Gage the Pitbull

Gage's Story, written by Britt Burke

March 12, 2008 was a cool morning (45 degrees) as I drank my coffee on the way to work. Peaceful and calm, with what should have been a great day. The phone rang and my world exploded. My wife was babbling and screaming incoherently on the phone “Gage is dead” he has been shot. She had just watched our son bleed to death in her arms.
Where to start? Gage came into our life seven years ago. Newly married and having almost grown children from previous marriages we decided to get a dog. We were deploying overseas and I work nights mostly so I wanted a decent size dog. So Gage came into our lives. Gage was not what most people think of as a (typical Pitt Bull). He loved every one; cats, puppies, and kids he made friends easy. He would endure great pain from a small kid and not get upset.


Gage was about two months old when we moved to the Azore Islands in Portugal. We worked hard at teaching him proper social skills. We made sure he knew what no was and always had him in large groups so he would be used to being around people. A stranger was never a stranger as long as he knew we approved. He was taught what his boundaries were, where he could and could not go. The house in the AZORES had a three foot high wall and didn’t have a gate at the driveway.Gage never left the yard unless he was told he could. By the time he was six months old I knew my family was safe while I was at the base.
Gage traveled the world with us, he was loved everywhere he went. Gage was an adopted brother to my troops and companion to my friends when they were lonely. The cable guy even loved him. He was loved by everyone who knew him except one person, my neighbor.


Ray Stanfill, the neighbor who had a tree cut across my chainlink fence and did not fix it. Ray Stanfill, the neighbor who asked for permission and I had allowed to keep his boat on my property because he did not have access to the lake. Ray Stanfill, the neighbor who asked for permission and I let build a small fishing pier on my land. Ray Stanfill, was overheard by my brother in-law, taunting Gage and telling him (Gage) he was going to shoot him if he did not stop barking. Mr.Stanfill’s "STORY" for the day he murdered Gage was he had seen a snake on his property and went to get his shotgun to shoot it. Keep in mind it was 45 degrees and snakes are cold blooded. On the way to shoot the snake Gage jumped the fence into his yard and then jumped back into our yard. He thought Gage was going to jump back into his yard so he killed him. His "STORY" was not true and the police even knew His statements were false “Sorry I had to shoot your dog.” In the seven years Gage was on this earth he never bit anyone, never even tried. He was only out side for a few minutes a day to use the bathroom.


My wife was at the back of the house, the dogs were not barking, when she heard a loud noise come from the back yard and went to check on the dogs. The little ones, Yorkshire Terriers, were at the door nervous and scared wanting back inside, but Gage was not there. She called for him, but for the first time in his life he did not obey. He couldn’t he was dying.
Looking at the crime scene Gage was dead on our side of the fence, shot through the neck, collar blown off, and blood everywhere. He died almost instantly and bled out on the spot from a one inch hole in his neck. He was shot at close quarters; the shotgun wadding did not separate from the shot before it entered Gage. Gage was burned from the blast. The fence was not hit from the blast. The only angle the wounds could have been made were for Gage to be standing, all four paws on the ground, and Mr. Stanfill kneeling at the fence and sticking the barrel of his shotgun through the fence and firing into my yard, into Gage. There were suspicious marks on the back side of his collar that lead me to believe either before or after Mr. Stanfill shot him he tried to pull Gage over the fence. No one gets that close to an animal they are scared of, they would shoot from a distance. The Sheriff’s Office issued Mr. Stanfill a summons for Animal Cruelty and told him to get his boat and pier off my property.


The rest off the 12th was a blur spent building a coffin, digging a grave, and laying him to rest. We answered over one hundred phone calls as the word spread to former troops and friend in far off places. Everyone wanted to know what happened to the lovable goofball that was always the center of attention. There was a lot of anger and tears all over the world. A lot for a dog, especially a vicious one, but Gage was no ordinary dog. He defiantly was not vicious.

