Attacks continue
Aman and his mother in Azusa, Calif., are recovering after being mauled by the four pit bulls they were dog-sitting in late February.
The man was watching the pit bulls for a friend when authorities said he was attacked in the backyard of his home. Deputies said when the man’s mom tried to intervene and help, she was attacked and mauled as well.
I promised readers I’d try to keep up with these endless maulings and maimings by pit bulls and am making every effort to warn about the widespread threat pit bulls and their mixes can be, which is one reason animal shelters are teeming with this breed.
I also received the following message from a valued reader last week: “Several years ago while riding my bike in my neighborhood, I was charged by an unrestrained pit bull dog. I was petrified. The [owner] was in the yard and ran over trying to get control of the dog. He kept charging me. She was able to ward him off each time. Finally she able to get him in under control. I never went down that street again.”
A lengthy record of undeniable violence proves the threats of pit bulls to safety, peace and even one’s life (including their own pets) in any community when left unrestrained, comparable to releasing a mountain lion on the public.
That’s why increasing numbers of communities across the nation, as as well as 47 countries, have partial or complete bans specifically on pit bulls.
I know personally of their potential threat. My wife Jeanetta and our 12-pound taco terrier Benji were suddenly and savagely attacked and bloodied by an unrestrained pit bull mix as they strolled the street through our otherwise peaceful Harrison neighborhood. Benji escaped death, yet was badly injured.
Today they avoid that street, and she’s learned to carry a powerful stungun cane for defense.
Our taxpaying, voting citizens should not have to live under such fear. The fines for those who fail to effectively restrain their pit bulls, mixes and other large dogs should be increased to at least $5,000 plus medical costs for each mauling, biting, maiming or killing offense. Then this unacceptable condition finally will end.
Meanwhile, I’ll continue to inform the public with each pit attack I learn about.
FIRST/LAST PLACE
Another national first place for our Natural State, valued readers. Well, perhaps it’s better said we’re No. 50!
Arkansas recently was found to be the most affordable state for a pediatrician visit at $163.60.
Is this the part where we say hooray?
Alaska is the most expensive for parents to visit a pediatrician, with each visit costing $233.63. Virginia is the second most expensive at $204.57.
This according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as compiled by the Birth Injuries Lawyers Group (and you can bet those barristers in fashionable suits are on top of how much money is involved in this practice, and where).
Even our $163.60 is a huge chunk of the monthly budget for parents without health insurance, especially those with multiple children.
The national average was $177.90.
CURE OR CARE?
Is anyone else as amused as I’ve been by the TV ads promoting prescription medicines promising to ease a certain disease or physical problem?
These messages from drug companies permeate the airwaves nowadays. After assuring us what positive results they can offer, they must cite the lawyer-reviewed litany of potential side effects and/or negative results from taking what they are selling. It’s a list that can run at least as long as the possible benefits and even cause worse afflictions.
For an ever-so-slightly contrived example, I offer: “If you are among the unfortunate who suffer the agonies of distressing Hurtfingeritis, be sure to ask your physician about the revolutionary monthly injection of Finger Fixed Forever. It”s virtually guaranteed to stop the occasional pain in your nagging fingertip.
“Warning: Common side effects can include injection site pain, liver damage, gallstones, kidney stones and kidney failure, heart arrhythmia, breathing difficulties, sudden increases in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, trouble swallowing, intense and lengthy headaches, blackened fingernails, pain in the lower jaw, dimming of eyesight, pain in knee cap and large toe and little finger of opposite hand, knots forming in thighs, reddening flush in neck and face, stomach cramps, tongue seizures, painful lower leg muscles,
“Also, sneezing, coughing, red and watery eyes, dry mouth, possible tooth loss, loss of speech, sudden mood changes, sudden pain in bridge or tip of the nose, loss of eyebrow hair, lip swelling and fingernails of the treatment hand unexpectedly falling away.
“Ask your doctor today about finally ending your occasionally painful Hurtfingeritis with a once-monthly Finger Fixed Forever injection! Covered by most top-level, Gold Star insurance programs. Pregnant women should avoid this medication.”