This is a difficult situation for everyone involved. How horrible to lose a beloved pet and equally horrible to feel unsafe and threatened in your own neighborhood. I hope both families can find a way to work things out - children are involved and they will remember this incident and how the adults involved acted. The 3 year old witnessed a moment his father shot a dog in fear for their safety. That's scary for any child - so is permanent scars from a dog attack. If the father did not use his gun and his child witnessed a brutal dog attack then what? People would be saying he was a fool not to shoot. This was a lose lose situation for all involved. I pray the families can work things out - for everyone's sake. As for the haters and their rude comments - ignore them. Take the high road. You can't fix bullies or ignorance.