To add insult to injury, Mr. Stanfill now claims he owns the land and will not move the boat or pier from my property. The sheriff is unable to do anything about the property dispute because they cannot decide the lines without a court order. The legal deed shows none of his property comes close to the lake. If I remove the items from my property I could be at fault. He is going to tie this up in legal fees that I can’t afford.


I have warned the neighbors on the other side of Mr. Stanfill to be careful. He has complained about their dogs as well. They said they have had numerous run-ins with him about their dogs.
I want him to pay for what he has done to Gage and my family. Don’t take that the wrong way I don’t want money just justice. My kids can’t sleep and my wife is a mess. My children want to move and I may have to get them counseling. What was a home is now a scary nightmare. If he will do this to an animal what would stop him from doing it to a human or child he does not like.
This morning I watched my wife let the little ones out and saw her cry at Gage’s grave. I stood there watching the scene from the backdoor not sure if they were safe to be out there. Worried about what might happen.To add insult to injury, Mr. Stanfill now claims he owns the land and will not move the boat or pier from my property. The sheriff is unable to do anything about the property dispute because they cannot decide the lines without a court order. The legal deed shows none of his property comes close to the lake. If I remove the items from my property I could be at fault. He is going to tie this up in legal fees that I can’t afford.


No one should have to live this way. No one should have to die the way Gage did.
I want Justice.



I thought Gages story was a very sad and touching one. Mostly they are only in the news for fighting.I havent posted the dirsturbing slides of his body with the hole shot through his neck. But have posted their touching tribute.

[url]"http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/justice-4-gage"[/url]

Wow! I was so touched! God bless you, I know how difficult it is to loose your dog. I cried when I read your story, and watched the video. I don’t know what to say really. Words seemed to be empty, and human language is not good enough to describe how much I feel your pain…Well, he was loved by your family, and that is the most important. When I looked at the pictures of Gage, I think I have a pit bull, not a staffy, as I thought before.
Here is a pic of my Ralphie. What do you think? Is he a pit bull? He is also so sweet, loves everybody, cats, people, children...

That was a touching story! I am in tears Im so so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and much loved boy. I can only imagine the pain you all must feel. God bless you

I moved this Post to here. Thought it should go into Pet Memorial.

Sorry, but Gage wasnt mine he belonged to Shana and Brit Burke USA,
They have a petition link, which i was going to add, they'd like people to sign to get justice for gage.

Ralphie is a handsome lovely boy untamed

staffsrock wrote:Sorry, but Gage wasnt mine he belonged to Shana and Brit Burke USA,
They have a petition link, which i was going to add, they'd like people to sign to get justice for gage.

Put the petition on for sure. Im sure alot of people would want to sign it

staffsrock wrote:Sorry, but Gage wasnt mine he belonged to Shana and Brit Burke USA,
They have a petition link, which i was going to add, they'd like people to sign to get justice for gage.

I would like to sign this petition. Did I miss the link?
Thank you for kind words about my baby. I love him to death. He also jumps over the fence, but likely all my neighbors have dogs, and they are sweet, loving people. They would just bring and "deliver" to my hands my "Houdini" who manages to escape all the time. I am thinking to get another fence, but it costs a lot...
So I really emphasize your story about Gage. He deserve justice! Sorry again for the loss of such wonderful dog.
What really bothers me that why human being decided that he/she is above all God's creatures? Where such an arrogance began? Man on a contrary should feel responsible for little brothers and sisters instead of being a dominator, and tyrant? Everything belongs to me!! What a perverted idea! Man kind polluted mother Earth, slaughter one another, abusing nature, butchering poor helpless animals…It is really sad…Sorry, I’m really overwhelmed with sorrow. I cannot be silent anymore. I definitely going to sign this petition. Would you mind to give a link?

Love,
Untamed

Oh i feel so sorry for poor Gage, what a terrible end to his life. I believe in Kama, Mr Stanfill will get just what he deserves, one way or the other. Wouldnt it be sad if Mr Stanfill 's boat sank....... these things happen. As for Gage's family, try to remember all the fantastic, funny, touching times that you spent together. Put photos around your house to remember him too, its a great way to still have them around.

