Skhoop in the good times
Anchorage’s Dave Brailey spent “National Pet Day” mourning the canine best friend shot dead in his yard last week by a new neighbor who either didn’t know or didn’t care about invisible fences.
Skhoop was a seven-year-old, chocolate labrador retriever who hiked and climbed and skied with Brailey, his family and his friends. Jason Mellerstig killed her in a quiet neighborhood near Campbell Lake because she barked at him and his son. He told Anchorage Police he felt threatened.
Brailey was at home when he heard first the barking of Skhoop and then the start of the shooting.
“I’m working outside,” he said in a telephone interview Monday “It’s a beautiful day. I’m in the driveway, and I hear maybe four or five barks. When she barks, that’s not acceptable.”
Being a good neighbor, Brailey started around the house to tell Skhoop to quiet down. That was when the gunfire started.
“It wasn’t just one shot,” Brailey said “It was blam, blam, blam, blam.”
Brailey ran toward the sound and into the gunfire. He doesn’t remember how many shots were fired — six, eight, maybe 10. He remembers bullets kicking up some rock chips hidden in the grass, the same rock chips his lawn mower kicks up in the summer.
He ignored them.
ONLY THOUGHT OF SKHOOP
“I just went to the dog,” he said. “It was horrible, but thank God she died quickly, like before she hit the ground.”
New neighbor Mellerstig was standing in the street.
“He was complete calm,” Brailey said. Skhoop’s owner doesn’t remember exactly what words were exchanged. He does remember Mellerstig saying he was “sorry. I’m sorry.”
Mellerstig could not be reached for this story.
Brailey doesn’t know if he voiced the thoughts racing through his head at the time: “What the hell are you doing opening up with a semi-automatic handgun in a neighborhood full of people and kids?”
“I was in shock,” Brailey admitted. “I walked away in shock.”
Still in shock, he sat down for a conference call seven minutes later. A hydrologist who works out of his home, Brailey could only remember his shock-numbed brain trying to focus on professional responsibilities.
“I kind of had to listen to what was being said on the phone,” he said, but he wasn’t really listening all that well. His mind was elsewhere.
Then “my wife came and home and was crying,” he said, and then the police and animal control showed up.
Brailey remembers an APD officer asking “‘what do you want me to do?’ I couldn’t talk,” Brailey said. “I was so emotional.”
Mellerstig, a blonde man with a friendly face, was out in the street again. The APD officer was asking him questions, too.
“You two have met, obviously,” Brailey remembered the officer saying. Brailey said, “no;” they’d never met. The officer, according to Brailey, explained that “(Mellerstig) said he felt threatened. The police officer was obviously worried something was going to happen between us.”
Brailey pointed out that Skhoop was in his yard, and that Mellerstig had parked his Ford F150 pickup with its tires on the edge of the same yard. He didn’t know what else to say.
“It was just crazy,” he said. “I was so shell-shocked. This was literally the very first day he was in the house. Just this last Thursday his driveway was full of moving vehicles.
INVISIBLE FENCE KEPT HER IN
“My dog was in a radio-collar fence. The dog does not come out of the yard. If she comes out of the yard, she gets shocked. She knows exactly where the shock collar line is. It worked like a charm. She was like a little queen. She’d sit in the front yard and just be happy.”
Brailey finds it hard to believe Mellerstig was unaware of the invisible fence. Brailey said his wife, Melanie Janigo, had seen Mellerstig going back and forth to his truck all morning on the day of the shooting with Skhoop in the yard.
“If he was frightened by her, he would have noticed she didn’t come off the grass,” said Brailey, who mainly can’t understand why Mellerstig didn’t just ask about the dog if he was worried about the possibility Skhoop was aggressive.
“Why not say something?” he asked. “Why not yell? I’d come running. He said nothing to me before shooting my dog. He said nothing to me. Zero.”
Former Skhoop dog sitters said they never saw any hint of aggression from the Lab.
“We have actually watched scoop a number of times, really nice, friendly chocolate lab,” said Brailey friend Laurie Sitkiewicz. “(This is) just horrible. I can’t even get my brain wrapped around it.”
Mellerstig’s Facebook page indicates he’s new to Alaska from California. It describes him as a graduate of Brown University, University of Oxford and the UCLA Law School. A 2007 press release from Hollywood Studios International in Beverly Hills identifies him as the newly hired vice president of business affairs there.
