lizzybennet | (no subject)

This evening my brother's wife called the police (MEMPHIS, take note of that!!) because she discovered her jewelry had been stolen. When the officer responded, my brother's dog ran out to greet him. He's a super friendly dog, just over excited and large--a boxer. Although my sister in law and nephew were repeatedly assuring the officer that the dog was friendly, the officer proceeded to kick the dog and then SHOOT THE DOG!!!! The dog was cowering on the ground after being kicked, and the offer still pulled out his gun and shot him. My nephew was only two feet away at that point, because he'd rushed forward to get the dog. The officer was reckless, in countless ways. He was only two feet from shooting an innocent 18 year old boy, not to mention the fact that he did shoot an innocent, loving dog!

The dog is still alive, and has been taken to an emergency vet clinic. He will have to have shoulder surgery and might lose his front leg. It's going to cost $1000 just for the over night stay tonight, not to mention actual cost of the surgery. All this because they dared call the cops to ask for help with a burglary they were a victim of.

To top it off, the robber stole several rings from my sister-in-law that belong to her very recently deceased mother. It has been a very hard year for them. Several more officers showed up and took the officers gun away. The whole yard was taped off. The local news showed up and interviewed my brother and his family. I'll post a link to that if I can find it online.

I'm so outraged. And I just feel so sad for my brother. That dog is his fur-kid, through and through. It's such an injustice.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm glad your nephew is okay. The cop...he really wasn't thinking. I think there is a wide-spread cop problem in our country. There's not enough police and the ones we do have are stressed out (obviously this cop can't handle his stress) and the officers in charge of the police won't actually get them help. It's ridiculous and a young man almost got shot because of it.

This is absolutely infuriating. Absolutely.

Isn't it insane? They found out that the dog's shoulder can be saved. The cost of the surgery is $4000. The vet won't operate with out a significant payment upfront. I think the local Memphis news is working with Ben and Bekah to try and set up a fund to receive donations. I hope the officer has his weapon taken away at the very least.

Sarah is a real animal lover. She donates to the ASPCA and Humane Society, or some other such organization on a monthly basis. When I told her about the incident she was livid. She started pacing back and forth around the office just ranting. I'm still upset as well. And the really sad thing is that a google search on "office shoots dog" will yield countless stories just like this. Apparently officers are shooting innocent dogs quite often these days. Too sad.

That's awful!

I'm actually working on an idea that might help raise some money. I'll email you.