Man Saves Dog from Gator

[elevatorman]

Right here in TV

Villages man saves dog: Villages grandfather saves dog from jaws of gator - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond)

[CFrance]

I have a problem with this scenario. It sounds like the owner was aware that the gator was at the pond or, if not there at that moment, at least had the tendency to hang around the pond, and yet he let his dog run around loose. Now some Florida wildlife is dead because of his irresponsibility to his pet (not to mention his breaking of the leash laws), and he's going to make this into a trophy killing on display in his lanai? Maybe there's more to this story, but I'm not liking it as reported.

[jnieman]

Crazy is all I can say!

[hotrodgirl]

Thank goodness owner and doggie are OK and it wasn't someone's grandchild the gator went after!

[blueeagle65]

Should have had the dog on a leash. Obey the laws and ALL will be safe.

[samhass]

Steve is my neighbor and friend. He cares deeply about wildlife and his two dogs. Do not judge him harshly. He is a wonderful, brave man. As far as making the gator a trophy, the animal is dead. It is very sad, but does it matter where his hide ends up?
We have many gators in our village and it's surprising that this has not happened before. I see golfers walk down to the water to retrieve golf balls and they can't see the big gator twenty feet away.

[CFrance]

Steve is my neighbor and friend. He cares deeply about wildlife and his two dogs. Do not judge him harshly. He is a wonderful, brave man. As far as making the gator a trophy, the animal is dead. It is very sad, but does it matter where his hide ends up?
We have many gators in our village and it's surprising that this has not happened before. I see golfers walk down to the water to retrieve golf balls and they can't see the big gator twenty feet away.

I'm glad that Steve's dog is safe. I'm glad that Steve is safe. I'm just saying that this gator shouldn't have had to die for doing what is in his wildlife nature. Steve let his dog run loose, and now the gator is dead. I just can't see making a trophy out of this episode. My honest opinion. We have a responsibility to all animals, domestic and wild.

[Golfingnut]

I am with Steve on this one. Some things are worth taking a risk and saving the live of your companion be it human or animal is one of them.

[mfp509]

I'm glad that everyone is okay but this probably could have been avoided had the dog not been running loose. OBEY THE LEASH LAWS. My dog does not go out my front door without being leashed. Laws protect also. I am aware of fox having been seen in our neighborhood in the early morning and at night. My dog is right by my side at these times so I can grab him in a second should I ever spot one.

[shcisamax]

Please don't turn this into a bashing of this man who, regardless of how you feel about his actions, did a monumental save of his pet. Can we all just say something positive to what must have been a terrifying moment? I don't know if I could have done that and am in awe. Frankly, I am surprised there was a seven footer since I have repeatedly been told they are taken away if they reach five feet. So this is a nice warning for us all. These gators are nothing to fool with...I saw a three footer next to my ball and was most happy to let him have it. We do need to be respectful of their space and I am sure this unlikely hero will not be making the same mistake twice and we can all be reminded of what can.. and does..happen.

[senior citizen]

Steve is my neighbor and friend. He cares deeply about wildlife and his two dogs. Do not judge him harshly. He is a wonderful, brave man. As far as making the gator a trophy, the animal is dead. It is very sad, but does it matter where his hide ends up?
We have many gators in our village and it's surprising that this has not happened before. I see golfers walk down to the water to retrieve golf balls and they can't see the big gator twenty feet away.

Well said.

I posted re his bravery on the dog poll thread as soon as I read the story in the Orlando Sentinel.

[Barefoot]

I am with Steve on this one. Some things are worth taking a risk and saving the live of your companion be it human or animal is one of them.

It takes incredible bravery to jump into a pond and wrestle a gator. I'm in awe. :clap2:

[EdV]

I have a problem with this scenario...Now some Florida wildlife is dead because of his irresponsibility to his pet....

Yes, the poor gator is dead. But today some beautiful water loving bird is happily paddling about in that pond instead of in that gator’s stomach.

[paulandjean]

Anybody know when and where they caught this 7 foot gator?

[Taltarzac725]

I was walking my dog on a leash at the Lynnhaven Postal Center/Swimming pool at 9 a.m. and a coyote crossed Churchill Downs not 20 feet in front of us.

At the sight of the coyote I was scared that it would try to snatch my dog but fortunately it kept running across the golf course.

I had prepared myself to fight the coyote if it approached us but I cannot see me ever jumping into a pond to wrestle a gator for a dog. I would do that if another person were threatened but just do not see doing this for an animal.

The Villagers man who belly flopped onto the gator sure showed some true grit.

Maybe, this man has some rodeo background?? I just do not see many people jumping on top of an alligator unless they have some experience with this kind of animal control.

[senior citizen]

I was walking my dog on a leash at the Lynnhaven Postal Center/Swimming pool at 9 a.m. and a coyote crossed Churchill Downs not 20 feet in front of us.

At the sight of the coyote I was scared that it would try to snatch my dog but fortunately it kept running across the golf course.

I had prepared myself to fight the coyote if it approached us but I cannot see me ever jumping into a pond to wrestle a gator for a dog. I would do that if another person were threatened but just do not see doing this for an animal.

The Villagers man who belly flopped onto the gator sure showed some true grit.

Maybe, this man has some rodeo background?? I just do not see many people jumping on top of an alligator unless they have some experience with this kind of animal control.

I would be frozen stiff. Not able to move a muscle.

That's why I called him a hero.

If you read the entire Orlando Sentinel article (hyperlink on dog poll post), scrolling down to the bottom under the advertisements, it mentioned he was a retired corporate lawyer from Iowa.......beautiful state; one of our favorites........but no alligators there, that's for sure.

Humans can just surprise even themselves when "in the moment".

p.s. I'm glad you you have spotted one of those rogue coyotes. When I reported, a few months back, that we had seen one in October 2011 in Creekside Landings, it was met with ridicule. Lets face it, these critters are all over. Another person had spotted one on their villa wall........ Believe me, we know what they look like.
They are in Colorado as well as Vermont. Better to have people "be in the know" re alligators and coyotes so that they can be prepared. Take care.

[raynitsche]

Thank you shcisamax

[gomoho]

Please don't turn this into a bashing of this man who, regardless of how you feel about his actions, did a monumental save of his pet. Can we all just say something positive to what must have been a terrifying moment? I don't know if I could have done that and am in awe. Frankly, I am surprised there was a seven footer since I have repeatedly been told they are taken away if they reach five feet. So this is a nice warning for us all. These gators are nothing to fool with...I saw a three footer next to my ball and was most happy to let him have it. We do need to be respectful of their space and I am sure this unlikely hero will not be making the same mistake twice and we can all be reminded of what can.. and does..happen.

Couldn't agree with you more. The man may have an invisible fence for all you know so stop it already with the leash laws. Also he chose to have the dog loose and faced the consequences - didn't ask anyone else to handle the situation - literally jumped right in. So give him credit for saving his best friend and risking his own life to save him and stop with the judgement and criticsm. I say congratulations on a job well done - and who knows that gator may have grabbed a child next time.:bigbow:

[English Ivy]

But there is no reason this had to happen. Dogs should never be allowed anywhere near water in The Villages because you don't know if a gator is lurking. I see people walking their dogs on a leash around ponds and think they are just asking for trouble. Our dogs rely on us to protect them because humans are supposed to be smarter than dogs. In hindsight I'm sure he will never allow his dog to be put in this dangerous situation again, but it all could have easily been avoided.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, the poor gator is dead. But today some beautiful water loving bird is happily paddling about in that pond instead of in that gator’s stomach.

Yes, but that is the nature of things...................not tempting a gator with a small dog. The dog was in the gator's feeding area and became fair game.

[jtdraig]

Couldn't agree with you more. The man may have an invisible fence for all you know so stop it already with the leash laws. Also he chose to have the dog loose and faced the consequences - didn't ask anyone else to handle the situation - literally jumped right in. So give him credit for saving his best friend and risking his own life to save him and stop with the judgement and criticsm. I say congratulations on a job well done - and who knows that gator may have grabbed a child next time.:bigbow:

When you post on this website, you get every conceivable kind of response so you just have to roll with the flow. You could post something like "the grass is normally green" and you will have 7 responses from every possible spectrum. The guy saved his dog. Hurray for the good guys. Get over it and let it go.:doggie:

[CFrance]

When you post on this website, you get every conceivable kind of response so you just have to roll with the flow. You could post something like "the grass is normally green" and you will have 7 responses from every possible spectrum. The guy saved his dog. Hurray for the good guys. Get over it and let it go.:doggie:

That's the point of this web site, isn't it? So you CAN get 7 different viewpoints. Everyone gets a say. You accept the ones you agree with, throw out those you don't, and maybe one or two change your mind on some issue.

[samhass]

We live in Bridgeport Lake Sumter and the gator was in the canal. I am in awe of Steve
He and I both nurture and release Monarch butterflies by supplying them with their host plants and taking the caterpillars into safe places until they turn into butterflies. Steve has gotten many people involved with butterfly habitat. He comes to my house for extra asclepias and ends up helping me pull weeds, too. What a man!
Isn't it curious that you see this on TV and surrounding papers but not in the Sun? I wonder why? Could they be worried about selling waterfront lots? I am right on Lake Sumter and love it, gators or not. Alligators live in our waterways. Just be vigilant.

[Patty55]

I'm glad that Steve's dog is safe. I'm glad that Steve is safe. I'm just saying that this gator shouldn't have had to die for doing what is in his wildlife nature. Steve let his dog run loose, and now the gator is dead. I just can't see making a trophy out of this episode. My honest opinion. We have a responsibility to all animals, domestic and wild.

It appeared to me the dog was loose in its own yard and yes the gator is dead. I personally wouldn't make and keep a trophy, I'd sell it.

My personal opinion, I don't care about the gators, I'd be okay with them all being rounded up. While they're at it they can pick up all the bad bugs and snakes too.

Saw Steve & Bounce on the news, thank God he went in after the gator or it would haunt him the rest of his life. I think Steve and Bounce should have a parade.

[Golfingnut]

It appeared to me the dog was loose in its own yard and yes the gator is dead. I personally wouldn't make and keep a trophy, I'd sell it.

My personal opinion, I don't care about the gators, I'd be okay with them all being rounded up. While they're at it they can pick up all the bad bugs and snakes too.

Saw Steve & Bounce on the news, thank God he went in after the gator or it would haunt him the rest of his life. I think Steve and Bounce should have a parade.

Not sure about the parade, but I agree with the haunt him comment. I would rather die than live in sorrow and regret. I guess it is the Iowa Upbringing I had.

[Bogie Shooter]

Not sure about the parade, but I agree with the haunt him comment. I would rather die than live in sorrow and regret. I guess it is the Iowa Upbringing I had.

This is a very strong statement - giving your life for a dog. Somehow I just don't get it.

[Patty55]

This is a very strong statement - giving your life for a dog. Somehow I just don't get it.

Maybe you are lucky enough to have never tragically lost pet that you loved. You replay it in your mind constantly, it haunts you, it changes your entire life and the way you live it.

I would risk my life to save any of my animals because if you don't your life is never what it was anyway.

[Golfingnut]

This is a very strong statement - giving your life for a dog. Somehow I just don't get it.

I would not give my life for a dog, but for my personal dog companion, I would risk my life willingly in an attempt to save the live of that Companion. I know a man has a good chance against a 7 foot gator in a small pond and I would take the odds without reservation. We are not talking about a 13 foot Nile Croc , but a 7 foot Florida alligator. I and I say I could not stand on the bank and watch my dog be eaten alive by a pond gator without trying to save it. Again, just my country boy Iowa way of being brought up.

Lou

[Golfingnut]

Maybe you are lucky enough to have never tragically lost pet that you loved. You replay it in your mind constantly, it haunts you, it changes your entire life and the way you live it.

I would risk my life to save any of my animals because if you don't your life is never what it was anyway.

We had a dog put down three years ago after an enormous amount of sole searching and the firm assurance of our trusted Veterinarian that it was in fact PAST TIME TO PUT HER DOWN. Even so, three years later, I still look at her picture and wonder if there might have been something else we could have done. She was only 17 years old.

[tenchie]

I read about this story today and thank goodness it had a happy ending for all -
but really bashing for not following leash laws? Correct me if I'm wrong but wasnt this man on his own private property? Curious I went to the Sumter County FL website to reasearch this and the rule states:

What are the leash laws in Sumter County?
County Code 4-10 states that all dogs must be confined on owners property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owners property.

Otherwise a citation will be issued for the animal running free.


This was a rentention pond in the back of his property? -- Should he have been wary there could be something there? Maybe - but he didnt break any laws that I can see .....also it's not out of the realm of possibities that if it hadnt been Bounce it could have just as easily been a child or human.... while it's tragic the animal had to be destroyed if it's showing this kind of bravery it's best it dealt with now before something more happens....

