If I would've had a gun on me, my neighbor would have a dead dog right now.

[JustMe0326]

Yesterday we were about to take the kids to Awana. Sd walked out the door first, ten steps later ds walked out, five steps later I was right behind them. As soon as I walk out the door I hear sd (9 yo) yelling, howling, and barking and I see her standing on our sidewalk doing this to the 3 dogs that were inside my neighbors fence. The dogs were going nuts, barking back at her. Before I could even yell at her the biggest dog got excited enough that he busted through their gate and came charging at my kids.
Ds (who is 8) FREAKED out when he saw the dogs get out and how mad they were, and took off running towards me which made the big dog (a boxer) chase him. My son was terrified and rightfully so because he's already been attacked by a pitbull a few years ago that could've killed him. When ds gets to me, I grab him and get between ds and the dog and put my foot out like I was going to kick it. That made the dog turn around and he then went after sd. All while I was protecting ds, I was also screaming at sd to get in the car, but she didn't listen. So the dog got back to her, jumping, barking and growling while she was screaming. I finally get to her and I'm screaming at the dog and the kids at the same time, trying to get the dog away and get the kids in the car (safe) at the same time. Finally I think I scared the dog away and everything was ok without anyone getting bit, but damn.
One thing that did help me, I think, is that I knew the dogs name. When I screamed "TANNER", it got his attention away from sd long enough for her to get in the car.

Now, I realize sd was being VERY stupid and the dog was being provoked by her, and she is in trouble for that because she KNOWS better, but I swear if I had a gun on me, we would have a dead dog.

*Sigh* It was so scary. I thought we were going through my son being attacked all over again. :(

[inspain]

Your sd was stupid and got what she deserved.  You say she didn't get into the car after you yelled at her to do so?  Clearly she doesn't make good choices even when told what to do.  How is ANY of this the dog's fault?  Maybe this experience will teach her not to tease animals.  And you're right, it could have been worse.  A lot of dogs, that agitated, might have bitten you or your kids.  And, even then, it would still be your sd's fault.

Also, let me tell you, if those were my dogs and you had shot one, I'd sue you in small claims for destruction of property and make sure I got a couple more larger and louder dogs to replace the one you shot and I'd never again utter the words, "stop that barking".  

[daughteroftruth]

Quoting inspain:

Your sd was stupid and got what she deserved.  You say she didn't get into the car after you yelled at her to do so?  Clearly she doesn't make good choices even when told what to do.  How is ANY of this the dog's fault?  Maybe this experience will teach her not to tease animals.  And you're right, it could have been worse.  A lot of dogs, that agitated, might have bitten you or your kids.  And, even then, it would still be your sd's fault.

Also, let me tell you, if those were my dogs and you had shot one, I'd sue you in small claims for destruction of property and make sure I got a couple more larger and louder dogs to replace the one you shot and I'd never again utter the words, "stop that barking".  

You would lose.  Seen a similar situation, boys throwing rocks at a dog in someones yard, dog jumped the fence and attacked the boys, dog ends up dead, owner sued, owner was told that while the boys may have provoked the dog, the dog was not properly secured if he could jump the fence. Its bs (IMO) but that's the way it works.  Her sd should never have teased the dog, but at the same time, the dogs should be fenced better so that they cannot escape.