I enjoyed reading this post of yours. It leaves an important point essentially unspoken to, I think. You certainly weren’t a bad owner for Klaus. And he certainly was a bad dog. I think too many people don’t pay attention to the importance of their dog’s genetics and breeding. So what you had here was A Bad Breeder and a Bad Dog.

I’ve had pit bulls — a couple of rescues — and was very lucky that they were affable, compliant, submissive dogs without a mean bone in their bodies. And there are reputable pit bull breeders out there. But it seems to me that this dog was probably doomed from the start.

So, yes, I agree with you. A vicious dog must be destroyed, sadly. And its owner must be punished for tolerating the behavior.

Best,
robin

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air….
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark nor even eagle flew—
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Our kids thoroughly enjoyed your speech and as you could tell were spellbound by your story of perseverance.

I truly believe that students have to listen to stories like yours to ensure that you can have success even though you might have to “weather the storm” during your life. Our Personal Finance students read “The Millionaire Next Door” by Mike Stanley and every day we had a lesson in the Dave Ramsey curriculum. What you told them aligns one hundred percent (100%) with both authors. My students were truly blessed to have you speak with them. I do believe that your were the best of the best of our guest speakers. Thank you very, very much! Keep up the great work!

I couldn’t agree more. I lived in East Grand Rapids where my children attended and graduated school. East Grand Rapids, built between Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake is a great little village where outdoor eating has always been a big part of the community. It brings people together and contributes to the shops nearby.
My suggestion would be to have umbrella eateries set up along the sidewalk OR floating kiosks— on the SUNNY side of the street. It might be something new enthusiastic entrepeneurs would consider.