My first time I was attacked by another dog
Dylan
My first incident occurred on July 14,2012. This was with my beloved dog Dylan who has since gone to Rainbow Bridge. Dylan was a lab mix and had a lot of anxiety. He loved taking walks.
It was an everyday occurrence except this one changed within a split second. Not far from my house we started out on a nice walk. A neighbor’s dog was tied outside. The dog saw us and started barking. Before I knew it the dog got loose and came barreling into us and knocked us both to the ground. The dog was not being supervised by the owner. I began to scream for someone to please help me. The dog continued to bite and growl at my dog. Finally, after my continued screams for help, another neighbor came running and was able to get the dog away from me by using a trash can lid to make a noise.
Thanks to the very considerate neighbor I was able to get my dog home. As I mentioned, I was not far from my house. I inspected my dog and he was bleeding from his neck. I was able to stop the bleeding and contacted my veterinarian who prescribed an antibiotic to prevent any infection. I sustained injuries from being knocked to the ground and some mild bites. I went to the emergency room for treatment and the incident was reported.
PA’s Dog Laws – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
The aftereffects of the trauma changed my dog as he was not able to lay down and paced most of the night. He had issues with the steps. I had to lift his water bowl for him to drink. My mother had to come to my house so I could take him outside to be able to do his business as he did not want to use the steps.
The effects were worse as he aged with anxiety and hip dysplasia. When these things happen, your life is forever changed. What was once an enjoyable moment with your best buddy becomes an apprehensive time and is no longer a fun time. For me the most important part of my story is to make this awareness known as dog attacks happen. Every dog has the ability to attack or bite. The environment is key to being a responsible owner and to ensure your pet is always supervised and, on a leash, so you can control any issues from occurring.
“The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be” – Konrad Lorenz
Being aware of your surroundings is very important when walking your dog. You need to be aware of other dogs and their owners in the area you are walking. Pets require supervision when they are outside. Outside includes front and back yards and wherever you are walking your dog. By Supervising your pet you are being a responsible owner and ensuring your pet’s safety and others around you. Many things can happen if your pet is not being properly supervised by an adult not a child. I have been involved in an incident when a dog was not being properly supervised while outside in the backyard. Circumstances may have been different if the dog was supervised that came after me and my beloved “Dylan”.
Your Pet deserves your time, attention and love.
“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” – James Cronwell
Your pets time in this life is limited so make their lives the best it can be. My Dylan will be forever in my heart. Since I can remember I have always had a love for all animals. We had various cats & dogs growing up. But once you are an adult & become a pet owner the bond with your pet is an unconditional relationship you can count on no matter what.
My Dylan was my first dog into adulthood. Your pet becomes one of your primary companions in life. So, when your pet suffers from an illness or an event such as a dog attack it affects you emotionally. I felt like it was my responsibility to protect him, and I was not able to during that one walk that turned into a misfortune.
Animals are amazing, they sense when we do not feel well or are upset, sad or anxious. Animals do not pass criticism or judgment. On your worst day they love you & on your best day they love you. That to me is the true essence of the animal – human bond.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains Unawakened” quote by: Anatole France.
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