Leash Law

There Is a Reason

The below photos will show you the reason there is a leash law, and it should be enforced by the police and by the people who reside in the community. 

Ernie (our rescue dog) was attacked with no provocation by two large dogs (one was a Bull Mastiff and the other a great Dane) who were running loose. I’ve already told the story in an earlier post, but it bears repeating. 

Keep Your Dog Safe

Every neighborhood has dogs. Should these dogs be running loose? No, they shouldn’t be. They should either be behind a fenced in area or on a chain with no chance of them running out onto the road attacking other dogs as they walk by.

I Want My Dog Back

I am not sure if Ernie will ever be the same after his attack. He shakes now, he never did prior to the attack. Ernie is 12 years old with one single tooth in his mouth. He didn’t have a chance in hell against the two large dogs who attacked him. I witnessed one of the dog's grab Ernie by the side and bite down. It was such a horrific scene it altered my thinking about walking Ernie. I told my husband Ernie cannot go through something like that again, and neither can I. Ernie didn’t deserve any of it and now he suffers because of it. There will be no more walks for Ernie. It’s such a sad thing because there is nothing Ernie loves better than our morning walks. Those two dogs ruined that for both of us. 

The Owner

Is this the dog's fault? No, the blame goes to the owner who doesn’t abide by the leash law and lets their dogs run free in the neighborhood. A dog can react differently in any given situation, which is where the leash law comes into effect. Restrained by a fence or on a chain the dog is not a threat to anyone. A dog that runs free can cause trouble as Ernie and I have both found out. 

Emergency Vets

Ernie’s bite wounds were so significant they had to put a tube in both wounds to prevent infection. My husband Gary and I were at the Emergency Vet for 7 hours that night. We arrived at 7pm and didn’t get home until after 3am. As traumatic as the attack was, the visit to the vet didn’t do Ernie any favors either. He was already hurting, and they needed to take x-rays, draw blood, etc. Gary and I were in a room waiting and could hear Ernie’s cries as the staff did what needed to be done. It broke my heart and I had to place my hands over my ears to drown out Ernie's cries. It was the single longest night of my life. As I am sure it was for Ernie. 

Ernie's Life Hasn't Been the Best

Ernie is a rescue dog, so his life beforehand wasn’t the greatest. He settled into our home and was so happy running in our yard. He would get the “zoomies.” Chasing his tail and zooming around the house. He was in heaven.

Now, looking at him I wonder where my happy dog went. He is shaved and in pain, stitched up on his side and also his neck. I’m guessing we should thank God he wasn’t killed during the attack. It could always be worse, so they say. As bad as that was, I am hoping for a full recovery for Ernie.

Right now, he needs sleep. Today and the rest of the week will be days of rest for Ernie. Getting his strength back and healing physically as well as emotionally. 

He Needs His Medications

Trying to get his pills down his throat is a whole different story. Right now, he has no interest in food and does not want to open his mouth at all. Maybe later today we can coax him into some Braunschweiger, he loves the stuff. It is only day one so we will see how he progresses as the day goes on. I know he is tired, so I am letting him sleep as much as he wants. His little body is sore and in need of rest.

Do The Right Thing

What is the correct way to go about this situation? Should a police report be filed? Many times, I feel as if the dog gets the short end of the stick, when it is really the owner who needs to be held accountable. They need to learn there are laws for a reason and they have to be abided by. This isn’t the first time Ernie and I have had dogs run out at us, but it was by far the most traumatic. 

Stay tuned because tonight Gary and I are taking the vet bill over to the house where the attack occurred. 

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Wish us luck.

Update: We met with the people, and they were very nice and refunded us for Ernie's vet bill. It could of went another way, so I am happy they were cooperative. The world is still full of nice people.

update: The owner of the dogs that attacked Ernie stopped by the house. He apologized and we spoke for about an hour. Gary and I, as well as Ernie need to put this awful chapter behind us and move on. Ernie's resilience amazes me. He wanted to play today, his life was almost taken five days ago and today (Thursday) he is ready to play. He has been through so much, yet he still loves life. Alot of people could learn from him. Dogs you got to love them.