“Jason started in the business as a cameraman, and has produced and directed several independent films,” it says. “He has served in the Business and Legal Affairs departments of Carsey-Werner (“That 70s Show”), The Yari Film Group (“Crash,” “The Illusionist”), I.L. Films, Fox, ABC and MGM….He was educated at Brown University, Oxford University, the UCLA School of Law and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.
“Prior to starting in the entertainment business, Mr. Mellerstig worked as a park ranger in Alaska, Hawaii and Florida, assisted a member of Congress, a Rhode Island State Assemblyman, and served the United Nations Secretariat in New York City. He is a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, with ratings in multi-engine aircraft, gliders, seaplanes and helicopters.”
Mellerstig, who is in his 40s, apparently moved to Alaska to take a job as a commercial airline pilot. Anchorage police are investigating the shooting. It is illegal to discharge a firearm within the municipality, but there is an exception for self-defense shootings.
Brailey simply cannot conceive of anyone needing to shoot Skhoop in self-defense.
“She was a family dog, slept in the house every night, got up on the couch,” he said. “She was a wonderful ski dog, a river dog with rafters. We worked on the Susitna Dam Project and had a camp above Devil’s Canyon. We took her as a bear dog so she was in the camp all day when she left. She totally barked off one family of bears.
“She was a part of our family. My kids are grown now, but she grew up with them. (Still), I think I’m taking this hardest. I’m a work at home scientist, and this dog was my companion. We’re empty nesters now.”
Skhoop on a family ski outing
Dogs have a way of taking over people’s lives this way. Brailey said he misses Skhoop so much it hurts.
“It’s really traumatic,” he said. “It almost seems to be getting worse and worse day by day. I can’t even think. We can’t even sleep. It’s horrible.”
He put out a little tribute to Schoop near where she died in the yard. Neighbors have been coming by to drop off flowers.
“There’s this little pile of flowers there now,” he said. “Everybody walks their dogs past there. There must be 30 or 40 dog walkers a day go by.”
Many of the them are fearful now. The local homeowners association was planning a Monday night meeting to talk about what happened. Shootings of any kind rarely happen in the upscale community that surrounds the private lake. This one seemed to have rattled a lot of people to the core.
Categories: News, Uncategorized
“Brailey finds it hard to believe Mellerstig was unaware of the invisible fence. ”
As a neighbor who walks my children past this house on a regular basis, I have to say that I was completely unaware of the existence of an invisible fence. I was keenly aware of the dog that ran loose in an unfenced yard and liked to bark aggressively and run right at my kids. I’m not really a fan of a dog owner who would leave their dog unattended outside to terrorize the neighbor kids walking by.
I never saw that dog leave its own yard, even when it scared my kids. Prior to this episode, the dog never leaving its yard seemed pretty unremarkable – I generally stared him down or said something appropriately sharp before he hit the edge of the yard, and he always stopped. It never occurred to me that there was an invisible fence – it just seemed like a dog that knew he wasn’t the alpha creature on the street.
That said, my experience is entirely consistent with an invisible fence.
While I wasn’t a fan of the neighbor’s dog…. I am much less fan of another neighbor shooting said dog in its own yard. I hope he is prosecuted appropriately for his reckless disregard for gun safety, life, and private property, no matter his apparent white collar background. In my book, this is no better than a drug dealer engaging in a territorial drive-by shooting.
Last night this muderers facebook was active – now it is no where to be seen. Probably because he realized what a low life he is and how much he is hated. I have no words for what I would do to this man.
You know,,,, a guy that pulls the panic button because a dog is barking at him, is the last person I’d want piloting an aircraft that I was flying in. Seems way too skitsy for any airline to trust as an employee either..
Unrelated, but I need to thank you for resurrecting the word “skitsy.” It’s a great word and I haven’t heard it in years.
craigmedred Reply to your previous comment directed at me
I could only assume, truthfully, I can not say the state of Jason’s mind during this time frame, It might of been Fight or Flight, it might not of been. However, judging the best possible action while in the middle of such a situation I can only imagine is difficult especially in states of panic. I hate to use examples, but when people get their clothing of something wrapped up in a lathe machine. Typically their first response is to pull back against their clothing (Machine unfortunately wins) Their first response is not to hit the machines off switch which would save their life. Sorry to use analogies, but every person here can and seem to intend to sit back, sharpen their pitchforks and light their torches to go burn this person at the stake, but I have no doubt that most people here would of reacted in a likewise manner had it been them in the same situation. God knows I would have. I don’t think he can really be judged for taking this route based on the fact he could of possibly been in a panic for his kid’s safety.
