Seamus doesn’t do well with strangers. I have worked on him as much as possible in the 7 years that I have had him but he is still a little fearful. He is so much better from when I first adopted him. On Monday Seamus was attacked. A Black Lab came charging out from their yard barking and latched on to Seamus. A young girl followed and was just standing there not grabbing her dog, I yelled at her “What is wrong with you, grab your dog” (not my proudest moment).
I pulled the two dogs apart, and she finally snapped to it grabbing her dog and I grabbed Seamus. He was yelping, shaking and covered in saliva. He also urinated all over himself. The girl got her Mom while putting her dog away. I checked Seamus for bites or blood but couldn’t see anything through all his fur. I was just around the corner from home and took Seamus home and watched him, every time I tried to check him he yelped so I tried to give him space, and he rested.
In the morning he whined when my alarm went off when normally he barks all excited to go for a walk. I decided to give him a bath so I could flatten down his fur and check him further and I found two areas that were red and one was leaking fluid.
I decided he needed to be checked out so I took him to the vet. One was a puncture from the tooth of the Lab and one was more a scrape. He is on pain meds, antibiotics and warm compresses. So long as it doesn’t get infected he will be fine. I can’t tell you the number of times I cried that day.
I went back to the owner’s house on Tuesday afternoon to get proof of the dogs rabies shots. She was very nice and the dog was updated on everything. She started to cry and we hugged. I told her I completely understand and it happens and to just make sure her dog is always on a leash. Nothing will happen to her dog unless he bites other dogs. I tried to assure her it was all going to be ok. I felt bad because I know how much our animals mean to us and although her dog should have been leashed it was an accident.
I am sharing this if only to say how very important it is to always have your dog on a leash when not in a fenced in yard. You never know what will set your dog off. She did say that her dog reacted to a Husky before but never a little dog. There is a leash law in Massachusetts and it really should be followed even if just for a short walk. This is not the first time dogs (Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Chihuahuas) have charged after Seamus when not on a leash but the first time one has actually bitten him.
I leave you with this one that I posted on Instagram just to show even after being bitten Seamus is still happy as a clam willing to indulge me in showing off a smile. Just think he was the one no-one wanted and he got bit by a Black Lab. Never judge a book by its cover, Seamus is a good egg.
Linking up with Kathy from Vodka and Soda for Humpday Confession.
Your poor baby! I would have been upset, too! That is so nice though that you were able to hug the other owner and forgive her – I think I would have had my beyotch face on the whole time. So glad it wasn’t worse and Seamus seems to be doing a-okay due to his quick-thinking mama!
We as pup mamas were both upset and if it was Seamus who bit another dog I would be just as worried so I could completely understand her side. If she had been rude or uncaring then it would have been a different story and my inner beotch would have came out. Seamus is a little traumatized but hopefully will be back to normal very soon. In the mean time I am enjoying the extra puppy snuggles.
oh, poor seamus!!! i would have been SO upset too and to be honest, my first reaction would be to kick that dog off mine. i know, awful but it’s true! if any kid attacked my kid you better believe i’d punt that kid right off of kayla. you are a better woman than i am! i hope he makes a speedy recovery. give him extra cuddles and kisses for us.
Thank you! Actually kicking would have made it worse since it would have pulled the skin and muscle underneath, so getting the dog to unlatch is better. Hopefully he will be good as new very soon. He is getting lots of extra snuggles and kisses. Poor thing was attached to my hip last night it was kinda nice since normally he will lay in bed but doesn’t want to be touched.
That poor baby I’m so sorry. It drives me crazy when people don’t have their dogs on leashes. The people across from us have a dog that comes into our year so much and I know that one day it’ll be bad. So happy that he is recovering well. XOXO
I don’t understand people who let their dogs run free. It is for their safety as well as other dogs. Thank you so much!!
Por little guy. 🙁 I am so sorry and hope he recovers quickly. Hugs from Gracie!
