Can you believe this?

My cousin in law and his wife (two of my favorite people in the world) came up from Texas to visit for a week. They brought their chihuahua/pom mix, Jojo. Jojo is a sweet dog. He will put his little paw on your lap and if you say,"Okay, Jo..." he will jump up. He is the definition of a lap dog. My cousin and his wife have two children (11 and 5). Jo is their constant companion and loves having fun. The only downside this dog has is that, if he gets out, he runs.

Today, they were visiting us so that my cousin in law (who was also like a brother to MrG) could spend some time with my son while his wife and I hung out and looked at RE listings in Houston. When his cousin got back my aunt called. Jo had gotten out. They rushed home. That was 4 hours ago. I just got a call from my cousin's wife. Apparently, the neighbor down the street found Jojo. Jojo let him pick him up, but when the neighbor went to check his tags, Jojo bit him and ran off. The police were called and apparently Jojo bit (I use this term loosely since there were no puncture wounds) three of them before they were able to get him. When my cousin went to pick him up, proof of shots and licensing in hand (Jo has tags and everything) they gave him a ticket for the dog not being restrained. Okay, understood. Then they told him he couldn't have the dog for 10 days because it was the "most vicious animal we have ever seen" and "how dare you have children around this animal" and "blah, blah, blah". Problem is, my cousin is going home tomorrow. They won't let him have his dog and won't even let them see him. I am afraid because 1. what if they put him down already? 2. He is supposedly in the DPW compound because this town doesn't have a dog pound. The DPW compound is not manned and we are worried that (if they didn't put him down) he won't be fed. I just can't shake the feeling that they thought that they were neglectful dog owners (despite the tags and the shots and the call right away when the dog went missing) and put him down. Kudos to my cousin for asking "Well, what did you do to him?" when the policeman said he was so very vicious and had bitten him. Poor Jojo. This dog is a baby and I hate to think of him all alone. I hate that my niece and nephew are crying for their dog. How can that be better?

Would it help to get a lawyer involved??

for a court date. I am currently gathering pictures of the dog cuddling with my kids when we were there last time. I have also said that, if they would release Jo to me, I would get him to them if the cops are going to continue to be asses about it.

:hi:
Remember to put Norene out on the street.

:hi:

Maybe they'll run with it... and help resolve the issue quickly. I've never known a Chihuahua/Pom mix to be vicious-- hyper, but not vicious. :eyes: Good luck! :hug:

p.s., That wouldn't happen to be the same police officer who gave your daughter such a hard time, would it?! lol

I love this little puppy. Yes he has little springs in his paws and is very "active" but I've only ever seen him growl once. At another dog. No, it's a different police officer in a different city, but it makes me happy that I am pretty much decided to get out of Michigan.

That would bo so cool!! :D

And, heck, Texas could use another Dem (or at least Dem leaning independent), right?

Please keep me posted, if you do...ok? I'm excited for you!! :hi:

I think I'm going to call and see what we can do.

NOW. They are your best friend in a situation like this. You won't get crap done through any sort of "official" channels.

I've seen a lot of law enforcement officers (both regular police) and so called "humane" officers that are a little psycho about "protecting" us from animals, and vice versa.

It's easier for them to pick on and "control" an 8 lb dog or cat than a human being. Big tough cops. Oh, yeah. :grr: NOT!

He's very "respect authority" etc. But his kids are crying. :(

:pals:

:hug: Sorry. Hope it works out. I have no brilliant suggestions, other than an offer of moral support.

I just can't believe how over the top the police get.