A West Philly resident, Nati Passow, was bitten by a dog last night while he was biking down Larchwood Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets. He is looking for the dog’s owner to see if the dog was up to date on all of his shots, in order to avoid a series of rabies shots. Here’s what Nati wrote us in an email:
On Saturday night around 9:45 I was biking down Larchwood between 45th and 44th. A woman was walking her dog and the dog ran at me. She called after him (that’s how I know the name), but Clyde proceeded to bite my leg. It’s not too bad of a bite, but it broke skin, so I went to HUP, and because I didn’t know the dog, they started me on the rabies vaccine. I’d really prefer not to have to get the remaining 3 doses, and they said that if I track down the owners and learn that Clyde has gotten all of his shots, I’m good to go.
If you know someone in the area with a dog named Clyde, please put them in touch with me. It was a very quick interaction, but I believe Clyde was a big dog, slender build, with a lighter colored coat.
If you know anyone in the neighborhood who has a dog named Clyde that fits the provided description, please email Nati as soon as possible at npassow@gmail.com, as he will need to return to HUP in three days for the next dose.
February 24th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Why wasn’t this dog on a leash?
February 24th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
I live around 44th and Larchwood, and I get so annoyed by two dog owners who each own a white pitbull-mix (it might be the same dog), who always let their dog run around unleashed. I love dogs, and I’m a dog owner myself. I find it utterly irresponsible of people to let their dog run around unleashed. They may think they know their dog, but these selfish owners don’t understand that when their unleashed dog approaches other dogs, that it can always result in a fight between them. Also, it makes everyone uncomfortable, when you have to pass an unleashed dog – especially those with small children. Please, put our dog on a leash!
February 24th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
I imagine that anyone who knows Clyde or the owner is not going share the info because, if found, the dog will likely be taken and put down.
February 24th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
In case the owner does see this I simply want the info regarding the shots. I’m not going I report the dog to any authorities. That said, I agree that the dog should have been on a leash. Regarding the second comment, if you know where those owners live, please be in touch with me. Thanks
February 24th, 2013 at 8:12 pm
nati! nooooooooooooooo. if you lose youre leg i’ll gladly offer mine if they can do a transplant.
February 24th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Well said, Anonymous. So, a unleashed (likely pit or mix) dog bites someone. IMO the dog should be put down. You’d probably prevent a future tragedy, and it’s obvious that the owner isn’t responsible enough to have a pet.
February 24th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
I posted the comment at 6:06pm. I just want to clarify that I DO NOT accuse the owner of the white pit bull in my neighborhood to be responsible for the bite. I just mention him and his dog as an example of irresponsible dog ownership, since I see them walk around all the time, I think it’s wrong, and that irresponsible owners like them cause accidents like it happened to Nati.
Again, I DO NOT KNOW if this white pit bull/mix was involved. For all I know it could be the tamest and nicest dog on earth.
But please, ALWAYS put your dogs on a leash. I have a dog myself. It’s no big deal. I don’t understand why people don’t just do it.
February 24th, 2013 at 10:58 pm
Just heard from Clyde’s owner and he is fully up to date.
February 25th, 2013 at 7:46 am
Nati: Yay! Even if she was irresponsible with the leash laws, at least she stepped up and helped you.
February 25th, 2013 at 9:16 am
Nati, you should really file a police report. Leash laws exist for a reason. If this dog bites a child it could inflict serious harm.
February 25th, 2013 at 10:16 am
Some of the dog owners in that area are horribly irresponsible. Case. In. Point.
February 25th, 2013 at 10:34 am
Nati, I’m glad you don’t have to worry about the rabies shot, but Anon is right..you should file a police report. Maybe that’ll teach the irresponsible owner that there are leash laws for a reason. Next time it could be kid then how would they feel? Walking your dog without a leash is bad enough as it is, but walking a pit/pit mix without a leash is a whole other level of stupidity & ignorance. I’ve had arguments with this young rescue couple in my neighborhood about this very issue. They think it’s perfectly ok to walk their pits without leashes.
February 25th, 2013 at 10:46 am
Nati you should file a police report. Otherwise, if that dog bites someone again, it will be your fault as much as the owner’s.
That dog needs to be taken from the owner, as do any dogs off leashes in the city, and that includes Clark Park.
