This is a Petition to Save Missy from being euthanized. Missy is the pet of a dear friend of mine, Carissa Rizzo. Three years ago, Carissa saved Missy, a Pitbull who was previously used in dog fighting. Despite her origins, Missy is a very lovable dog, she loves her owner, is friendly around adults, and absolutely loves children and babies. Missy is comfortable around other types of animals, and she is comfortable around other dogs who don’t aggressively/abruptly approach her, or purposely tries to agitate her. Because of Missy’s background and how she reacts to aggressive/abrupt approaches, and dogs that may instigate at reaction, Carissa has ALWAYS made it clear to other dog owners to not allow their dogs near Missy just in case their dog was to act in such ways around her. Additionally, Missy is always leashed and supervised when in public. 

Now onto Missy’s story, which was unforeseen, but completely preventable. Carissa’s next door neighbors have a pet Chihuahua. The Chihuahua’s owners have the habit to let their dog run around in the streets of Hagerstown unleashed and unsupervised (this dog has nearly been hit by cars multiple times do to the owners negligence). These owners have been told by Carissa time and time again about Missy’s history, and knew they should watch their Chihuahua, but still chooses not to. Per usual, they let their Chihuahua out, unsupervised. The chihuahua went up to Carissas door, causing Missy to bark. Carissa was expecting guests to come over any minute,  she had her sister Kimmy answer the door. Instead of their guests, it was the chihuahua, feeling threatened by the chihuahua invading her property, Missy launched at the chihuahua (which is a normal reaction from most dogs). Kimmy instantly tried to safely separate the two dogs, knowing Missy wouldn’t hurt her. The Chihuahua’s male owner heard the commotion of the tow dogs, went up to Carissa’s doorway, and proceeded to punch and kick Missy, escalating the situation, not only hurting Missy, causing her to clamp down harder on the chihuahua. Missy has been marked “Vicious and Dangerous” due to this incident, and is faced being put down due to the Chihuahua’s owners negligence. This petition isn’t just to help save Missy from being wrongfully euthanized, this petition was also created so the the Chihuahua’s owners would be held responsible and charged with animal negligence. If the Chihuahua’s owners didn’t willingly let their pet run around (like they do daily, which has nearly caused their dog to be hit by a car on multiple occasions), unleashed and unsupervised, this situation would have never happened. 

Sign our Petition Today to help save a loving family dog. Missy shouldn’t have to be put down due to her past, or by those who weren’t responsible with their own pet. 

For those who are concerned for the Chihuahua, it is still very much alive, and received medical help.