Dogs Do Attack

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

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Having a dog, I firmly believe they need exercise, so Ernie gets walked daily. I drive up to our local park and normally walk him around town and back to the park. Today Gary came with me and walked Sally, our Jack Russell who will be turning 17 shortly. She cannot walk far as her back end is not good. So, Gary will take her home and then come back and pick up Ernie and I when I call him. 

Let's Try a Different Street

Ernie and I were walking toward home, we went a different route than normal. I glanced up and thought we could go up the hill and we’d be on Franklin (the street we usually walk.) Instead I took a left and went up a street I’d never taken Ernie on before. Little did I know what a big mistake I made with that decision. We were walking along, relaxed and enjoying our walk when all of a sudden, a big dog was right there. He bit at Ernie, and I started screaming. All of a sudden there was another big dog who joined in attacking Ernie. If you have been following my story you will know Ernie does not have any teeth so, he cannot defend himself. (He wouldn’t have been able to anyway, those dogs were huge.) I tried grabbing Ernie and picking him up but I couldn’t so I pulled him up in the air, the first dog that was there grabbed at him and pulled Ernie his halter came off and there was nothing I could do. I saw the dog clamp down on Ernie’s belly with his mouth and I thought he was dead. Still screaming I saw a guy come running out along with a teenage boy. They grabbed both dogs. Ernie ran under a vehicle, and I coaxed him out, when I tried to pick him up, he yipped and tried to bite me. I didn’t know if he was hurt or scared. Turned out he was both.

Where Is My Husband

Still shaking I finally got Ernie secure and called my husband. Somehow my phone had already called him, and Gary heard me screaming and thought I was being attacked. The entire thing was a horrific experience. 

Sorry Is It Good Enough

The guy kept apologizing and said they weren’t his dogs, but they were at his house, and they were loose. They must have come from the back yard because I always watch for dogs, and I didn’t see them coming. He started approaching me with the dog and I told him not to approach me. He told me he was sorry again and said if we had any vet bills, they would pay them. 

Where Is He Hurt

By this time Gary arrived to pick us up, Ernie and I got in the van, and we drove home. Gary and I looked over Ernie when we arrived home and didn’t see anything but he’s starting to get furry again. He has a grooming appointment on Tuesday, and I will let the groomer know to check him over when she grooms him. I didn’t see any blood anywhere; I cannot believe there wasn’t any. 

Our Walking Days Are Done

This whole experience makes me not want to walk Ernie, since this is the second time this has happened now. The time before it was also two big dogs, but they were not aggressive. It still shook me up. 

There Is a Leash Law for a Reason

There is a leash law in town, but it seems no one thinks they need to abide by it. Being a dog lover all my life, if I did report it, it would most likely be the dog who would be affected, not the owner. When it is the dog owner’s responsibility to take care of their dog. There is a leash law for a reason. Whatever the situation you cannot be sure how a dog will react. Obey the law and there shouldn’t be any problem. Why is that so hard for some people to understand?

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We will see what tomorrow morning brings. Until then please be considerate and keep your dog and all other dogs safe.

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Update: When petting Ernie, I noticed stiff fur and when I looked, I saw blood. This was on his neck area. He let me clean it up without a fuss. I then looked at his side because that is where I saw the dog bite him. I again saw matted fur, when I tried to clean it Ernie bit at me. So, I stopped and called the vet. It is Sunday, so I left a message asking for a visit tomorrow so they can check him over. Needless to say, his grooming appointment will be canceled.

update: We ended up taking Ernie into the Emergency Vet. His condition was worse than we first thought. Stay tuned for my next post for updates on Ernie.

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