I too will sign the petition, im happy to inform my friends too, too sign it.
RIP Gage....xx

Just watched the youtube clip. Tears running down ,my face. What a beautiful boy he was, those lovely brown eyes, all the great times that you all had together.
What a lovely song too, who sings it, it was so appropriate, just beautiful. xxxx

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/justice-4-gage

Sorry girls heres the link above
The petition closes on 13th May when the courtcase starts

Poor Gage. When I read the story I had tears in my eyes . Just signed the petition Staffsrock

Just signed it...really hope it makes a difference.

I signed it too. Common guys, tell your friends, and dogs owners to sign too. I am going to tell all my neighbors. It is a dead line on 23-d. After that it will be too late.

Cheers girls i told Shana id help any way i could, cheers for signing

I want to THANK everyone who has helped by spreading the word, signing the petition and for the many thoughts of concern and prayers for Gage's family. It is a tough time for them, but I talk to Shana everyday...I am the one who started the petition and put together the memorial video for Gage. I believe someone asked in another post the song information:

It is: IN LOVING MEMORY
by: Alter Bridge

I searched and searched before I found a song that I felt was as beautiful and touching as Gage was to everyone who knew him.

We have only 7 days till the petition is closed so I can get it to the appropriate authorities.

I ask that you please continue to spread the news..so any and all....This could have been your dog, my dog or someone's child...This abuse has got to stop and it starts here and now!!!





Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart...We are striving for 7,000 signatures. We have the ASPCA and the American Humane Society getting involved....Gage's death will MEAN something...I promised Shana that!

Thank you...
Sherry Wells

thanks for the song information, I really appreciate it, at this tough time for you. I too have signed the petition, and forward it onto all my friends.
Keep strong, thinking of you all at this sad time. Hugs to Gage's family. xx

That would make me so angry , i dont know if i would be able to restrain myself from buring all the stuff the **** head has on his supposed land . owning a so called pit i know what they are ( little kids )

sorry for your loss

[quote=" Wouldnt it be sad if Mr Stanfill 's boat sank....... these things happen.

Wouldn't it though?

Any update on how this is all going?? Isnt the court date soon?? Cant help thinking of poor Gage all the time. Hope is family is coping as well as can be expected.

Hope Mr Stanfill's boat is on the bottom of the river.(prefferably with him in it) Karma.......

I know Molly have been waiting too, she said she would post the verdict for us,
Yeah hope hes swimming with the fishes lol

I do hope the courts decide in Gages favour, it may prevent the same thing happening to another dog

I have only just read this so missed the opportunity to put my name on the petition.

Terrible story and what a wonderful beautiful dog.

Hopefull you will get justice in the courts. Waiting for news.

Please pass on our love, support and prayers to your friends.

Catrin and Tonks.

Thats such a sad story man, i don't know what ide do if someone did that to one of my dogs

Poor gage R.I.P

thanks everyone...Yes court date is 5/28/08. Please keep your prayers that they slap this inhumane human with the MAX. which is 10 years and 25,000 fine... I'll also post as I am friends with the family.

Thanks Sherry will keep our fingers crossed
Send our best wishes to the family and tell them they are in all our thoughts and prayers

Hope he gets the max, they should throw away the key!

staffsrock wrote:Thanks Sherry will keep our fingers crossed
Send our best wishes to the family and tell them they are in all our thoughts and prayers

Hope he gets the max, they should throw away the key!

Thanks,, I will...I too hope that he gets the max...At least give this poor family some closure...They haven't even had the opportunity to grieve Gage's loss. It's been (to put it mildly) like a "tornado" around their house since this happened..And with Mr. Stanfill living next door, walking around his backyard, as if he were taunting them...And to make matters even worse....Shana (gage's mom) has had to take one of their yorkies for emergency surgery..Not sure if she was poisned as the vet said the only way to tell that for sure is through a neurcropsy (sp?)....So...now they are even more scared..This MAN has got to be put away...For their freedom. !

