A contrast of empathy (Human v Canine)

[docmartin]

Yesterday we were out on our usual walk along the lower (sea level) parade. There are miles of terraced Victorian steps (20 rows high) leading up to the beach huts, with a walk way along the top. Off season we use it a lot, as there are few who take this level and you get a much better view of the sea and shipping. Suddenly from the rear, two Staffordshire bull terriers were upon us. I managed to swoop Crystal into my arms milliseconds ahead of a pair of snapping jaws. The other animal pulled my glove off and eventually wrestled me to the floor. I fell and rolled down many rows of steps.

Only having one arm, I could not protect Crystal and save myself at the same time, fortunately I successfully cushion her from the impact. Many people ran to help. After sitting me upright on the steps, a kind lady, packing up her beach hut for the winter gave me a hot coffee and a paracetamol, swathed in a blanket and in the shelter of her little cabin. Crystal remained firmly inside my coat throughout! The Bulls owner was a stupid young girl, face buried in it's iphone, completely unaware of the incident. A very angry gentleman showed her what her animals had caused, having got them away from me with the aid of his walking stick.

"OK, OK, all right then, don't go on" it said, in a cold hard voice, reluctantly placing her wards on their leads. She did however disappear very fast as two people at least had videoed the incident, one a professional photographer!

Returning home, bruised and a bit shaken I took a hot bath and went to bed. I was awoken by Crystal, firmly licking the grazes to my face and hand, it went on for ages. She refused to budge, even when her mom came home, normally a period of ecstatic activity. Today, I look like I've been beaten up and to say I'm stiff is an understatement. It's cold dark and wet outside, so we won't be going anywhere today. In future I'll also seek out other venues inland. A great shame as the sea shores on my doorstep and I'll have to drive a few miles to reach the woods etc.

I'm afraid most young people over here (especially and sadly young women) are increasingly, selfish, uncaring and socially feral. The profile of the above miscreant is typical of them and I'm glad now at 68, I'm nearer the exit than when I came in!

[Harrysmum]

Martin? Nooooo, you didn't say?!!!!?

That is absolutely dreadful, I am SO sorry this happened to you both.

You've got the names/numbers of the people that took the photos? Through your local Council - do you have a Dog Warden? You've got to report this to someone.....it could have been a baby in a buggy.....thank God you and little Crystal are (relatively) ok

That 'girl' has GOT to know to keep her dogs under control, she's got to have a 'proper' fright of some kind. I think it's absolutely dreadful that you've got to change your habits, just because of one irresponsible, 'whatever-ish' kind of idiot.

Harry sends you a big licky kiss, too Sally x

[IDPiper]

WOW, I'm glad you're alright aside from the scrapes and bruises! Crystal was taking care of her daddy that protected her from the big dogs and she was telling you thank you. And yes, unfortunately it's not happening over there. We seem to have a very disrespectful society of young kids anymore. Really sad!!!

[margaritaville]

What a sad event. I hope you and crystal are feeling better this morning.
Sally is right you need to report this as the girl just didn't get it. Her dogs are a danger, need to be controlled and she needs a lesson in ownership and responsibility.
Hope you and crystal do not have to avoid this area that you both seem to enjoy so much.
Crystal, you are such a good little nurse, taking care of your protector.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by Harrysmum

Martin? Nooooo, you didn't say?!!!!?

That is absolutely dreadful, I am SO sorry this happened to you both.

You've got the names/numbers of the people that took the photos? Through your local Council - do you have a Dog Warden? You've got to report this to someone.....it could have been a baby in a buggy.....thank God you and little Crystal are (relatively) ok

That 'girl' has GOT to know to keep her dogs under control, she's got to have a 'proper' fright of some kind. I think it's absolutely dreadful that you've got to change your habits, just because of one irresponsible, 'whatever-ish' kind of idiot.