Thank you! He was so shaken up but he is doing much better today.
Your poor little baby!! I would have the exact same reaction if that happened to one of my fur babies. I hope he recovers quickly!
It was so hard to keep calm but it could have been worse. He is enjoying the extra attention. Thank you so much.
Oh no, poor Seamus! I’m glad he’s okay! It drives me nuts when I’m walking the dogs and I see another dog that’s off leash. SO irresponsible of the owners!
-Sharon
Thank you! It infuriates me because I know little dogs can be easier prey and it can easily be avoided by keeping your dog on a leash.
awww seamus!! Give him hugs and kisses from us!
Will do! He needs lots of extra love and I don’t mind! 😉
Poor Seamus, I don’t know why people don’t put their dogs on leashes. I hope Seamus feels better soon, sending him hugs and cuddles!
Thank you! It doesn’t make sense, it keeps everyone safe!
I always fear my dog being set off by something and biting or being bitten and me not being able to stop it. Poor Seamus. I’m sorry that happened.
You just never know what will set them off. Sometimes you might not be able to stop it but luckily the dog wasn’t as riled up. Thanks! It was a rough day but glad he is recovering.
I’m sorry. I know you feel bad for the girl–but this PISSES ME OFF. People with pets have a level of responsibility. We have to. We have to protect ourselves. We have to protect our pets. And we have to protect any and every other animal out there. There are a few people here who walk with their dogs not on a leash–but I swear they’ve been Military trained. They don’t budge from their owner’s side no matter what. But if someone’s dog ATTACKED my dog because they weren’t on a leash? Oh helllllllllllll to the no. I’m so sorry for poor seamus. And for you! I really hope that girl learned her lesson. That is just NOT okay. At all. Accident or not. It could have ended really badly. God forbid Seamus had really been hurt badly. Or that dog attacked a runner. Or a child. or or or… And in actuality–it’s not the dog’s fault at all. It’s his human’s fault. Sorry. Off soap box now.
Thank you. I hope she learns her lesson too. I am very thankfully that Seamus was not hurt worse than he was hurt. I think i would have been angrier had she been a jerk about it.
This makes me so sad for you and for Seamus! I’m so glad he’s going to be ok. I don’t know what I would do if anything ever happened to Pippa.
Thank you! It was so hard to see him hurt and trust me I cried a lot that day. I just waited till he was safe and sound at home.
This broke my heart! Seamus is such a cutie, I’m glad he is feeling better. Hopefully they will think to leash their dog next time! It only takes a split second for anything to set a dog off, sometimes it just happens!
Thank you! He really is the sweetest pup. Hopefully they learned a lesson, it really only takes a second and most can’t out run a dog.
Poor baby!! This is why I’m so glad Hawkeye stays so close to me when we’re out. I love all animals but I swear to god, if your dog latches onto mine, I’ll break it’s damn neck without thinking twice. Hawkeye is my life.
Seamus is so good on a leash and stays close but you can never predict what another dog will do. I jumped right in so no further damage could happen but holy crap it was scary.
That’s so scary. I’m glad he’s mostly ok! I have a Jack Russell and she doesn’t like big dogs. Yesterday we had the front door open because it was nice out and she jets out the front door and I didnt know why. Turns out there was a husky in our yard and she was going to start a fight. I was terrified but she actually listened to me and came back without doing anything. I feel your pain love.
Thank goodness your dog came back without starting a fight. It was very scary and I am glad he is on the mend.
OMG he is the cutest thing ever!! Poor lil thing…Im so sorry, Im sure it was very trying for you to say the least. Your a great momma!
Thank you, I think so too! 😉 It has been a rough few days. Glad he is healing and just keeping an eye on him.
