Cloud broken hearted over loss


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 10:06 PM MDT


Nothing can be more devastating than losing a pet, and to have that animal taken from you in a violent way in front of your eyes heartbreaking.


Alicia Cloud with her grandson’s dog, Buddy, who is now keeping her company.

That’s just what happened to Alicia Cloud and her purebred Cocker spaniel, Sophie.

“It is indescribable. I had Sophie for 15 years. She usually was an inside dog. I would put her out in the front yard while I went to Mass and she would be outside until I got back,” Cloud said.

“For some reason she wanted to go out on this day. I tied her to the post at the carport with about 10 feet of slack, enough to get to shade and her water but far enough not to bother the postman

“I was in the house and then began hearing Sophie barking. As I headed toward the front door, I saw two pit bulls. One had Sophie by the throat and was shaking her around. I stopped at the door and yelled at them and kept yelling. I tried calling 9-1-1, but I was told that the police don’t respond to this type of call and I had to call Animal Control.

“It was getting worse and worse. I saw blood gushing from Sophie’s throat. The he began dragging her by the ear.

“Then the pit bulls turned and started looking at me. I got a container and started throwing water at them and they eventually took off, heading toward Food City.”

Cloud went over to see if her beloved Sophie was still alive, but she was bleeding terribly. She said she tried to stop the bleeding near the throat.

“I put her in the back of my car and took off to Dr. Michael John’s house He put her in the mobile unit but told me what I already knew, she was dying.

“The attack severed Sophie’s trachea. He told me if we sent her to the emergency room in Sierra Vista, she still wouldn’t make it.

“I could still see life in her eyes but it was fading.

I hugged Sophie as Dr. John injected her and she went to sleep.”

After taking Sophie back home, she contacted her son and Animal Control came, two hours after the initial call.

“If someone would have come when I called, they could have gotten the dogs,” she said.

“If these pit bulls can do this to another dog, what makes them think they wouldn’t have attacked me?”

She said she did appreciate the Animal Control placing Sophie in the refrigerator so she wouldn’t swell up, but what happens next time.

Cloud and friends went to the last City Council meeting asking them to do something, asking the police to answer these type of emergency pet calls.

“The city really needs to enforce the dog ordinance. There are two pit bulls that live down the street that have gotten out of their yard before. I also wonder how many pets someone can have on their property, and if it is against the law, enforce the ordinance.”

“No one should have to go through what I did,” she concluded.

City Code

According to code 6.04.240 all dogs must be kept on the owner’s premises or be in control of the owner while outside the premises. Stray dogs are to be impounded, but the only other penalty for a dog attack such as the one occurring at Alicia Cloud’s home is to euthanize the dog.

The animal’s owner is not penalized.

During the council meeting, Cloud and others were told the city would look further into the problem; especially involving stray dogs and dog attacks.

 

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Douglas resident- wrote on Apr 30, 2009 2:10 PM:

    " Out where we live if there is a stray that appears dangerous it will be shot! We'll not tolerate livestock or our dogs being attacked. File a lawsuit against the pit bull owners. They are irresponsible people that should not own a dog....let along that breed! Shame on the police. What if those dogs came across a person walking? Those dogs should be destroyed. At the very LEAST registered as vicious and owner HEAVILY fined. Post the name of the owner in the paper so we know whose deadly dogs to watch out for! "

    ms wrote on Apr 29, 2009 12:45 PM:

    " Douglas does have a police department, but it is too busy tring to be like the mexican police, driving like crazy, trying to do whatever they want, and acting like them. Next thing you know they will be asking for a "mordida". "

    Ryan Trejo wrote on Apr 29, 2009 8:42 AM:

    " I am so shocked that the police department is so incompetent!!

    I mean, they can barge into our homes "with consent" but they can't come and help a poor dog that's getting attacked by a couple of pit bulls.

    Although banning pit bulls would be unconstitutional, I believe that their owners should have restrictions and maybe even some training classes.

