A Sunday Morning Stroll | Arthritis Information

I know many of you that have read my messages that I walk my dog daily. I used to walk two dogs, but the one has cataracts and has difficulity walking. Sunday morning around 10 am we were walking on a leash (4 foot) on the sidewalk when out of no where two large Lab mixes came running towards us. At first I thought they were just interested in smelling Cody, my little Silky Terrier, only a moment past and I knew that he and I were in big trouble. They tried to kill him and I tried to beat them off. I screamed for help, rolling on the ground with the dogs....they were like a pack mentality. One would go in for a kill and when I fought him off the other attacked from a different angle. There was a moment when my little fellow was completely visable and I just threw my body on him and covered him completely......it was only then that they moved away. My hands were covered in blood, they had chewed only that part of me, but my Cody was in serious trouble. I saw a car coming up the street and tried to wave him down....he finally stopped, but said his cell phone wasn't working. The owner of the dogs finally came out of her house and called 911. An ambulance arrived, my husband arrived. I was taken to the hospital and Cody was taken to an Emerengcy Hospital. His injuries were numerous. Internal injuries and external. He is laying beside me sleeping. He has drains in his abdominal area, ton of punchure wounds and a boat load of stitches both inside and out. He is a tough little fellow...a typical terrier. I thought I lost him a few times during all of this, but he hung in there.

I learned one thing from all of this.....carry a can of Pepper Spray and a large club. Seriously, one of the medics in the ambulance hightly recommened it....he said all police carry pepper spray. Hate to say this, but I'm afraid that if it were to happen tomorow I would spray them and then beat them to death with the club that I plan to carry from now on.

So for all you dog walkers......always be prepared.....for the worse. Susan

Susan you are a real hero to have protected your dog like that - and then factor in you have PMR!! Hope your dog heals fast and your own wounds also.

Susan - so sorry to hear of your incident with the dogs and I can totally sympathize with you! I had something similar happen a few months ago and I've been nervous about walking my dogs in the park every since. It was two dogs off leash who got into a "dust up" with my larger dog - fortunately he ran off, leash attached, and suffered nothing worse than a bite on his back, but I also had our little Jack Russell with me, who wanted to join the fray, which I knew could be deadly for her. I always pick her up as soon as I see other dogs, but this time I fell down trying to hold on to her and keep her away from the big dogs. Thankfully, I succeeded. I don't mind walking my big dog, because he can usually protect himself, but it really makes me nervous walking the little one. I've been thinking about buying a cattle prod, but I guess pepper spray would be a good alternative and easier to carry.

What a scary thing that happened to you and your dog.

I sure hope the police know about this too.Sure would hate that

happening to someone else.

Your poor dog, it makes me so sad that this can happen,and you getting wounded

trying to keep Cody safe.

I sure hope all is getting better with your wounds.

Whew what a horrific experience you and Cody have had! Sending Best Wishes to you both for a speedy recovery..... and I like your attitude to spray them and the use the bat.. Same sentiments!! Stay safe, LynSusan....I am so happy to hear both you and Cody are ok. What a scary experience. I do not understand people who do not keep their dogs under control and put other people at risk. Take care of yourself and Cody.Susan,

You certainly fought the fight. I am so thankful that you are able to tell us about this incident. Ear scratches for your poor dog who had to go through this terrior with you.

I have been involved in animal rescue for years, and have had close calls with walking dogs and other's running loose in the background. No attacks. Just a lot of noise and fluff from my dog. I also, have a small dog who is blind and while I'm sure my GS would not stand by and let the dogs have a free for all, it worries me deeply about what I would do given the leg weakness from the PMRA.

I live in the country now, and folks allow their dogs to wander around without supervision. Not to mention the wildlife that lurks around. I always carry my cell phone with me, but given the fact that I'd be trying to save my dogs, I don't think I'd have the time to dial 911. I did order the Pepper Spray I had been thinking about ordering.... I carry a walking stick, but don't know if it would make a difference. My friend, has a small bat that has a nail secured to the bottom to do some serious poking if needed.

Sad, even the simple things like taking a walk with the dogs, turns into a task requiring packing a weapon.

Donna, PA

Oh Susan, how awful!! and your poor little Cody....it was so frightful for you both. Molly Anna, my little pomeranian, and I walk often on our walking trail. I am worried when I see big dogs and I usually pick her up. Our little fur babies are so priceless to us and I'm glad you saved yours and with PMR it wasn't easy to move that I know for sure. Hugs to both of you. MaryI appreciate all of your well wishes....your kindness touched my heart.

Cody went in again last night for another surgery. Friday afternoon I noticed a large bulge on his left side and thought it had something to do with the tubes that had been removed the previous day. Saturday morning it appeared worse, yet he was acting happy, eating, etc. I decided to take him back to his vets and they said that it could be fluids building up and then it was decided that it was another hole that opened up and his intestines once again being pushed outward. They operated last night and today he is resting here at the house, ate breakfast, went out to pee and pooh without a problem. Things are once again looking up. They say that if things go wrong, it will be seen in the first week after surgery.