[tenchie]

This is a very strong statement - giving your life for a dog. Somehow I just don't get it.

and that sir is the very display of difference of opinion - I would do whatever I could to save my furry friends they are more than just dogs they are family... :)

[tenchie]

I would not give my life for a dog, but for my personal dog companion, I would risk my life willingly in an attempt to save the live of that Companion. I know a man has a good chance against a 7 foot gator in a small pond and I would take the odds without reservation. We are not talking about a 13 foot Nile Croc , but a 7 foot Florida alligator. I and I say I could not stand on the bank and watch my dog be eaten alive by a pond gator without trying to save it. Again, just my country boy Iowa way of being brought up.

Lou

:bigbow:Bless you sir~

[Patty55]

(Pulling on my flame suit...)

I think they should do something about the gators, like get rid of them.

[Bogie Shooter]

and that sir is the very display of difference of opinion - I would do whatever I could to save my furry friends they are more than just dogs they are family... :)

And that's my opinion.

[BobKat1]

(Pulling on my flame suit...)

I think they should do something about the gators, like get rid of them.

Everywhere, or just in TV??? :)

[Patty55]

Everywhere, or just in TV??? :)

Just TV.

[samhass]

I have seen animal control culling gators out of the waters surrounding our village. They are taken because they are to big or someone complains. I think that is a shame. It always makes me sad to see the wranglers and know that the gators will probably be euthanized. I also hate to see people kill snakes. Pturner will tell you that I retrieved a moccasin from our pool and released it down at the lake. She and I were in the pool at the time. She rather nonchalantly mentioned that we had company in the pool and I nonchalantly replied that we should probably get out of the water. She's a great sport!!

[Patty55]

I don't think they need to kill them, just get rid of them.

[sueandskip]

does it matter where his hide ends up?


It is a shame you feel that way....

[sueandskip]

Steve is my neighbor and friend. He cares deeply about wildlife and his two dogs. Do not judge him harshly. He is a wonderful, brave man. As far as making the gator a trophy, the animal is dead. It is very sad, but does it matter where his hide ends up?
We have many gators in our village and it's surprising that this has not happened before. I see golfers walk down to the water to retrieve golf balls and they can't see the big gator twenty feet away.

(Pulling on my flame suit...)

I think they should do something about the gators, like get rid of them.
you invaded there territory !

[Patty55]

you invaded there territory !

Yeah well, things change, there were people living here too, don't see them hanging around.

[graciegirl]

...

[shcisamax]

uh oh...this is taking a bad turn. I guess poop wasn't enough to fight over.... I see a common thread (no pun intended) in any dog discussions. Polarizing. Actually, I wonder if there is any topic that everyone would agree on? That is a thread to be started. "Nondebatable topics."

[Golfingnut]

uh oh...this is taking a bad turn. I guess poop wasn't enough to fight over.... I see a common thread (no pun intended) in any dog discussions. Polarizing. Actually, I wonder if there is any topic that everyone would agree on? That is a thread to be started. "Nondebatable topics."

LOL good luck. But other than definitive topics, folks do get a wealth of knowledge off this web site that saves money and heart ache just by using TOTV for research before they leap or buy or commit. I feel I owe TOTV about 20,000 dollars for the information I have gleaned from this site in just a few years.

That said, My name is John Doe and I live in Oklahoma, just in case they are planing to send me a bill. LOL

[Patty55]

I think that if any one of us were confronted with the situation of our pet being eaten alive we would react, maybe not wrestling a gator, but I don't think any of us could stand watching and do nothing.

[bluedog103]

I don't think they need to kill them, just get rid of them.
That's how they get rid of them. They shoot them. As far as I know that relocating stuff you see on TV is just that. TV stuff.

[mrsyarbie]

I think he did a wonderful brave thing... I have lived in Florida for over 30 years and gators are not to be tangled with, that gator should of been removed earlier I can't believe he was the first to see it...

[ilovetv]

I disagree with condemning the dog owner because the gator was killed. Humankind has priority over animal life, as much as we love and value them.....

"28 God blessed them and said to them (man and woman), “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” --Genesis 1:28

[n8xwb]

"Dont bash the man”? If the reporter was accurate and I quote " he plans to keep a closer eye on Bounce when she's near the shoreline" he needs to bashed, in my opinion. If he doesn't keep Bounce on a leash, he deserves to be cited for animal cruelty!

[Bogie Shooter]

I think that if any one of us were confronted with the situation of our pet being eaten alive we would react, maybe not wrestling a gator, but I don't think any of us could stand watching and do nothing.

I see what you say as different than giving up your life for the pet. I agree most would do something.

[jane032657]

Having heart, human kindness and understsanding makes for a peaceful world. Horrible incidents happen, we all know, and for some they personally experience terrible things. I watched the video on this incident. The lake is by his yard. He was trimming his tree. The dog ran to the lake. Things happen in life, horrible things, to the best people who take great care and pride in what they do. But I always say, life changes in a minute. You are healthy, and then you are not; you are driving, there is an accident; you are walking, you take a fall; you are trimming a tree and your dog goes to the lake. Everything changes in an instant. We are not G-d, we are human. We make mistakes. Life happnes. Lessons are learned. Criticizing others is easy to do. I think best to always look inward to see how each of us can be a better person and support others to find a bright spot in their own lives when something horrible happens. No one wants to really see an alligator die of course, how sad. We have now become more enlightened then we were before this happened on this issue of the safety needed around water, alligators and pets. Most importantly this man is safe. He did not lose his hand, he is ok and how lucky his "Bounce" is ok too. Let's rejoice in his well being and learn to respect nature and its boundaries a little more than we already did.

[paulandjean]

"Dont bash the man”? If the reporter was accurate and I quote " he plans to keep a closer eye on Bounce when she's near the shoreline" he needs to bashed, in my opinion. If he doesn't keep Bounce on a leash, he deserves to be cited for animal cruelty!

What about the gator,do you think he should be cited for animal cruelty?

[duffysmom]

I would call Steve a hero and would love to have him as a neighbor. Someone who sees his loved one being eaten alive and risk's his life to save him is a man of action and someone I admire. As for the alligator, I hate to see them culled but we do live among wildlife and if a pet is threatened, action is required. This is still a free country and as stated above, a leash is not required on one's property; I have a feeling that he will be much more proactive in watching Bounce in the future. The biggest danger Steve faces now is infection from being submerged in a retention pond with an open wound. Hopefully he's on strong antibiotics.

[keithwand]

Steve is one brave man for saving his dog from the jaws of a gator and thankfully not seriously injured.

If a situation like that would occur to either of my dogs I can only hope to muster up the same courage.

[rubicon]

The geographical area of discussion is one with alligators aplenty. The dog owner was no doubt very aware of that fact and that explains the reporters comments of the dog owners conscious awareness and keeping an eye on his pet.

Having said that I wonder what his wife, children, et al would have said had this guy been killed? Do you suppose they would have praised him for his gallant act, an act that would have pre-maturely taken him away from them.

Its one thing to be humane toward creatures its quite another to place their value above that of the human race.

I opine you decide.

[Golfingnut]

The geographical area of discussion is one with alligators aplenty. The dog owner was no doubt very aware of that fact and that explains the reporters comments of the dog owners conscious awareness and keeping an eye on his pet.

Having said that I wonder what his wife, children, et al would have said had this guy been killed? Do you suppose they would have praised him for his gallant act, an act that would have pre-maturely taken him away from them.

Its one thing to be humane toward creatures its quite another to place their value above that of the human race.

I opine you decide.



Some people just don't get it.

[BobKat1]

Just TV.

Maybe they could relocate all of the gators in TV to Del Webb, Stonecrest, Solavita etc.???

[Patty55]

Maybe they could relocate all of the gators in TV to Del Webb, Stonecrest, Solavita etc.???

Not Stonecrest, they'd probably come running down that dirt path.

I was actually thinking more of their natural habitat. Hellooo, this entire place is a man-made illusion, why do we have to have real gators?

[Bogie Shooter]

The geographical area of discussion is one with alligators aplenty. The dog owner was no doubt very aware of that fact and that explains the reporters comments of the dog owners conscious awareness and keeping an eye on his pet.

Having said that I wonder what his wife, children, et al would have said had this guy been killed? Do you suppose they would have praised him for his gallant act, an act that would have pre-maturely taken him away from them.

Its one thing to be humane toward creatures its quite another to place their value above that of the human race.

I opine you decide.

I agree.
And I think that you do get it!

[TunaFish]

I think they should remove all gators over 4 foot from the lakes. What if he was down by the lake weeding and the gator got him? This has happened elsewhere in Florida.

[gomoho]

Good idea - site him for animal cruelty - afterall he did jump on the gator's back, grabbed his leg, went down with him, and saved the pup. But he is definitely cruel. Are you kidding me - this guy loves his dog and risked his life to save him. There are some of us that believe a dog is happiest living as a dog - free and roaming his property-and sometimes that comes with a risk. He took that risk and paid the consequenses. Don't him hear complaining so why are you????

[perrjojo]

Good idea - site him for animal cruelty - afterall he did jump on the gator's back, grabbed his leg, went down with him, and saved the pup. But he is definitely cruel. Are you kidding me - this guy loves his dog and risked his life to save him. There are some of us that believe a dog is happiest living as a dog - free and roaming his property-and sometimes that comes with a risk. He took that risk and paid the consequenses. Don't him hear complaining so why are you????

Amen!

[CFrance]

Good idea - site him for animal cruelty - afterall he did jump on the gator's back, grabbed his leg, went down with him, and saved the pup. But he is definitely cruel. Are you kidding me - this guy loves his dog and risked his life to save him. There are some of us that believe a dog is happiest living as a dog - free and roaming his property-and sometimes that comes with a risk. He took that risk and paid the consequenses. Don't him hear complaining so why are you????

I am complaining because the gator had to be killed. Hope this discussion will end soon. I think all sides have been heard, and this is why TOTV is so useful.

[samhass]

CFrance...I think gators get killed with regularity. Even if they haven't attacked anything.

[gustavo]

Gators are killed all the time in this area. They are used to feed people's family's. I think the season opened up sometime in mid august.

[CFrance]

Gators are killed all the time in this area. They are used to feed people's family's. I think the season opened up sometime in mid august.

So that's a reason to have one killed, stuffed, and display it as a trophy? I stand by my initial thought--keep your pet out of harm's way and nobody gets hurt.

[golferling]

For all those who simply cant fathom the guy that thinks the behavior of the owner to allow his dog to run loose was not right..and lives right by a pond that could have snakes, gators, etc. REPLACE the word "dog" in this piece with the word, "small child" and see how quickly you would label that "irresponsible" and "neglecting proper supervision." Let's face it folks, the whole thing killed an animal living in its natural habitat because this man neglected to supervise and control the actions of his pet dog. And for this, you call him a hero and give him his 15 minutes of fame...ridiculous! If this was a child, he would be in danger of losing custody.

[Golfingnut]

Good idea - site him for animal cruelty - afterall he did jump on the gator's back, grabbed his leg, went down with him, and saved the pup. But he is definitely cruel. Are you kidding me - this guy loves his dog and risked his life to save him. There are some of us that believe a dog is happiest living as a dog - free and roaming his property-and sometimes that comes with a risk. He took that risk and paid the consequenses. Don't him hear complaining so why are you????

Bingo

[Golfingnut]

Being from the country gives me a different view of animals and nature. Rules that one must or should follow are greatly different from farm to inner city. Same with people: In the country I knew and respected all my neighbors where in some cases inner city folks do not always even know their neighbors. Now imagine putting us together in The Villages with such different understanding of nature, animals, etc. and you have these kind of variations on just what the right thing to do is and how big a variation they have even for the seemingly exact circumstance.

:shrug:

:beer3:

[senior citizen]

Being from the country gives me a different view of animals and nature. Rules that one must or should follow are greatly different from farm to inner city. Same with people: In the country I knew and respected all my neighbors where in some cases inner city folks do not always even know their neighbors. Now imagine putting us together in The Villages with such different understanding of nature, animals, etc. and you have these kind of variations on just what the right thing to do is and how big a variation they have even for the seemingly exact circumstance.

:shrug:

:beer3:

Well said....

Up here they shoot deer, in season, for venison meat.
To others, who love all animals, that might seem cruel.
Up here it is sport and it's called hunting season when all the guys go away to "camp" in November.

I would be in favor of saving the little dog vs. protecting the alligator.
Again, it could have been that man's grandchild toddling down to the water. Yes, parents should hold their hands.....but it's been known to happen.

I'm sure he feels much safer, for his entire family's welfare, with the alligator gone.

