6-month-old boy dies after being bitten by dog in Chesterfield NOT A DOGO

6-month-old boy dies after being bitten by dog in Chesterfield
By MARK BOWES AND BILL McKELWAY | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: June 30, 2011
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A 6-month-old boy who was visiting with relatives in Chesterfield County died Wednesday afternoon after being bit by the family's longtime pet dog.

Police and paramedics were called about 1:40 p.m. to a home in the 4600 block of Overridge Drive for a report of an infant male being bitten by a dog, police said.

The child, who police said is related to the dog's owner, was taken to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, where he died. The dog, a Dogo Argentino, was signed over to Chesterfield Animal Control.

Lt. Randy Horowitz said the animal had no history of being aggressive.

The baby and his mother were visiting the woman's brother, wife and two children when the incident occurred, according to police and neighbors. The baby was in a common room of the house and several adults were in an adjoining room when they heard the dog grunt, Horowitz said.

When they went to investigate, they noticed blood on the back of the baby's neck, Horowtiz said.

Neighbors said they were shocked and saddened by the incident and described the family living at the home as longtime, well-liked residents of the community who had lovingly raised the rescued dog from the time it was a puppy.

Called Polar, because of her white color, the Dogo was deaf, according to neighbors Geoff Rundlett and J.C. Thompson.

"They are a loving family, and Polar is a loving dog," said Rundlett, who has known the family for seven years.

Thompson said neighborhood children would stop to pet the dog in the backyard, that the animal never leaped a 4-foot high fence there, and was quick to obey commands and hand signals from family members.

"Something had to trigger the dog. The kids would walk up to her and scratch her ears and she was as gentle as could be," Thompson said.

Thompson and Rundlett identified the owners of the home as Charles and Erin Teets, who also are identified as the owners in Chesterfield land records. The couple has two teenage children.

The family could not be reached Wednesday night and had left the home as media representatives began appearing in the neighborhood. Teets is a computer analyst at the Defense Supply Center Richmond, neighbors said.

The Dogo generally stands about 24 inches tall and weighs up to 100 pounds, according to website information about the breed, which is related to the bulldog. The breed is considered a loyal dog "who makes a great guardian of the home and family," according to the online Dog Breed Info Center. "This breed needs someone who understands how to display leadership," according to the website.

The residence where the incident occurred is in Chesterfield's Greenbriar subdivision between Harrowgate and Branders Bridge Road, about 2½ miles north of Colonial Heights.


mbowes@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6450 bmckelway@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6601

Introducing Benito

A Placement - Franco

There are times one of the biggest relief's is when you have found a family for dog. Its what you most look forward to. When you place - you hope and implore silently in prayer that the dog isn't going to ever have to move again.
Lately DAERRS seems to have been slammed left and right with dogs. Most of course are older males, and finding a place for them to go is a problem. My own home is a disaster right now thanks to the destruction brought upon by my fosters. Although, to be honest I can't blame them either which is why I don't loose it too badly. :)
They need exercise and stimulation and its often hard to find the right balance between work and home - plus dogs to do the right thing. This is why I don't have a dogo right now. I'd like to get an easier dog - not sure what but something without so much high needs factor.
Recognizing my own limitations - its possible that I've matured a bit. :)

Drake - Texas Dogo

Dogos & Boredom

Franco decided to help me renovate the remaining wood paneling near the living room, and went straight through it to the outside through the aluminum siding at my tin box. Needless to say repair required, so we took a trip to Home Depot, and got plywood to bandaid the spot while I could get the finished siding done.
I decided to take Franco with me to Home Depot and pick up the stuff I'd need to repair the result of his hardwork. Franco behaved beautifully and got many compliments from the employees. He enjoyed his time walking through the aisles, his "heel" is really good and his non-startling behavior is excellent.

He was even calm while the saw was running. This boy does excellent.

Whines & Trails

We do some walking at our local river as much as time and weather permits. On this particularly warm day, I took the dogs out with my three year old god-daughter. We had a nice break from being cooped inside the tin box, and enjoyed the lovely weather and the evening. We walked for nearly an hour, which was good exercise for all four of us.



Blanca enjoyed going after smells and chasing noises in the dusky evening. It was such a nice break. Even the girlie girl had fun, only asked to be carried twice to which I answered you are too heavy dearie, walk. So she skipped, hopped, jumped and enjoyed the fun of her first time doing a long trail with the dogs. She practiced her dog training commands. :)

Franco is about 3 years of age

Absolutely awesome personality dogo, great with other dogs. Has a great affectionate self, sweet walking him on a leash. Works hard to please. Has GREAT working potential, is very owner devoted. If I had to choose this WOULD be the dogo I'd keep. Except for his separation anxiety this guy is great. He needs a job, needs to have energy releases, mental and physical stimulation.

He is house broken.

Deep Breath.........

Yes, these two cohorts are like my Bonnie and Clyde!! Causing havoc and terror. I can't blame them though, my time is so caught up in twenty things. I am going to have to focus on this 501c3 and I can't if I'm housing dogs because of the time involvement and planning all of this requires.
That would suck because its the actual interaction with the dogs that I enjoy and love. Well, these two caused the death of a couch.

RIP Amoxtl 2/21/2011

Please, understand that writing this is painful. So I am going to simply limit myself to say that Amoxtl was euthanized on Monday February 21 2011 at approximately 5:30 due to issues beyond our control.

Siempre te acordare mi protector.

Introducing Franco - a 3 year old Dogo Argentino

Thanks to Big Love Dog Rescue we were informed of this very sweet guy, who really really is great. He is so incredibly affectionate and just has pretty good obedience. He LOVES to be with his people and rides fantastically in the car. He's even gone to Home Depot and he was complimented all over the place. He walks well on a leash. I'm really liking this guy. Personally, so grateful we were able to help this guy out.



Frank comes from a breeder, who didn't take him back. In his previous home he lived with kids. And did pretty good with them. He also lived with a male shitzu. He's doing pretty good with his housemate Blanquita.