Oh please, his state of mind was probably “all right, I finally get to use my bang bang toy!”
I understand that Mellerstig may have been scared or in a fight or flight mode but the issue is still that he overreacted and used excessive force in a situation that he could have addressed differently. The owner didn’t report hearing yelling. He could have kicked the dog, threw a rock at it or just ran to his house/truck. He could have yelled for the owner. He could be carrying pepper spray for lesser issues which are more likely to occur around town. Instead he opened fire in a neighborhood in someone else’s yard. What would have happened if he over-reacted to a spunky teenager or a person acting strangely but not violently. Shooting should be a last resort where there aren’t other solutions available. It would be terrible to have a Treyvon Martin situation in Anchorage. I am pro gun but if someone can’t keep a level head and use it wisely even in crisis, they should reconsider carrying it with them in the city.
Chase Hagler, your fatuous comments assume a lot of assumptions within it. The main point is that this grown man decided the only option he had was to shoot a person’s dog dead. His comments didn’t state the dog was trying to bit him but just barking in his direction. And, one shot was probably good enough but he repeatedly fired at the dog. Your 3rd grade conclusion is myopic. Yes, he can be judged for his very poor decision and the fact is that a domestic dog is dead and people of the family and friends are suffering because of it. Mr. Mellerstig , based on what I’ve read here and seen on his Facebook appears unstable.
If you can not accurately assess a situation; you have no business carrying a loaded weapon on your person. He shot the dog 5 times. LOSER!!
What happened here is tragic, no doubt. A family has lost a beloved pet, and a newcomer to Alaska has learned that reality TV is as fake as a sitcom. The shooter in this case is a moron and I hope he gets charged with at least misuse of a weapon. Plus sued by the pet owner for their loss. One thing I haven’t seen discussed here is why the family had an invisible fence instead of a standard fence. Are fences not allowed in this neighborhood? If this dog had been behind a standard chain link or board fence, it would probably still be alive. This is just another reason that invisible fences are not a good substitute for a standard fence.
Too bad he didn’t shut his dog up and control it BEFORE it got shot. Funny how so many dog owners only show concern for their animal after something happens.
He has a wonderful resume of book smarts… Somebody forgot to give this man common sense and everything that implies…STUPID. STUPID. STUPID
Did anyone get a picture of Jason Mellerstig before he took down his Facebook page?
He should be arrested and in charged to the fullest!
Will not support any business that hires this man
Then don’t fly Pen Air.
My family and I grew up in the house across the street. My parents just sold our house after living in the neighborhood for 20+ years. Not ONCE did I ever feel threatened by Skhoop. We are also dog owners and I can’t recall one bad interaction between our dogs and Skhoop – and I never worried about it. She was quiet and well behaved. I picture her relaxing in the sun in their lawn minding her own business. My heart goes out to them. This is such a sad and awful situation.
Sad situation. I wasn’t there, so it’s not for me to say the man shouldn’t have feared for his child’s and his safety. But it truly is an awful thing. Much hate here for a man who was protecting his child. I see nothing in his past indicating there is anything mentally wrong with him. It could well have been an awful mistake. They do happen.
that would seem the most likely possibility, Leon. who knows the history. maybe he had a bad incident with a dog once and is incredibly jumpy. but i’m still left wondering who packs heat when going to their car on the street in this neighborhood, and where the carry that he can roll into action like this? does he quick draw? does he go to the truck with gun in hand, and if so, why? don’t you at least kick the dog first to see if that repels it? it’s all weird.
Hell, I’ve been bitten by dogs and I’m a little jumpy about them, but I don’t start blasting away with a handgun at them when one of them barks at me. I carry bear spray just in case but have never once had to use it on a dog.
APD asked the victim what he would like the officer to do? Oh, man. I would not have been able to restrain myself from listing the things I’d like to have done to the guy. This guy should clearly be charged with anything and everything that might stick and APD should not have had to ASK the victim what he wants done. The guy is a maniac! He shot someone’s dog in its own front yard, with his kids and family watching???
This is the kind of person who considers himself a “good guy with a gun” here to save the day.
This city is really becoming very scary. Extremely scary. Why can’t we get a handle on these insane gun addicts?