[EdV]

Yes, but that is the nature of things...................not tempting a gator with a small dog. The dog was in the gator's feeding area and became fair game.

And when the gator lunged onto the property that belongs to the dog’s owner, it too became fair game and paid the price for trespassing.

[paulandjean]

Still having hard time with this one. I know everyone saying so a nice guy and all,but did anyone see this happen? are there witnesses,he looks what 65 and he jumps on his back hooks back his leg,grabs his tail until the dog is released from his mouth.The guys on television seem much stronger and younger doing this. Did anyone see them take awat a 7ft gator. Did he go to the hospital for injuries, did the dog go to the vets for injuries.Was there somekind of police or accident report or transport report. Who contacted the Orlando paper?Maybe there is a reason the village paper did not. Just because the newpaper writes a story or gives a interview I do not believe everything is Fact.I asked about his screen name GatorGus,was that before or after this happened that he chose that name. This also was his 2nd posts which I wondered.Being a retired teacher I have seen it all,so sometimes I just questioned. First thing I told the Ex about this event ,first thing she says I do not believe it. Do not believe everything on TMZ.

[firewalkerb3]

Alligators are opportunist predators. If it was not Steve dog, it would have been someone else’s pet or someone, just a matter of time. This alligator did not care where its food came from, remember Steve was right there. These are the alligators you want to remove, makes living and enjoying the home and yard safer. Alligators have hundreds of years of training in stealth stalking it meal. If you see one it because it don’t care that you see it. When it is hunting food, whatever it has decided will be it meal will never see it.

[EdV]

Maybe they could relocate all of the gators in TV to Del Webb, Stonecrest, Solavita etc.???

Now there’s a friendly idea. Got trash, no problem. Just throw it over the fence onto your neighbor’s property.

[firewalkerb3]

Still having hard time with this one. I know everyone saying so a nice guy and all,but did anyone see this happen? are there witnesses,he looks what 65 and he jumps on his back hooks back his leg,grabs his tail until the dog is released from his mouth.The guys on television seem much stronger and younger doing this. Did anyone see them take awat a 7ft gator. Did he go to the hospital for injuries, did the dog go to the vets for injuries.Was there somekind of police or accident report or transport report. Who contacted the Orlando paper?Maybe there is a reason the village paper did not. Just because the newpaper writes a story or gives a interview I do not believe everything is Fact.I asked about his screen name GatorGus,was that before or after this happened that he chose that name. This also was his 2nd posts which I wondered.Being a retired teacher I have seen it all,so sometimes I just questioned. First thing I told the Ex about this event ,first thing she says I do not believe it. Do not believe everything on TMZ.

Yes to all the above, witness called 911. Steve just one of those guys who ages slow. I'm the NGT who removed the gator and the 7 foot report was wrong, the gator was 7 foot 4 inchs. Steve did go to hospital and dog to the vet. And accident report was made with SCSO as wel as FWC. It will be in the Village paper with next print.

[firewalkerb3]

When you post on this website, you get every conceivable kind of response so you just have to roll with the flow. You could post something like "the grass is normally green" and you will have 7 responses from every possible spectrum. The guy saved his dog. Hurray for the good guys. Get over it and let it go.:doggie:

You hit the nail right on the head. I assure a dog lease would have not changed a thing. I assure you this gator had been thinking about his dog for some time. His dog is white the color of a gators favorite bird. Once a gator decides he is going to eat something, he going after it. Yes a gator will walk right throw a screen room to get a meal.

[firewalkerb3]

I don't think they need to kill them, just get rid of them.

Once a gator bites a dog or person it has to be destroyed because it will do it again.

[mulligan]

If you relocate a gator, it will find it's way back, much like the dogs and cats we know. Killing them for hide and meat is how the trappers get paid.

[paulandjean]

Yes to all the above, witness called 911. Steve just one of those guys who ages slow. I'm the NGT who removed the gator and the 7 foot report was wrong, the gator was 7 foot 4 inchs. Steve did go to hospital and dog to the vet. And accident report was made with SCSO as wel as FWC. It will be in the Village paper with next print.

Looking forward to the next village sun to read the account. Reading about the witness reaction to seeing this. Also your account of snagging the gator that is 7 ft 4 inches.

[samhass]

Isn't it curious that national news has covered this but the Daily Sun has been mum?

[Taltarzac725]

Isn't it curious that national news has covered this but the Daily Sun has been mum?

I did not see anything in today's Villages Daily Sun. Maybe they want to discourage alligator wrestling.

It is an international story now. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html

[Bogie Shooter]

What's next the morning tv talk shows?

[samhass]

today or tomorrow it will be on. Making it even more disgraceful that The Sun has not covered this story. Like it or not, this is news. And people will still buy waterfront lots and love them.
I'm glad we have the internet for news.:024:

BTW..that is Good Morning America.

[Josie70]

I'm glad that Steve's dog is safe. I'm glad that Steve is safe. I'm just saying that this gator shouldn't have had to die for doing what is in his wildlife nature. Steve let his dog run loose, and now the gator is dead. I just can't see making a trophy out of this episode. My honest opinion. We have a responsibility to all animals, domestic and wild.

If it was your dog what would you do....Don't knock this man down for doing what he thought was the only thing to do at that time....Yes he should have had his dog on a leach the way all people with dogs should...

[Patty55]

Would someone please explain to me why they think the dog being on a leash would have prevented this.

Will someone please tell me why they think a dog needs to be on a leash in its own backyard.

Can anyone give me one useful purpose for the gators? Geez Louise, they don't even taste good but everyone is all dramatic about getting rid of them. Just wait, one day this will happen to one of your insipid grandchildren and then you'll be crying for their removal.

[graciegirl]

Would someone please explain to me why they think the dog being on a leash would have prevented this.

Will someone please tell me why they think a dog needs to be on a leash in its own backyard.

Can anyone give me one useful purpose for the gators? Geez Louise, they don't even taste good but everyone is all dramatic about getting rid of them. Just wait, one day this will happen to one of your insipid grandchildren and then you'll be crying for their removal.

Now Patty...you are right but some of us don't have insipid grandchildren, in fact most of our grandchildren are brilliant and beautiful.

Now Sam, don't be pickin' on the Sun. I love The Daily Sun. Tal is probably right about discouraging people from wrestling alligators.

:a20:

[shcisamax]

Remember George and Gracie? HEEEEEEERRRRRE'S GRACIE!!!

[graciegirl]

Remember George and Gracie? HEEEEEEERRRRRE'S GRACIE!!!

Say goodnight Shesamax. ;)

[shcisamax]

Good Night.

[samhass]

Grace..I read and enjoy the Sun. In fact, I'm proud of our hometown paper.
I just do not understand why they didn't know this would gather attention outside TV and publish accordingly. It seems so short sighted from an organization that otherwise is brilliant. Just sayin'.

[Patty55]

Still having hard time with this one. I know everyone saying so a nice guy and all,but did anyone see this happen? are there witnesses,he looks what 65 and he jumps on his back hooks back his leg,grabs his tail until the dog is released from his mouth.The guys on television seem much stronger and younger doing this. Did anyone see them take awat a 7ft gator. Did he go to the hospital for injuries, did the dog go to the vets for injuries.Was there somekind of police or accident report or transport report. Who contacted the Orlando paper?Maybe there is a reason the village paper did not. Just because the newpaper writes a story or gives a interview I do not believe everything is Fact.I asked about his screen name GatorGus,was that before or after this happened that he chose that name. This also was his 2nd posts which I wondered.Being a retired teacher I have seen it all,so sometimes I just questioned. First thing I told the Ex about this event ,first thing she says I do not believe it. Do not believe everything on TMZ.

I think you're right, I think this whole thing is a CONSPIRACY, all planned so that Bounce can collect frequent flyer miles.

[bike42]

I hope Steve (and everyone else with dogs near ponds) has learned from this and called the invisible (electric) fence installer. The water's edge is at least 20 feet from his back property line. The invisible fence will be installed just inside his property line. His smart Westie will learn in no time that she does not go near the water. The dog still needs supervision because critters can come up to the house -- but there's a lot less danger if the dog is not near the water. Just because the one alligator is gone doesn't mean it can't happen again.

[ilovetv]

"Maybe they want to discourage alligator wrestling."

This could actually be a goal of not publishing this "heroic" story in the Daily Sun.

Remember, so-called adults were stupid enough to tell 10-12-year-old kids--leaning over the 3-ft-high rope at Lake Sumter Landing so they could see the giant gator--that they need not worry about falling in nor about a gator jumping up and chomping their hand off because "it's just a mechanical alligator"!!!!!!!! We SAW these kids who believed that craziness and no parent was around supervising/correcting them.

There were also residents/visitors who were stupid enough to want their toddlers to experience the buffalo as if they were in a petting zoo, and they put the kids inside the fence with a mamma buffalo with new calf to protect!!!!!!

I think there ARE people who would think they could wrestle an alligator, for some free golf balls!

[graciegirl]

"Maybe they want to discourage alligator wrestling."

This could actually be a goal of not publishing this "heroic" story in the Daily Sun.

Remember, so-called adults were stupid enough to tell 10-12-year-old kids--leaning over the 3-ft-high rope at Lake Sumter Landing so they could see the giant gator--that they need not worry about falling in nor about a gator jumping up and chomping their hand off because "it's just a mechanical alligator"!!!!!!!! We SAW these kids who believed that craziness and no parent was around supervising/correcting them.

There were also residents/visitors who were stupid enough to want their toddlers to experience the buffalo as if they were in a petting zoo, and they put the kids inside the fence with a mamma buffalo with new calf to protect!!!!!!

I think there ARE people who would think they could wrestle an alligator, for some free golf balls!


At the risk of sounding like an old lady. (which I guess I am) This is where your ounce of prevention would be worth your pound of cure.

And all this discussing.

[jblum315]

Won't Bounce be scared to go in the lanai with that thing there?

[Patty55]

Won't Bounce be scared to go in the lanai with that thing there?

It does send a message to all the other gators...DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!

[Barefoot]

We back on an environmental area/golf course. We have two small ponds about 150 feet from the house. Having two dogs, I was skeptical about having any water nearby. Before moving in, we talked to neighbors who had lived on the street for six years. They said they'd never seen a gator, the ponds aren't big enough.

We moved in and got invisible fencing for the dogs. I always check the ponds for gators sunning themselves before I let the dogs out. When the dogs are outside, I always supervise them. Two years ago, there was a gator sunning himself by one of the ponds. :22yikes: The following day it disappeared.

The moral of this story: It's Florida .... where there is water, there can well be gators. They travel through the irrigation pipes. Sometimes they walk by people's houses, travelling from one pond to another. Be careful, they move with great bursts of speed.

P.S. Thanks to Firewalker for his interesting comments about gators.

[CaptJohn]

Thanks to Firewalker for his interesting comments about gators.

Now all you have to worry about is stepping out onto your lanai in the darklight while 'barefoot' and not having a gator chomp on you! :22yikes: :laugh:

[Barefoot]

Now all you have to worry about is stepping out onto your lanai in the darklight while 'barefoot' and not having a gator chomp on you! :22yikes: :laugh:

I know you're kidding, but I do worry about gators at night, not chomping on my bare feet, but chomping on my 10 lb dog. Although I assume the presence of my big dog might be a deterrent. But perhaps they'd just consider my 70 lb dog to be a Big Mac. Also, I assume gators sleep at night? Eeeek, maybe they hunt when it's dark. At any rate, I never let my dogs out at night in the back yard, just at the front of the house. As you can tell, I'm paranoid about gators.

[Nipper]

"Couldn't agree with you more. The man may have an invisible fence for all you know so stop it already with the leash laws. Also he chose to have the dog loose and faced the consequences - didn't ask anyone else to handle the situation - literally jumped right in. So give him credit for saving his best friend and risking his own life to save him and stop with the judgement and criticsm. I say congratulations on a job well done - and who knows that gator may have grabbed a child next time."


I couldn't agree with you more. Bravo!!

[Barefoot]

"Couldn't agree with you more. The man may have an invisible fence for all you know so stop it already with the leash laws. Also he chose to have the dog loose and faced the consequences - didn't ask anyone else to handle the situation - literally jumped right in. So give him credit for saving his best friend and risking his own life to save him and stop with the judgement and criticsm. I say congratulations on a job well done - and who knows that gator may have grabbed a child next time."
I couldn't agree with you more. Bravo!!

In my books, he is a hero. And Bounce probably feel the same way!

[CaptJohn]

Barefoot, this link from the Univ of Florida may answer some of your questions, like yes, they do feed at night!
WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230)

[rubicon]

And when the gator lunged onto the property that belongs to the dog’s owner, it too became fair game and paid the price for trespassing.

