What I thought was going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Sonny has not turned out that way.
Everything was going fine, the dogs were getting along and the growling had stopped. Sonny had a new house and actually had a spring in his step. I had even taken to letting him in the house for a few hours at night as long as he stayed on a blanket near the door. He seemed happy.
Saturday night, I fed him at his usual time and as I turned to walk back in the house, he attacked me. Notice, I chose the word attack. He didn’t just bite me and leave it at that. He got a hold of my arm and wouldn’t let go. When I finally got my arm out of his mouth to run away, he continued to come at me and even managed to gouge a hole in my Uggs and my foot. Darn it, I love those boots.
Luckily, Art was home and heard me screaming bloody murder. He got the dog away from me and I was able to get into the house and safety.
There was a lot of blood, hours worth of tears, and a decision to be made. I am typing this with one hand. My hand and arm are so swollen and cut up that I can’t even take off my own shirt. I am terrified of going into my own backyard and I won’t let Murphy out there with him either. (not that I don’t think that MG can take him, I just don’t want to see it happen or have to separate them)
Sonny has lived a good life, he has tumors that can’t be operated on because of his age, and he hobbles around in pain often. I think that it is his time. We did our best, but I am worried about the safety of others and he is obviously in pain and not happy.
I hope that Art’s daughters and others will forgive us for this decision.
I will be doing a lot of lurking for the next few days until I can type properly. So please know that I am visiting you and reading, just a bit quiet:)
13 comments:
Oh my goodness, Gwen, that must have been very scary, and I'm sure the decision was hard. -hugs- I hope you start feeling better fast!
What a scary moment for you. You are making the right decision after doing what you could for the dog. Please take care...
Blessings from Lakewood,
Cindy
Wow, Gwen that's really scary. I think you're making the right decision given the circumstances. The family will understand. That's probably why the x wouldn't keep him. Take good care of that arm.
Dawn
I think we have the best vets in the nation right here in Midland, and I can tell you what they said, and that is that a dog that ATTACKS, not just a dog trying to get you to stay, by pulling on your hand or pants, is a DANGER. In a small dog, it can be worked with. In a big dog, you could die. I am sorry that Sonny is so troubled, and it surely is outside of his doggy-mind's ability to control it. May he Rest in Peace, and I hope you will recover fully. Please go immediately to an ER if you notice ANY REDNESS/STREAKS, or UNDUE PAIN, because I almost lost a hand that way from a bite.
Gwen,
I'm sorry to read about your scary ordeal. I hope for a speedy recovery to your arm.
You are doing the right thing with Sonny. It's best for everyone's safety.
Take it easy.
Jane
Gwen, how frightening! The old saying "hurt people hurt people" can apply to dogs as well.
Rest. (hugs)
Nasty decision to make, but you made 100% the right call. If a dog attacks you as you're walking away, that's bad news and there's really only one thing to do. His next victim might not walk away.
I'm so sorry you're hurt and hope nothing permanent is damaged. Except your poor boots.
Hi Gwen, Geez- I come back to say hi and I see you are hurting! You have made the right decision not to keep an animal that puts your life in any type of danger. We adopted a dog that bit shortly thereafter and I knew immediately that we couldn't keep him around our 5 year old. I never regretted our decision. Please see a doctor now and don't wait for anything to happen to your arm.
BTW, Mr. S is doing better after his surgery. He
is still in a lot of pain, trying to deal with the massive infection, as well as the surgery site itself. He's going to be moved out of the intensive unit tomorrow and back onto a regular floor. Managing his pain is his primary concern- you know men are so bad when it comes to that! It will take some time and he doesn't understand that.
Now you take care of yourself. And thanks for your prayers and good thoughts!
hugs, Sue
How scary for you! I hope you take good care of yourself. About a week ago, I was having coffee with a friend, and we were discussing vets (mine has suggested I take one of the cats to a cardiologist!), and she said she had a dog that would attack with no provocation, and the vet said there is really no sense in allowing that.......so I think your decision is right.
Mary Lou
Just back to see how you're feeling. Hope Murphy Grace is giving you lots of hugs as you recover :)
Honey, I am so sorry - I know it is frightening and heartbreaking all at once. It's next to impossible not to take it personally. I admire your decision. I hate that you had to make it, but is IS the right thing. Get well and quit getting hurt, would you?
I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, but I'm sure you've made the best decision for the safety of everyone. Best wishes for a speedy recovery (you've got work to do, sister)!!
Gwen, I am so sorry for everything. You must have been terrified, and I think that the decision that you and Art have made is the only one that can be made in a situation like this.
Oh my Gwen, I hope you heel fast both your body and your spirit.
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