I believe below is the muni code.
Seems as though he is in total violation!! Commercial Pilot? Bush Pilot? What happens when he lands in a village with loose dogs who really probably don’t have an electronic fence or fence.
A. Under Municipal Ordinance 8.25.030 Discharge of Firearms (A). It is unlawful for any person to knowingly: (1). shoot, discharge or flourish any firearm, air rifle or air pistol within the Municipality of Anchorage except in those areas open to the public for lawful hunting or upon established shooting ranges. It might also violate State Statutes to include: 11.41.220(a) Assault in the Second Degree; 11.41.250(a) Reckless Endangerment; 11.61.190-220 Misconduct Involving Weapons.
Bottom line is it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the vicinity of home/neighborhood.
Bottom Line is you DO NOT shoot a dog in the owners yard—period. Judgement and a cool head is what I want for the pilot I fly with and Jason showed non of these qualities. He is a hazard to the community, himself and his profession. If Gary Cox consideres him a quality person, that says a lot for Gary. I have spent time watching Scoop and he was a typical lab. He should be allowed to bark and run in his own yard.
This man and his family should not bother to unpack their boxes. They should return to CA.
Why is a man in an upscale neighborhood -or any neighborhood- carrying a loaded weapon to put his child in the car? Does he live in constant fear of bad guys?
This psycho idiot moved to Alaska to take a job as a commercial airline pilot! The only upside I can see to this is that Schoop died but showed the world the interior life of Jason Mellerstig, who otherwise would have looked like the perfect, accomplished ‘winner’ of a human being. He is bloody nuts, and dangerous.
😡
According to the article the shooter didn’t park by his own house. Instead, he parked in front of his neighbors lawn with his tires on the edge of the yard. This means at least one of them was trespassing into the dogs territory. Of course she barked. The dog knew exactly where her boundaries were and was just doing her job.
His fast draw and rapid fire reaction is highly disturbing on so many levels. This is not normal behavior, even for someone who regularly chooses to carry a concealed handgun.
That he reacted so quickly, fired 6 to 10 rounds AND was able to hit and kill her with a handgun indicates that he has probably spent a lot of time training himself, with this weapon, to accurately shoot multiple times whenever startled. That he continued firing even as his neighbor was running towards his dog indicates he was out of control.
I’m so sorry for the loss this family has experienced. At the same time, I’m grateful that the shooter wasn’t startled by a child or another neighbor and that he managed to avoid shooting the homeowner.
This man needs to put his gun away permanently, realize Alaska’s not the Wild West, find a way to atone and generally just settle down. Otherwise he will continue being a menace to his neighbors, the community, and the State.
Mellerstig is lucky he didn’t get shot. If someone shot my dog in my yard, I very well might feel threatened and shoot him back.
Scoop was as sweet, loving and gentle as a lab gets. She would never, ever attack anyone. (The prior comment by the realtor is simply untrue.) She may have drooled though. This family has lived peacefully in the neighborhood for over 20 years. How are they going to feel safe after this? So sad!
Ivan Moore – so you’re saying it would have been ok if it was a pitbill or german shepherd? You are ignorant and know nothing about dogs.
I have been around all types of dogs, and have family with pitbills and german shepherds. When animals are treated with respect and trained correctly, they are not anymore a threat than that poor chocolate lab guarding his yard. People like you infuriate me.
This guy sounds like an irrational psychopath! I would be terrified to live next door to him!
This is an odd story. Has Mr. Mellestues come to AK full of horror stories and fears? Did he react with those in mind? Does that make it right? NO. A semiautomatic in a residential neighborhood where children play and families gather for myriads of reasons! No. A dog barks a few times. That’s it? I would like to hear his side. That’s only fair. But Mr Bailey, I am thoroughly sorry go your loss. My dogs family and very precious to me. I have a clear understanding of your loss and am also confused how this could happen. I am sorry this has happened. To others out there exclaim this like “he shot a Labrador retriever. ” Every dogs capable of attacking and biting. Don’t be fooled because it’s a pit it will attack and if it’s a lab it would never…. just recently the wife of my husband’s coworker was attacked pretty viciously, unprovoked…while the lady walked to her mailbox. Yes it was a Labrador retriever mix. The difference I see is that dog often had odd behavior and left to roam by its owners. Mr Baileys dog was on his own property. Terrible tragedys.
Appropriate that Mellerstig produced the movie “Acts of Violence”. I suggest he limit his actions to the screen.