That dam gator ought to have read the "no trespassing sign posted by the homeowner and understood the rules. It didn't and it paid the price. Really! Really!

[Barefoot]

Barefoot, this link from the Univ of Florida may answer some of your questions, like yes, they do feed at night!
WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230)

Most of that information is frightening, including the fact that they swallow their prey whole. :faint: They even eat deer and hogs, and climb fences.

I love animals, but gators are definitely not on my favorite's list. I know they are God's creatures, but the only way I want to be close to a gator is in a wallet.

[gomoho]

amen - can I hear an AMEN brothers and sisters?!?!?!

[ilovetv]

Barefoot, this link from the Univ of Florida may answer some of your questions, like yes, they do feed at night!
WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw230)

Wow....Everyone should read this link posted by CaptJohn above. Here is one of the myths debunked there, which I'd never heard before:

Myth #3: Alligators are not good climbers.

Alligators have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them push their bodies up. Young alligators are agile climbers and adults have been known to climb fences to get to water or escape captivity. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard.

[EdV]

That dam gator ought to have read the "no trespassing sign posted by the homeowner and understood the rules. It didn't and it paid the price. Really! Really!

I think you mean damn gator..

[firewalkerb3]

Now Patty...you are right but some of us don't have insipid grandchildren, in fact most of our grandchildren are brilliant and beautiful.

Now Sam, don't be pickin' on the Sun. I love The Daily Sun. Tal is probably right about discouraging people from wrestling alligators.

:a20:

The Sun was waiting on a copy of my report,I sent it to them today.

[firewalkerb3]

I know you're kidding, but I do worry about gators at night, not chomping on my bare feet, but chomping on my 10 lb dog. Although I assume the presence of my big dog might be a deterrent. But perhaps they'd just consider my 70 lb dog to be a Big Mac. Also, I assume gators sleep at night? Eeeek, maybe they hunt when it's dark. At any rate, I never let my dogs out at night in the back yard, just at the front of the house. As you can tell, I'm paranoid about gators.

Yes Bearfoot they eat at night, because of eyesight issues. Gators just see better at night, making no less than 2 round of the area they consider theirs. A gator can lay I wait for hours for it meal to make a mistake. As stated earlier in this post, the pipes in the village are a highway for them. They travel the roads when they are ready to move, just ask the Neighbor Hood Watch how many they see at night.

[firewalkerb3]

Wow....Everyone should read this link posted by CaptJohn above. Here is one of the myths debunked there, which I'd never heard before:

Myth #3: Alligators are not good climbers.

Alligators have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them push their bodies up. Young alligators are agile climbers and adults have been known to climb fences to get to water or escape captivity. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard.


I have see alligators climb 5 and 6 foot fences.

[buggyone]

I have see alligators climb 5 and 6 foot fences.

Why don't you post the "humane" ways that you alligator killers get rid of the alligators such as the harpoons and huge treble hooks? When Villagers hear that an alligator has been "removed" from a pond because of complaints, they often think the alligator is trapped and released into some unoccupied land area. Tell the truth of what really happens.

[firewalkerb3]

Why don't you post the "humane" ways that you alligator killers get rid of the alligators such as the harpoons and huge treble hooks? When Villagers hear that an alligator has been "removed" from a pond because of complaints, they often think the alligator is trapped and released into some unoccupied land area. Tell the truth of what really happens.

I guess you can speak for the residents in the Villages, however wrong you are. If calling me an alligator killer was meant to be offensive, well it worked. Not all alligators are destroyed, many are relocated. I don’t have a % of the total per year in the Villages that are killed or relocated. I don’t track that data. I cannot think of anyone in or out of the Villages with a nuisance problem who did not know what the outcome of the gator would be, we always tell them. Eradication of the gators is not our intent, if this was the expectation I would find a different job. As to how the gator is trapped most of the time it a single hook inside bait (beef lung) floating or hanging depending on the terrain. The gator bites it, the hook catches it and it is removed. If you have a different way I’m open to the suggestion. Some people are opposed to removable of alligators, and I respect that. I’m opposed to any killing of Gods creations for no reason. However the ones we remove have posed a threat to humans or domestic animals. You can’t just call in and have a gator removed; you will have to prove the gator is a problem. Sure someone can lie and fabricate a story and the gator would be removed, I would not want to live with that. Now my opinion when I arrive as to the gators being a threat or not has no bearing on it, we all have a reasonable expectation of safety. And we all have a right to make full use of our property without what we perceive as a threat. This post is about a man jumping on an alligator to save his dog, I would not advise anyone to do this. Was he lucky? Sure he was and his dog was lucky. Was it heroic? People will always have mixed opinions on that, I believe Steve is the type of guy who would have done the same thing if it would have been a person. Steve is a kind and loving man, the kind of guy that I proud to call a friend. The man raises butterfly, builds nest for ducks to lay and hatch their eggs secure from threats. Good job Steve, now don’t do it again.

[Golfingnut]

I guess you can speak for the residents in the Villages, however wrong you are. If calling me an alligator killer was meant to be offensive, well it worked. Not all alligators are destroyed, many are relocated. I don’t have a % of the total per year in the Villages that are killed or relocated. I don’t track that data. I cannot think of anyone in or out of the Villages with a nuisance problem who did not know what the outcome of the gator would be, we always tell them. Eradication of the gators is not our intent, if this was the expectation I would find a different job. As to how the gator is trapped most of the time it a single hook inside bait (beef lung) floating or hanging depending on the terrain. The gator bites it, the hook catches it and it is removed. If you have a different way I’m open to the suggestion. Some people are opposed to removable of alligators, and I respect that. I’m opposed to any killing of Gods creations for no reason. However the ones we remove have posed a threat to humans or domestic animals. You can’t just call in and have a gator removed; you will have to prove the gator is a problem. Sure someone can lie and fabricate a story and the gator would be removed, I would not want to live with that. Now my opinion when I arrive as to the gators being a threat or not has no bearing on it, we all have a reasonable expectation of safety. And we all have a right to make full use of our property without what we perceive as a threat. This post is about a man jumping on an alligator to save his dog, I would not advise anyone to do this. Was he lucky? Sure he was and his dog was lucky. Was it heroic? People will always have mixed opinions on that, I believe Steve is the type of guy who would have done the same thing if it would have been a person. Steve is a kind and loving man, the kind of guy that I proud to call a friend. The man raises butterfly, builds nest for ducks to lay and hatch their eggs secure from threats. Good job Steve, now don’t do it again.

This Post should be in the Sun also. I have read all your responses and found them all to be very informative. Sorry for the killer comment as it was totally uncalled for. The actions of those serving to protect us like firefighters, soldiers, police, EMT's etc. are respected by the vast majority of every day citizens, but then, you can always find someone that will give you a poke just to get a reaction. I doubt if it was meant to be as negative as it looks in print.

I sincerely try my best never to question the actions taken by those doing their job to protect us even if it goes against my way of thinking. Sir I salute you and anyone wearing the uniform of public servants.

:police:

:bigbow:

[PaPaLarry]

:BigApplause:I guess you can speak for the residents in the Villages, however wrong you are. If calling me an alligator killer was meant to be offensive, well it worked. Not all alligators are destroyed, many are relocated. I don’t have a % of the total per year in the Villages that are killed or relocated. I don’t track that data. I cannot think of anyone in or out of the Villages with a nuisance problem who did not know what the outcome of the gator would be, we always tell them. Eradication of the gators is not our intent, if this was the expectation I would find a different job. As to how the gator is trapped most of the time it a single hook inside bait (beef lung) floating or hanging depending on the terrain. The gator bites it, the hook catches it and it is removed. If you have a different way I’m open to the suggestion. Some people are opposed to removable of alligators, and I respect that. I’m opposed to any killing of Gods creations for no reason. However the ones we remove have posed a threat to humans or domestic animals. You can’t just call in and have a gator removed; you will have to prove the gator is a problem. Sure someone can lie and fabricate a story and the gator would be removed, I would not want to live with that. Now my opinion when I arrive as to the gators being a threat or not has no bearing on it, we all have a reasonable expectation of safety. And we all have a right to make full use of our property without what we perceive as a threat. This post is about a man jumping on an alligator to save his dog, I would not advise anyone to do this. Was he lucky? Sure he was and his dog was lucky. Was it heroic? People will always have mixed opinions on that, I believe Steve is the type of guy who would have done the same thing if it would have been a person. Steve is a kind and loving man, the kind of guy that I proud to call a friend. The man raises butterfly, builds nest for ducks to lay and hatch their eggs secure from threats. Good job Steve, now don’t do it again.

[senior citizen]

Southeastern Outdoors - Fatal Alligator Attacks (http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/reptiles/fatal-alligator-attacks.html)


I had posted on another link several times about how naïve we were when we lived in Satellite Beach Florida for one year, in our mid twenties (1970’s)


Totally unprepared to deal with not only alligators lurking in ponds/lakes or for those dangerous ant hills while walking our 2 year old and 5 year old on the paths.


Obviously we made it out alive; only seeing one HUGE GIANT SNAKE removed from the canal on which our rental home was on. Like “Out of Africa” huge.

Ditto for the late 1980’s while vacationing each April on Sanibel Island, Florida which has the Ding Darling Nature Preserve and does have alligators all over the place.......
....a fact that the home owners and condo owners/ business owners make lightly of, so as not to scare away prospective tourists. Great seashells though.

We even subscribed to the local Sanibel paper prior to visiting......which obviously kept it pretty hush hush.

Of course, when checking in, I’d ask about the alligator “thing”. They’d laugh and make lightly of it.........or outright deny it.

There have been quite a few alligator attacks on Sanibel if you click above hyperlink...........including a lady doing landscaping in the backyard.

Most of her arm had to be removed from a massive infection from the alligator bite..........she ultimately died. It happens.

Obviously, many victims of alligator attacks do survive and live to tell about it. The above hyperlink covers some of the fatalities.

Alligators are hunted and removed for a reason. Even the smaller ones can grow in size........I would imagine. Who knows what is lurking beneath??

Through our own lack of knowledge, our two year old and five year old could have been a tasty morsel for an alligator............as we waded into ponds and lakes, unsuspectingly.....as I've written previously.

I believe newspapers should print the truth and the facts.

I’ve heard that the state of Florida really doesn’t want tourists to know about these things...........so as not to discourage tourism.

Those who do know, shouldn't put their heads in the sand.

God forbid. Hopefully, it never happens, but it's smart to be "aware" of potential danger.......I still say that man is a hero.

I can't believe the negative response to his story that was printed in the Orlando Sentinel. I'm sure they checked it out.

How did he get the wounds on his hand and leg as shown in the photos they took? So many doubting Thomases.

[Madelaine Amee]

Yes Bearfoot they eat at night, because of eyesight issues. Gators just see better at night, making no less than 2 round of the area they consider theirs. A gator can lay I wait for hours for it meal to make a mistake. As stated earlier in this post, the pipes in the village are a highway for them. They travel the roads when they are ready to move, just ask the Neighbor Hood Watch how many they see at night.

Do their eyes shine green at night? The reason for my question is - I used to walk an elderly dog very early in the morning, when it was still quite dark. One morning we walked past one of the areas which abuts a preserve and there was something way ahead of us in the middle of the road, I thought I could make out in the dark that it was sort of longish and low to the ground and with really green shiny eyes. The hair went up on the dog's back and all over my body too and we took off for home. Have often wondered if I really saw something nasty or was it my imagination?

[Taltarzac725]

Do their eyes shine green at night? The reason for my question is - I used to walk an elderly dog very early in the morning, when it was still quite dark. One morning we walked past one of the areas which abuts a preserve and there was something way ahead of us in the middle of the road, I thought I could make out in the dark that it was sort of longish and low to the ground and with really green shiny eyes. The hair went up on the dog's back and all over my body too and we took off for home. Have often wondered if I really saw something nasty or was it my imagination?

Alligator eyes shine red when a light hits them. Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator (http://www.crocodopolis.net/lwa_alligator.htm)

http://www.ehow.com/how_8070072_recognize-animal-eyes-night.html

Could have been a feral cat??

[firewalkerb3]

This Post should be in the Sun also. I have read all your responses and found them all to be very informative. Sorry for the killer comment as it was totally uncalled for. The actions of those serving to protect us like firefighters, soldiers, police, EMT's etc. are respected by the vast majority of every day citizens, but then, you can always find someone that will give you a poke just to get a reaction. I doubt if it was meant to be as negative as it looks in print.

I sincerely try my best never to question the actions taken by those doing their job to protect us even if it goes against my way of thinking. Sir I salute you and anyone wearing the uniform of public servants.