    After reading this, I'm going to have to keep my trusty 12 gauge and 357 magnums close to the door when I let my dog's outside. "

    Former Principal wrote on Apr 28, 2009 8:56 PM:

    " Seriously people, they are JUST dogs! "

    Another Dog Lover wrote on Apr 28, 2009 3:10 PM:

    " I am sorry for your loss. It is always tramatic when one looses a pet, particularly one that is considered part of the family. I am a little miffed about a number of things that I have read here.

    First if you don't like what you read in the paper; don't buy it. These types of events need to be reported. Even on the front page. The city needs to enforce the ordinances. They will come and get you if you have a yard sale without a permit, but when one or a pack of loose dogs, kills or mames another pet that is properly secured in a persons private property, something must be done about it. Yes this is not the first time it has happened. Maybe it should be the last. Contact your city representative to discuss this issue and have it enforced.

    Again my heart goes out to Ms. Cloud. "

    Leroy wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:49 AM:

    " Our Douglas Police Department and Animal Control officers are understaffed and underpaid. If the City Police Department were running on full staff, they would of assisted Mrs. Cloud. Being understaffed, they must be screen calls and the Police Dispatchers make the call if it is an emergency or not, or by the time they advise the head officer of the situation it is too late. The Police Department should of understood the dangers of a wild crazy animal attack, it could of gone from bad to worse, the animal could of attacked Mrs. Cloud. They should of responded. "

    former douglas resident wrote on Apr 27, 2009 2:16 PM:

    " douglas has a police department? "

    WestDallas wrote on Apr 26, 2009 8:52 PM:

    " Take the owner to court and hit it where
    it hurt $$$$$$ the walet or garnish his Wages (pay Checks) "

    Ignorance..... wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:11 PM:

    " Another prime example of ignorance and stupidity! But, then again, the public should be inquiring as to why, our own court system continues to fail it's citizen's in holding these animal owner's accountable! Why doesn't the city enforce it's own policies regarding having all dog's vaccinated and licensed? Just because a dog doesn't escape or is continuously tied up, does not excempt the owner from having his dog vaccinated/licensed! Where are our animal officer's? "

    Jodie wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:38 AM:

    " Mrs. Cloud,I'm very sorry for your loss.My daughters dog got loose 2 wks. ago & came home with dog bites & had to be taken to a vet.When is Douglas getting another full time vet.Dr. Ames is gone.I'm scared to walk down the street because of dogs running free.Dogs are more vicious when they run in packs.A neighbor's cat was attacked by a dog that was part of a pack running up the street.The cat died.Something needs to be done by the city to protect the animals & people from being attacked by wild dogs,like pit bulls,rottweilers,etc.Are those pit bulls rabid?I think owners of pit bulls & other dangerous breeds should have to register their dog with the city,so if something bad happens,then the police & animal control can take action.The dog put to sleep and the dog's owner socked with a huge,huge fine is a place to start.Won't bring back the slain animal though.I pray that children and the elderly walking down our streets will be safe. "

    jenh wrote on Apr 25, 2009 5:16 PM:

    " What were the police busy doing? Eating doughnuts? What an outrage. And pitbulls should be illegal as they are in other countries. "

    Applauled wrote on Apr 25, 2009 12:10 PM:

    " If you live in Elfrida and your dogs hurt someone elses animal you are not only forced to give up your dog or pay a very high price to get it back but then you are forced to pay THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS in fines and restitution. This court order being made by Douglas' very own judge. HHHH EEEE LLLL LLLL OOOOO!
    What is the difference between Elfrida and Douglas rules? "

    dog lover wrote on Apr 24, 2009 4:55 PM:

    " this time it was a pet, what if those dogs would of attacked this lady!? "

    Becky wrote on Apr 24, 2009 3:54 PM:

    " I have five little dogs that are my very own children and obviously I would be devastated and demand something be done to the Pit Bulls if they attacked my babies. Pit Bull defenders can say what they want about that breed of dog, they are dangerous and not only kill other animals but kill people and they should not be bred ever anymore. They were originally bred to take down bulls for goodness sakes. My heart goes out to Ms. Cloud who my mother and I worked with for years at the hospital. I'm sure Sophie was beautiful and brought Ms. Cloud much happiness and the people that own those Pit Bulls will hopefully be just as devastated and keep their dogs contained! God bless and comfort you Alice! "

    Amazed wrote on Apr 24, 2009 2:43 PM:

    " I can't believe this made the front page news, wow this shows what a lack of both reporting and news there are in douglas. "

    lol wrote on Apr 24, 2009 2:00 PM:

    " Larry do you consider this top news to make front page news with a big picture of her and her dog? I feel bad for her but come on I think theres more important news to be published especially front page. She's not the first person to have her dog attacked. "

    LOUISA ROMO wrote on Apr 24, 2009 1:40 PM:

    " I am also a dog/cat lover, and while I sympathize with Mrs. Cloud, there really isn't a reason for the police department to respond for this or for her to call 911. Animal control was dispatched to her residence, they did what they needed. How would Mrs. Cloud feel if she had a real emergency and an officer showed up an hour later because he was responding to a dog fight. How many times has Mrs. Cloud gone to a council meeting? Does she attend regularly or only when it affects her dogs? She can definately sue the owners for medical expenses, but don't blame the police department they are doing their job trying to protect the citizens, they have real life and death emergencies. Mrs. Cloud I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one "

    Fellow RN. wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:48 PM:

    " Alice, I mam very sorry about your loss, I cant even imagine how terrible that must have been for you. I think that the Police should have responded immediately to your home, what if the pit bulls would have attacked you, as you tried to help your beloved pet? Isnt their motto "To serve and protect" ? I think what happened to you comes under ONE of those categories! This used to be a small town where neighbors respected,and cared for one another, and the police were always ready to help out a citizen,in any type of distress.I know Douglas has changed, but I never realized it has changed so much for the worse. "

    Mortimer wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:30 PM:

    " In reading the opening line of this article, I can think of a few things more devastating than losing a pet in front of one's eyes - the first one that comes to mind is losing a CHILD in front of one's eyes, or other HUMAN family members and/or friends.

    Regarding the remainder of the article, there are a large number of stray dogs running around through Douglas. Animal Control and DPD seem to do nothing about it, and some people think it's "no harm, no foul". However, how many times have drivers been on the road to suddenly have either a single dog or a pack of dogs run out in the street. This startles the driver, and he or she may instinctively swerve to avoid striking the dumb animals, only to end up in an accident which may kill or injure the driver, and possibly passengers, other drivers on the road, or pedestrians. The dogs just keep moving on, and the driver, if alive, is cited for failure to control the vehicle. "

    pain is indescribable wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:29 PM:

    " The story speaks for itself, the pain is indescribable "

    Dog lover wrote on Apr 23, 2009 1:03 PM:

    " Oh my god!!! that is so awful to stand there while they are mauling your pet, and you can't do anything about it. Ms Cloud I feel awful to what happned to your Sofie. I have two little dogs and I do not know what I would do if that happened to my dogs!! Also did they pick up the dogs? What did they do to the owner of the dogs? I hope the city does something about the stray dogs. Before another attack accures by these dogs. And next time they could attack people!!! "

    animal lover wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:47 PM:

    " douglas is the worst place to get help when u need it!!! especially when it comes to our beloved pets. a couple of years ago a couple of dogs mauled my sister in laws cat. not only did they kill her cat but also killed a dog a block away and animal control let the owner keep one of the dogs that did the killing!!! i think loose dogs are very dangerous especially to our children and elderly! we the community need to step up and find a way to protect our pets because i doubt that we will get help from douglas police or animal control! mrs. cloud i am so sorry for your loss. losing a pet is one of the worst feelings and no one should have to go through what u went through. "

