I got attacked by a pack of dogs

    • Gold Top Dog

    I got attacked by a pack of dogs

    I finally was able to find a job close to where I live, the hours are ok 5:45 pm to 2:30 am.  I am 5 minutes from home which lets me go home at night and walk Romeo.

    When I got home this morning, I decided to take him out, because he had not wanted to go out at 10:30 pm... off we went on our merry way when we had to round off a corner and too late, in a blink of an eye we were surrounded by 3 large dogs unleashed, I immediately put Romeo in a heel position next to me, we could not go anywhere as they actually surrounded us, they were barking, snarling, bodies so stiff.  I remained calm for Romeo, but was scared out of my mind, I did not want to make any moves that would provoke anything, all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye, I saw one jump up in the air, I went down grabbed Romeo and covered him with my body, I felt the dogs teeth grip the back of my arm, ( I wanted to scream, but I did not want to scare Romeo) by now he is also wanting to kill someone, and somehow I guess I must have loosen my grip on him, because he jumped on the other dog, grabbed him by the jaw and would not let go, all I could see was this little white dog being swung from one side to the other, all of a sudden I heard a woman yell: off.  When she saw the other dog was scratching my back, she screamed even louder which made the dogs act crazier, Romeo is still clinging to the dog's jaw, somehow he managed to swing him across the yard and went for his face, the woman's husband came running and manage to gain control of the dogs.  I was livid, Romeo has a puncture wound on his mouth, and me too on my right arm and my back is scratched up pretty bad.

    The dogs belonged to the couple, who let them go out and do their business that late at night because no one is out... what the hell!!!  someone was watching and came out with an emergency kit, cleaned me up, let me borrow a t-shirt as mine was shredded, but all I could think of was my sweet boy.  They were so apologetic, saying they did not know how could that have happened that the dogs are usually very sweet and friendly.

    Long story short, we went to the emergency vet, and I am reporting the couple and their dogs, as I was told it was not the first time they have bitten someone.

    Now I need advice what to do so Romeo does not become reactive, this afternoon he wanted to kill every large dog he encountered no matter how far they were or if on leash or not.  I don't act any differently, but he goes crazy. 

    My poor baby, thank God he is okay physically anyway... any advise would be greatly appreciated

    edited to add:  this afternoon the dogs were no longer in the apartment.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh how horrable!  Yes please do report them!
     
    When Georgia was attacked in my own yard by two much larger GSDs everything went down hill from there.  She would not go outside, for the first time in two years she pooped in the house, she was just afrade of everything.  At the same time Giz had her first major surgery and I could not keep both dogs in the same home so I let Georgia go to a temporary home (turned into a forever home, but thats anouther story).  Gerogia was such a sweat dog and would  not hurt a fly but after the attack she became extreemly agressive toward Giz and thats what started Gizmo's agression and anouther reason for Georgia to go to a temp home.  Georgia now lives on a farm and just being around other friendly dogs did wonders for her.  She is back to the Georgia I remember.  I still visit her and am so happy she is doing so well.  I would take Georgia back in a heartbeat but she is happiest living at the farm.
     
    What I'm saying is everything you do from now on has to be a positive experance for your dog.  It will not happen all at once but you need to expose him to friendly dogs.  If he doen't feel confortable around them, then don't push it.  You really won't know untill he's around other dog how he will react but be very careful.
     
    I hope everything goes well, it's so sad people can't controll their own dog and allow them roam free like that[:@]
    • Gold Top Dog
    OMG!  I cannot believe that happened to you!  Im so sorry, and glad you and Romeo are okay!  Thats very scary, thank goodness nothing more serious happened to either of you.  You should also get checked by a doctor because dog saliva can cause infections sometimes if the cut was deep... also, who knows if they were up to date on their shots.  Calming, healing vibes to you both.
    • Gold Top Dog
    How awful. Glad to hear you and Romeo are okay. Please do report these people. Especially to hear that these dog have attacked someone before. I can't believe they have the nerve to let their dogs out running without being leashed especially knowing they have done it before.
    • Gold Top Dog
    What a terrifying experience!  Thank God neither you nor Romeo were more seriously injured.  I wish I had good suggestions for you.  All I can think of is to provide Romeo with as many positive, happy experiences as possible in the coming days.  Do you have friends with big dogs that Romeo likes?  Perhaps lots of time with them will help to make his mind NOT focus on the recent experience.
     
