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GAF, I saw a dog get murdered today and could do nothing to stop it.

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I'm still kind of in shock. I've lost pets before, but never saw an animal get killed by a malicious act. A bit of backstory:

My brother and I were driving on the feeder of the highway, and we saw a gorgeous little brown dachshund trotting on the side of the road. There was a pickup truck between us and the dog, and we were trying to pull over to get her so she didn't get hit. After about five or six seconds of following the dog, just watching it, the truck just swerved and ran her over, very obviously on purpose.

I wish I had thought to get the fucker's plates, but it looked like the tire just barely bumped the dog. It went down but seemed okay at first, so my brother and I immediately stopped the car and rushed out to see if it was okay. The dog was panting and her bottom legs were clearly limp, but she seemed responsive, so we checked for a tag [none, unfortunately] and tried to find the closest vet. While I was calling the vet to let them know we were coming and my brother was trying to find a way to safely pick up the dog, we noticed her lower half was -really- twisted. The hit had completely broken her back, with her lower legs pretty much facing the opposite way of the front legs.

Within about a minute of the dog getting hit, it was pretty obvious she wasn't going to survive. She started foaming at the mouth and laid down, and her heart started beating really fast, then slowed to a stop in about a span of ten seconds. Realizing she was gonna be gone before we even could get her into the car, we just stroked her and tried to make sure she knew she wasn't alone until she stopped breathing.

Around that time I pretty much lost it. The truck had stopped briefly maybe 200-300 yards ahead, too far to make out their tags but close enough to recognize. I started running after them but they bolted, and I spent a couple minutes pretty much screaming and threatening them at the top of my lungs. Honestly I went a bit berserk at that point. Kicked, threw some stuff, just -- wished I could catch them, make them pay for it. It was pure rage at that point, the kind I haven't felt in years. I should probably be glad they left, otherwise I'd probably be in jail right now.

Once it passed, we tried to find a number for the local SPCA but we were still parked on a feeder road and had a couple close calls almost getting hit ourselves. We went to the closest houses on a nearby street trying to see if the dog belonged to any of them, but none of them said she sounded familiar.

Went back and sat down beside her for a few minutes. I'm an atheist, but -- I prayed for her, for some reason. It just seemed like all I could do. I told her she was beautiful and wonderful and that I hoped she was somewhere better, and that I'd do everything I could to make my dog as happy as possible for her. Finally left once traffic started picking up again and we got her somewhere she wouldn't get hit. I didn't even know what town we were in, let alone the street, so it was a bit difficult to figure out the right thing to do when no one could ID the dog.

From the moment the dog got hit to the time she passed, I had a sinking feeling and shock I haven't felt before. I've lost pets, some to natural causes, some to accidents. But I've never watched an innocent creature die, and it struck me a lot. Truth be told, I'm not sure why I'm even making this thread beyond the fact that I just think people need to know this dog existed, that she was a gorgeous little animal who I hope lived a good life and wasn't in any pain.

I have a lot of regrets about what happened. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take a picture of their truck, I wish I'd managed to get their plate, I wish I'd known who to call immediately for the dog's sake. But I was just in shock like I haven't really ever been before, and all I could think to do once I realized she wasn't going to make it was try to be there for her.

Please be kind to animals, whether or not they're your pets.
 

Mathieran

Banned
You guys did a good thing caring for that dog in its final moments. It sucks that some humans are so shitty. It's so hard to believe that there some people who would kill like that.
 

V_Arnold

Member
Jesus :(

The capability for evil in humans is mind-boggling. It is beyond infuriating. Yeah, nature is an asshole as well (I need to tune that out constantly or I would be sad for all the deaths around us every day too), but acts like these....
 
This made me tear up. Good on you for doing what you could. I only hope that truck blew up when it was safely away from you. I am sure that is hard to deal with. Go love your dog and appreciate it. Damn i hate people sometimes but for every asshole there is a kind person like you.

Poor pup
 
I don't understand why certain types of people commit acts of cruelty such as this. There's no reward for such behavior, there's just no reason whatsoever for it.
 

Verelios

Member
You're a good person OP, and if everyone in the world shared your sensibilities then maybe I'd come to love it more. It's horrible how malicious someone can be just for a sick thrill or curiosity, but it's probably for the best you didn't catch up to them. I can relate, when blood rushes to your head aND all you can hear is your blood rushing, confronting someone isn't a good idea.

Thanks for caring.
 

Tagyhag

Member
That's horrible OP. I don't even understand why they stopped if they hit the dog on purpose.

I know it's a longshot but any traffic cameras anywhere around that area that may have caught something?
 

Stinkles

Clothed, sober, cooperative
That's horrible OP. I don't even understand why they stopped if they hit the dog on purpose.

I know it's a longshot but any traffic cameras anywhere around that area that may have caught something?


