Boston terrier survives attack by larger dog

Consider the lives of dogs that attack

Yet another article on a pit bull attack, where a square-headed muscular mutt ripped off the face of an innocent neighbor dog. [“Terrier to survive attack by pit bull,” seattletimes.com, Dec. 26.]

While the term “pit bull” does not determine a specific breed of dog, it does point the finger at dogs that might look like the accepted perception of a pit — when this much-maligned description, which always seems to be the only reason given for an attack, would be better served if the background of the attacking dog was also reported: What led up to the attack? What is the home life of the attacking dog? Is it un-neutered or not spayed, tied up, chained, abused, kept in a garage or basement, unsocialized, starved, injured, isolated or kept as a guard dog?

Any of these factors can make a social, loving dog like those of the bully breeds into an uncomfortable, anxious, fearful, attack-prone dog like the one who put the Boston terrier in the hospital. It is very, very important that the backstory be reported in these cases, if only to shine a light onto a human-made situation where a bully breed dog is set up to behave badly.

— Nancy Wagner, Issaquah