I feel so bad for your Seamus! My own dog Hewitt is anti-social and often has been charged at by other dogs while we are walking. Thankfully, he’s never been bitten and more often than not, the owner is nearby and just says something dumb like, “Oh…little precious wants to play with your pup.” Um, H no. Keep your dog on a leash and we can have them approach each other in a civil manner. When one dog charges another it totally puts the other dog (and human) on edge. I never, NEVER let mine off a leash and those owners shouldn’t have had theirs off a leash either. Hope he heals well. 🙂
Thank you! Yes, if one is more charged up the other can take it in a defensive way and it can escalate quickly. Best to just keep both on a leash and introduce them slowly. He is on the mend and getting lots of extra cuddles.
Aww, I hate to hear this, I am glad he is alright though! It breaks my heart to hear how scared he was. 🙁
Thank you. He is healing and getting lots of rest. Seeing him so shaky and scared broke my heart. He is such a happy dog normally.
I am so sorry to hear that!! He sounds like he was a trooper though!! How amazing that the other dog was up on all his shots and stuff…thankfully!! Glad he’s on the mend!
He was such a trooper. I was so glad for her dog he was up to date. Nothing would have happened to Seamus but her dog would be quarantined for 10 days. That would have been rough.
awwww poor baby I’m glad to know he is on the mend!
Thank you. He is getting lots of sleeps and snuggles.
Ugh, I want to cry for you! We had a dog that lived next door that would attack one of mine every time he got loose. Its the worst feeling!
It is the worst, you feel so helpless. It all happened so fast.
Poor Seamus 🙁 I think that ALL dog owners need to be responsible and leash their pets. We’ve had the nicest dogs ever attack just because it was a sudden instinct. It’s never easy, but we need to take every precaution!
It really is the responsibility of every dog owner to keep them safe and the only way is to put them on a leash when not in a fenced in yard. Any thing can trigger them to bolt.
OMG, Seamus!! That’s horrible!!! I’m so sorry that happened to him. Jesus Christ people really need to be careful! Poor little guy.. So sad! 🙁 I am wishing him a speedy recovery and he is in my thoughts and prayers. He’ll will be ok i’m sure, but no animal should be put through this, especially when it could have been avoided. How awful. Try to hang in there my dear, you and Seamus! <333
Lisa,xo
Thank you! Yes it is so easily prevented and people need to learn it is not okay to let your dog go loose.
Sorry that happened to your puppy but OMG THAT PICTURE AT THE END JUST MADE MY DAY!!
Thank you so much! It was scary but he really is a trooper! Glad it made you smile too! 🙂
I’m with you… things happen and it could happen by/to anyone’s dog, really. You never know what’s going to set a dog off. It doesn’t mean her dog was bad or anything like that. But you’re right… that’s why a leash is so important!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Cakes doesn’t like strangers much either. He does okay but not affectionate when we’re not at home but when we’re at home… holy SHIT he’s annoying if we have company over. Bark, bark, bark… ughhhh stfu! hahaha
Yes, it could have just as easily have been Seamus if he was spooked. It takes Seamus a little while to get used to new people so I am always on the more cautious side. Haha! I am telling you the muzzle thing worked for me. He calms down and then in 3 minutes I take it off and he is in there laps without a care in the world.
awwww poor seamus! so scary and sad, but i’m glad he wasn’t hurt too bad and is feeling better. and it’s awful that it happened, but that’s nice you didn’t freak out on the other dog’s owner. it was an accident and hopefully they can get their dog some better training and be better with having him on a leash, etc so it doesn’t happen again. hope seamus feels better soon!
Thank you! He is on the mend. Hopefully they learned their lesson and will keep their dog on a leash.
Oh no! I probably would have cried too! I am so glad to hear that the lady was nice about it and the dog was up-to-date on its shots. Otherwise, it could have been a worse situation. I hope he gets better soon!
It would have been so much worse had she been defensive or rude. Thank you so much.
Oh my goodness, what a terrible accident! Poor baby & poor you! What a scary situation. I would have cried too. He’s a very handsome dog. I’m glad he’s on the mend.