I’m deeply saddened and so very sorry for your loss. I too have lost a pet to “murder” its devastating. ((((Hugs))))you for a minute..so so sorry
I am not a witness to the incident, but I have actually met, and worked with, the Mellerstig family. I actually helped them negotiate and purchase their home on Campbell Lake. I want to stand up in defense of them as people and as a family, not necessarily in the action. I am shocked that this occurred and it it very unfortunate. This family was attracted back to Alaska by our way of life. When they are not rushing three gorgeous, extremely well-behaved boys and a new baby girl to and from Hockey practice, they are working on homework together or on a family winter hike. They have been nothing but kind, respectful and interested primarily in providing a way of life for their family.
We do not know what led up to this event. I am sorry for the Brailey’s loss. Animal Control’s interviews with neighbors indicated that the dog was a very aggressive defender of the yard and has charged before. Dogs can be a scary proposition when your own small children are involved. The fear of attack leading to any injury of small children would lead many of us to act, or over-react. Jason has indicated that they dog was charging, with barred teeth and did not respond to verbal commands, nor the first shot. It is a tragic loss. Very unfortunate.
To the neighbors on Campbell Lake I can only say to take a step back and meet the Mellerstigs. While this is unfortunate, I believe you will find them a welcome addition to your community. They are a loving and respectful family, want to be involved in the community and I have nothing but respect and admiration of them.
It is clearly stated above that the beautiful animal was not aggressive, AND the people you are defended had no right to shoot an animal for protecting its yard.. Ask yourself this… DID THE DOG LEAVE THE YARD AND CHARGE? DID THE DOG GET CLOSE TO THE CHILD TO BITE IT? if you answered NO to either of these questions then there was no reason to shoot and KILL this innocent animal. I have a dog that will Bark very loudly and seem aggressive but in all reality he is just talking and wants you to come play with him. I’m sorry but if this was my neighbor and you shot my dog for SIMPLY BARKING AT YOU AND YOUR CHILD.. best believe you would not want to be around when I found him dead or wounded. Let alone for you to defend someone who just killed an animal for barking at him yet you have no idea who they really are.. you are on the same side of the fence with them. you have no integrity in this world nor this state. You Gary Cox do not even know this family personally. You only know them because you helped them find a house in our state of Alaska that is now mourning because a loved one was shot. How would you feel if you were in your yard and were yelling or talking to someone outside of your fence and they shot you because they were “afraid for their life” ? you would be beyond pissed and if they killed you your family would be hurt and pissed off.. yes it was a dog.. but to us Alaskans they are not just animals.. they are our family.. our children.. our life.. think real hard on who you are defending..
To the Family who has lost their child.. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. I know what it is like to lose a four legged loved one and it is not a memory I will ever want.. Bless your soul for not attacking the person who murdered your baby in cold blood, you have more strength than I myself or any one I know would have. Prayers for you and your family. Just know that your friends and family and people who don’t know you personally are here for you and will stand by your side for true justice!
There are two problems I see mostly with your reply Brittany.
Granted, this one is taking Gary at his word, which may or may not be true, but he has been at least respectful while disagreeing, with as many people jumping this man’s case, I don’t think Gary would place himself in the warpath of overly emotional zealots just to lie. but if what he said holds true. I would trust the comment from Animal Control long before I would trust any media outlet.
Second, Your comment “DID THE DOG GET CLOSE TO THE CHILD TO BITE IT?”
By that time, not only is the child already in danger of getting seriously injured by the dog, but any reaction the parent has such as shooting the dog or trying to pull it off the child could also inadvertently injure the child. If a Bear charges you, do you wait until it is mauling you to open fire.
I’m not sure who thought that the “Invisible Fence” thing was a great idea, If you are expecting people to know where a barrier is that keeps them safe from viscous animal attacks without being able to see this barrier, You are placing their safety in the hands of a device that relies on a deterrent instead of physical barrier separation, I didn’t even know such a thing as an “Invisible Fence” dog collar existed before this morning. What assurance do I have that this collar has a adequately charged battery, or proper connection points?
If you are expecting people to know they are safe from animals that have been known to disfigure and kill with recent attacks especially when dealing with children when they have not a damn thing separating them aside from some invisible barrier that activates a shock collar that some dogs have been known to ignore. I don’t understand how someone didn’t see this coming.
