Monty got attacked!

[Jellymint]

He is okay (thank the gods) except he may lose a few teeth (whimper).

Oh my. Finally able to write about it. Shame fear worry confusion gratitude anxiety tears fear .... emotions can get very big and can be very painful.

Having never had a small breed dog before it is a learning experience. I am paying attention the best that I can but with so many differing attitudes, beliefs and experiences - and everyone having a valid position - it is tricky navigating the waters to know how to be with my Monty. I am now on the hunt to find my authority - someone who can be my mentor right here right now as I continue to learn. I have spent hours and hours scouring the internet, reading so many posts on this forum. I truly am a brand new parent.

I am such an experiencer of life - love inviting all the senses out to play and forever giving animals and small children my undivided attention to the beautiful world of smells and colours and the wonders of a moment.

Monty is so social. So happy. And then there are dog parks.

There is a dog park close-ish to me that I love. It is fully enclosed and off leash and the dog owners are pretty responsible with their animals. It has a 1/4 mile track through a field with lots of bushes and a few trees. Well maintained.

When I take Monty there he is almost always on-leash close to me. Partly because he doesn't not come when called all the time and partly because I don't trust the dogs and like to choose who and how he plays. There have been a few times where I have let him off leash when there are only a few dogs in the park and those dogs are "happy" dogs. Floppy dogs. The ones that just want to love kind of dogs.

Last Monday I went there with my friend and her dog. It was a drizzly day. I got there first. There were 3 dogs in the park. 2 left and then there was 1. A 4 year old german pincher - little cutie pie. Happy. Monty and him played with Monty on leash for about 10 minutes. He was very gentle and so I decided Monty could go off. My friend came and her dog did his own thing while Monty and this little guy ran and ran!

It was amazing. Until the end.

Buddy left first and when we were at the gate, I was bending over to put the leash on Monty when his dog attacked Monty. If Monty wasn't wearing his coat he would have been killed I am almost certain. There wasn't enough room for both of us so I moved aside while the guy came in and grabbed his dog. I immediately bent toward Monty to pick him up but he was sidling away, scared. Awwww....

Then the guy let his dog go! What?? The dog went after Monty again and this is when he got hurt. The I tried to get to Monty but the guy was trying to get his dog off of Monty and there wasn't room. Finally he did and I told him to hold on to his dog so I could get mine.

It took a few minutes of me coaxing him while crouched to get close enough to grab him. Awww crap. He was bleeding out of his right nostril and the side of his mouth. He was so scared. He finally let me pick him up. I did a very quick overall assessment, no broken bones, no other lacerations, no abdominal tenderness or obvious head trauma.

The guy came over and had I been more experienced with dog parks and rules, I would have got his name and number and reported him. I have since learned that when he let his dog go and it attached a second time, he could be in big trouble.

But I wasn't thinking of him, I was thinking of Monty. I wanted him away from that dog. By the time we got home the bleeding had stopped. I actually gave him a shower with me so I could thoroughly check him over for any tenderness and/or lacerations.

The next day - Tuesday - he was snuffly and licky. Even though I couldn't see anything, I took him to the vet. The dog had bitten into his nostril and the side of his mouth. The vet said the punctures were small enough he didn't think he would have to suture them but keep an eye on them.

I was devastated. Devastated! My poor Monty who looks to me to take care of him and keep him safe. This week I have done a lot of work with my own self around guilt and shame and have done a lot of adjusting to what I have previously known about dogs to what it means to have a Yorkie.

He does not need to be in a dog park with dogs, he can have play dates with specific dogs. He does not need to be mentally stimulated through pack play, he can go and visit the ducks and kiss toddlers at the urban forest park. He does not need to run and tumble with dogs for exercise - I have a 26ft retractable leash that is also anchored to my wrist for safety. His little legs go like stink as he runs back and forth here and there. A 1 hour walk is plenty of exercise!!



I cried all day Wednesday and Thursday and half of Friday. I cried more in those 2.5 days than I have in the past 10 years. I think it is a culmination of many things. I had just gone with my daughter to the lawyers to write her will. I am her representative so if at anytime pre- during - or post transplant she is deemed incapable, I am the one who makes decisions for her medically. That's a big responsibility holding her life. And it's my daughter. Yep.

