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I had a full size collie when I was 10 through 15 years old. The first day we got the dog, my dad handed me a shovel and told me it was my responsibility to clean up after it. We had a two acre yard and 158 acres of field and woods. Since the dog was raised in Chicago by my cousins, it preferred the yard. By the time I turned 15, I had enough of policing the yard, and had other things to do than spend time with my dog. We gave it away.
Now I live in a neighborhood with several neighbors who let their dogs wander. Most of the time it is just one or two dogs, but more and more they are in a pack of five or six. Like my father, I do not like finding dog crap in my yard, but what I hate the most is having to worry about my kids safety when they want to play outside. Three weeks ago, my 7 year old son was attacked by a dog I had never seen before. Although he was only knocked down and had the dog standing over him growling, when I arrived seconds latter, I attacked by kicking it in the ribs and trying to chase it out of the yard. Halfway across the yard it stopped and turned to let me know that it had enough. I backed off and took my son inside. When I returned with my 9mm. It was gone. I have never used my gun in anger before, but was more than ready. I can only hope it died in a ditch with broken ribs.
I do realize that by having kids, I am responsible for their actions until they are adults, and will continue to feel like I'm responsible well after. You are legally responsible for your dogs and their actions until they die.

I understand your sentiments completely. I am a HUGE dog lover and I don't want a day of life without a dog in it but I would have shot the dog that threatened my child without hesitation. I treat my dogs like children but all dogs don't deserve that kind of treatment. Some have turned out bad because of abuse and some because of genetics. There are bad dogs folks and they need to be put down. Anyone who lets their dogs run loose deserve what happens to them.

(what is a yooper?)