Warning of aggressive dog nr Calf Heath

[Loafer]

Indeed, the level of vigilance that I am operating under at the moment is apt to take years off my life.

When all...

 

 

 

You've mentioned a current problem you're having earlier in these threads, but no-one's asked what that problem was. I was certainly rather focussed on my own problem.

 

So what's the problem you are having? Or have I missed it somewhere?

[Starcoaster]

I'll put it as succinctly as possible, but on the 9th August, another boater's bulldog attacked my cat right in front of me. The owner of the dog had to throw dog, with cat still in mouth, into the canal before the dog would release her, as I had been hitting and fighting the dog, as well as trying to get my fingers into his mouth (yes don't say it, I wasn't thinking) for what felt like a lifetime.

The dog released her in the canal, and I got in the canal, swum around boats and under the pontoon and got her out. I also got the dog out after, though I have no idea why I did that now. Obviously I was pretty battered as a result of all this.

She was in my local clinic for nearly a week under 24 hour care before they let me take her home to nurse, but two days later, her wound (basically, the whole of her stomach) necrotised and started to fall off in strips, which then resulted in transferal to the specialist referral clinic in Solihull, where she spent three weeks under the care of a soft tissue specialist while I visited her almost every day through operations, isolation nursing and the attention of some of the best vets in the country.

Concurrent psudomonas and enterococcus infection of the wounds from being in the canal occured, and she was nursed with the wound open (ie, her whole underside) for those three weeks, during which time she had a blood transfusion from another cat as she became anemic as a result of the infection, and a massive range of other things tried in an attempt to save her, whilst she was coping ok with it and it was still in her best interests to do so.

I was on my way to collect her to come home for a few days when the vet rang me to tell me that her anemia had returned and was non-regenerative, which means that she would not survive without continual transfusions. She was then put to sleep before I got there, with my permission.

 

The owner of the dog's third party liability insurance is ultimately supposed to pay for her veterinary care, which I think is ballpark 20k. My own insurance only goes up to 7.5k.

The owner of the dog made the whole thing harder during what was the worst month of my life, and that's possibly about as much as I can say about him at this point as it looks like we will be going to court in order for me to recoup my additional fees, such as the petrol to and from the clinic, the taxis, my loss of earnings, a necklace the dog broke etc.

I'm not going to try to claim compensation for intangibles, such as the injuries I sustained etc. I just want the money he cost me.

 

 

Tl;dr:

I lost my cat to a dog attack, after a month of trying to save her.

She was my mini-me, my baby, my reason for living, my best friend. I had her since she was eight weeks old and she was nine years when she died.

It was the worst time of my life, and I am now a shitshow of paranoia, anger, hatred, and fear about my other cats safety in future.

It has changed the way I view dogs, and (some of) their owners.

Edited November 4, 2015 by Starcoaster

[Rufford]

My dog was recently attacked in Acton Trussle. And then attacked the very next morning by the same dog.

 

The other owner was pretty much useless and it was only when I shouted at his dog to behave that it did so long enough for me to grab mine and for him to grab his dog.

 

Apparently his dog is never normally like that. I put it down to his dog not getting enough attention (and sadly many dogs do not) and down to my dog marking all up and down the towpath - which was of course the other dogs 'territory'.

 

What annoys me is the complete lack of control that many people have over their dogs. I can get mine to walk to heel, to come, to sit, to fetch (wish I had never taught him that)and he will even stay to some degree (he is a Springer...)

 

Any owner should be able to say sit and have their dog sit no matter what they are doing. If such a basic command is built into them then most problems or issues can be resolved before problems get out of hand.

 

Sadly most people do not put the effort in, and I have to say I am a little guilty of that too - Darwin could be 'perfect' if I put more time into him, alas I will have to settle for a gun dog that is scared of pheasants.

[Starcoaster]

Yeah, my parents also had a faulty gundog, but he was at least afraid of the bangs, not the birds...

[Rufford]

He was scared of bangs until I sat with him and watched the fireworks. I just need to take him shooting and show him the birds me thinks. Time again.