:police:

:bigbow:

Thanks, I try to let thing like that run of my back like water off a duck. I’m a retired firefighter of 35 years and served my country in the Army Eco 3/32 Inf, and my State In the Florida National Guard Dco 2/124 Inf. The point is I have committed my life to public safety, and being called a killer just made the hair on my neck standup. I have worked with 1000s of Village residents and 99% or just downright good people, the 1% may have just been having a bad day. Always said if I see him out and about the Village I going to offer to buy him a beer, and talk to him about what ever. Sorry I let it get to me, should have stayed focused on Steve and what he did to save his dog.

[senior citizen]

Alligator eyes shine red when a light hits them. Living Among Alligators > About the American Alligator (http://www.crocodopolis.net/lwa_alligator.htm)

How to Recognize Animal Eyes at Night | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_8070072_recognize-animal-eyes-night.html)

Could have been a feral cat??

The above links were all very interesting to read and informative....

I just found this on wikipedia......I guess we're pretty safe, somewhat.
Unless we go swimming in the Everglades.

However, that said, the infection from the alligator bite is the thing to be concerned about, especially nowadays ....especially with that flesh eating bacteria from accidents in ponds and lakes in the south.


" Human deaths and injuries
Main article: List of fatal alligator attacks in the United States by decade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_alligator_attacks_in_the_United_Stat es_by_decade)
Alligators are capable of killing humans, but are generally wary enough not to see them as a potential prey. Mistaken identity leading to an attack is always possible, especially in or near cloudy waters. Alligators are often less aggressive towards humans than large crocodile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocodile) species, a few of which (mainly the Nile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_Crocodile) and Saltwater Crocodiles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltwater_Crocodile)) may prey on humans with some regularity.

Alligator bites are serious injuries due to the reptile's sheer bite force and risk of infection. Even with medical treatment, an alligator bite may still result in a fatal infection.

As human populations increase, and as they build houses in low lying areas, or hunt and fish near water, there are inevitably incidents where alligators threaten, or at least appear to threaten, human life.

Humans tend to exaggerate causes of death that seem unusual. Hence, alligators receive undue attention relative to other far more common causes of death such as drowning or car accidents.

Since 1948, there have been 275 documented attacks on humans in Florida (that is, about five incidents per year), of which at least 17 resulted in death.

There were only nine fatal attacks in the US throughout the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, but alligators killed 12 people between 2001 and 2007. In May 2006, alligators killed three Floridians in less than a week"

American alligator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Alligator)

[firewalkerb3]

Do their eyes shine green at night? The reason for my question is - I used to walk an elderly dog very early in the morning, when it was still quite dark. One morning we walked past one of the areas which abuts a preserve and there was something way ahead of us in the middle of the road, I thought I could make out in the dark that it was sort of longish and low to the ground and with really green shiny eyes. The hair went up on the dog's back and all over my body too and we took off for home. Have often wondered if I really saw something nasty or was it my imagination?

Madeaine Amee in references to the eyes color Taltarzac725 is correct; the eyes are red when hit by light. Poison snakes eyes will also reflect red. Green can be a lot of wild life even a frog, best to stay alert like you did and avoid any inter action with whatever it is.

[firewalkerb3]

Southeastern Outdoors - Fatal Alligator Attacks (http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/reptiles/fatal-alligator-attacks.html)


I had posted on another link several times about how naïve we were when we lived in Satellite Beach Florida for one year, in our mid twenties (1970’s)


Totally unprepared to deal with not only alligators lurking in ponds/lakes or for those dangerous ant hills while walking our 2 year old and 5 year old on the paths.


Obviously we made it out alive; only seeing one HUGE GIANT SNAKE removed from the canal on which our rental home was on. Like “Out of Africa” huge.

Ditto for the late 1980’s while vacationing each April on Sanibel Island, Florida which has the Ding Darling Nature Preserve and does have alligators all over the place.......
....a fact that the home owners and condo owners/ business owners make lightly of, so as not to scare away prospective tourists. Great seashells though.

We even subscribed to the local Sanibel paper prior to visiting......which obviously kept it pretty hush hush.

Of course, when checking in, I’d ask about the alligator “thing”. They’d laugh and make lightly of it.........or outright deny it.

There have been quite a few alligator attacks on Sanibel if you click above hyperlink...........including a lady doing landscaping in the backyard.

Most of her arm had to be removed from a massive infection from the alligator bite..........she ultimately died. It happens.

Obviously, many victims of alligator attacks do survive and live to tell about it. The above hyperlink covers some of the fatalities.

Alligators are hunted and removed for a reason. Even the smaller ones can grow in size........I would imagine. Who knows what is lurking beneath??

Through our own lack of knowledge, our two year old and five year old could have been a tasty morsel for an alligator............as we waded into ponds and lakes, unsuspectingly.....as I've written previously.

I believe newspapers should print the truth and the facts.

I’ve heard that the state of Florida really doesn’t want tourists to know about these things...........so as not to discourage tourism.

Those who do know, shouldn't put their heads in the sand.

God forbid. Hopefully, it never happens, but it's smart to be "aware" of potential danger.......I still say that man is a hero.

I can't believe the negative response to his story that was printed in the Orlando Sentinel. I'm sure they checked it out.

How did he get the wounds on his hand and leg as shown in the photos they took? So many doubting Thomases.

Senior Citizen thanks, my wife and I had a Condo for years on Sanibel Island, Caribe. Wish we still had it, I could use a vacation. The attack on the woman was 1 week before we were there. In my career (not as an alligator trapper) I was on 3 attacks 2 were fatal. 1 was a 67 year old woman living in Continental Country Club Sumter County, the other was a 10 year old boy at dead river in Leesburg, the last was a 10 month old baby that the mother had put a life jacket on and lowered his feet into lake Deaton, the gator bit is foot and pulled him from his mother’s arms, that mother (98 lbs soaking wet) beat a 8 + foot gator off her child, he suffered some deep lacerations and cut to his foot. To live with or without alligators debate has been around for some time and not going any were soon. Common senses will go a long ways, back by educating one’s self with research, as you did. The internet is loaded with information; the State of Florida web page offers a lot of information. Stay safe

[paulandjean]

I have not picked up the villages sun,is there a story about this in todays paper. Love to see the suns take on this.

[Taltarzac725]

I have not picked up the villages sun,is there a story about this in todays paper. Love to see the suns take on this.

I did not see anything in Friday's Villages Daily Sun.

[paulandjean]

I did not see anything in Friday's Villages Daily Sun.

They must be waiting for "firewalkerb3" report. he said yesterday he would turn over to the village sun.

[gomoho]

Met the therapy dog group at Mission Oaks today and a few people said it was in yesterday's paper. I didn't see it and neither did the Mr. and he reads everything.

[Schaumburger]

Isn't it curious that national news has covered this but the Daily Sun has been mum?

The ABC affiliate in Chicago, WLS, had the story on their 6:00 pm local newscast 3 nights ago.

[paulandjean]

I have not picked up my village sun newpaper this morning.Anybody know if the story is in todays edition? Want to read their take on this.Thanks.

[senior citizen]

Senior Citizen thanks, my wife and I had a Condo for years on Sanibel Island, Caribe. Wish we still had it, I could use a vacation. The attack on the woman was 1 week before we were there. In my career (not as an alligator trapper) I was on 3 attacks 2 were fatal. 1 was a 67 year old woman living in Continental Country Club Sumter County, the other was a 10 year old boy at dead river in Leesburg, the last was a 10 month old baby that the mother had put a life jacket on and lowered his feet into lake Deaton, the gator bit is foot and pulled him from his mother’s arms, that mother (98 lbs soaking wet) beat a 8 + foot gator off her child, he suffered some deep lacerations and cut to his foot. To live with or without alligators debate has been around for some time and not going any were soon. Common senses will go a long ways, back by educating one’s self with research, as you did. The internet is loaded with information; the State of Florida web page offers a lot of information. Stay safe

WOW. We have not returned to Sanibel Island in many moons, however, we did go there every April or May after our kids outgrew Disney World. After the "cottage" incident where we had to walk through very high grass on a path that led to the Gulf of Mexico beach, and after I really KNEW that there could be alligators lurking in those tall grasses as we saw them with our own eyes in the tall grasses off the beach..........we started renting at the "HIGH TIDE" directly on the beach and Gulf of Mexico. So, no weeds to walk through....no swampy land to cross.

Sanibel was nice and peaceful. Our kids liked canoeing with their dad at the Ding Darling Preserve.

We also liked driving down to Captiva, a skinny barrier island next to Sanibel. The Bubble Room was a great place for lunch. Quirky but great food, at that time, and huge desserts.....like their coconut cake. We'd really go for the Key Lime Pie.

The High Tide was owned by a lady from Cincinnati and it was still fairly new at that time.........anyway, all good memories........

Oh, one funny story........we had our teenaged kids in the back seat and Dad decided to explore the inner part of the barrier island of Sanibel.
We ended up in this "rural" area..........and couldn't find our way out.
An elderly man with a fishing pole was walking down the dirt road.
Hubby asked him, "Could you please direct us how to get out of here?"

"Same way you got in".....and he kept on walking.

Reminded us of the old Vermont natives......that's about what they would say.

I'm sure he didn't approve of the modernization that the causeway brought to his island........and all the condos replacing the old cottages.

[Josie70]

I am reading all of theses posts and I just don't understand some of you....I know you all love your pets but to jump in the water and tangle with a gator does not make sense to me I wouldn do it,No matter how much I loved my dog..I would keep my eye on him when we were in the yard or just keep him in the house if I was doing something and couldnt watch him or her thats what we did when our children were babies ...Now don't attack me because I will bite.....

[Barefoot]

I am reading all of theses posts and I just don't understand some of you....I know you all love your pets but to jump in the water and tangle with a gator does not make sense to me. I wouldn do it ..........Now don't attack me because I will bite.....

Don't worry Josie, no-one wants to attack you for expressing an opinion. Diverse opinions make TOTV an interesting website.

I personally think that Steve is incredibly brave! He was expressing the purest form of love. But I understand others may feel he was negligent. Accidents happen to the best of us. In my humble opinion, it is how we handle the adversities in life that makes us special.

[paulandjean]

Anyone,has the Village Sun newspaper have a article in todays paper,have been out of service for a few days.

[graciegirl]

Wow. There are two of you posters who like to point out the little faults of our wonderful The Daily Sun. I like it a lot.

I have to guess this is really about another subject we aren't allowed to discuss.

One time someone was complaining about the Sun not publishing an article about a rumored "home invasion" where a person was cut. When I called to ask about it, the folks at the Sun said it was about a suicide attempt and the rumors had gone viral when the person was taken bleeding from their home. The Sun doesn't publish things about suicides.

I don't know why they didn't publish the story about the man saving his dog. It could well be to discourage people from taking on alligators. I can't think of any other reason or any other conspiracy theory.

Help me out here, Paul and Jean. Why do you think they didn't publish it?

[paulandjean]

Wow. There are two of you posters who like to point out the little faults of our wonderful The Daily Sun. I like it a lot.

I have to guess this is really about another subject we aren't allowed to discuss.

One time someone was complaining about the Sun not publishing an article about a rumored "home invasion" where a person was cut. When I called to ask about it, the folks at the Sun said it was about a suicide attempt and the rumors had gone viral when the person was taken bleeding from their home. The Sun doesn't publish things about suicides.

I don't know why they didn't publish the story about the man saving his dog. It could well be to discourage people from taking on alligators. I can't think of any other reason or any other conspiracy theory.

Help me out here, Paul and Jean. Why do you think they didn't publish it?

He is my take on the doggie caper. Still think something is not adding up on this story.I have 5 or 6 questions,and thought the newspaper article would clear this up. Guess I maybe wrong. Hoping for a witness account for what happened. Will have more later. Have to go.

[Patty55]

He is my take on the doggie caper. Still think something is not adding up on this story.I have 5 or 6 questions,and thought the newspaper article would clear this up. Guess I maybe wrong. Hoping for a witness account for what happened. Will have more later. Have to go.

I would love to hear the questions.

[Patty55]

What should we do if confronted with a gator? I know the thing to do is avoid confrontaion, but as in the case of Bounce and Steve, sometimes that's not possible.

How abount pepper spray? Would that back them off or aggravate the situation?

You wrote about a mother beating one off her baby, when confronted with aggressive behavior on the part of the victim do they tend to back off?

What is the most effective way to react?

[CFrance]

He is my take on the doggie caper. Still think something is not adding up on this story.I have 5 or 6 questions,and thought the newspaper article would clear this up. Guess I maybe wrong. Hoping for a witness account for what happened. Will have more later. Have to go.

Perhaps there are no witnesses, and therefore The Sun can't verify the story? That might be one reason not to print it, plus the fact that it might scare people unnecessarily--especially those not familiar with Florida and gators and the fact that where there's water, there's a gator.

