i am very surprised by the coverage of my little problem, but i just want everyone to know that the reason i had an attorney with me was that i missed the original hearing date by mistake, and had to go to appellate court to be allowed another chance to defend my dog against the neighborhood bully. ACS rules say if you don't show up the first time, you don't get a second chance. i was fortunate enough to get a second chance to clear my dog's name and let the bully know that we won't be pushed around. thanx for your comments.