Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon
As I walked toward the Farmer’s market last Saturday morning, as I usually do, I didn’t have a care in the world. My husband was about 10 minutes ahead of me as he goes a little earlier to buy the fish that he wants.
Nellie my eight-year-old Boston Terrier was with me and eager for her morning walk.
For some people, their dogs are their pets, others feel that their dogs are part of their family. We are in the second category.
As I was just ready to step off the easement behind my house to 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.
It looked up immediately when it saw us. I put up my hands to say “Stay,” “No,” “Go Home,” any type of gesture to tell the dog to keep its distance.
It took but a few seconds before the dog was walking towards us and the next thing I knew it was running towards us.
The few times that stray dogs have approached in the past, the dogs have sniffed, maybe barked a bit, and they have gone on their way. This time was different.
Before I knew what had happened this dog had Nellie in its mouth and was shaking her like a rag doll.
I started screaming for help and trying whatever I could to get the dog to stop. This 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 for home.
As I approached my house, Nellie seemed to come back to life a bit. I laid her down on her bed and began to frantically find the emergency vet number. Next thing I knew she had walked over and was sitting next to 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 left a quick note to my husband and bundled her up in towels for the ride.
I decided to see if I could find my husband, Jim, walking home. I did see 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 was not able to 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, offer support throughout our lives as well as a friendly welcome whenever you come home.
There are many times when I’m busy writing my posts or working on my website and Nellie is curled up in her bed right beside me.
We take walks together everyday. She is my incentive to get out and get some exercise, no matter what else is happening. Curling and up and snuggling with either myself or my husband is her favorite night-time activity.
As all dogs do, she offers that connection to an animal soul that can be so 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 that will not become addicted to their pain medication.
Things are simple for dogs. They operate on their instincts and need us to provide their food and shelter.
Whether it be 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 awhile
- 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 CameronWhat has your dog taught you? Please share in comments.
Hi Cathy,
Sorry to hear about this missfortune. I have learned plenty of lessons from my dogs…thankfully not as harsh as your experience. Hope everything gets better.
Be good to yourself
David
Hi David,
Thank you. They do teach us so much. She is home now and slowly on the mend. Not an experience I wish on anyone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cathy,
I’m so sorry this happened to your adorable dog! I love my pets as part of the family too. I can only imagine how upsetting this must be for you.
I think the last lesson is a big one- “Shake it off and move forward.”
Dogs don’t ruminate over what happened to them – they move on and wag their tails. We need to learn to do the same.
Hi Angela,
I was upsetting and so unexpected. Things like this happen so quickly, it takes your breath away. She is slowly on the mend. First day home. I agree, when things happen we have to know to stand up, dust ourselves off and continue on. Take care and thanks as always for the support.
How is she doing? Back to normal I hope?
xoxo
Angela
Cathy, I am so sorry this happened to you and your adorable dog! What a crazy thing to happen. I’m happy to hear the vet and surgeon were able to put her back together again. Such a great choice to not wait to get her the medical attention she needed. Sometimes it’s easy to go into shock, confusion and not take immediate action.
Her photos are truly adorable. She looks like pure joy and love.
Hi Aileen,
She has been a great dog and we’ve really enjoyed having her. I am glad I took quick action. It can make all the difference. Thanks for your continued support!
Sorry about that Cathy!
Oh yes…dogs ARE family, and ours is an adorable member too. 🙂
Just as in your case, we also have street dogs and they have often caught him by his neck and have had major fights. The problem with my dog is that he feels like he owns our street and doesn’t like any dog coming within his premises. So, he just goes over to the dogs who come, though keeps his distance. But this is enough reason for other dogs who come in groups to come and get him.
We also recently took him to the vet because during such a fight his neck was bleeding and he fractured his leg too. It’s worst to see them suffer and undergo so much of pain, and brings me to tears half the time. He’s just like another child in our family and to see him ill is worrisome for us.