It was very scary and happened so fast. He is such a happy dog and thankfully he is getting better.
Poor Seamus. I’m sorry that happened. I’m glad he’s ok!
Thank you! He is feeling better and being his silly little self.
Poor Seamus! What is wrong with people? Lack of judgement or just plain stupid…I don’t get it. I’m so sorry your little guy (and you) suffered such a traumatic experience. Enjoy the extra snuggle time.
I think people think that just because it is a more calmer breed they don’t have to take the same safety measures but you just never know. Thank you so much.
Omigosh how awful, poor bubba! So glad he is okay. You’re such a good dog momma!
Thank you so much! He was very shaken but is much better now.
Awww Kerry I am so sorry! Our pets are really apart of the family so I’m sure that was upsetting, so glad seamus is looking happy now in his adorable headband!
It was a very rough day but glad he is feeling better and on the mend. Thank you!
Poor buddy! I am so sorry! Hope he is feeling better now.
Thank you! He is back to his crazy self in some ways. The wounds are healing.
Glad he’s ok! And look, I’m a mom of human children and doggie children, and a little girl HAS come running after a dog without a leash on, and I totally gave her the stink eye and was like, Tell your dog to go home and leave us alone (I was walking my 2 dogs). So, I wouldn’t be ashamed to yell at a little girl, especially if her dog was eating my dog up! Oh, poor Seamus! Glad he’s ok and the owners weren’t jerks about it. She’s lucky you didn’t press charges. I would have at least told the owner to pay for vet charges.
Thank you! She was older probably 16 or 17 but I hate letting my words get the better of me but the situation was intense. I couldn’t believe she was just standing there though. The vet automatically has to report the bite so it will go in her dogs records but as long as Seamus is okay I wouldn’t feel right going further with charges or anything. She did cover the vet bills which was the right thing to do I think.
Oh poor baby. I love Seamus so much. I hate this happened to him. He is the cutest dog in the world. I mean, that is great the woman apologized, but she should have also offered to pay the vet bills. Honestly.
Thank you! It was a rough day. She did cover the vet bill which was really great since I had already paid for his other visit a few week ago.
Oh my goodness, poor baby. I am so glad he wasn’t seriously harmed, what a sweetheart. *big hugs to seamus*
Thank you so much! He is healing and feeling much more like himself! Thanks for the love! 🙂
I’m so sorry you had to go through this! I’m glad everything turned out OK and that he wasn’t seriously injured. I wish more people would train their dogs. A good recall is so important, that way if someone’s dog gets off leash they can call it back immediately. Sadly, most people never train.
I do too! It is so important that they be taught basic commands.
poor puppy!! i’m so sorry. i know that must be scary. charlie is the sweetest dog but for some reason he is prejudiced against all Huskies, which are 10 times his size. he goes crazy barking at them. i always worry. he is leashed unless in a dog park, but i still worry someone will hurt him.
It was so scary. Seamus is very fearful of strangers and bigger dogs so he does bark, but he listens very well when I give im a command. You just never know what others dogs will do though.
That is so tough! I have never had any problems with animals coming after me or my pets (though I did fall off a horse once), but I have seen my family’s dogs fight. That was scary. Fortunately they figured it out (it was after introducing the new, younger dog to my older dog and my older dog didn’t want to loose his reign), but it was still scary. I can’t imagine what I would do if someone else’s dog came after one of my pets. I’m hopeful that Seamus has recovered and am glad his injuries weren’t any worse!!
Oh my goodness, you fell off a horse!? It is so scary and so unexpected especially from a black lab but I guess you just never know. I am so glad he is recovery and no long term damage.
That is horrible! I am so glad that Seamus is okay! You are a lot nicer than I would have been in that situation. He will just need some extra TLC for a while, poor thing!
Thank you! It was very scary at the time. He is getting extra love, treats and snuggles which he loves. 🙂