[elevatorman]

Right here in TV

Villages man saves dog: Villages grandfather saves dog from jaws of gator - Orlando Sentinel

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Well said.

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

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[EdV]

Originally Posted by CFrance

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.