And then there's Monty. I got a dog because with everything going on with Natalie, I wanted something to comfort me. Uncomplicated. Just love. Monty is complicated. So complicated. But only because it is so much brand new learning. And he is not a lap dog. Doesn't sleep on my lap. He is a lover but on his terms. And I like that. But...

Never had a dog who wasn't food motivated so I am learning how to train him different. Never had a dog who wouldn't come to me so I am learning how to speak his language. Never had a dog who was such a fussy eater and has to be encouraged to drink enough water. Brand new learning. Never had such a tiny wee thing ... how much to feed and what kind etc etc. Never dealt with delicacy when it comes to auto immune and hypoglycemia etc etc. Never dealt with a parasite. Never had a dog who spent pretty much the first 8 months of his life in a pet store and therefore didn't get to learn what it is to be a full fledged member of a family. All so brand new.

And I love him. And I am so very very happy that I have him. I am happy that I didn't know how involved it would be because I may not have gone down this path and I am so very glad that I have. It is one of the most amazing journeys I have been on.

Overwhelmed? Yes. Defeated? Absolutely not. Scared? Terrified lol. Hahaha.... how can something 7.4 lbs give me such anxiety? He is laying here on the couch beside me which is kind of new.

I am noticing that the more I have truly fawned and fondled him this last week (partially because he didn't have the energy to reject my advances lol) he has been more affectionate to me in return. Perhaps I simply needed to teach him how to be in a pack?

On Thursday I couldn't stand it. He was still sniffling wetly and even though he was eating (his normal "havetocoaxhimtoeat") amount and drinking (the normal warm up the water with the wee bits of boiled chicken and sweet potato chunks) he was sleeping so much. He was chewing his bully stick comfortably as well. Wasn't running a fever. Had normal poops and appropriate pee's. But he was sleeping so much and still sniffing wet. I was crazy with anxiety and couldn't stand it and thought snap...

The vet is amazingly understanding with me and I think he feels for Monty too - that he wasn't wanted for so long. He sure is firm with him, not shy at all about pinning him down and checking out inside his mouth. Very efficient and I like that he knows what he is doing and does it well and quickly. I love that he only stays in for a little bit and then spends 3x as long soothing him with rubs and strokes while he talks to me. Monty likes him.

I had Monty's body pinned and the Dr had his mouth open and the bridge of his nose sealed so Monty basically had to breathe through his mouth. All his top teeth were exposed. Snot was just boiling out of his nose in ferocious snot bubbles! It was exhilarating because there was no blood! It was clear! I was so relieved.

However, at least 1 possibly 3 adult teeth are loose as a result of that dog biting him in his face. Dr is hoping that because he is young, the teeth will re-ground. Monty is going to get a dental xray to see if the teeth have been damaged at the root because if they have then they will have to be pulled. He is going to be neutered at the same time. Also tattoo'd (already has a chip) and have his teeth scraped. He already has some tartar buildup.

All this happens to my baby on Tuesday. My wee one. Awww.....

And so I balance my feelings with appreciation that I have been able to learn a very very valuable lesson without losing the life of my dog. That I need to be at the beginning of learning about EVERYTHING in owning Monty. Smile.

Today is is about 90%. He can shake his toys but not with the same ferocity as he did before. And he's back to humpin stuff so I know he is definitely feeling better! Smile.

And did I mention that I love him?

[CouversMom]

Poor guy, I am so sorry to hear that he was attacked. Horrible.

I am a proponent for dog parks (I am the local dog park Vice President), but I am a big believer in the small dogs being separated from the large dogs. When they are separated by size, I feel more comfortable taking my two but I am always on guard there. I do not go there to relax and let my guard down. I can do that in my own yard. I take my two for socialization, but I definitely agree that small play dates are great as well. I think a lot of people do not know their dogs well and let their guard down at the dog park. I know when I see these type of people and their dogs, we leave. I am very protective.

