I just want to update everyone who is concerned about what happened in Lassie's case. The court hearing concerning the dogs left me unsettled.   The judge didn't even want to listen to my story and so I felt discounted and that Lassie didn't matter.  He just turned to the owner and said how do you plead. He said, "Guilty." Then the judge turned to me and said "What do you want?" I said "I want the dogs gone from the neighborhood." The judge said, "I can't do that. What do you want?" I was stunned by that reply. The next thing that happened was the owner showed the animal control officer a paper - he said "When did this happen?" the owner replied, "Yesterday." The judge looked at it and said to me "You got what you wanted." After admoninshing us as neighbors to get along the hearing was over.

I was able to meet the man and his wife outside the courtroom and he apologized and said he hoped the neighbors could get by this.  I assured him that I know he didn't intend for this to happen but it did. His dogs terrorized me and everyone was concerned.  They stalked Lassie like prey, it was an unprovoked attack.  Everyone was upset because she was loved by them all.

I called the courthouse later for the disposition of the case. They said he was found not guilty.  I called animal control and received the same response. Because he got rid of the dogs before the hearing he was found not guilty on all charges.  Not guilty of the death of my Lassie, not guilty of injuring me, not guilty of allowing two dangerous dogs to get free and attack.   I don't understand it.  I don't feel that justice was served.  He gave the dogs to someone and he can visit them and he's not guilty.  No fine for his carelessness.  His insurance takes care of everything. It seems to me that laws need to be changed to hold the owner responsible.

I have forgiven the owner for what was done but it seems that Lassie's death didn't matter to the court.  The judge had more important matters to deal with and had no time to listen how two dogs stalked and terrorized me and almost ripped my dog in two.The insurance company even said that I wouldn't have been injured if I hadn't tried to protect my dog.

I know I have to let go of this and focus on the positive.  The dogs are gone from the neighborhood.  The owner's baby that is on the way will be safe from them.  My dear Lassie was such a gift of love in my life and I want to remember that. I will finish her life-story and maybe it can become a children's book.

Thanks again to all of you who expressed your concern and support of me through all of this. You are a blessing.