    Take care, and extra hugs for both of you!
    P.S. - I'm glad to hear you found a job close to home.  I've wondered how your job search was going.   
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks for all the good vibes.  I am so upset, the police said they cannot do anything since the dogs are no longer in the property, neither is animal control for the same reason.
     
    Romeo is supposed to go to daycare tomorrow, which he loves as he is best friend with all the big dogs.  (two danes and a mastiff are his buddies) I called the daycare and explained what happened and what is going on, so they recommended I bring him early, so he can go in first and for me not to hang around, they want to know if he is this way because he feels the need to protect me.  My dad took him out this evening and said Romeo was his usual self.  So, I have been seating at work crying like a fool because my dog is thinking I can't protect him!
     
    I am going to take him to daycare tomorrow and see how things go, they said if he gets too anstsy with the big boys, they will put him with the little dogs, or give him one on one time and work with him.
     
    I am calling my animal communicator this weekend. 
     
    Thanks for the support. [:(]
    • Gold Top Dog
    I am so sorry for you and Romeo. I wish you both a speedy recovery!
    • Gold Top Dog
    If you had pics of your wounds, you could use it as evidence in a lawsuit against the negligent couple.
     
    They're too old to spank, though I would certainly give it a try. But money is where the heart is and winning a lawsuit against them might make them think next time. And, in tort law, it could set a precedent and make other owners of loose dogs re-think their position.
    • Gold Top Dog
    That is a dangerous group, bad owners and dogs.  I like Ron's advice.
     
    "But money is where the heart is and winning a lawsuit against them might make them think next time. And, in tort law, it could set a precedent and make other owners of loose dogs re-think their position"
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    olinda,
     
    I'm so sorry this happened to you.  I agree with the majority here, gather as much evidence as you can and contact an attorney, file a report with the local law enforcement and protect yourself, your rights and the rights of other innocent passers by.   Irresponsible acts by negligent people are damaging to the rights of all dog owners. 
     
    I'm glad that you and Romeo are ok, and for what it's worth I think you handled the situation as well as you could.
    • Gold Top Dog
    How horrifying!  I'm SO sorry for you and Romeo - you've gotten excellent advice.  Ron and Xerxes are right - they should at the least be covering your medical expenses.
     
    Just remember, you didn't run, you didn't scream, you hung in there with Romeo. You have help from your Dad, your day care providers and your animal communicator - when Pofi got bit at dog park I felt the same way, especially because I did not realize he had been hurt as badly as he was.  It took patience, but he is normal at dog park again.  I'm actually going to take him to a leash aggression class as there is some residual behavior there.
     
    Don't be hard on yourself. You and Romeo will get through this.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Olinda! How nightmarish to have to go thru something like this [:(] I am SO sorry for you and for your poor dog. How brave he was defending you! I hope you BOTH can find justice in this incident...make sure you report it and take PHOTOS of your injuries. You mentioned the ER....did they make sure those dogs will be quarantined? Make sure they are!
     
    Take care of yourself...and make sure to keep us updated. I so sorry that happened to you and your Romeo!
     
    eta: and...GET A LAWYER!
    • Gold Top Dog
    OMG Olinda. I'm so sorry. How horrible for both of you! I can't add much to what's already been said, but please do take care, and heal fast (your heart and your body)!
    • Gold Top Dog
    How awful!  And I'm so conflicted because as awful as it was, those poor dogs may loose their lives because of the stupidity of the owners.
     
    Hugs and healing, soothing vibes to both you and Romeo.
    • Gold Top Dog
    This is so awful - I am so glad that they were able to get their dogs away from you and Romeo - I hope he doesn't have any lasting effects! 
    Good luck tomorrow at daycare!