The two dogs have been in the court system for more than two years
GRAYLING, MI -- It appears that two pit bulls in the center of a long court battle over whether or not they should be euthanized will be allowed to live.
This case dates back to 2008, when a man says he was out riding on his bike and when the dogs approached him, he says he felt threatened.
The dogs' owners have been fighting for their pets lives ever since.
Back in January, the judge gave the dogs 90 days to be adopted under the stipulations he had set.
On April 25th, if they hadn't been adopted, the dogs would be put down.
Thursday, the dogs were offered two separate homes.
“They're excellent dogs," said Ken Minard, the former owner of the two dogs.
Minard says it's been the dog days of two summers and more than two years as he waits to see if his pit bulls, Riley and Shelby, will live or die. A court order says they can't live with Ken so he hopes someone will give them a good home. Ausable Valley Animal Shelter has been their home for the last two and a half years.
"It’s been kind of a roller coaster for a couple of years, a lot of stress for a lot of people here," said Ausable Valley Animal Shelter Director Cheryl Postma.
The roller coaster ride started in 2008, when a man claimed the two dogs that were puppies at the time chased him on his bike and acted aggressively. Later that year, animal control took the dogs. In December, 2008, the judge ordered the dogs to be killed. January, 2009, the dogs were given a stay while an appeal moved through the courts. In January, 2010, three different experts testified the dogs weren't vicious. In April, 2010, the judge again ordered the dogs be put down. that order was appealed, and the case ended back in court in January of this year. The court finally agreed to let the dogs be adopted
"If we did not take up that option that the judge left in the order, then yeah, they would have been killed," said Richard Angelo, Ken Minard’s layer.
In court Thursday, two potential people offered to adopt the dogs, including the director of the shelter where the dogs have been since this case began.
Shelter employee Melissa Plauman also offered her home.
"We just kind of tuned them up by doing basic obedience training, and a little more socializing, and whatever, and as you can see, they're pretty good dogs," said Plauman.
“We've suited their needs for the last two and a half years, we've made really good dogs out of puppies," said Postma.
The judge said he still needs time to decide where to place the dogs.
"I hope that it ends up being a win for the dogs, it's not a win for Ken, but it is kind of a win in a way for him because the dogs will not have to be killed," said Angelo.
“This is promise, can't believe nothing until it's in writing," said Menard.
The judge said he should have a decision made shortly.