[LEO]

I'll put it as succinctly as possible, but on the 9th August, another boater's bulldog attacked my cat right in front of me. The owner of the dog had to throw dog, with cat still in mouth, into the canal before the dog would release her, as I had been hitting and fighting the dog, as well as trying to get my fingers into his mouth (yes don't say it, I wasn't thinking) for what felt like a lifetime.

The dog released her in the canal, and I got in the canal, swum around boats and under the pontoon and got her out. I also got the dog out after, though I have no idea why I did that now. Obviously I was pretty battered as a result of all this.

She was in my local clinic for nearly a week under 24 hour care before they let me take her home to nurse, but two days later, her wound (basically, the whole of her stomach) necrotised and started to fall off in strips, which then resulted in transferal to the specialist referral clinic in Solihull, where she spent three weeks under the care of a soft tissue specialist while I visited her almost every day through operations, isolation nursing and the attention of some of the best vets in the country.

Concurrent psudomonas and enterococcus infection of the wounds from being in the canal occured, and she was nursed with the wound open (ie, her whole underside) for those three weeks, during which time she had a blood transfusion from another cat as she became anemic as a result of the infection, and a massive range of other things tried in an attempt to save her, whilst she was coping ok with it and it was still in her best interests to do so.

I was on my way to collect her to come home for a few days when the vet rang me to tell me that her anemia had returned and was non-regenerative, which means that she would not survive without continual transfusions. She was then put to sleep before I got there, with my permission.

 

The owner of the dog's third party liability insurance is ultimately supposed to pay for her veterinary care, which I think is ballpark 20k. My own insurance only goes up to 7.5k.

The owner of the dog made the whole thing harder during what was the worst month of my life, and that's possibly about as much as I can say about him at this point as it looks like we will be going to court in order for me to recoup my additional fees, such as the petrol to and from the clinic, the taxis, my loss of earnings, a necklace the dog broke etc.

I'm not going to try to claim compensation for intangibles, such as the injuries I sustained etc. I just want the money he cost me.

 

 

Tl;dr:

I lost my cat to a dog attack, after a month of trying to save her.

She was my mini-me, my baby, my reason for living, my best friend. I had her since she was eight weeks old and she was nine years when she died.

It was the worst time of my life, and I am now a shitshow of paranoia, anger, hatred, and fear about my other cats safety in future.

It has changed the way I view dogs, and (some of) their owners.

 

Sad tale, a dreadful experience for you.

 

L.

[David Mack]

If a dog will openly attack a cat or another dog, and administer life threatening injuries, (or worse), how can we possibly know it will not attack a boater or member of the public?

20 years on, my daughter still bears a scar, less than half an inch from her eye, caused by a claw swipe from a dog when she, aged 18 months, was strapped in the push chair, while we were on holiday in Italy.

 

Whenever I hear stories of dogs attacking small children, or behaving as if the next attack might be on a child, I am reminded how lucky we are that our outcome wasn't much worse.

[Nightwatch]

I am sorry to say this and I expect it will go down with some like the proverbial lead balloon, but your dogs are dangerously out of control

 

Having been bitten as a small child that scenario would make me fearful that I was going to be bitten again therefore they are dangerously out of control.

 

Incidentally I don't find referring to them as terrorists helpful as to me that is exactly what they would be. (I know you were using the term in a joking affectionate way but they would still cause terror in me.)

Didnt expect that! Together they weigh no more that 9 kg. they are less than a year old, they are still learning how to be sociable. I don't accept that the are dangerously out of control. In your view, perhaps, but they are not 'dangerous'.

 

You have experienced a nasty incident, as did I was I when about 5/6 on my way to school. We had at the time a GSD in the family and thought they were all nice and friendly. In my inexperience I went to stroke another GSD and it bit me just below my eye. Frightened the life out of me at the time. Got a day off school if I remember correctly.

 

I'm sorry you have this phobia as a result.