Harry sends you a big licky kiss, too Sally x

Thanks Sal, I didn't want to sound like one of those old people competing for who's got the worst disease syndromes! It seems more of a shake up now it's the day after somehow? I'm indescribably stiff and bruised too. The lady with the beach hut rung this morning and both of the witnesses with photos, are prepared to support my complaint to the Dog Warden. It emerges that the young hard faced woman with the Bulls may well be a drug pusher (hence the dogs). This fits in with the aggressive youths who utilise our favourite shelter as a meeting hut on the weekends. The Police believe she delivers the orders here as a drop-off. I've given up using it now, as their hostility to anyone approaching is inescapable. In fact I'll refrain at the weekends and school holidays completely from now on, as they festoon the sea shore for some reason!

My host from yesterday also says this was her 37th and last season here as a beach hut owner for the same reason. She has a Westie, but no longer risks him in the cabin as she had a similar experience to mine last year, again with a young woman in charge. This time with two Weimaraners, after she complained, her beach hut was vandalised!

One of my elderly helpers from the incident, also admitted to carrying a 5,000 volt cattle prod for protection. What a world, sounds like 'Death Wish 3' instead of the Victorian Pantiles of a sleepy east Coast Town!

[Juliealfies mum]

That is awful,but unfortunately not an isolated incident. It's high time we. All started to complain about this kind of incident and take back our lovely walks and be able to enjoy our countryside.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by IDPiper

WOW, I'm glad you're alright aside from the scrapes and bruises! Crystal was taking care of her daddy that protected her from the big dogs and she was telling you thank you. And yes, unfortunately it's not happening over there. We seem to have a very disrespectful society of young kids anymore. Really sad!!!

How sad, I lived in your Country for nearly 6 years in the 70's, when I worked for ARCO and was always totally impressed with the way your younger people were so polite to their elders. Just this week I was with a friend in Suffolk at a very up market hotel/pub. There was obviously a function for the local USAF base starting up as we arrived. A very polite Officer parted the throng, got us to the bar urging everyone to 'stand aside coming through'. After we'd bought our drinks two very smart young men stood gave up their seats by the fire.We'd inadvertently entered a Private Function by mistake, but were welcomed with warmth and politeness.

We do however largely live in a world of declining standards, where a Dog's love is a refreshing constant value.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by docmartin

Thanks Sal, I didn't want to sound like one of those old people competing for who's got the worst disease syndromes! It seems more of a shake up now it's the day after somehow? I'm indescribably stiff and bruised too. The lady with the beach hut rung this morning and both of the witnesses with photos, are prepared to support my complaint to the Dog Warden. It emerges that the young hard faced woman with the Bulls may well be a drug pusher (hence the dogs). This fits in with the aggressive youths who utilise our favourite shelter as a meeting hut on the weekends. The Police believe she delivers the orders here as a drop-off. I've given up using it now, as their hostility to anyone approaching is inescapable. In fact I'll refrain at the weekends and school holidays completely from now on, as they festoon the sea shore for some reason!

My host from yesterday also says this was her 37th and last season here as a beach hut owner for the same reason. She has a Westie, but no longer risks him in the cabin as she had a similar experience to mine last year, again with a young woman in charge. This time with two Weimaraners, after she complained, her beach hut was vandalised!

One of my elderly helpers from the incident, also admitted to carrying a 5,000 volt cattle prod for protection. What a world, sounds like 'Death Wish 3' instead of the Victorian Pantiles of a sleepy east Coast Town!

Martin, I always think things feel a lot worse the day after, once the adrenalin's calmed down and the true picture of it all emerges.

I truly urge you to go and visit your GP tomorrow....if only to get down in some official capacity exactly what's happened to you. Any 'personal' photos should be documented too (please take them now, if you haven't already, before Crystal licks them completely better says a lawyers daughter....).

I HATE that we're all seemingly being put off doing our normal things, and our lives and movements are being controlled, by a tribe of thugs that should have been 'brought up' better.....sounds more like 'Eastenders' than the East Coast of Britain.....

By the way Martin, can you buy a cattle prod on Amazon.....?!!!!? Sally + Harry x

[normarae63]

How awful!
I think I agree with miss Sally...the whole incident needs reported. I know you all across the pond have stricter rules when it comes to dogs & this owner needs a wake up call in more ways than one! Her callousness towards you after the fact is horrid.