Dogs teach you so many things, most of which you mentioned above. Most importantly – about loving unconditionally and they bear you and your tantrums too. We scold them or get angry with them, yet they are back to us within no time. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, and this was a wonderful change at your blog…gave us a chance to learn more about you and yours. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I’m glad you have a dog that you love as well, and I’m sorry he’s gotten into some fights as well. They operate on instinct, so hard for us to always understand why they go to such lengths to protect their territory. I love your idea of unconditional love. So true. They love us through it all. Thanks and appreciate your thoughts.
Cathy,
Sorry to hear about this. But, as with everything, lessons learned. In my book “Sweat”, if you recall, my 4 year old boxer died from lymphoma but she was a great “teacher/therapist” while navigating through my son’s heroin addiction and I will never forget what I learned. Do they know how important they are? I don’t know, but I think so.
I am writing this as my new boxer (now 4 years old), snoring on the floor by me, helps me navigate through the new transition in my life and I am grateful.
Hi Denise,
Our dogs can be best friends and loyal companions. So glad that you have had a dog that you loved through your son’s heroin addiction and now as you move on with your life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wishing you the best in your transition.
You did the right thing early on by using a commanding voice to attempt to keep the stray dog at bay. Unfortunately your small Boston Terrier was too much of a draw for this dog and surprisingly, for lots of big dogs. I would carry bear spray. The spray won’t permanently harm the attacking dog but it will stop them from causing great bodily harm. Ask your vet. I wish speedy healing for your little guy.
Hi Darris,
Thank you for the suggestion. Bear spray sounds like a good idea. They animal control officer mentioned Pepper Spray and a walking stick. I definitely feel that I want to have some type of protection for the future. I wish I would have picked her up more quickly, but as the vet said, the dog may have then knocked both of us down. It all happened so fast, it will feel better to be more prepared.
I’m SO glad she’s going to be okay. How traumatic for both of you. She has the sweetest face, and she’s so brave after all that she’s been through. I’m just so happy that she’s going to recover. Sending you both hugs. XO
Hi Jodi,
Thanks so much. I appreciate your concern. Hugs back to you! XO
Cathy,
I’m so glad your dog is OK!! I love that dogs have unconditional love for their owners. For some people that is the only unconditional love they receive. I love your list! I have not had many pets in my life. But there was one very special cat that we had that was more like a dog than any cat I’ve ever seen. We got him from a family who’s child developed asthma and allergies. Ben was only in our lives for a few years. He was hit by car. But we’ll never forget him.
Hi Betsy,
You are so right, pets can sometimes offer the only unconditional love. I’m sorry to hear about your cat, but I’m glad you had that special time with him.
Sorry to hear about your dog. I hope they are better soon. Animals love unconditionally and have such a peace about them. True companions in every sense of the word.
Thank you Terressa for your concern. They are true companions and we do want them to have the best life that they can. Take care.
Wow! What a terrible thing to happen! Our pets are so precious. Nice article and I’m reading while my Jack Russell Terrior sits quietly in the corner 🙂
Hi Martha,
Oh, I love Jack Russell Terriers. One of our neighbors has one and Nellie plays with him quite often. We all do love our dogs, don’t we? Take care.
Oh my goodness Cathy, I am so sorry! How terrible! I can’t imagine how you felt as this unfolded before your eyes, and then the whole ordeal afterward. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. These little friends are indeed family members, and it hurts to see them suffer. I am so relieved that little Nellie is recovering and the prognosis is good. 🙂
Take care, all of you!
Hi Victor,
Thanks so much. It was a shock and the whole incident happened so fast. We are very luck that she survived and is on the mend. I appreciate your kinds words.
Cathy- What can I say? You’re singing to the choir when you talk about the meaning of Nellie in your life. Thank goodness she is a strong dog with the will to live. I can only imagine what you experienced. The good news is that she’s alive. I know that you’re giving her tons of love, affection, and care. All of this will help her heal. My thoughts are with you, your husband….and most of all Nellie. Fran
Hi Fran,
Thanks so much. She is a strong little dog and we’re grateful that she seems to be on the mend. Take care!