[paulandjean]

Perhaps there are no witnesses, and therefore The Sun can't verify the story? That might be one reason not to print it, plus the fact that it might scare people unnecessarily--especially those not familiar with Florida and gators and the fact that where there's water, there's a gator.

BINGO,Thats one of the questions I have.

[senior citizen]

Wow. There are two of you posters who like to point out the little faults of our wonderful The Daily Sun. I like it a lot.

I have to guess this is really about another subject we aren't allowed to discuss.

One time someone was complaining about the Sun not publishing an article about a rumored "home invasion" where a person was cut. When I called to ask about it, the folks at the Sun said it was about a suicide attempt and the rumors had gone viral when the person was taken bleeding from their home. The Sun doesn't publish things about suicides.

I don't know why they didn't publish the story about the man saving his dog. It could well be to discourage people from taking on alligators. I can't think of any other reason or any other conspiracy theory.

Help me out here, Paul and Jean. Why do you think they didn't publish it?

It was in the ORLANDO SENTINEL NEWSPAPER.
Crank up the sound and then let the advertisement finish.
The man's photo , holding his pooch, will appear as he tells his story.
He shows the wounds on his hand and leg, etc. Also, a neighbor having lunch on his lanai DID witness the entire thing ...it was an article in the newspaper.
Villages resident tells tale of saving his dog from an alligator attack -- OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videogallery/72379629/News/Villages-resident-tells-tale-of-saving-his-dog-from-an-alligator-attack)

[senior citizen]

Anyone,has the Village Sun newspaper have a article in todays paper,have been out of service for a few days.

It was in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper a few days after it happened.
The video is also still available at the Orlando Sentinel.
I sent the link in an earlier post.......plus several days ago in another post.....both the video with him speaking and the full article as shown again now below.............

Villages grandfather saves dog from jaws of gator


By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel
7:13 p.m. EST, September 18, 2012

A stunned Steve Gustafson thought only of saving his "best friend" from the jaws of a 7-foot alligator carrying away his terrier for a quick meal.
Gustafson, a resident of The Villages retirement (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) community northwest of Orlando, recalled Tuesday he was trimming his oak tree while the gator lurked in a quiet pond nearby. Bounce, a butterfly-chasing West Highland Terrier, was at the water's edge when Gustafson heard a blood-curdling yelp. Terrified, he looked out and watched the gator swimming away with Bounce's shoulder and collar in his grasp.



http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/images/pixel.gif
"I just knew that my best friend was going to be dead," he said. "And I took off."

Gustafson scrambled screaming to the water's edge and took a running leap. After a frenzied struggle with the gator, the 66-year-old grandfather and retired corporate lawyer (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) told wildlife authorities that he successfully rescued Bounce — and both dog and master escaped serious injury in the frightening encounter Friday.

"For whatever reason, I don't know, I just yelled, 'you're not going to get her!' and just leaped on the gator…just like you do some silly belly flop in a pool," the Iowa native said. "The only difference was I landed on top of a gator."

Within seconds he said he wrangled the reptile's head to the bottom of the pond while grabbing its back leg. The 130-pound gator spun trying to submerge them all in 3 feet of water, but Gustafson regained his balance and shoved the gator toward the shore, a move that freed the diminutive Bounce, who weighs 13 pounds. The pooch slowly paddled for safety as Gustafson tossed the startled gator back into the pond, but not before it snapped at his right hand.
Shaken, soaked and bruised, Gustafson snatched Bounce and dashed to the shore with the wounded 9-year-old dog in his arms.
Gustafson's neighbor John Scott, 77, witnessed much of the ordeal from his lanai while eating lunch but had no time to react.
"I saw a big, huge splash and the tail of the alligator, and Steve flipped out of the water," Scott said.

Back on land, Bounce coughed water from her lungs. Her rabies (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/HEDAI00000095.topic) tag was bent from the gator's jaws and the reptile's grip ripped her skin. Bounce and Gustafson later received medical treatment and a couple of stitches, but by Tuesday both were mostly OK.

"It's like being in a really bad car accident and walking away from it," said Gustafson, who stays active running sprints and playing softball.
Alligator biologist Patrick Delaney said gators are still thriving this time of year and ones that size usually eat small animals.
"Metabolisms are high because of the temperatures, so if they see an easy prey they're going to try going for it," the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) official said.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/images/pixel.gif

The agency doesn't recommend that pet owners go after gators if they attack a pet because such encounters can be deadly. Aggressive attacks are generally decreasing, however, with only four recorded last year compared to 12 in 2006.



"They're fast, and they can be dangerous," Delaney said. "So, I would give them a healthy respect."

The gator that attacked Bounce is no longer a threat to her or Gustafson. On Monday, a local trapper caught the reptile. Gustafson said he is getting the carcass processed. He plans to keep it on his lanai as a reminder of his love for Bounce and their lucky survival story.
In the future, Gustafson said he plans to keep a closer eye on Bounce when she's near the shoreline.

"When people ask [about] my reaction — I didn't have a choice," he said. "If I hesitated I would have lost my best friend."
ericarodriguez@tribune.com





Copyright © 2012, Orlando Sentinel

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Steve Gustafson poses with his pet West Highland terrier, Bounce, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.. Gustafson risked his life to rescue Bounce from the jaws of an alligator. On Friday, as Gustasfson trimmed an oak tree he saw a gator pull Bounce into deep
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-m31096021.jpg-20120918,0,6615454.photo)


http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/photo/2012-09/72379918-18161906.jpg
Steve Gustafson poses with his pet West Highland terrier, Bounce, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.. Gustafson risked his life to rescue Bounce from the jaws of an alligator. On Friday, as Gustasfson trimmed an oak tree he saw a gator pull Bounce into deep
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-m31096023.jpg-20120918,0,450471.photo)


http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/photogallery/2008-03/36503188-07131326.jpg
Alligators in Florida
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-pg-alligator030708,0,5375301.photogallery)

STORIES



(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-alligators-sg,0,652259.storygallery)


http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/storylink/2009-07/32193605-20132009.jpg

(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-sl-animalcrazy,0,76***62.storylink)


Use good sense, not fear, in living with gators
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-link-archive-live-with-gators,0,7856813.storylink)

GRAPHICS


How much do you know about alligators?
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/sfl-gatorsquiz,0,4454463.triviaquiz)


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[/URL]


[URL="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/keyword/alligator"] (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-05-12/news/9105111020_1_alligator-attacks-florida-swimming)



(http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/keyword/jaws)

[senior citizen]

Anyone,has the Village Sun newspaper have a article in todays paper,have been out of service for a few days.

It was in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper a few days after it happened.
The video is also still available at the Orlando Sentinel.
I sent the link in an earlier post.......plus several days ago in another post.....both the video with him speaking and the full article as shown again now below.............

Villages grandfather saves dog from jaws of gator


By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel
7:13 p.m. EST, September 18, 2012

A stunned Steve Gustafson thought only of saving his "best friend" from the jaws of a 7-foot alligator carrying away his terrier for a quick meal.
Gustafson, a resident of The Villages retirement (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) community northwest of Orlando, recalled Tuesday he was trimming his oak tree while the gator lurked in a quiet pond nearby. Bounce, a butterfly-chasing West Highland Terrier, was at the water's edge when Gustafson heard a blood-curdling yelp. Terrified, he looked out and watched the gator swimming away with Bounce's shoulder and collar in his grasp.



http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/images/pixel.gif
"I just knew that my best friend was going to be dead," he said. "And I took off."

Gustafson scrambled screaming to the water's edge and took a running leap. After a frenzied struggle with the gator, the 66-year-old grandfather and retired corporate lawyer (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) told wildlife authorities that he successfully rescued Bounce — and both dog and master escaped serious injury in the frightening encounter Friday.

"For whatever reason, I don't know, I just yelled, 'you're not going to get her!' and just leaped on the gator…just like you do some silly belly flop in a pool," the Iowa native said. "The only difference was I landed on top of a gator."

Within seconds he said he wrangled the reptile's head to the bottom of the pond while grabbing its back leg. The 130-pound gator spun trying to submerge them all in 3 feet of water, but Gustafson regained his balance and shoved the gator toward the shore, a move that freed the diminutive Bounce, who weighs 13 pounds. The pooch slowly paddled for safety as Gustafson tossed the startled gator back into the pond, but not before it snapped at his right hand.
Shaken, soaked and bruised, Gustafson snatched Bounce and dashed to the shore with the wounded 9-year-old dog in his arms.
Gustafson's neighbor John Scott, 77, witnessed much of the ordeal from his lanai while eating lunch but had no time to react.
"I saw a big, huge splash and the tail of the alligator, and Steve flipped out of the water," Scott said.

Back on land, Bounce coughed water from her lungs. Her rabies (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/HEDAI00000095.topic) tag was bent from the gator's jaws and the reptile's grip ripped her skin. Bounce and Gustafson later received medical treatment and a couple of stitches, but by Tuesday both were mostly OK.

"It's like being in a really bad car accident and walking away from it," said Gustafson, who stays active running sprints and playing softball.
Alligator biologist Patrick Delaney said gators are still thriving this time of year and ones that size usually eat small animals.
"Metabolisms are high because of the temperatures, so if they see an easy prey they're going to try going for it," the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond#) official said.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/images/pixel.gif

The agency doesn't recommend that pet owners go after gators if they attack a pet because such encounters can be deadly. Aggressive attacks are generally decreasing, however, with only four recorded last year compared to 12 in 2006.



"They're fast, and they can be dangerous," Delaney said. "So, I would give them a healthy respect."

The gator that attacked Bounce is no longer a threat to her or Gustafson. On Monday, a local trapper caught the reptile. Gustafson said he is getting the carcass processed. He plans to keep it on his lanai as a reminder of his love for Bounce and their lucky survival story.
In the future, Gustafson said he plans to keep a closer eye on Bounce when she's near the shoreline.

"When people ask [about] my reaction — I didn't have a choice," he said. "If I hesitated I would have lost my best friend."
ericarodriguez@tribune.com





Copyright © 2012, Orlando Sentinel

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[


Steve Gustafson poses with his pet West Highland terrier, Bounce, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.. Gustafson risked his life to rescue Bounce from the jaws of an alligator. On Friday, as Gustasfson trimmed an oak tree he saw a gator pull Bounce into deep



(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-m31096021.jpg-20120918,0,6615454.photo)


Steve Gustafson poses with his pet West Highland terrier, Bounce, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.. Gustafson risked his life to rescue Bounce from the jaws of an alligator. On Friday, as Gustasfson trimmed an oak tree he saw a gator pull Bounce into deep



(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-m31096023.jpg-20120918,0,450471.photo)






(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-alligators-sg,0,652259.storygallery)





(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-sl-animalcrazy,0,76***62.storylink)





(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-link-archive-live-with-gators,0,7856813.storylink)














(http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/keyword/jaws)

[CaptJohn]

Interestingly, if you compare the video story of Steve talking with the reporter's version, the reporter's version ad libs a lot of things. That's why I don't trust reporters' written words.

[senior citizen]

Perhaps there are no witnesses, and therefore The Sun can't verify the story? That might be one reason not to print it, plus the fact that it might scare people unnecessarily--especially those not familiar with Florida and gators and the fact that where there's water, there's a gator.

I just checked the online version of the Daily Sun newspaper and there was nothing at all about the man fighting off the alligator to rescue his pooch.

However, it was in several other papers, including the Huffington Post online, which is amazing.......

I just erased the hyperlink to the above mentioned newspaper as it had "side advertisements" pertaining to the forbidden forum which I never ever read, or participated in.....

What does amaze me totally is that the United Kingdom Daily Mail has the full story with even more photos and yet the local paper will not mention it.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html?ITO=1490)


CLICK HYPERLINK ABOVE FOR PHOTOS AND STORY PRINTED IN ENGLAND.

[MinnieM]

I was watching Saturday Night Live last night and during the Weekend Update segment they mentioned the alligator and the dog. Didn't mention the Villages or Florida.

MinnieM

[Taltarzac725]

I was watching Saturday Night Live last night and during the Weekend Update segment they mentioned the alligator and the dog. Didn't mention the Villages or Florida.

MinnieM

I will have to watch my taped Saturday Night Live episode from last night. I am usually not up past 11:30 p.m.

[blueash]

I don't have the show on DVR but it was a brief mention on the newsupdate segment. As I recall it...

Grandfather saves dog from alligator
Correction:
Alligator eats old man and his dog

[quirky3]

There is a rumor going around that Fumar just confessed to being Steve, the dog rescuer!

[KeepingItReal]

I just checked the online version of the Daily Sun newspaper and there was nothing at all about the man fighting off the alligator to rescue his pooch.

