FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A family says their seven-pound poodle mix intervened when a neighbor’s pit bull zeroed in on his owner’s children in Fort Lauderdale, an act of courage that cost the canine his life.
Kimberly Tucker, the owner of 10-year-old Cashmere, said her dog came to the defense of her two young sons, Calvin and Carter. She said the children, ages 5 and 3, were playing in their backyard when the large dog came charging at them through a neighbor’s fence.
Tucker said Cashmere then stepped in and averted the pit bull’s attention away from the boys. The canines began to fight, but the smaller dog was no match for the pit bull. He did not survive.
“He loves kids. He would play with other dogs, too, but he mainly loves kids,” said Tucker, “and my kids, he’s very protective of.”
The homeowner was inside her kitchen cooking dinner for her children when she heard the commotion.
“It happened so fast. I didn’t see the [pit bull] go through the fence,” said Tucker. “All I saw was him coming, and then my dog going to stop him.”
The concerned mother is certain Cashmere was protecting her children, confronting the larger dog to make sure they were safe.
“He’s very protective of my kids. The [other] dog was, like, charging,” she said.
Tucker said the owner of the pit bull came to grab him and carry him home, not once asking how the small dog was doing.
Now she wants the animal responsible for her pet’s death taken away.
“I don’t think that dog should be allowed to be around here,” she said. “They need to take that dog away. That dog needs to be put down because what if he gets loose again. You know what I’m saying? You’re already negligent because you allow your dog to be out here. From that side of the fence, you can clearly see that there’s a hole right there.”
The owner of the pit bull declined to comment on the incident.
Tucker contacted police, and they got in touch with animal control who issued three citations to the pit bull owner totaling $1100.
The dog also must wear a muzzle whenever it’s outside.
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