Yeah report to police obviously and hopefully they are as pissed as we are and do some camera sleuthing. Color and model of truck will be useful.
 
It is probably worth it to file a police report, if you have not already done so. It probably will not lead to anything, but it might help if anyone else has seen this truck run over another animal before. Maybe it is a problem that the local police have heard about before.
 
Thanks for the support, guys. I feel like I just needed to post about this, maybe just - some way of remembering that dog, I guess.


That's horrible OP. I don't even understand why they stopped if they hit the dog on purpose.

I know it's a longshot but any traffic cameras anywhere around that area that may have caught something?



Sadly no, we looked. It was a straight feeder in a bad part of the city. The closest cameras were at the next intersection which was about a mile away. We took the address of the intersection and called the vet we were gonna take the dog to get some more info. Called the police after and told them everything, but with how little details we had about the truck [black pickup with a camper] I'm not expecting much.

Unfortunately, about 60% of people drive a pickup here and a lot of them are black, but hopefully the location helps a bit.
 

Mariner

Member
You are a good man OP. Hold your head up high because you went above and beyond what most would do in that situation.
 

Weetrick

Member
You shouldn't have a single regret. You did everything you could for the little dog.

I have dogs myself (both dachshunds too) and I can't imagine somebody being so evil. More monster than human. It's unbelievable.

Thank you for comforting that poor little dog and taking good care of your own.
 

highrider

Banned
All I can say op is that I really appreciate you caring for that dog. You did one of those things that make me believe in humans as a species. I'm so sorry you had to see that, but at least you were able to comfort the poor dog.
 
As someone that lost a dog to a hit and run. I can't stress enough how much I respect what you did, OP. You were very kind to her and made her last moments happy.

If you need someone to talk to -- feel free to PM me.
 
Really appreciate the kind words, guys. I didn't realize it but I've been beating myself up for the last hour or so, because I keep feeling like I could have done more, or maybe gotten their plate and gotten them punished for it, or -- something. But the dog seemed like she could be saved and I didn't want to focus on revenge if it meant her losing that chance. It means a lot to hear you guys think I did the right thing, because I was pretty torn about my decision to not chase.

I've just been cuddling my dog and giving him treats since I got home. Here he is, if anyone wants to see. A Jack Russel/Beagle mix named Indiana Bones.


1b8eed0eb03ea6d4d43fad8d929519c7.jpg

I think he would have been friends with that dog, my last dog was a dachsund who passed away [natural causes at 11 years old, thankfully] and they were besties.

We don't deserve dogs, you guys. ;-;

If any of you have dogs I'd love to see them. Dogs are the best. <3
 
Where did you put the dog after it had passed? Is there a service you can call to come and pick it up? I'm not really familiar with this stuff.
 
Where did you put the dog after it had passed? Is there a service you can call to come and pick it up? I'm not really familiar with this stuff.


We put her on the side of the road and called SPCA. We gave the best location we could but it was a bit out-of-the-way. They said they'd take care of it, but we unfortunately had to move pretty far pretty quickly because there was nowhere safe to park. The closest stop-sign or traffic light was about 3/4th of a mile up ahead.
 

platocplx

Member
Man this is awful. I hope you can remember details of the truck. Cant believe they did that shit. Absolute psycho. Poor animal. I swerve for any animal while being safe. Its disgusting people wilk power through squirrel, cats dogs etc freaking insane.
 

LaneDS

Member
Really awful (couldn't read your whole post) but thanks for doing a good thing in spite of a really terrible thing.
 

EGOMON

Member
Watching my pet (rabbit) die is the main reason I will never ever own another pet again that horrible feeling is unbearable I don't want to feel it again
 

Late Flag

Member
I remember seeing an article someplace where someone put a fake critter (like a squirrel or something) on a road, and the guy was stunned at the number of people would deliberately steer their car to run it over. That's the sort of thing I have a hard time wrapping my brain around, and I always come back to it whenever I hear somebody talk about people being fundamentally good.

Here it is: http://gizmodo.com/5927083/roadkill...ercent-of-drivers-are-sadistic-animal-killers
 
Fuck man, both my family dogs were stray puppies found on the side of the road, one in Texas at 5 months the other in New Mexico only 6 months. We adopted them from a rescue and gave them a good home. To think some asshole could have just ran them over for shits and giggles is fucking horrifying. What's wrong with some people?
 
I lost my first west highland terrier to a hit-and-run (nearly ran over my dad too the night the dog was run over - they were both out walking) and all I could think was whoever killed my dog gets a fucking shitton of karma their way.

I have no doubt, however, this guy will get it worse. Whereas as the guy who killed my dog years ago certainly drove off and deserved shit for what he did, I don't know if it actually was intentional. This clearly was, however, and to he say deserves karma for what he did feels like an understatement. What an absolute shitlord of a despicable human being.