February 25th, 2013 at 11:50 am
I’m HOPING that without having to file a police report that the owner will now use a leash on their dog. Especially now knowing that their dog runs after bikers. It’s not only unsafe for other people… but it’s unsafe for their dog to run out in the street. They should have the incentive to keep their dog safe, as well as other people!
February 25th, 2013 at 11:54 am
Hooray for the owner stepping up! Leash laws are never enforced in this city. If the dog was a on a leash, this incident most likely would not have happened. Clyde needs a leash not a euthanasia needle and perhaps some training classes. It does not matter if your dog is friendly or not, unless you are in a real dog park like the on on 48th and Chester, you have no business letting your dog roam around, yes, including Clark Park and the Woodland Cemetery. It gives the rest of us law abiding dog owners a bad rap.
February 25th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Very glad that you don’t have to continue with the rabies shots, Nati! Out of curiosity, were you stopped or moving when the dog bit you? I’ve never heard of it happening, but the thought of a dog chasing someone on a bike is terrifying.
February 25th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
I see a white pitbull being walked off-leash by a woman in our neighborhood nearly every day. As stated earlier, it certainly does make everyone uncomfortable, and I wish this person would step up and be a responsible pet owner and also give an ounce of care to the safety and well-being of her neighbors and her neighbors leased dogs.
February 25th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
To all of the people encouraging Nati to file a police report anyway, your hearts are in the right place and you make a lot of sense, but Nati already gave his word that he wouldn’t go to the police – he just wanted to get the information so he could spare himself a lot of unnecessary pain. Had he not said that, he may not have gotten the info he needed. It worked, and the owner came forward. He can’t just go back on his word now. He can, of course, but I can understand why he wouldn’t want to.
February 25th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Walking a pitbull unleashed is such a bad idea. Leash laws should be enforced, and I agree with those who believe a police report should be filed & for euthanasia. When a dog bites someone it should be game over. Sara, training classes don’t matter with pits or mixes…whether you raise them from puppies or rescued. It’s genetics. This is why dogs like pits shouldn’t be adopted out to just anyone, especially clueless hipsters.
February 25th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Hi Everyone,
I seem to have sparked a lively conversation. One important note is that I am not sure whether the dog was on leash. It happened very quickly and the dog could have simply pulled away from his owner. The owner was very proactive in getting in touch with me once she saw the posts and realized what had happened. And I’ve now seen a picture of the dog and it is not a white pit. To answer Arwin’s question, I was riding, which is why the whole thing happened so quickly. Again, at first it didn’t feel like much which is why I didn’t stop. It wasn’t until later that I realized it was a more substantial bite. I have told the owner that in case Clyde was not on a leash, she really should keep him on one, as that would have prevented the whole situation in the first place.
February 25th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Stop making this about pit bulls. Who knows what kind of dog this was, and any dog is scary off leash. Bringing specific breeds into the discussion always results in it devolving into a shouting match with both sides making the same tired arguments and no one listening to anyone else.
I’m not sure what we should do to make sure that the leash laws are enforced, but it would be nice to get everyone in on a productive discussion about it. Is it an issue of people really just not knowing what the law is? Would a tactfully-worded reminder to those with off-leash dogs help? (I doubt this, as it is another situation where confrontation results in a shouting match, but it might be a start.) Maybe we could also look into starting another dog park in the area?
Meanwhile, I will continue to walk my dog on-leash, and encourage you all to do the same.
February 25th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
I couldn’t agree more with Arwin, and I really regret having brought the white pit bull story into the discussion last night. My intention was not make this about pit pulls or other breeds that are so often incorrectly labeled as dangerous. Agree that any dog off the leash is potentially dangerous. The dog doesn’t even need to bite someone. Any dog who chases after a squirrel could run into the street and cause an accident.
My true intention was really to bring attention to the owners in the neighborhood who let their dog run around without a leash, and the dog just happens to be a pit bull. I was hoping that the owner would read this thread and rethink about taking his/her dog out on a leash going forward.
It’s not about pit bulls! I know plenty of pit bulls and responsible owners. So, thank you, Arwin, for raising the issue and warning about the direction this discussion is headed.
February 25th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Ugh. People make me sick who pin point certain dog breeds. It could’ve been ANY kind of dog. Yes, Nati needed to be descriptive , however, everyone else who discriminates against the breed might as well be called a racist. If it were a chihuahua, would people be so quick to agree that the dog needs to be put down?
