only the best qualities of loyalty, playfulness, obedience and protectiveness.

It appears by your posts on this thread, that your vying for "STUPID POST OF THE DAY". What a moron.

[Roses0508]

So true, BP are not for everyone. The same is true of a lot of other breeds also. We're back to the responsible/irresponsible owner thing again.

I have a PB - the cats are more aggressive most of the time, but (i) don't make me unhappy, he takes that personally; and (ii) don't do anything that makes him feel you are threatening his people or his cats (yes, the cats are his - they eat out of his bowl and take his bones away sometimes). If he perceives a threat, he takes action. You have to be prepared to deal with that.

Several weeks ago my MIL made a lamb roast. The dog was outside for most of the day - when he came in he immediately went into defensive mode - running all through the house barking, growling and sniffing. He then focused on the kitchen and did everything he could think of to get my MIL away from what he perceived as a possible threat. When I came home he had her trouser leg and was tugging on her very carefully (he is very careful of her - understands for some reason that she is a little unstable on the feet). When she wouldn't come, he'd circle around and bark and then try to move her out of the kitchen again. I gave him a piece of roast and the uproar was over - no threat just food :-)

Hard not to love a dog that has demonstrated time and again that he will do whatever he can to protect you and that loves you with such a complete love.