Great article. I am sorry to hear about your pet. Such a shame ! Pets are amazing creatures that can bring out the best in us, love us without limits and always there when we need them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dogs recovery.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks so much. We do love our dogs. I can see yours that is so cute in the picture. They become such a close part of our life. I appreciate your support. Take care.
Oh my gosh, Cathy – how terrifying!! I’m so happy to hear Nellie will be OK. I love this line, “As all dogs do, she offers that connection to an animal soul that can be so healing and comforting.” My 14 year-old Lab died a year ago, and I miss her so much – she was such a big part of my life. I love your Life Lessons from our Dogs – they are all so, so true!!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks as always Lisa. This is one of those times when we do feel gratitude. I bet you do miss your lab. I’ve never had a big dog, but a lab would be my first choice. They seem so happy and friendly and are such great family dogs. Take care.
Cathy-I am so sorry to hear about Nellie. Let me know if we can help with anything.
Dogs can certainly make your life more complete.
Miss seeing you.
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thank you. They do add so much to your life. I miss seeing you as well. I’m now off to send you an email.Take care.
So sorry to hear about Nellie. I know how much your love her. I have 2 furkids of my own and call them the heartbeats at my feet. Dogs certainly make our lives healthier and happier. God bless you.
Thanks for your kind words, Alexandra. I do love her. I’ve had dogs most of my life and miss not being around them. Take care.
There are so many great lessons to learn as we go through life, if only we keep our eyes & ears open… love your article about your dog! Thanks.
Hi Norma,
Thank you. Appreciate your comment. Take care.
Cathy, you have no idea how this post affected me. We went through a similar experience with our little mini schnauzer, Daxby, who was attacked in November of last year and had to have extensive surgery. I was amazed at how he let all of that fear and trauma go…we were fortunate in that we found the dog and his owner, so that animal control in our city did formally charge the owner…I am just grateful that our little guy has had a full recovery (complete with scars) . I am so sorry that you have had to go through this…and wish your little one and you recovery and peace. Big big hugs….
Hi Sherie,
I’m sorry your Daxby went through this as well. The little dogs can be an easy target. I’m glad he recovered and that he did not have fear or trauma. I’m hoping Nellie will be the same. We are trying to find the owner of the dog, but as of now, no luck. Best to you and so glad that your dog is healthy again.
Hi Cathy:
I am sorry to hear about Nellie. Such a cute dog. I am glad she is going to make a full recovery.
I am a cat owner, but I took care of 9 dogs for several months – 2 adult springer spaniels and 7 puppies. It was very rewarding and exhausting! I still smile when I see a springer spaniel.
– Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your concern. She is doing better. Cats can be wonderful as well. I’ve never had any, but two of my children do. They love pets, and it’s easier to have a cat in an apt. rather than a dog.
I’m sorry to hear about what happened to Nellie. I’ve also found dogs to be a wonderful reminder of the ideal way to live life — always looking for opportunities to play and explore, and letting the pain of a moment or a year ago fade into the background in favor of paying attention to what’s in front of us.
Hi Chris,
They do live in the moment, don’t they? Thank you for your concern. She is doing better and that is a benefit that dogs move on and don’t worry about what happened yesterday. Take care.
That was very traumatic for all of you. So glad she will recover. I miss my dog Sadie who died last summer after 14 years of bringing me so much love and joy. As the saying goes, Lord help me be the person my dog thinks I am.
Hi Galen,
I love that saying as well. I was traumatic, but we are doing well and will carry on. So sorry about your dog Sadie. I had a dog named Sadie growing up. She was very fun. Take care.
Your story broke my heart, Cathy. My dog is my family and when they get hurt or sick it’s devastating. My dog has taught me more about self-acceptance than any of the hundreds of books I’ve read on the subject. They are divine creatures and I’m so glad Nellie will make a full recovery.
Hi Ruth,
Thanks so much. She is part of our family as well. We have adult children, so she is who I can nurture around here. 🙂 We are very happy that she is doing well and look forward to her full recovery. Thanks so much for you kind words. Take care.
