Here are lessons from my dog when she was attacked.
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon
I walked to the Farmer’s market a few years back. My husband was about 10 minutes ahead of me; he had gone a little earlier to buy the fish he wanted.
My eight-year-old Boston Terrier, Nellie, was eager for her morning walk with me.
Some people think dogs are their pets, while others feel they are part of their family. We fall into the second category.
As I was just ready to step off the easement behind my house and onto the street, I looked to my right and noticed a loose dog. The dog was a full-size, good-looking mixed breed. It did have a collar and looked like a well-cared-for dog. No owner was in sight.
When it saw us, it looked up immediately. I raised my hands to say “Stay,” “No,” “Go Home,” or any other gesture to tell the dog to keep its distance.
It took only a few seconds for the dog to walk towards us, and the next thing I knew, it was running towards us.
The few times stray dogs have approached, they have sniffed, maybe barked a bit, and gone on their way. This time was different.
Before I knew what had happened, this dog had Nellie in its mouth, shaking her like a rag doll.
I started screaming for help and trying to get the dog to stop. The attack seemed to go on for a long time, although I’m sure it was a matter of seconds. No one seemed to be around to hear my cries, and the dog repeated the process a few times.
Nellie did not make a noise during the ordeal. She was probably in shock.
Finally, the dog put Nellie down and she lay still. Her eyes were closed. I was sure she was dead.
The dog walked away, and I picked her up and ran home.
As I approached my house, Nellie seemed to return to life. I laid her on her bed and frantically found the emergency vet’s number. The next thing I knew, she had walked over and sat beside me.
I was relieved, but noticed several good bite marks on her lower back. My sweatshirt was covered with blood.
I found the number for the emergency vet, called, and told them we were on our way. I left a quick note for my husband and bundled her up in towels for the ride.
My husband, Jim, might have been walking home by now. I saw him and honked. He jumped in the car, and we were on our way.
When we arrived at the vet, the doctor examined her. The news was not as good as I had hoped. Not only did she have the bite marks on her back, but several good-sized ones on her stomach, one penetrating her abdominal cavity.
They brought in a surgeon and repaired the damage Saturday afternoon. I’ll spare you all the details, but it was a close call. Nellie will survive and should have a full recovery.
Needless to say, I was a bit traumatized, as I’ve had dogs most of my life and have never experienced this kind of unwarranted attack.
We did call animal control, and they are investigating, although unfortunately, I could not get any information about the dog. We have a possible lead and are checking into it.
No, we did not have vet insurance, so we are paying a hefty fee to have our dog put back together. That may be something to consider going forward.
Dogs can be such close companions, offering support throughout our lives and a friendly welcome whenever we come home.
There are many times when I’m busy writing my posts or working on my website, and Nellie curls in her bed beside me.
We take walks together every day. She is my incentive to get out and get some exercise, no matter what else is happening. Curling up and snuggling with my husband is her favorite nighttime activity.
As all dogs do, she offers that connection to an animal soul that can be healing and comforting.
She’s on opioids now via an intravenous drip to keep her in that happy place. We hope to pick her up and continue her recovery later today.
An advantage is that this is one patient who will not become addicted to their pain medication.
Things are simple for dogs. They operate on their instincts and need us to provide food and shelter.
Whether human or canine, I’m reminded that life can be short. We never know what the future may bring.
Life Lessons from Our Dogs:
- Live each day and enjoy the moment
- Give your love freely and don’t hold back
- Keep things simple
- Let the wind blow in your face
- Know who you are
- Appreciate each other
- Find something you love to do
- Forgive
- Be loyal
- Find the joy in life
- Stay connected
- Play everyday
- When something is buried, dig deep until you find it
- Stretch each morning
- Get outside and take a long walk
- Make each day special
- Take naps, preferably in the sun
- Breathe deeply
- Learn to receive
- Let others spoil you once in a while
- Fulfill your purpose
- Shake it off and move forward
This was not my planned article for today. I had something more in tune with addiction and recovery, the topic of the blog, but sometimes life happens, and we just have to write about it.
The job of a good dog was ultimately to be with them, remaining by their sides no matter what course their lives might take. ~ W. Bruce Cameron
What has your dog taught you? Please share in the comments.