That being said, My condolences to the family that owed the dog.
ever been involved in shooting charging bears, charles? they’re hard to hit. a dog is an even smaller target.i’ve had some experience with this. a dog in a full-on charge across that lawn? that’s a tough shot and it only gets tougher the longer you wait. so if it’s a charging dog, you start shooting when it’s halfway across the lawn just to make sure you hit it. or i would. but if you’ve got time to do that. why not just grab the kid and jump in the bed of the open pickup? there is much here that just confuses me.
“very aggressive defender of the yard…”, so like most dogs? In my neighborhood, dogs bark and run towards me all the time while I jog past. Imagine if everyone reacted like Jason did. I wouldn’t begin defending this man and his cowardly act. I wouldn’t want to live in a neighborhood with anyone like this.
Just….what? You are actually trying to DEFEND this behavior??
Clearly those lunatics are not, in fact, a “welcome addition” to the community. They are horrible people with bad judgment and a dangerous crazy streak. The fact that they are raising four children is really horrible. Four more people who are going to likely grow up to be total psychos as well. Best case scenario, they grow up scarred for life after seeing their dad mow down a friendly neighbor dog in front of their eyes.
That guy should be in prison, hopefully in some other state where we never have to see or hear about him again ever, let alone have to ride in a plane he is piloting. I would really like to know which company he was going to work for, so I can make sure to never fly with them.
There are always two sides to every story, I always believe this. I am very interested in hearing his side! Much like I would want to hear the side of a man who would abuse his own child or wife, or a rapist. My fear is,that his supposed background with UCLA Law will make him very adept at adjusting his story to fit the parameters of his tale of fear. His realtor said he is a nice guy, so was Ted Bundy by all accounts. Perhaps his realtor can help him find a new residence in a neighborhood free of dogs, children, neighbors, moose, bear, squirrels or anything else he might find threatening!
Cox, you are a salesperson defending your client’s very poor decision. Give us a break. Talk about a ‘conflict of interest’.
Gary, Your request for me to meet them and get to know them has been noted. Can you please negotiate the purchase of a new house to get them out of my neighborhood? Preferably one far from people and pets. On second thought, I’ll give this guy another chance if/ when he does something very large and very benevolent for a local animal group- say, the Sled Dog Sanctuary (my fave!) and Friends of Pets. Let something good come of this. He has a lot to make up for.
One of this year’s Iditarod rent-a-teamers was running dogs in a public park in Chugiak last year when he surprised a moose. He had a GoPro running at the time and filmed it, and because he’s not experienced enough to understand what he was seeing and what he did, he posted the video to Facebook. He was certain that the cow was going to charge. It was clear from the video that she was confused and was looking around for a way out. But, he was absolutely dead certain that she was going to come at him, so he pulled out his .44 and fired it into the bushes to try to scare her off. But, it’s Chugiak and a well-used park and this moron had no idea what was behind the bushes, and it’s a sure thing that to this day he believes the moose was going to dig into his dog team. (The park people talked to the Chugiak Dog Mushers who talked to the guy the rent-a-teamer was working with, with warnings about not waving guns around on their trails)
There’s this thing where people come to Alaska to be “free” and they don’t really understand the environment or what they’re experiencing, but because they’re in Alaska and want to be Alaskan and do what Alaskans do, they immediately start toting around guns. Sometimes they discharge them in a fit of stupidity, and some of that time it ends badly. I feel sick for the Braileys.
The neighbors are posting here and on ADN saying the dog was not a threat.
Yet the city has already cited Skhoop as an aggressive dog.
If you were involved in the buying/selling of a house, isn’t there an obligation to disclose that to the client.????? I know that my dogs were disclosed to the neighbors
Dog owners beware! There’s people in Alaska that own guns and won’t put up with aggressive dogs. Totally justified shooting!
Wow, this story fills me with so much grief on many levels. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Skhoop. It seem like killing a pet (which is part of your family) on your property should be considered murder and have a form of punishment…such as not allowing that person to carry guns.
That man should go back where came from!
This guy is a 40 year old nut! based on his resume he must not have been good at anything. Couldn’t have been in any job long.. Could it been because of his lack a of judgement? I certainly would not want to fly with him. Frankly he needs to go back to CA. My heart breaks for the Braileys!
This literally makes me sick. I have a Chocolate too and it would destroy us if something happened to her. How can you feel threatened enough to shoot a dog that hasn’t left its yard? Even a warning shot if you truly felt threatened, although I still can’t justify it in my mind. Sick.