[The Bearwood Boster]

Starry,you have made me cry.I have 2 boys(18 & 15 & a half).I would be totally bereft if something awful like that happened to them.Sending you a virtual hug,I love my boys.

Trina

[Loafer]

I'll put it as succinctly as possible...

 

Blimey Starcoaster, I had no idea. That has really put Poops' scratches into perspective.

 

I am at a loss for words. I just hope that something comes of your insurance - but it won't replace your friend, will it.

 

The only thing I can give you is a greenie for not making a huge issue out of it. I did - but that made me feel a bit better, so it was worth it.

 

You must be quite a rare person indeed. Let's hope things turn around for you sometime soon.

 

With best regards and a lot of sympathy.

 

Mr & Mrs Loafer and Poops XXX

[metanoia]

Starry, my heart bleeds for you.

 

I am SO sorry you - anyone - had to go through such a hideous ordeal and god bless that baby cat and spare her from any more suffering and pain. ....

[Jerra]

Didnt expect that! Together they weigh no more that 9 kg. they are less than a year old, they are still learning how to be sociable. I don't accept that the are dangerously out of control. In your view, perhaps, but they are not 'dangerous'.

 

If you refer to the references posted a dog is dangerously out of control if it makes a person worried they will be harmed. Any dog off a lead makes me worried. OK I can't expect people not to let their dogs off the lead BUT dogs running towards me definitely will worry me. Hence they are dangerously our of control. It was only a little dog which attacked me when I was small so the dog size has nothing to do with it as far as i am concerned I am afraid.

 

I'm sorry you have this phobia as a result.

Post #4 in this thread from the overview of the dangerous dogs act:

 

Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:

• injures someone
• makes someone worried that it might injure them.

Sorry but they are dangerously out of control. I said it would go down like a lead balloon. My bold.

 

EDIT: To add and O and "My Bold".

Edited November 4, 2015 by Jerra

[Guest]

Post #4 in this thread from the overview of the dangerous dogs act:

Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:

• injures someone
• makes someone worried that it might injure them.

Sorry but they are dangerously out of control. I said it would go down like a lead balloon. My bold.

 

EDIT: To add and O and "My Bold".

Classic case of the law being an ass.

 

The wording as it stands and and taken literally takes no account of somebody having an irrational worry that a dog might injure them even when there is no actual or reasonable prospect of it doing so.

[Nightwatch]

I was in the. Middle of a common once. A dog playing ball. Ran towards me and hit my legs. I fell and hurt my shoulder.

 

Was that dog dangerous?

 

Edited to add that I posted this before reading Martins post.

Edited November 4, 2015 by Nightwatch

[Barry]

Classic case of the law being an ass.

 

The wording as it stands and and taken literally takes no account of somebody having an irrational worry that a dog might injure them even when there is no actual or reasonable prospect of it doing so.

 

I wonder if that's why it has to go to court?

[Jerra]

Classic case of the law being an ass.

 

The wording as it stands and and taken literally takes no account of somebody having an irrational worry that a dog might injure them even when there is no actual or reasonable prospect of it doing so.

It may be irrational to you but it is perfectly rational to me. I said it would go down like a lead balloon as I find dog owners just do not understand that much of what they consider acceptable (and for some necessary) for their dog is not OK for others.

 

To me it will be illustrated by all the doting dog owners who consider my fear irrational, their dog running towards me is only being friendly etc etc.

 

You will find I mention this a lot as to me it is an important message to get over to dog owners. I am not alone I have known people (one a work colleague) who were/are far worse than I am.

 

Suffice it to say for me that clause in the law is vital. I will leave it at that.

[Guest]

It may be irrational to you but it is perfectly rational to me. I said it would go down like a lead balloon as I find dog owners just do not understand that much of what they consider acceptable (and for some necessary) for their dog is not OK for others.

 

To me it will be illustrated by all the doting dog owners who consider my fear irrational, their dog running towards me is only being friendly etc etc.

 

You will find I mention this a lot as to me it is an important message to get over to dog owners. I am not alone I have known people (one a work colleague) who were/are far worse than I am.