What you and your brother did to help comfort the dog in what was its final minutes was a good thing. A very good thing, a wonderful thing. So credit to the pair of you for helping to ease the pain as much as you could.
 

MogCakes

Member
Don't be hard on yourself OP, you did what you could. You're only human, that truck may have tried to use evasive maneuvers if they saw you pull out your phone, don't torture yourself with what-ifs.
 

Zackat

Member
Man I hate hearing about stuff like this. Heart-wrenching and terrible, how could anyone kill a dog? They are such loving creatures. And a little dachshund too :( Thanks for being a good person and staying with the dog.



You said you wanted to see dogs, well this is my dog Maddie (a mini-Aussie). She's been with me through a lot, and is the best friend you could have.

 
Man I hate hearing about stuff like this. Heart-wrenching and terrible, how could anyone kill a dog? They are such loving creatures. And a little dachshund too :( Thanks for being a good person and staying with the dog.



You said you wanted to see dogs, well this is my dog Maddie (a mini-Aussie). She's been with me through a lot, and is the best friend you could have.


Oh my gosh, beautiful pupper. <3 Thank you for showing me your dog.
 
From living in the countryside for a good portion of my life, I can confirm there are many of those jackasses out there who have little to no regard for animal life. Some people are cruel because it's fun until someone notices it, like you did. I hate these kinds of cowards.
 
I remember seeing an article someplace where someone put a fake critter (like a squirrel or something) on a road, and the guy was stunned at the number of people would deliberately steer their car to run it over. That's the sort of thing I have a hard time wrapping my brain around, and I always come back to it whenever I hear somebody talk about people being fundamentally good.

Here it is: http://gizmodo.com/5927083/roadkill...ercent-of-drivers-are-sadistic-animal-killers

Absolutely disgusting. I know in my area, I've heard from people that they definitely try to kill snakes intentionally, with the reasoning being that they are trying to protect innocent people, children, etc. Some even willingly admit that they will go out of their way to hit cats.
 
You did the best you could given the circumstances, OP. It's a lot more than most people would ever even think of doing, let alone act on it. Take solace in that.
 
IMG_5889.jpg


Dogs are amazing. This is my step daughter. Sadie. Its my girlfriend's 12 week old Golden. Love this pup. Wanted to being some happiness
 
I feel for you man. I had a rather young cat (about 1 year old) get hit by a car right outside my house when I was about 15. And when I went to tend to her, a second car sped past and hit her right in the head in front of me. It was one of the most horrible experiences I think I've ever had.
 
brutal. people have so much anger inside

did praying help? did it make you question atheism?


It kind of helped, but it didn't make me question my atheism. I guess it was more like...

Even if I'm atheistic, and even though I firmly believe there's nothing after this life, it doesn't mean that I don't wish there was something better for this dog. I wasn't praying to any specific god, or even an after life. I think my exact words were along the lines of, "Please be somewhere better than this now." Even if that place is just the peaceful oblivion of death.

I guess the best way I can say it is that if a Christian friend was dying, I'd pray for them, even though I don't share their beliefs. Not believing in an afterlife isn't the same as not wishing there was something better after this. I'd -love- for that to be true, even if I just don't believe it is.

That dog just deserved better.
 

rizzo0

Member
OP you da real MVP. You Did everything you could. Feel terrible you had to witness that. I defrnitly would have reacted the same way or worst. I couldn't imagine my dog just getting wrecked by an asshole like that let alone any other poor animal.
 

tanooki27

Member
It kind of helped, but it didn't make me question my atheism. I guess it was more like...

Even if I'm atheistic, and even though I firmly believe there's nothing after this life, it doesn't mean that I don't wish there was something better for this dog. I wasn't praying to any specific god, or even an after life. I think my exact words were along the lines of, "Please be somewhere better than this now." Even if that place is just the peaceful oblivion of death.

I guess the best way I can say it is that if a Christian friend was dying, I'd pray for them, even though I don't share their beliefs. Not believing in an afterlife isn't the same as not wishing there was something better after this. I'd -love- for that to be true, even if I just don't believe it is.

That dog just deserved better.

I understand.
 

low-G

Member
I remember seeing an article someplace where someone put a fake critter (like a squirrel or something) on a road, and the guy was stunned at the number of people would deliberately steer their car to run it over. That's the sort of thing I have a hard time wrapping my brain around, and I always come back to it whenever I hear somebody talk about people being fundamentally good.

Here it is: http://gizmodo.com/5927083/roadkill...ercent-of-drivers-are-sadistic-animal-killers

This is the same 6% that causes all of humanity's problems most likely. Humans can still be fundamentally good with a 6% equivalent of lizard people or zombies or basically monsters.
 
Shit man...that's awful. What kind of twisted fucker does shit like that?

If you remember like the colour, make, & model of the car I'd say try reporting it. Might lead to nothing, but it's worth a shot to get this dicklord accountable for their actions.
 
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