I wish you luck in figuring out your bond with Monty. It sounds like you love him very much. I think the more you work with him, the more he will know you two are a pair. Good luck!

I see you are from Surrey, I lived there for about a year... my in laws live in Langley, so I am very familiar with the area. Which park did this happen at?

[Yorkiemom1]

OMG!!! I SOOOOOOO enjoyed reading your post!!! I love your writing style!!! I am in love with your baby boy!! I am so over protective of my dogs....even before I started breeding Yorkies, I never let them socialize with others...no need for it, in my mind...what they dont know, they dont miss! If they have never seen another dog or a dog park, they have no concept of it and they dont sit around broken hearted and wistful, wanting to go explore a dog park or run with street dogs! Everyone is safe and I am happy and they are too! Figure those little legs are at best, 8 inches long....most are only 4-6 inches long.....they can run themselves into nubs in my yard, which is on a cul-de-sac, and is 180 feet across the back, and 150 feet up both sides....plenty of room without exposing them to diseases, other dangerous dogs, thieves, coyotes, eagles, skunks, snakes ....the list just goes on and on in my neurotic mind.....

I am so happy your baby boy survived the attack, and actually did quite well getting the short end of the stick....it could have been devastating for both of you....we all have a learning curve....join the club! We all share experiences on here, and learn from each other's decisions, mistakes, trials and tribulations, as well as the really great things we also pick up from each other....take things you learn here, research and process it, double check different reliable sources, and you will come out just fine!

I am really looking forward to more of your posts....I really enjoyed your story, your writing style, how you came out on the other side of this misadventure, and of course, your precious Monty! Looking forward to reading so much more.....GOOD, happy adventures and learning stuff!!! Give Monty a kiss on his nose from me!

[sandy simpson]

Stay out of dog parks. You take a chance with other dogs in there you don't know. You could pick up illness. Your dog can get hurt. It's not worth it. I would never take my dogs where there is danger. There are walks and safe leashed places you can go. Be careful all dogs off leash are unpredictable.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by sandy simpson

Stay out of dog parks. You take a chance with other dogs in there you don't know. You could pick up illness. Your dog can get hurt. It's not worth it. I would never take my dogs where there is danger. There are walks and safe leashed places you can go. Be careful all dogs off leash are unpredictable.

Several years ago, I heard screaming in my front yard.....rushed to utility room window, and saw my terrified neighbor, being attacked by my OTHER neighbors chow, as it was trying to get to her little maltese, which she was swinging around her head, in the air, at the end of a leash! I started screaming, my son grabbed the ax handle we keep for JUST such events, and he rushed out to help...chow KNOWS us and she doesnt even think about challenging us,....poor lady and her terrified Maltese survived without a scratch, thank God.....

[Britster]

Originally Posted by CouversMom

Poor guy, I am so sorry to hear that he was attacked. Horrible.

I am a proponent for dog parks (I am the local dog park Vice President), but I am a big believer in the small dogs being separated from the large dogs. When they are separated by size, I feel more comfortable taking my two but I am always on guard there. I do not go there to relax and let my guard down. I can do that in my own yard. I take my two for socialization, but I definitely agree that small play dates are great as well. I think a lot of people do not know their dogs well and let their guard down at the dog park. I know when I see these type of people and their dogs, we leave. I am very protective.

I wish you luck in figuring out your bond with Monty. It sounds like you love him very much. I think the more you work with him, the more he will know you two are a pair. Good luck!

I see you are from Surrey, I lived there for about a year... my in laws live in Langley, so I am very familiar with the area. Which park did this happen at?

Sorry to hear about Monty- he's a cute little guy. Also you're a very good writer!

[Jellymint]

Thank you so much for your words of comfort. There was a tiny piece of me that has been a bit afraid to post this story for fear of judgment and rejection. "She should have researched having a Yorkie before getting one." "She should have known better than to take him to a park." The damning voices of shame in my own head projected onto others. Smile. I can be quite silly when I am in a place of fear.

The park is Serpentine Dog Off Leash on 76ave & about 123st in Newton. Serpentine Dog-Off-Leash Park | City of Surrey. It really is a lovely park although it is quite spacious so dogs can be further away from their humans at times.