Also, to say that pits and pit mixes cannot be trained and that it’s in their genetics to bite people is the most ignorant thing I’ve ever heard.
As we’d like to think, All dogs aren’t perfect so put them on a leash… whatever the breed may be.
February 25th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Animal bites- either wild/stray/domestic- are a public health reportable condition. Should be reported within 5 days of the event to 215-685-6748. Whether or not the police are involved, the clinician and/or the patient should report the dog bite for follow up. Nati, I hope you received clinical documentation of the dog’s vaccination status. Do not take a verbal declaration. I know that you are honoring a “gentleman’s agreement” with the owner, but the decision to report the dog is not just a legal issue but a moral issue- it’s the right thing to do.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Re: veronana70…the hospital reported the incident to public health. And I am getting a copy of the vaccination records. Thanks.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
This whole story seems kinda odd.
Was Nati riding his bike on the sidewalk?
February 25th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Nope…was biking down the middle of the street.
February 25th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Stephanie… I’d hate to break it to you, but dogs are not people and to say that it’s “racist” to point out the obvious regarding a type of dog is ludicrous. I’ll grant you that yes, ANY dog off leash is a danger, but some are more so than others. You going to compare an off leash Chihuahua & a Pit Bull? Are you serious? Breeds do differ in danger levels. You have an angry chihuahua & an angry pit bull bearing down on your child…one can be easily punted away, while the other can actually remove your leg. This is why people who defend them lack logic. Its OBVIOUS that some breeds pose more of a danger than the others, and yet people argue it. Many of the people I see walking these rescues(where did they come from, etc)shouldn’t be owning them, and then you hear stories like this. You may think it’s the most ignorant thing you ever heard, but it’s just reality. You can’t out train genetics.
February 25th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Thank you, Rescue Devil. You’re absolutely right.
And I too have seen the woman walking her white pitbull near 45th and Osage. The last time I saw it, I told her to put it on a leash, and I called 911. She completely ignored me.
I believe the same dog is walked by a man, who may be the woman’s partner.
I’m not interested in the usual propaganda from committed pitbull advocates. I call it pitbullsh**.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
“everyone else who discriminates against the breed might as well be called a racist”
LOL, here come the nutters.
February 25th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Pitbulls, like anything born with a brain, are a product of genetic disposition and upbringing. They are not born with anymore hate than other breeds.
Unfortunately the breed that poses the greatest risk continue to spawn and spew ignorance online, and should be freaking muzzled.
February 25th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Pit bulls accounted for 68% of all fatal dog attacks in 2012. The next breed down was only 8%. Only an ignorant and/or naive fool would dare to state that a pit bull and chihuahua pose the same threat.
http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2012.php
There is no comparison.
February 26th, 2013 at 12:05 am
Two details and some thoughts. I’ve spoken to the owners, and:
1. The dog that bit me is not a pitbull
2. The dog that bit me WAS on leash and pulled away from its owner
Now here is my bigger question. I like dogs. I live with one now and have lived with two other dogs over the years. I understand that they can provide a strong and beautiful emotional relationship for people. But I still think the whole thing is kind of strange. That people own these animals and take them for walks, and pick up their poop, and change their plans so they can come home and let them out. That they let them shed all over their stuff, and eat their slippers, and cause their friends who are allergic to not be able to come over.
But I’m willing to be convinced.
Share your “why you love dogs” stories so we can evolve this conversation…
February 26th, 2013 at 5:58 am
Unconditional love and companionship. It helps that we bred them to have big ol’ eyes that tug at the heartstrings.
When I was laid up with a horrible case of the flu, she jumped up on the bed (never done it before, never allowed it) and curled up in the curve of my body as I lay in bed sick as hell. She stayed in bed with me that week…haven’t been able to get her out since. Oh well.
She comforted me the only way a dog can after a horrible breakup that left me wondering if I could trust again. I was sitting on the floor, crying, (hey, we’ve all been there…) and she sat down next to me and went SLURP and licked the tears off my face. Extremely gross but also very sweet. Made me laugh. Broke the sads. How could I throw a pity party when there’s this sweet creature sitting here, waiting for me to play?
They know when you’re sad, they know when you’re sick, and all they want to do is make you feel better. And all they ask in return is food, walks, and to be let out to poop. So much poop.