    Unknown wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:32 PM:

    " That's Douglas police for you! "

    Dog large wrote on Apr 22, 2009 8:57 PM:

    " Where I live there is a town ordinance for Dog @ large, and Dog causing injury. If they go to court a victim can ask for restitution because this victim deserves some kind of relief. and yes the owner is cited and penalized by the court. Maybe the city should look into something like that why shouldn't the owner be penalized for not taking care of their dog(pets) it could have seriously caused injury to Mrs. Cloud. Ms. Cloud if any consolidation you should go about this in a civil matter even consider an attorney to be compensated for your loss it won't bring your dog back but maybe send a message!!!!!!!! "

    C.O.D. wrote on Apr 22, 2009 8:55 PM:

    " To the City -Of -Douglas, Do you have a code that would penalized the owners ? not just the dogs being euthanized if they main another dog like in code 6.04.240. What code do you have for a human, being mauled by dogs. Sorry Alice ! "

    anonymous wrote on Apr 22, 2009 5:42 PM:

    " This is so sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. Dogs become like family members, and sometimes it's just as hard to lose them as it is when a family member dies.
    To those who led their vicious dogs run rampid, TIE THEM UP! "

    Mike Jackson wrote on Apr 22, 2009 4:04 PM:

    " Who gets the online byline on this good story? "

    CROCO wrote on Apr 22, 2009 3:01 PM:

    " CODE 604.240-The dog or dogs that main another dog are euthanized and the owner is not penalized.Does the CITY OF DOUGLAS HAVE ANOTHER CODE WHERE A HUMAN IS MAUL AND THE OWNERS ARE FINED ?????
    SORRY ALICE "

    me wrote on Apr 22, 2009 1:06 PM:

    " The exact same thing happened at my parent's house in Pirtleville about a month ago. Sheriffs or Animal control were not called, but two pit bulls came into the yard and killed a small dog in the same manner. God forbid if this happens to a small child.

    What happens when a person has to shoot or kill one of the attacking animals? Will we be charged for killing the attacking animal? "

    I am so sorry- wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:13 AM:

    " I too am a pet owner and know how much they mean to you. They are family. Some cities have special rules and required insurance for owners of pit bulls. I don't care how they are raised they are dangerous! I would insist those two dogs be found and destroyed. They could very well attack and kill a human. The owners SHOULD/MUST be held accountable. NO PENALTY FOR THE OWNER? That is unacceptable!!! I am afraid to walk my dogs out on the streets due to dogs running loose. In a dog attack police should respond and shoot the vicious animal. Why would anyone want it allowed to attack again? You should have gone out and let them bite you. Then you could have sued the city for non-response to an emergency call & reckless endangerment. This incident "should" have been take seriously! "

    Parent wrote on Apr 22, 2009 8:57 AM:

    " I think something should be done about these dogs. Although the life of a life-long pet is very valuable what would have happened if it would have been a child playing outside. All dogs are unpredictable when it comes to their behavior therefore, owners should be held responsible for their actions or at least be responsible enough to make sure they have adequate fencing and yard space. "

    Pirtleville resident wrote on Apr 21, 2009 11:21 PM:

    " I feel so sad about what happened to Mrs. Cloud's dog, we had a similar experience in Pirtleville with 2 pit bulls (white) and also they killed our dog. I don't understand why some people, knowing how those dogs are, let them out. If they kill another dog imagine what they can do to a child. We live very close to an elementary school where many students walk to school and back home and I am very concern about them.
    Please authorities do something to protect people and also other animals. "

    My Heart is with you wrote on Apr 21, 2009 11:09 PM:

    " I am an animal lover and have had dogs all my life. I am sorry it was so tramatic and you had to go through that. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. Sorry again. Fellow owner and animal lover :( "

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