The family dog was a BULLDOG, not a Pit Bull!
One of our dogs is a Bulldog (think U. of Georgia's mascot "Uga"). They are the most people-loving, non-aggressive dogs and they don't look anything like Pit Bulls.
Our family joke is that our Bulldog will delightedly greet burglars at the door, slobber affectionately all over them, show them around and leave with them when they are finished.
A needless, senseless tragedy. My heart breaks for this family.