Oh i hope they throw the book at him, and make an example of him too. This just cant happen again! Hopefully our petition signatures will help to get him the max penalty. I really feel for the family, now with their yorkie sick too. It just must be so hard and stressfull to live next door to this guy. I dont how they can cope with him just nextdoor. I feel for them so much. im counting down the days till the 28th, will be thinking of Gage's family. Big hugs from australia.

molly28_1998 wrote:Oh i hope they throw the book at him, and make an example of him too. This just cant happen again! Hopefully our petition signatures will help to get him the max penalty. I really feel for the family, now with their yorkie sick too. It just must be so hard and stressfull to live next door to this guy. I dont how they can cope with him just nextdoor. I feel for them so much. im counting down the days till the 28th, will be thinking of Gage's family. Big hugs from australia.

I talked to shana earlier and told her that she has so much support and about the post you did today (earlier)..She said the Yorkie came home today...after surgery....She's doing ok...but still groggy...I too am counting down the days...You know this man is a Professior at a college?? He also has many many friends in law enforcement. That worries me. If this man walks away with less than jailtime I don't know what is going to happen. Gage's family has done everything the LEGAL way and if the justice system doesnt do their part I dont know what gage's family will do..

Thanks for passing on my thoughts and hugs to Shana, I really really really feel for them. i dont know what i would do if it happened to one of my "girls". Lets hope that there is some JUSTICE for Gage and his family. I wish the little Yorkie a speedy recovery, im sure there is sooooo much love for her from her family that she will be healthy and well again soon.
He's a Professor hey, I wonder if all of his students know what he has done, or his work??? Im sure publicity would have bought this to their attention, i hope.

Wouldnt it be good if he lost his job, boat sank, house burned down, got poisioned, and went to jail and the inmates had their way with him.... FINGERS CROSSED!!

Thanks for keeping us updated. really appreciate it.

oh this just makes me so angry and teary as well..big hugs to all their family xx

hi, just wondering how the family is going?? Isnt the 28th(today) the court hearing?? Fingers crossed that he is made an example of.. Keep us posted, My thoughts are with the family, big hugs from Australia xxx

Yes im waiting too Molly , wonder how its going
I hope he gets what he deserves so the family can finally get some closure

Hi all, Its me...Sherry again....I have reopened the petition for Justice4gage..Also on the petition you will see an update that will give you outcome of the court date along with some tough situations....I know I recieved quite a few emails because they miss the petition beore I closed it out...So here's you opportunity to sign and if you are a newcomer to this story...Please read...You can find it all on the petition . And if you could spare 50cents or $1.00 please help this family who has struggled emotionally, mentally and financially since the start of this case. Again, Please revist petition. And post and crosspost .



Petition Site:


www.Justice 4 Gage-Pitbull shot & killed by neighbor - The Petition Site


Gage's Webite:This is where you can make a contribution toward The Burkes NEW attorney.
www.justiceforgage.com

Once you've read the update, I beg of you to please skip that day of coffee...or that candy bar....We can not do this with everyones help.

hi, ok im ready to do battle, this makes me so angry!! i tried to click on the www.justiceforgage.com and it came up saying it was spam and had been removed so apparently you have to actually type in the address, as that will take you to the correct site..
Just donated, was sooooooo easy, i encourage everyone to do it too. Imagine if it was one of our beloved dogs.....
Big hugs to all the family, thinking of you all, and following the case closely too. Lets put him under the jail!!

Thank you sooo much for donating....Believe me when I tell you, every single dollar that is donated is going directly to Attorney Fee's...I am so angry at what this man is putting them through...All over STUPID IGNORANCE AND A MAN WITH A GUN...To me..It is cut and dry...What more can be said than then evidence shows..He point blank shot GAGE in the chest while in a kneeling position so as to angle the gun THROUGH the chain link fence....I am so angry to KNOW that Gage probably willing walked over to the fence..expecting nothing but maybe a pat on the head, or a "good morning gage"...And this is what HE GOT....FOR TRUSTING A HUMAN..A PROFESSOR....A TEACHER....

