Pit bull makes her wonder: 'Was this a smart move?'

Pit bull makes her wonder: 'Was this a smart move?'
EDITOR:
My husband and I recently moved to Youngstown from Atlanta, Ga. I am writing this letter to express my total shock, disbelief anger and disappointment concerning the Youngstown Police Department's handling of an incident that occurred at my residence. My tax dollars now help pay the Youngstown police officers' salaries, benefits and pensions.
On Aug. 14, I was attacked in my yard while taking out the trash by my neighbor's pit bull. Several calls were made to 911 and the Youngstown Police Department pleading for help or some type of assistance. I informed them that the dog had trapped me outside of my home and pinned me against the side of the house and every time I attempted to take a step to try to make it inside to safety the dog would lurch toward me snarling, growling and barking. I was terrified, totally defenseless and in fear of losing my life. It was a very traumatic experience for me.
I was told by a Youngstown police dispatcher (after the second or third call to them), that animal control had been notified. I informed her that I had spoken with them and that they probably would not be coming out based on the conversation I had with them. I was so upset I called my father, he got on the phone and tried to get someone to come out. We waited and waited, no one ever came to see if I had been bitten, killed, in need of medical assistance or OK.
The next morning between 7 and 8 a.m. I was leaving to get gas when a half a block down I saw the same dog that had attacked me the day before roaming the neighborhood again. I couldn't believe it. I first felt anger and then panic when I thought about having to get back inside my home safely. I again called Youngstown police and insisted that they send someone out. I returned home to wait. I watched the dog run wildly up and down the street and onto my property and across my porch again. I made a second call to see if anyone was actually on the way, this time, and if so approximately how long it would take. The dispatcher answered very sarcastically and in a condescending manner as if I was a bother and told me, "It will take however long it takes them to get where they are, that's how long it's gonna take." The police did finally show up.
I cannot find the words to express the level or degree of anger and insecurity I am feeling at this time. I have serious concerns regarding the safety and well being of myself and my family if we choose to continue living here in Youngstown. We are seriously re-evaluating our decision to live here.
We are taught to dial 911 in an emergency and expect help to be on the way in a short time. My experience with the Youngstown Police Department and other local agencies established to assure safety and peace of mind in our own homes has been destroyed.
ANGELA D. BRADHAM
Youngstown
Stupid is as stupid does
EDITOR:
Amusement may not be the best way to describe my reaction to those in the U.S. who tried to justify the position of either side in the most recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, but it will do for now.
Hey folks, virulent hatred breeds gross stupidity. So there was no shortage of morons on either side. It's like you set my house on fire and in retaliation I torch yours, then after the fires go out we do it again. And again. And again. If a history of world stupidity were written, chapter one would be the Middle East. Chapter two would be our involvement in the Middle East.
JOHN ZEDAKER
Poland