Having been attacked by a dog as a child, I can understand how someone could be frightened of a large dog barking at them (many dog owners are completely clueless of this as evidenced in the comments), but he should have gone inside to be safe, and then talked with the owner, or even called animal control.
I would not want to live next to a gun nut like that.
I’m over my dog fear, but many people never get over it. But shooting? No. Everyone should learn how to defend themselves from an attacking dog, and for a reasonably fit adult it does not require a gun.
Choosing to shoot a gun in a residential neighborhood is criminal. I would not want to live next to a gun nut like that. Unfortunately they are pretty thick on the ground in this state. We draw them here.
I would put a big poster of Skhoop alive and happy, shot and dead and plant in my yard facing this wimpy loser so he and his family is reminded of what a trigger happy monster he is!!
That guys need to pack up and go….to jail
I am so sorry for your family and the trauma it has caused for your whole neighborhood and city of Anchorage, glad I got to spend a few moments with Sckoop last fall..this guy needs to be run out of town! On another note the FAA needs to pull this psycho’s medical and that may encourage his expeditious departure from AK…
I suspect that Mr. Mellerstig is about to find out that the only thing Alaskans love more than our guns are our dogs. My heart goes out to Mr. Brailey on the loss of his pet.
I have a chocolate baby to whom I encredit my emotional well being. I worry constantly about protecting him from his own dog perspective and from people who don’t get dog behavior. This story gives me nightmares.
Jason Mellerstig didn’t even know his neighbors and didn’t bother to talk to them about their dog before he shot it. He needs to go back to California. We don’t need people like him in Alaska
Trigger happy jerk. What would he do if he saw a moose? Women, children and domestic pets are not safe in his neighborhood. What a loser. Hope his business goes bust and he leaves the state. Don’t need his kind of pantywaist here.
Unfortunately this is the kind of people Alaska is attracting. Who shoots a lab? I’ll bet a thorough check of the guy’s resume will find most of it is phony.
His resume is legit, but it doesn’t tell us much about *him*. It seems he doesn’t really hold steady employment and moves around a lot. The fact that he was packing a gun within a day of moving here really tells me a lot though.
He can’t be a successful actor or producer if he moved to Alaska to work for Pen Air. It’s really sad that this is, as you said, the type of person Alaska is attracting.
How very sad and at the same time , really scary that someone would kill a lab. This guy should not go walking in the parks around town, he will end up killing someone.
I’m sorry, look at the dog! It’d be one thing if it was a pitbull or a German Shepherd… it’s a chocolate lab… what’s it going to do, slobber you to death?
This was way to easy for that guy, 90% he shots a neighbor next!
I’m going to feel threatened if I see Jason Mellerstig.
Wow what an asshole. Hope he reads this and knows most of us are thinking, yep, come from California and think you can carry a gun and shoot what ever he wants…karma’s a bitch.
stupid americans and their guns! what a bunch of maniacs. you people are scary….. insane!
No, most of us Alaskans are responsible gun owners and don’t go around playing cowboy shooting pets.
And a whole bunch of us are sane enough to not need to own guns at all, but sadly I am feeling that “concerned” is right and the lunatics are indeed taking over both the state and the country.
Most of us Alaskans are responsible gun owners. So were our parents, and our grandparents. Guns have always been part of our way of life. It’s how we put meat in the freezer and defend ourselves when the closest law enforcement is two hours away.
I’m glad that you consider yourself “sane enough” not to need guns.
Alaska!*
*experiences may vary
Yes, stupid Americans with guns are scary. Though you seem to be implying that all Americans with guns are scary maniacs. And yet at the top of the list of things to do for many foreign tourists from countries with restrictive gun laws, is to go out and shoot guns.
The picture is of his young kids..in a bathroom somewhere. One kid at the urinal watching the TV with the other kid beside him patting his butt watching? I will assume….dad was taking the picture. One thing to take the picture….another to post it on an open forum.
Did you see the picture he posted of his kids on Facebook? Something is really wrong with this guy.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad >
No, and I would like to hear his side of the story.
He shot a Labrador Retriever. There is no excuse.
Sounds like Jason Mellerstig needs to buy a few pairs of big girl panties and learn how to put them on if he plans on living in AK. Shooting a dog because it barked at him? Is he going to shoot every moose and bear that scares him?