Now, the pepper spray. I've been reading a lot about how it DOESN'T work well and if you are dealing with an aggressive dog, it might not work at all. I read where one policeman emptied two cans of spray on a Pit Bull and then had to shoot him....that dog was determined. Also you have the wind factor to think about. So, what to do? I've decided to buy a Tasier (sp)....I understand the costs is around 0.00, but I've already spent a little over 00.00 for Cody's medical expenses. I have a friend who just bought a beautiful Haveniese and due to my experience, they are buying a Tassier Gun.

I'm doing well, my hands are healing and only one finger and knukle still bothers me when I try to make a fist. I've also discovered that the law doesn't view out little furry buddies the way we do.....infact, they look at them as property....like a car or a rake. You can not claim emotional damage and severe sadness from the dent in your car. But if you have pictures of the injuries, that can be leverage in a law suit to settle and not go to trial. Imagine showing a jury pictures of a little dog torn up by a couple hundred pound Lab/Rottwieler mixes that were allowed to leave their back yard because the gate was left open and attack a women and her little dog on a leash.

And yes, it was my lower body that was a problem trying to help my dog - not my upper body. The PMR in that respect gave me problems and I really don't know how I managed to do what I did......I guess that was the adrenaline. It is getting up and down, squatting, kneeling, etc.....tough. At one point I thougt I was loosing the battle and had this thought that just popped in my mind, "Let them have him" and that caused me to fight harder. I just wonder if this is when people give up....they have this thought and follow it....I couldn't.

Well guys, I will keep you posted and thanks again for all of your well wishes....Cody and I appreciate all of you.

Susan - I am so sorry for what you and Cody have been through. I have a golden retriever (not a small dog, but a nice dog) and would hate for anything bad to happen to him. We had a close call when he was about a year old. A German Shepard broke free from his owner and bolted across the street and bit my dog's neck. Luckily he only got a chunk of fur and a thin layer of skin. The owner flew through the air and landed on his dog. I just kept walking off with mine. I wish you and Cody speedy recoveries.

mom2

Well, my pepper spray arrived in the mail today. I bought the "drop a bear" strength. My last cannister expired. You definately have to have the wind in your favor if you are using it. As well as the can facing away from you. Nothing worse than blinding yourself and then being fair game for an attack.

I've only had to use it once, and it was for a two legged variety that stepped out of the woods when I was in college. Dropped him in his tracks. Also, in NY it was illegal or considered to be assault when used. Silly person needed his eyes flushed at the local ER.

The cops were more interested in what he was doing with his pants down around his ankles. Hard to run with them at ankle height and blinded to boot.

I know people who have tassier guns at their front doors. It seems like an alternative to the pepper spray. If you misfire, you could still end up on the ground and defenseless. I agree with you, that pepper spray will not work on a frenzied dog or human for that fact. My husband brought in the box and told me "my weapon was here". First he wanted to know what the charge was for for this particular company. He thought I had lost my mind.

Three years ago, I had two fumbling golden's crash through my screened in porch which is 30 ft off the ground. My cats were lounging on the porch when all hell broke loose. They went into the house and I was able to slam the sliding glass door shut. Cats were safe. I had chest pains and my husband had a lot of work to do after that. Security grates and such on the screens. Slats that only a worm could pass through. The cats are now only allowed out there, now, with supervision. It would of been a night mare if I had not been close.

I know that you have raked up the bills in treating yourself and Cody. I think that the owner's of the offending dogs would be at your door with a check book in hand. Sadly, animals are not held in high regards with their categories. Somewhat between a rock and livestock.

Poor Cody, and all these other issues stemming off of the attack. Thankfully, you are observant. I am rooting for you and your pictures persuading a jury. The fact that you were injured, too,will hold more weight in a court of law.

Head scratches to Cody. They would find my body clutching my dog. I don't believe that I could ever just willingly give him up. I have trouble standing on a good day. The leg weakness if just awful. I trip over spit on the sidewalks these days.

Sue,

How are you and Cody doing? I didn't see a followup and was thinking about you two.

Cody goes in Saturday to have more stitches removed. There is worry of another rupture on his right side, but we have our fingers crossed that the stomach will get stronger daily and he'll not have to go through another surgery. I'll let you all know what the doctor says at that time. At present he is really doing well and acting like he is ready to go on those beloved walks of his. That is not going to happen for another couple of weeks.

Best to all.....Susan and Cody

Sorry for such a long continuation of Cody's illness. Cody, it seems is doing well, but he is not to go on any walks for a least six months. The doctor said that he is being held together internally with luck and a prayer and time will tell. There is still a small bulge on his one side, but we keep our fingers crossed that he won't need additional surgery. I will take him back to the vet this week for a re-check.

Trying to keep this little terrier quiet is like trying to keep a toddler down. At least I can tether him without the worry of being arrested.

With all of this added stress, I can happily say that it hasn't worsened my illness.

Best to all, Susan and Cody