*sigh*...sorry..got a little ranting...

Thank you again for donating...I am looking forward to flying out on Thursday and staying with the family through the next Tuesday. The WALK FOR GAGE is this coming Saturday...I think it's going to be a big success...I'm so looking forward to being there...You know something I think would be great....If we do a thread
TO THE BURKE FAMILY

and everyone send a little comment and before I fly out on Thursday I will print the thread (if that can be done) and take it with me....Every thought, comment and prayer means so much to Shana right now..Let me know your thoughts..If someone wants to start the thread or I can...Let me know!

keep your chins up, we are all behind you. we are too counting down the days till justice. which will come im sure. If 7,000 people signed the petition, if they all donated just $1.00 im sure this will help heaps! lets put our $$ where our hearts are, and help this family get justice, even if its just for the kids, how do you rationalize this to children, we have to show that there are consequences for each action.

hi, just wondering how everything is going???

molly28_1998 wrote:hi, just wondering how everything is going???

Hi Molly,

Thanks for inquiring the status....I have so many boards that I posted Gage's story on that I am trying to get to them all with the court update....Here's a short synopsis of what happened at the Status Hearing in July 25th...

First off let me say "I AM FURIOUS"...My best friends (Gage's family) has been to hell and back and now this:

We went to court today (July 25th) and talked to the DA. The actual trial starts on the 25th (picking a 6 member Jury) and Trial Date is August 26th. From what the DA told us the trial should be over on the 26th. After court today the DA brought up some concerns about the charge. Ray Stanfill was charged with "Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty" but it appears that it may come down to the definition of maim and mutilate. He believes it may be hard to convince a six person jury that what Mr. Stanfill did to Gage would fall under the definition of "MAIM or MUTILATION".

I am so angered to hear this because Gage had a large hole blown in his chest by a shotgun that was positioned so close to Gage's kneck that the wadding didn't seperate and there were shotgun burns on Gage's neck...How can ANYONE see this as a "misdemeanor"? Please everyone, keep this family in your prayers. I am also praying that the 6 person jury can see this for what it is...MURDER!!! For they will ultimately decide Gage's Killer's fate...

I have set up a page for Gage through the ASPCA site..

Below is the link....You'll have to scroll down as their is lots of information, photos and updates....Please visit if you have an opportunity..I am going to be posting all updates on that page...

Thank you.
Sherry
www.justiceforgage.com

Link to aspca page: http://aspcacommunity.ning.com/profile/Justice4GageSherryWellsKidwell




I will never ever understood how anyone could look into these eyes and without a second thought take his life!

thanks for the update. Im thinking of you all, good luck with the upcomming hearing. Its a joke that they can not "see" exactly what Ray Stanfills intentions were, obvious to me! Keep positive, to the family.

molly28_1998 wrote:thanks for the update. Im thinking of you all, good luck with the upcomming hearing. Its a joke that they can not "see" exactly what Ray Stanfills intentions were, obvious to me! Keep positive, to the family.

Thank you so much!!!! I also want to share the 2nd Annual "2008 Mid-South Walk for Gage" video that I have finally gotten together...Ever video that I do that involves Gage I feel like I leave a piece of my heart in them...I care so much for this family and wish I could just FIX it but I can't...All I can do is be there, love them and support them...

Here's the video....I hope that you enjoy..This is the 2nd Walk that we have had and it was such a success...Lots of pitbulls having a BALL!!!!!! It was a great day and sad in a way...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuJcwXMKqKk

Please leave a comment for the family if you can...

Thank you.
Sherry W. Kidwell
www.justiceforgage.com

email:
sherry@justiceforgage.com or
michaelvick2jail@yahoo.com


If anyone is interested in helping get a "Walk for Gage" in your area please contact me at either of the two addresses above. THANK YOU!!!