I am not quite sure how I feel about going back. Even though 90% of the time I did keep him on a leash and he was able to play with other dogs... or was in my arms when it felt hinky, the risk is being evaluated within me. This morning I took him to be groomed so he is nice and tidy before his neuter tomorrow and I took him to the park because it is big and open and he could tire himself out beautifully. It was super early and I knew no one else would be there. As it stand inside of me right now, that would be the only time I would take him there aside from when my friend takes her dog (it's the only park around where her dog can get a super good run) and then I will be very careful keeping Monty close.

Even now when I am meeting people on the street or in the Green Timbers Park or on-leash wooded walks, I find I am super protective of Monty and distrustful of people's dogs. Today I begin the conversation with "Good morning. Is your dog friendly?" even when the dog is one big wiggle puddle ... gives the human a heads up that I am the nervous one and they are a bit more attentive to their pet. Actually works brilliantly! Surprising how often people have said "no not really" or "sometimes" which is when I pull Monty back and they do an "air hello" to each other.

Yep. Nothing quite like a chomp on the nose to help this human be protective of his wee snout especially as it is still tender.

It does make me a little sad too though. I kinda hate it sometimes when innocence has been lost. Can't unring that naive bell. I can never go back to that lovely place where I got to enjoy the pure pleasure of meeting a new dog. Now it will always have a reality stain of ... safe? Not in a paranoid way - but in a "knowing" way, a wise way.

Am I unhappy to live in this reality? No. Absolutely not. Adapt. Life is fraught with danger and this has just been a rude awakening that sometimes life happens and sometimes dogs just go berserk. It happens. That being said though, I do wish I had gotten his name and number because he should be allowed to have his dog in an off leash park. Who knows what happened with the first unprovoked attack but sometimes that happens. It's him going after Monty even stronger the second time that has me concerned for other people's dogs. I feel responsible. Not in a unhealthy way, just wish I could protect. Make sense?

I remember when my children were small. I was sitting in the living room watching them do running summer saults. They were amazing. It was so much fun. And as I was watching I had a white hot flash stab bolt of fear as I imagined them rolling and their heads being at the wrong angle and "snap" they could literally break their necks. That was a risk, and a reality. I remember as soon as that flash hit and I played out the movie, I immediately said "no." I am not going to raise them in that kind of fear. Never. I will do my very best to keep them as safe as I can but they will live their life and have their fun and if an accident happens ... so be it.

Kind of feeling the same way with Monty. I am not going to deny him the joys of greeting another dog, or playing or sniffing. I am however, going to be much more selective. I do understand that even as much as I love and trust my boy, it could be him that has one of "those" moments and acts out aggressively to another dog in play. He has after all gotten growly at one or two adults on our walks - for no reason whatsoever. And besides, he is after all - a dog. And we all have bad moments.

And sniffing is well....

[lovestiny]

Oh gosh. Poor little fella. I am so sorry for him and for you. Big hugs. He is precious.

[canana]

I'm so sorry to hear bout this but extremely glad that Monty is okay! Such a terrible experience for both of you.

This is exactly why I never believe dog owners who desperately try to convince me that their big dog (sometimes leashed, sometimes unleashed) who dashed, pulled, dart towards my little Scottie during walks, is "super friendly and just wants to play". If the dog is actually just excited to play, I'm thinking, Scottie probably weighs as much as their dog's paw, and one side swipe, he'd be flying across the street. I just tell them my dog is not friendly and walk away. You can never be too careful with larger dogs.

Honestly, every dog owner who has tried to convince me that their dog is friendly looks like they have no idea how untrained their dog is. Those who are more aware, know to keep a distance or at least ask if it's okay for the dogs to say 'hello'.

If it's not too far for you, try to go to the next Ball & Biscuit small dog meetup in April. I've been there over 5 or 6 times now and each time it's very safe and fun.

[Yorkiemom1]

A friend I used to work with, had chows. I do not automatically avoid a dog because of its breed, just an awareness there is some reason people that specialize in this information, know more about it than I do....and my guard went up.