On a sidenote, I must tell you how enjoyable every one of your threads & blogs are. Thank you!

[Cherie6446]

This is just awful! I hope the local police can do something about this situation with the drug dealers. They spoil everything every where they go. Get better soon.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by normarae63

How awful!
I think I agree with miss Sally...the whole incident needs reported. I know you all across the pond have stricter rules when it comes to dogs & this owner needs a wake up call in more ways than one! Her callousness towards you after the fact is horrid.

On a sidenote, I must tell you how enjoyable every one of your threads & blogs are. Thank you!

Ooooooh, Sherry I LOVE it when you call me Miss Sally, makes me feel like a character from 'Gone With The Wind' or something....please don't ever stop!!! Miss Sally + Prince Harry xx

[lisaly]

Im so sorry this happened to you, Martin. Please get well and give your little healer another kiss from me. It makes me very sad that you were hurt and that you have to change doing what you love because of this terrible incident. I'm so relieved that you were able to protect Crystal from harm.

[yipyap]

I am so glad to hear little Crystal made it through okay! Now, she is taking care of you...dogs can sense when their owners are sick and upset. So, you are getting lots of "kisses" (licks) from her. My old miniature Schnauzer in the '70-'80's and my nowadays little Yorkie both stay right by me if I got ill, too.
If enough of the people you talked to, who had similar experiences, let the local town council and police know how unsafe it is getting at that beach, some action should be taken! The beach should be safe for public use...not for the drug dealers or dogs running off leashes on public walking areas. GET A Local "ORDINANCE" PASSED THAT IN CERTAIN AREAS, DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH OR THEIR OWNER PAYS A FINE!
There is this type of ordinance in the law books in the nearby City of Staunton, Virginia (USA). IT was passed some years ago when too many dogs were running loose in other people's yards and especially in the City Park. Enough people signed a petition and went to the council meeting to demand somdthing be done about the loose dogs in the Park. Well, once the City Council passsd a law saying all dogs in the City and the Park MUST be walked on leashes OR else owners were given police tickets or letters from local court to appear to "pay a fine" at the City Hall, the number of loose dog attacks dropped dramatically!
A friend of mine reported a man who had 2 pit bulls come after her leashed dog and herself when she took her Sophie out for a walk. Luckly, the pit bulls owner came running up and yelled at his dogs and put them on their leashes. NOW, the City of Staunton has a strict Leash Law! My friend found out the man's name and learned his dogs had gone after others in the neighbourhood, too. So, she filed a compliant and had names of other people who had been chased by his dogs. So, he had to pay a fine and finally learned the City Law did apply to him, too!
It sounds like a matter for your British local magistrate or council to enforce safety and leash laws...or levy fines on the owners! Especially for the safety of the elderly seniors and very young children who walk at the beach!!

[MauiGirl]

Martin (and Crystal), I am so shocked and sorry for your frightening ordeal. I do hope that you will get over it physically and emotionally the best you can.

It is sad to think that you will always remember this incident and it will keep you from enjoying your rights to peaceful enjoyment and freedom in your neighborhood.

I do hope that reporting this will lead to stricter enforcement and surveillance by authorities that can curb such problems in the future. As far as changing a young girl's attitudes.... that is a whole different problem Good luck with that.

Gentle hugs to you and Crystal.

[docmartin]

Thank you everyone for your kind wishes for us. Tonight we're on the Kitchen table, me at the laptop and my appendage curled up in between my chest and the keyboard sleeping soundly her little head on my arm. I'm feeling a bit better and the bruises are coming out well!

I'm increasingly becoming indifferent to the outside world these days anyway and the short drive to the local woods tomorrow as a threesome, will definitely help dispel the unpleasantness of yesterday. After all The Worlds broken, at least by the values of my age group and education. Sad as it is, it's increasingly 'de facto' in the UK.

Happier times are coming though. Crystal is going to attend a Children's Hospital Ward Xmas Party this year in London, as guest of honour, I've learnt today. Her little stories have won quite a following, as the kids listen to them on MP3 players with Dad narrating and Crystal barking and reverse snorting in the background! Lots of little cuddles coming her way I think and she loves toddlers too.