Cathy, how traumatizing for both you and Nellie! So glad she survived such a vicious attack. My guess is she’s been a sweet, adorable patient. There are lessons about self-care to learn from her, aren’t there? She deserves to be spoiled as we all do when we suffer such ugliness. Take good care of each other and give yourself a hug from Jazzy and me.
Hi Beth,
Thank you Beth for your concern and support. Nellie is our little buddy and we are both relieved that she is on the mend, and should make a full recovery. Give Jazzy a hug from me. She does deserve to be a bit spoiled and she is. 🙂 Hugs.
What an awful experience Cathy. So sorry this happened to you and your precious pet. I love this list of lessons – especially give your love freely and don’t hold back. That is wonderful!
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for your support. When we look around at creatures that live life so much more simply, we can learn a lot. Appreciate your kind words. Take care.
Oh, so sorry to hear about your pet. Animals teach us so much about unconditional love and selflessness. We all need to be more aware of these traits. Well wishes to you and your pet !
Thanks so much Elizabeth. Nellie is doing better and so we are grateful for that. We can learn so much from our pets and nature in general. Take care.
Glad to hear that she is doing better, so sorry this happened.
Thanks Estelle for your concern. Take care.
Unconditional love, fun and companionship! With five kids and two dogs in the house, we are overrun with ‘critters’ I can’t imagine having one of our dogs attacked like that. My dogs have adopted me as their Alpha, eventhough I’d never ever lived with a dog and actually was very scared to add a dog to our household. They still picked me and I love them had anyone told me three years ago I would have TWO dogs living in my home and five kids, I would have told them they were crazy. The dogs comfort us (kids) when we are sad and are always up for fun, too! Feel better doggie!
Hi Dorien,
Dogs are great company and always seem to become part of my family. Sounds like you have quite a group there, which is fun, I’m sure! Thanks for stopping by!
So sorry to hear about this scary incident, Cathy. It must have been awful. We had dogs when we were growing up and I can’t imagine anything so scary. Each dog we had was part of our family. We loved them as we loved our siblings. So glad Nellie is okay. Thanks for sharing, Cathy.
Hi Marianne,
It was scary, but luckily for us, it all worked out. Glad you enjoyed your dogs growing up! Take care!
Thank you for sharing this story. I am so glad that your dog is going to be okay. I loved how you took a negative and turned it into an inspiring post.
Hey Susan,
Thanks for your support. It was an experience, but like all others, sometimes it just helps to write about it.
So glad Nellie is okay–what a scary ordeal for you!
Thank you Meryl!
Oh my gosh Cathy, I had to stop by and read this post but my goodness. I wasn’t expecting to read that Nellie was attacked.
My dog Kayla is my child. I don’t have children of my own so I’m a big dog lover. The dog I had before Kayla was a Cocker Spaniel that lives to be 19 years old. His name was Blake and something similar happened to us. We were on our daily walk and I saw a dog playing with it’s owner across the street from where we were walking. They weren’t paying much attention to us so we went about out way. We only got about two houses down when that dog took off across the street and came up behind us. He attacked Blake and my motherly instincts kicked in and I kicked the heck out of that dog.
I screamed at the owner, picked my dog up in my arms and headed home. Blood was everywhere and I couldn’t see what he had done to him. I later found that he had bit a hole in his ear and a nerve. The vet bill was steep but I came knocking on that guys door and of course threatened him if he didn’t reimburse me for what his dog did.
They are our children, our unconditional love. They teach us so many lessons if we’re willing to learn them. I know this wasn’t the post you had planned but I’m glad you shared it. I hope Nellie is okay now. Bless her heart.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks for sharing your story! My dogs have always been part of my family as well. So sorry to hear that yours dog was attacked as well. Never fun. I’m glad to hear that he was OK and that you were reimbursed. It is scary when they come from behind. I’m more watchful now. Take care – thanks for sharing your story!
Each dog we had was part of our family. We loved them as we loved our siblings. So glad Nellie is okay. Thanks for sharing.