My son was out back with the woman, lifting boards to carry to a pile she had started. Of course, she assured me her dogs dont bite as long as she is out there with us......and those chows were QUIETLY, innocently walking back and forth with them as the friend and my son worked. I was guarded, watching closely.....and then it happened. Totally unprovoked, so calmly, so quietly, so SNEAKY, that chow that had been at my sons side for over an hour, easily walking around him in the back yard, no indication at all of anything sinister going on in that dog's head, that dog just quietly and calmly,ever so gently, reached up as if to "kiss" (lick) my son's hand, and suddenly, totally without warning, that dam dog went CRAZY, totally unprovoked, he grabbed my sons hand in his mouth and began to attack him....that dog looked like a crazy maniac savaging a piece of raw meat, jerking side to side in an effort to tear Jimmy's hand from his arm....Jimmy reacted so fabulously, so calmly, so precise....I have NO idea what came over him that he took IMMEDIATE control of that situation....he reached around with his left hand, clenched his fist, with his large senior ring on his finger, he hit that dog squarely on the end of his nose....not a crazy, fighting for my arm kind of panicky swing and hit, not even a really hard "knock the krappe out of the dog along with all his teeth" kind of hit.....just square on the nose....that dog IMMEDIATELY released his bloodied hand, and ran like his life depended on it, hollering and yelping, to the opposite side of the yard!

People can remember this and hopefully, no one will ever need to use it, but if you do, it works great!!!

[gemy]

You have a grand writing style. There are some good tips on the training forum and I always advise folks to listen to one trainer methodology first and apply seriously and consistently apply the advice.

Some tips

1. For vet visits bring your pooch in a crate.
2. Make sure the vet rinses down the examination table and do not put your crate on the exam table.

3. Dog leaves exam room in crate.


The most dangerous times are entering n exiting the dog park. From at least 20ft away from the exit leash your dog there. Heel him in close to your leg - short lead.

Entering and exiting cars houses etc. TEACH THE STOP COMMAND STAY
Work it several times a day every day.

We all learn when accidents happen. So do not feel so bad about this

I very happy that the damage was relatively minor.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by gemy

You have a grand writing style. There are some good tips on the training forum and I always advise folks to listen to one trainer methodology first and apply seriously and consistently apply the advice.

Some tips

1. For vet visits bring your pooch in a crate.
2. Make sure the vet rinses down the examination table and do not put your crate on the exam table.

3. Dog leaves exam room in crate.


The most dangerous times are entering n exiting the dog park. From at least 20ft away from the exit leash your dog there. Heel him in close to your leg - short lead.

Entering and exiting cars houses etc. TEACH THE STOP COMMAND STAY
Work it several times a day every day.

We all learn when accidents happen. So do not feel so bad about this

I very happy that the damage was relatively minor.

love this!

Also when you are inside a dog park, keeping a dog on leash is a very bad idea!! When all the other dogs are off leash, the dog on a leash can feel cornered or threatened and also become a target.

Also was this a small dog fenced in area or all size dogs? I would suggest only going to small dog sides in the future- there are way less problems in my experience at our local dog park.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by canana

I'm so sorry to hear bout this but extremely glad that Monty is okay! Such a terrible experience for both of you.

This is exactly why I never believe dog owners who desperately try to convince me that their big dog (sometimes leashed, sometimes unleashed) who dashed, pulled, dart towards my little Scottie during walks, is "super friendly and just wants to play". If the dog is actually just excited to play, I'm thinking, Scottie probably weighs as much as their dog's paw, and one side swipe, he'd be flying across the street. I just tell them my dog is not friendly and walk away. You can never be too careful with larger dogs.

Honestly, every dog owner who has tried to convince me that their dog is friendly looks like they have no idea how untrained their dog is. Those who are more aware, know to keep a distance or at least ask if it's okay for the dogs to say 'hello'.

If it's not too far for you, try to go to the next Ball & Biscuit small dog meetup in April. I've been there over 5 or 6 times now and each time it's very safe and fun.

I've honestly had worst luck with small dogs on leash. I tend to avoid on-leash greetings if I can. Small dogs can also cause damage to other small dogs.