However, it was in several other papers, including the Huffington Post online, which is amazing.......

I just erased the hyperlink to the above mentioned newspaper as it had "side advertisements" pertaining to the forbidden forum which I never ever read, or participated in.....

What does amaze me totally is that the United Kingdom Daily Mail has the full story with even more photos and yet the local paper will not mention it.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html?ITO=1490)


CLICK HYPERLINK ABOVE FOR PHOTOS AND STORY PRINTED IN ENGLAND.





Biggest problem is I wonder what else they are NOT telling us!

[Taltarzac725]

I was watching Saturday Night Live last night and during the Weekend Update segment they mentioned the alligator and the dog. Didn't mention the Villages or Florida.

MinnieM

I just finished watching the September 22, 2012 episode of Saturday Night Live. They just said that a 66 year old Florida man wrestled an alligator over a dog. And, then, Seth Meyers restated it as something along the lines of "Gator kills old man and dog".

On the subject of this episode's musical guest-- Mumford and Sons sure has a unique style.
Mumford & Sons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumford_%26_Sons)

[bike42]

Biggest problem is I wonder what else they are NOT telling us!

"THEY"??? Certainly the Daily Sun is not your only source of news.

I would guess that by not publicizing or commenting on the incident, the editors are taking the position that they do not wish to encourage anyone else to take on an alligator, under any circumstances.

[paulandjean]

From what I understand,The Villages College of Lifelong Learning is having a new class called"Alligator Wrestling 101". You must be at least 65 and have a dog.

[CarolSells]

From what I understand,The Villages College of Lifelong Learning is having a new class called"Alligator Wrestling 101". You must be at least 65 and have a dog.

I missed that in The Sun, also. Can I have more than one dog? What if I have a cat? Hmmm..do I have to pick up after them while we're in class? Inquiring minds want to know.

[graciegirl]

I missed that in The Sun, also. Can I have more than one dog? What if I have a cat? Hmmm..do I have to pick up after them while we're in class? Inquiring minds want to know.


All roads lead to Rome and I can see where this thread is heading...........:wave:

[CarolSells]

All roads lead to Rome and I can see where this thread is heading...........:wave:

Hi Gracie! :wave:

[The Great Fumar]

From what I understand,The Villages College of Lifelong Learning is having a new class called"Alligator Wrestling 101". You must be at least 65 and have a dog.

Don't know about 65.........but we are hip deep in dogs,,,,,,we have three houses on our street that have no people but two have dogs living there.
Honest and one has a golf cart...............

fumar...........:jester:

[CarolSells]

"Honest and one has a golf cart..............."

[lovesports]

I did not see anything in today's Villages Daily Sun. Maybe they want to discourage alligator wrestling.

It is an international story now. Grandfather Steve Gustafson, 66, leaps into pond and wrestles alligator to save his dog | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205428/Grandfather-Steve-Gustafson-66-leaps-pond-wrestles-alligator-save-dog.html)

I received 3 e-mails on this. ( all couldn't believe it was not in our local paper). I get much of my news from e-mails that are passed around and other papers than the Sun. The Sun doesn't carry anything that could hurt home sales.
There were papers writing about all the sink holes in the Villages. Nothing in our paper.
I read the Lessburg and the Ocala papers for news. I get the Sun but mainly for my pictures (ha-ha-I made it in for Operation Smile dance at Colony) and the crossword puzzles.

This story is a clear example that there is much going on in here that is not reported in the Sun. Also, I might add that much doesn't make TOTV either. It is what it is.

[senior citizen]

I received 3 e-mails on this. ( all couldn't believe it was not in our local paper). I get much of my news from e-mails that are passed around and other papers than the Sun. The Sun doesn't carry anything that could hurt home sales.
There were papers writing about all the sink holes in the Villages. Nothing in our paper.
I read the Lessburg and the Ocala papers for news. I get the Sun but mainly for my pictures (ha-ha-I made it in for Operation Smile dance at Colony) and the crossword puzzles.

This story is a clear example that there is much going on in here that is not reported in the Sun. Also, I might add that much doesn't make TOTV either. It is what it is.

But why? TV is a beautiful place. Every adult has a brain and can make up their own mind, weighing the pros and cons. Every area of the country has good things as well as bad things to consider before relocating. it's expensive to move nowadays, whether one ships all their furniture and belongings or sells it all for a loss......ditto for selling the house up north.

Why will they not print negative news. It's a big investment to a lot of folks who really need to know what is going on.

We enjoyed reading the Sun while we were there, but it wouldn't hurt to have all the news printed..........even for long term residents who have settled in happily and comfortably.......why the aversion to knowing the truth and then if they do hear it, denying it. It's so obvious. Anyway, this link below explains why there are sinkholes......

Click on below hyperlink.......
The Villages Voice (http://thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=21&article=463)

[graciegirl]

I received 3 e-mails on this. ( all couldn't believe it was not in our local paper). I get much of my news from e-mails that are passed around and other papers than the Sun. The Sun doesn't carry anything that could hurt home sales.
There were papers writing about all the sink holes in the Villages. Nothing in our paper.
I read the Lessburg and the Ocala papers for news. I get the Sun but mainly for my pictures (ha-ha-I made it in for Operation Smile dance at Colony) and the crossword puzzles.

This story is a clear example that there is much going on in here that is not reported in the Sun. Also, I might add that much doesn't make TOTV either. It is what it is.


The Daily Sun carried a story on the sinkholes. I have to think you don't like the Sun because of what we aren't allowed to talk about.

As for this story, I will just have to quote Shakespeare. There are things in this world that you don't know Horatio.

[JoeC1947]

The Daily Sun carried a story on the sinkholes. I have to think you don't like the Sun because of what we aren't allowed to talk about.

As for this story, I will just have to quote Shakespeare. There are things in this world that you don't know Horatio.

I for one like the Sun for not publishing negative stories. There's enough going on in the world if you want bad news. No, my head is not in the ground, I'm just an optimist.

Isn't it sooooo nice and cool this morning! Windows are open!

[Patty55]

I was surprised that he had to buy the dead gator before he could have it stuffed. I would think it would be free, wonder how much it cost and who was paid for it.

[Villages PL]

The Villagers man who belly flopped onto the gator sure showed some true grit.

Maybe, this man has some rodeo background?? I just do not see many people jumping on top of an alligator unless they have some experience with this kind of animal control.

He's a retired lawyer. Does that count? Anyone know any good lawyer/gator jokes?

How about, "Gators have no fear of anything, except lawyers."

A man walked into a bar with his alligator and asked the bartender if he served lawyers. The bartender said yes. So the man said, "good, I'll have a beer and a lawyer for my alligator."

[CFrance]

He's a retired lawyer. Does that count? Anyone know any good lawyer/gator jokes?

How about, "Gators have no fear of anything, except lawyers."

A man walked into a bar with his alligator and asked the bartender if he served lawyers. The bartender said yes. So the man said, "good, I'll have a beer and a lawyer for my alligator."

I saw the other alligator/lawyer joke on that web site, and you were wise not to go there!

[Patty55]

I'd still like to know how much a dead gator costs and who is selling it? Not that I want one, just wondering.

[ActsOfKindness]

I too do not wish to appear judgemental. I am so grateful that both dog and dog owner are alive and doing 'well' but...all of this could have been avoided to begin with, had he put the dog inside out of harms way. The gator was doing what comes naturally to a gator sigh. I am not in love with alligators. live and let live . however....if you choose to live on a golf course or near a lake in florida..this goes with the territory of home ownership and gators love little munchkins. little children and little dogs..that they drag and pull down into the lakes and swamps here. what a story. whew.

[ActsOfKindness]

I so very much admire what steve did. He put his life on the line. Was it necessary though? He saw the gator lurking in the pond. the dog was at the waters edge? hello??? anyone home. please????? The bottom line is..the potential for danger was there..and it happened. He put the dogs life at risk and his own and the gator and now the gator is dead. It was a living thing too. Had the gator come into his house thats another story. the dog was on its turf so to speak. Rule number one with alligators in florida. NEVER FEED THEM. Rule number 2 with alligators in florida. never have little ones..(children) or small dogs near a gator. NEVER. For those of us who live in these situations in close proximity to alligators here in florida, most people have the smarts to have a dog on a leash. In fact I would never even have my dog in the backyard where there there was a pond. But thats just me. An ounce of prevention. Just some thoughts. thanks for reading this. Its not about condemnation.Its about wisdom and common sense. God bless.

[Patty55]

I so very much admire what steve did. He put his life on the line. Was it necessary though? He saw the gator lurking in the pond. the dog was at the waters edge? hello??? anyone home. please????? The bottom line is..the potential for danger was there..and it happened. He put the dogs life at risk and his own and the gator and now the gator is dead. It was a living thing too. Had the gator come into his house thats another story. the dog was on its turf so to speak. Rule number one with alligators in florida. NEVER FEED THEM. Rule number 2 with alligators in florida. never have little ones..(children) or small dogs near a gator. NEVER. For those of us who live in these situations in close proximity to alligators here in florida, most people have the smarts to have a dog on a leash. In fact I would never even have my dog in the backyard where there there was a pond. But thats just me. An ounce of prevention. Just some thoughts. thanks for reading this. Its not about condemnation.Its about wisdom and common sense. God bless.

Thank you so much for clearing that up.

[senior citizen]

The Daily Sun carried a story on the sinkholes. I have to think you don't like the Sun because of what we aren't allowed to talk about.

As for this story, I will just have to quote Shakespeare. There are things in this world that you don't know Horatio.

I think lovesports was referring to "freedom of speech" and freedom to know the truth.

So many of our grandparents or great grandparents came from countries that were oppressive to these freedoms........in doing my massive family tree, genealogy has taught me a lot more than just the male lineage and the female lineage........it's shown why they left those countries behind for the freedoms in America........

Some people do move to Florida naively; better to know all the little details than to go blindly into the night..........we ourselves learned that.

I really enjoyed the Villages newspaper when we were there.
Positive news is wonderful and the Daily Sun is chock full of all types of interesting articles and club news, real estate, etc.

However, things that befall our neighbors, such as to the man with his dog in his own backyard........truly deserved an article. All the other Florida papers printed it**........so for the naysayers that doubt if it happend, I still cannot believe the doubting Thomases that abound in TV.
Why is everyone who states a fact treated negatively.

**Even a paper in Great Britain printed the news....

My maternal grandparents came from what later became Communist countries.......but in their childhoods and youth , they were still oppressed. They were so fortunate to come to our great country where freedom of speech and the right to read the truth is one of our basic liberties.............all places have good things and not so good things.
Alligators are one of the perils of living in Florida.......but not every one is expecting them to pop up in their own back yard.

Had the N.Y. papers not printed the article about the Central Park attacker, other unsuspecting women might have ventured out as that unfortunate woman did. News happens . It's not all happy news.

I'm all for freedom of expression and for all newspapers printing what really happens in their town. Ours sure does. We want to know if seasonal homes are being broken into up here or if other "stuff" is going on. It is called being aware and staying safe.

We do love the Daily Sun newspaper and who doesn't like happy news?
But it should be balanced.

[graciegirl]

I think lovesports was referring to "freedom of speech" and freedom to know the truth.

So many of our grandparents or great grandparents came from countries that were oppressive to these freedoms........in doing my massive family tree, genealogy has taught me a lot more than just the male lineage and the female lineage........it's shown why they left those countries behind for the freedoms in America........

Some people do move to Florida naively; better to know all the little details than to go blindly into the night..........we ourselves learned that.

I really enjoyed the Villages newspaper when we were there.
Positive news is wonderful and the Daily Sun is chock full of all types of interesting articles and club news, real estate, etc.

However, things that befall our neighbors, such as to the man with his dog in his own backyard........truly deserved an article. All the other Florida papers printed it**........so for the naysayers that doubt if it happend, I still cannot believe the doubting Thomases that abound in TV.
Why is everyone who states a fact treated negatively.

**Even a paper in Great Britain printed the news....

My maternal grandparents came from what later became Communist countries.......but in their childhoods and youth , they were still oppressed. They were so fortunate to come to our great country where freedom of speech and the right to read the truth is one of our basic liberties.............all places have good things and not so good things.
Alligators are one of the perils of living in Florida.......but not every one is expecting them to pop up in their own back yard.

Had the N.Y. papers not printed the article about the Central Park attacker, other unsuspecting women might have ventured out as that unfortunate woman did. News happens . It's not all happy news.

I'm all for freedom of expression and for all newspapers printing what really happens in their town. Ours sure does. We want to know if seasonal homes are being broken into up here or if other "stuff" is going on. It is called being aware and staying safe.

We do love the Daily Sun newspaper and who doesn't like happy news?
But it should be balanced.