 

Suffice it to say for me that clause in the law is vital. I will leave it at that.

Good because we have been here before and to be honest I honestly can't be arsed.

 

As Barry points out any claims about somebody being worried would be tested in court and hopefully if found to be unreasonable would be rejected.

[Loafer]

If a dog is running towards you with a bouncy gait and a wagging tail, it isn't going to bite yo ass.

 

If it's looking a bit stalky, or barking or snarling, bring out the sawn-off real quick.

[Guest]

If a dog is running towards you with a bouncy gait and a wagging tail, it isn't going to bite yo ass.

 

If it's looking a bit stalky, or barking or snarling, bring out the sawn-off real quick.

The problem though is despite that somebody could still claim they were worried it was going to attack them - that is what the law says. It matters not what the dogs intention actually is it is on the word of the person whom the dog is running towards.

 

Because Simon is a very friendly and will run up to just about anyone or another dog usually to sniff them to death unless recalled I have taken to keeping him on his lead if anybody is around in case for any reason the recall doesn't work and somebody then claims they were worried he was going to harm them in some way.

[Loafer]

Good idea MJG.

 

We're currently re-writing our dog-walking SOPs. Ours is going to get picked up nearly every time we see a GSD for the next 12 months!

 

My Dad told me, about 50 yrs ago, that if a dog attacks you, you should grab its front paws and pull them apart across your chest, thus breaking its sternum. There may also be an opportunity to 'nut' it there too.

 

Anyone tried this?

Edited November 4, 2015 by Loafer

[haggis]

As a dog owner, I can see both sides here. I agree that someone doesn't know when a dog runs up to them if it will be friendly or not or if it will jump up at them. Even a friendly dog jumping up can be unpleasant, not to mention giving you muddy footprints on your clothes. Personally, I don't like dogs coming up to me unless I ask them to (I seldom do) and my own are discouraged from approaching people unless spoken to (and I discourage people from paying attention to my dogs if we stop to chat). I have noticed that people tend to lift their arms up if a dog approaches them and this, to many dogs is an invitation to jump up. It is up to us dog owners to teach our dogs how to behave round people.

 

haggis

Edited November 4, 2015 by haggis

[LoneWolf]

 

Blimey Starcoaster, I had no idea. That has really put Poops' scratches into perspective.

 

I am at a loss for words. I just hope that something comes of your insurance - but it won't replace your friend, will it.

 

The only thing I can give you is a greenie for not making a huge issue out of it. I did - but that made me feel a bit better, so it was worth it.

 

You must be quite a rare person indeed. Let's hope things turn around for you sometime soon.

 

With best regards and a lot of sympathy.

 

Mr & Mrs Loafer and Poops XXX

 

 

Well, you could put your dog on a lead in future

[Nightwatch]

As a dog owner, I can see both sides here. I agree that someone doesn't know when a dog runs up to them if it will be friendly or not or if it will jump up at them. Even a friendly dog jumping up can be unpleasant, not to mention giving you muddy footprints on your clothes. Personally, I don't like dogs coming up to me unless I ask them to (I seldom do) and my own are discouraged from approaching people unless spoken to (and I discourage people from paying attention to my dogs if we stop to chat). I have noticed that people tend to lift their arms up if a dog approaches them and this, to many dogs is an invitation to jump up. It is up to us dog owners to teach our dogs how to behave round people.

 

haggis

I agree.

[Loafer]

 

 

Well, you could put your dog on a lead in future

 

That wouldn't have helped him in this case. The other dog was running around loose when it attacked him. Indeed, it could have put the missus in danger too.

 

I also don't understand why you highlighted the bit in red, and then suggested he should have been on a lead.

 

Are you drunk?

Edited November 4, 2015 by Loafer

[LoneWolf]

 

That wouldn't have helped him in this case. The other dog was running around loose when it attacked him.

 

I dont give a monkeys about this case - i care about unleashed dogs chasing & worrying my cat.

 

just put your dog on a lead - all your hand wringing to starcoaster is BS otherwise