We’ve bred them to be our companions. They are amazing animals. They actually follow not just our body language, but our eyes, and can take direction just from a human pointing without being trained to do it. We’ve bred this into them. They literally live for our approval.
Every dog, even the abused dog, is capable of being a great companion barring legitimate psychological issues, usually from in-breeding.
Can’t imagine life without them.
February 26th, 2013 at 8:37 am
Thanks to Nati and Erin for trying to bring the conversation back to something constructive rather than destructive! Clearly my attempts failed.
This story was written to help out a neighbor (who obviously had no ill intent and was just trying to watch after his health). Can we please have some respect for that?
We all make snarky comments on the message boards from time to time. It’s a product of (relative) anonymity, and sometimes it’s a good way to vent or express an unpopular opinion. However, we’ve had the pit bull conversation a million times. It’s always the exact. same. thing. Maybe it’s time to lay off.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@ Thos…a lesson in statistics.
Per your source’s citations, their statistics are compiled based on whats reported in the news and online news at that! Follow their ciation link…see example below for 2013.
http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatality-citations-2013.php
Unfortunately, what appears in the news is selective by nature and yet again continues the ignorant and convenient brush strokes of breed specific characterization.
These characterizations unwittingly help absolve owners of their personal responsibility in raising a dog properly, create alarmist reactions and poison honest discourse.
February 26th, 2013 at 11:20 am
Rescue Devil… I just don’t think the first conclusion to things is to put a dog down. What I meant by the pit bull vs chihuahua thing is that I don’t think the first thing someone would say is to put the dog down if a chihuahua bit someone. That’s all I’m saying. It sucks when people judge dogs by their breed, but it happens and it’s frustrating. For example, I’ve walked my dog down the street and people would rather walk into traffic rather than walk next to my dog. Little did they know, he’s like a giant house cat. A giant ‘lap cat’ that’ll make your legs go numb. I’m not trying to fight with anyone on here, nor am I trying to point fingers.
I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with dogs. My dog was attacked in two separate circumstances.. both resulting in stitches and surgery. My dog is a Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull) and in both incidents, didn’t retaliate.
He got bit in the dog park (at 22nd and Lombard) and ran off to play with other dogs. I ran after him to make sure he was ok. In that time, the owner of the dog that bit him took his dog and left without me being able to get their information. Also, I felt really bad for my dog because all of the people left the dog park even though my dog wasn’t the one who bit. It really broke my heart because my dog looked at me with those “why doesn’t anyone want to play with me?” eyes. People were yelling at ME because of it. They told me that ‘those dogs aren’t welcome here’ and that I should leave. I cried because my dog was hurt and no one seemed to care (except for a lovely pug owner who witnessed the whole thing and suggested a private play date). It turned out that he needed stitches because he was bit in his salivating gland.
It’s just a bummer!!!! It broke my heart and I felt helpless that my dog was hurt.
Regardless of all of this, I’m glad that Nati is ok and I would’ve probably done the same thing in that circumstance.
February 27th, 2013 at 1:49 am
from recent first-hand experience, I can say that having the dog on a leash isn’t necessarily going to mean the dog won’t attack another dog or a person!
February 27th, 2013 at 11:06 am
Nati, we’re glad you’re okay, and it’s good to know Clyde was leashed. I’m sure Clyde’s owner will be especially careful not to let that happen again. I appreciate Arwin’s, Stephanie’s, and Stevie’s comments. This thread should not be about breeds.
Regarding the threat of rabies, my understanding is that if a dog (or animal) that has bitten someone is found _not_ to be up-to-date on their rabies vaccine, or if there is an absence of documentation to prove that the animal was vaccinated, the animal can be ‘confiscated’ and euthanized. I’ve been told that the only way to check for rabies in an animal is to do an autopsy. Sad. If anyone reading this thread knows more about this subject please chime in.
Note that rabies (and distemper) vaccines can be 3-year or 1-year vaccines. Please make sure your pets – especially dogs and outside cats – are vaccinated at the due date. Current tags (including rabies tag) should always be warn. And collars, with tags, should stay on the dog at ALL times. So many dogs that go missing aren’t wearing their collars so are more vulnerable…
To the owner of the small dog who was attacked Monday, I hope your dog is okay…
🙁