Senior. I read The Sun Daily and I read this Forum daily. And First Amendment rights are tattooed on my fanny. (There is plenty of room left over for the preamble and the rest of the document AND Abes speech.;)_)

Just sayin'.

[Taltarzac725]

Senior. I read The Sun Daily and I read this Forum daily. And First Amendment rights are tattooed on my fanny. (There is plenty of room left over for the preamble and the rest of the document AND Abes speech.;)_)

Just sayin'.

I do not see the need for the Villages Daily Sun to cover the story of Steve Gustafson and Bounce. Most of the time the result of a 66 year old man jumping on a 7 foot gator is not a good one. They should not encourage others trying the same kind of thing.

Mr. Gustafson did not seem that anxious to even talk about his saving Bounce and wrestling the gator. From what I have heard he did this on Friday September 14, 2012 and the story did not come out for a few days.

I went to law school at a school (U of MN) with around 250 people in each starting Class (about 5% drop out) and cannot remember any of those interested in corporate law as being the type of people who would challenge a gator over its lunch even if the dog were their pet.

Hats off again to the Man Who Saved Bounce.

[JoeC1947]

I think lovesports was referring to "freedom of speech" and freedom to know the truth.

So many of our grandparents or great grandparents came from countries that were oppressive to these freedoms........in doing my massive family tree, genealogy has taught me a lot more than just the male lineage and the female lineage........it's shown why they left those countries behind for the freedoms in America........

Some people do move to Florida naively; better to know all the little details than to go blindly into the night..........we ourselves learned that.

I really enjoyed the Villages newspaper when we were there.
Positive news is wonderful and the Daily Sun is chock full of all types of interesting articles and club news, real estate, etc.

However, things that befall our neighbors, such as to the man with his dog in his own backyard........truly deserved an article. All the other Florida papers printed it**........so for the naysayers that doubt if it happend, I still cannot believe the doubting Thomases that abound in TV.
Why is everyone who states a fact treated negatively.

**Even a paper in Great Britain printed the news....

My maternal grandparents came from what later became Communist countries.......but in their childhoods and youth , they were still oppressed. They were so fortunate to come to our great country where freedom of speech and the right to read the truth is one of our basic liberties.............all places have good things and not so good things.
Alligators are one of the perils of living in Florida.......but not every one is expecting them to pop up in their own back yard.

Had the N.Y. papers not printed the article about the Central Park attacker, other unsuspecting women might have ventured out as that unfortunate woman did. News happens . It's not all happy news.

I'm all for freedom of expression and for all newspapers printing what really happens in their town. Ours sure does. We want to know if seasonal homes are being broken into up here or if other "stuff" is going on. It is called being aware and staying safe.

We do love the Daily Sun newspaper and who doesn't like happy news?
But it should be balanced.

SC, Very well said. It should have been posted in the Sun.

[Patty55]

I think the 1st ammendment protects their right to print it, not your right to read it.

Obviously, if they wanted to put a lid on it, it didn't work.

[lovesports]

Obviously, if they wanted to put a lid on it, it didn't work.

Good point Patty55.

My friends that live in Sweden just e-mailed me about the story in their paper!!! Since this story was considered news ALL OVER the world, it makes no sense that it wasn't considered news where it happened.

Like you(Patty55) said, by the Sun not publishing the story, it sure didn't keep a lid on it.

[Patty55]

I think TV is afraid of the "Monkey see-monkey do" effect. Sure now that this Steve guy has a dead alligator in his yard everyone is going to want one.

I'm going cruising today for a flock of pink flamingos that I can wrestle and put in my yard.

[shcisamax]

I'm going cruising today for a flock of pink flamingos that I can wrestle and put in my yard.

Just make sure they leave no poop around or it could be a big problem.

[graciegirl]

Just make sure they leave no poop around or it could be a big problem.

Because WE, the imperial WE on TOTV can make problems outa ANYTHING. We have proven it time and time again. ;)

[shcisamax]

Which imperial we are you? I know imperial Patty is from Pattyland.

. Are you like the "king" but rather the queen from Graceland?

[graciegirl]

Whoops.

[Patty55]

Just make sure they leave no poop around or it could be a big problem.

Hellooo, that's why THEY have brought in omnivore manure eating pigs.

[shcisamax]

Au contraire Everybody likes Gracie!

[shcisamax]

Another example of how well thought out TV is...

[gomoho]

Problem with The Sun not printing the story that certainly was news in TV is it makes people curious as to what else they are covering up? Had they printed it when it happened we probably wouldn't be on page 18 of posts. Or maybe that is why they didn't print it - to give us something to talk about. Let me know if you figure this out!

[KeepingItReal]

Problem with The Sun not printing the story that certainly was news in TV is it makes people curious as to what else they are covering up? Had they printed it when it happened we probably wouldn't be on page 18 of posts. Or maybe that is why they didn't print it - to give us something to talk about. Let me know if you figure this out!



There is a mentality here in some ways and maybe too many ways similiar to some other well known locations in the news in years past. Most were set up where everything was controlled by some all knowing leader. Most of those entities did not work out so well in the long run. A newspaper should be just that a newspaper and print all the news in an area not just the bad or good. After years of working and life experiences I do not need someone or some newspaper treating me like a 3 year old and decicing what I should and what I should not know or read about. We do take the Daily Sun and the feel good stories are fine but if you want current news and happening it should be called the Day After Sun since it is old news and censored at that by the time it is in the Sun. Most stories they do decide to print are almost word for word from other news sources on the previous day. In this land of the free with all our freedoms we have fought for I am really surprised to find how willing we are to be totally controlled beyond what we agreed to when we signed our purchase agreements.

[graciegirl]

There is a mentality here in some ways and maybe too many ways similiar to some other well known locations in the news in years past. Most were set up where everything was controlled by some all knowing leader. Most of those entities did not work out so well in the long run. A newspaper should be just that a newspaper and print all the news in an area not just the bad or good. After years of working and life experiences I do not need someone or some newspaper treating me like a 3 year old and decicing what I should and what I should not know or read about. We do take the Daily Sun and the feel good stories are fine but if you want current news and happening it should be called the Day After Sun since it is old news and censored at that by the time it is in the Sun. Most stories they do decide to print are almost word for word from other news sources on the previous day. In this land of the free with all our freedoms we have fought for I am really surprised to find how willing we are to be totally controlled beyond what we agreed to when we signed our purchase agreements.

Holy Bowlegged Sarah! That is just plain silly what you said. The Sun has all the news from the wires. There isn't a conspiracy theory. Most papers have a p******** slant of some kind if that is what is really bothering you. Today I read about the Fort Hood shooter who apparently tried to kill himself and about the credit card companies who are having to return money to their customers for two. They have the national news wire feeds. If you don't like the Sun, get the Orlando Sentinel.

[KeepingItReal]

Holy Bowlegged Sarah! That is just plain silly what you said. The Sun has all the news from the wires.

One persons observation, look around. Don't need to be told I'm silly either.

[firewalkerb3]

He's a retired lawyer. Does that count? Anyone know any good lawyer/gator jokes?

How about, "Gators have no fear of anything, except lawyers."

A man walked into a bar with his alligator and asked the bartender if he served lawyers. The bartender said yes. So the man said, "good, I'll have a beer and a lawyer for my alligator."

Question. Why did the gator not eat the lawyer?
Answer. Professional Courtesy!!!!!!

[firewalkerb3]

I'd still like to know how much a dead gator costs and who is selling it? Not that I want one, just wondering.

He did not buy the gator; he will have to pay to have it mounted.

[firewalkerb3]

I think TV is afraid of the "Monkey see-monkey do" effect. Sure now that this Steve guy has a dead alligator in his yard everyone is going to want one.

I'm going cruising today for a flock of pink flamingos that I can wrestle and put in my yard.

Now be careful of those pink flamingos, there’s one with the street name of “Tommy the wing” real bad bird, been kwon to carry extra feathers on his wings. You can recognize him by a small white dot on his nose, got it in 82 when he went one on one with a flamingo called “Bobby the legs” but that’s a different story. lol:pepper2:

[gomoho]

Holy Bowlegged Sarah! That is just plain silly what you said. The Sun has all the news from the wires. There isn't a conspiracy theory. Most papers have a p******** slant of some kind if that is what is really bothering you. Today I read about the Fort Hood shooter who apparently tried to kill himself and about the credit card companies who are having to return money to their customers for two. They have the national news wire feeds. If you don't like the Sun, get the Orlando Sentinel.

Graciegirl you missed the point - they censor any bad news in TV and I'm really not sure what else. Fort Hood and the credit card companies have no negative impact on the image of TV. I love it here (maybe not as much as you) but there is censorship and a lot of us have a probem with that. Look, we are censored on this site and The Sun censors bad stuff in TV. It's a fact and some of us don't agree with it. BUT it is the reality of living in the bubble. And please don't anyone tell me to leave - I really do love it here, but I see some flaws and I just have to accept them - but I won't ignore them.

[bike42]

Freedom of the press means you are free to publish your own news. Perhaps there would be a market for a second newspaper in TV -- or another TOTV-style forum. The Sun and the developers do nothing to limit your choice of news sources. Censorship? Oppression? Come on.

[graciegirl]

Graciegirl you missed the point - they censor any bad news in TV and I'm really not sure what else. Fort Hood and the credit card companies have no negative impact on the image of TV. I love it here (maybe not as much as you) but there is censorship and a lot of us have a probem with that. Look, we are censored on this site and The Sun censors bad stuff in TV. It's a fact and some of us don't agree with it. BUT it is the reality of living in the bubble. And please don't anyone tell me to leave - I really do love it here, but I see some flaws and I just have to accept them - but I won't ignore them.

I know that you and everyone else knows that this forum, TalkoftheVillages.com, is owned by an individual who is in no way related to the developer. The young man who owns this forum lives in Atlanta, Georgia and he can do anything he wants with the forum.

Perhaps I am missing something on the issue of The Daily Sun. WHAT besides this story of the man, the dog and the gator do you think has been kept from us? The police blotter is printed and there is news and pictures about sinkholes and other such bad stuff that happens here. WHAT exactly is missing?

[gomoho]

I know that you and everyone else knows that this forum, TalkoftheVillages.com, is owned by an individual who is in no way related to the developer. The young man who owns this forum lives in Atlanta, Georgia and he can do anything he wants with the forum.

Perhaps I am missing something on the issue of The Daily Sun. WHAT besides this story of the man, the dog and the gator do you think has been kept from us? The police blotter is printed and there is news and pictures about sinkholes and other such bad stuff that happens here. WHAT exactly is missing?

That's my point - I don't know what is missing 'cause they may be hiding it!
Actually I didn't know who owned this forum and if that is really the truth can't for the life of me why he thinks he needs to censor it! He surely knows the sex and controvery sells and if he was interested in doing right by his advertisers would want as many people on here as possible.

I'm not looking for a fight or argument with you - I respect your time on here and your knowledge of TV and believe you are probably someone I would be honored to call a friend. I'm just stating my opinion and hope you can respect it as much as I do yours.

[graciegirl]

That's my point - I don't know what is missing 'cause they may be hiding it!
Actually I didn't know who owned this forum and if that is really the truth can't for the life of me why he thinks he needs to censor it! He surely knows the sex and controvery sells and if he was interested in doing right by his advertisers would want as many people on here as possible.

I'm not looking for a fight or argument with you - I respect your time on here and your knowledge of TV and believe you are probably someone I would be honored to call a friend. I'm just stating my opinion and hope you can respect it as much as I do yours.

Nor am I. You are a responsible and caring person who I admire and respect.

[Patty55]

Here's my take on the Sun...

TV's responsibility was to build a house, link it up with a lifestyle and maintain the place. Their paper is not required reading, it's not like there's a quiz on Fridays. It's not TV's responsibility to provide me with all the news, but if I really want more they sell the NY Times and the Post at Publix, you can get almost any paper online. I think some peoples expectations are too high.

[TOTV Team]

The site is privately owned by multiple people based out of Florida and has no affiliation with The Villages Company or Development. Per the site guidelines if you have questions regarding ownership or administrator or moderator actions please private message or email. Talk of the Villages does not censor within the guidelines and terms of the user agreement that all members agree to when registering to participate with the site.

That's my point - I don't know what is missing 'cause they may be hiding it!
Actually I didn't know who owned this forum and if that is really the truth can't for the life of me why he thinks he needs to censor it! He surely knows the sex and controvery sells and if he was interested in doing right by his advertisers would want as many people on here as possible.

I'm not looking for a fight or argument with you - I respect your time on here and your knowledge of TV and believe you are probably someone I would be honored to call a friend. I'm just stating my opinion and hope you can respect it as much as I do yours.