Will Now Always Trust Instincts--Almost Lost Piper

[JakeysMama]

I am super cautious of all dogs after my neighbor's Shih Tzu bit my Maltese's face through our fence. My dog was attacked by a Great Dane before I rescued him, in his foster home, so I was nervous about big dogs. He doesn't like big dogs at all, which is understandable after what happened, but then this medium sized female shih Tzu goes after his face.

After that, I am weary of every dog in the neighborhood. He has made some friends, all little dogs, but my new Yorkie Jake has not made any friends in the neighborhood yet. Even a little female poodle puppy scared him. She is really hyper. Oddly Jake gets much more anxious around other small dogs and seems to keep steady when we pass a lab or German Shepherd on the street walking, but I would never, NEVER try and make friends with any of them and I actually try and give off a vibe like 'don't talk to me' since I got him and he's been sick, just want to get him used to his trail and schedule.

But I swear, if I had to offer any advice to anyone, not just about dogs, but about life, it would be: Always trust your instincts. ALWAYS.

Glad your baby is ok.

[Jkpal]

You all make such a difference--a wonderful, confidence-boosting difference and my gratitude is endless. Piper and I just returned from our morning constitutional (for you yun-gins, same as walk). Piper passed Akita's yard like a little champ, quick as the dickens, but didn't shy off toward street. I don't think she got a whole lot of sleep last night (I had to work) because she's curled-up between her blanket and me and almost out; usually, upon our return, Piper needs to bury a bone and have me observe her digging abilities or she wants to play keep-away with her "stolen" flattened, Wal-Mart squirrel. This morning, she just wants to rest. I'm so deeply thankful that she and I are still good--trust is still there.

[lovestiny]

SO happy for you both! Thank you for sharing that note because as I watched the finale of Downton Abbey and Sprat said that term, I meant to google it lol! What a relief she is back on track and you are both feeling great!

[Jkpal]

Oh my, Downton Abbey; I'm in good company, for sure! Thank you for your encouragement and for caring, Lovestiny!

[Zeus is Loved]

So glad you and Piper are okay. My tiny boy thinks every dog is his friend, and it scares the heck out of me to the point that I don't like taking him anywhere there are other dogs. He's such a sweet, trusting boy.

[Jkpal]

Originally Posted by Zeus is Loved

So glad you and Piper are okay. My tiny boy thinks every dog is his friend, and it scares the heck out of me to the point that I don't like taking him anywhere there are other dogs. He's such a sweet, trusting boy.

I hope he always retains that wonderful characteristic; and I totally get your fears about it! How can these tiny little creatures be so complex?! Give both your little men a couple of little hugs from us!

[Jellymint]

Oh!! My heart did a boing boing boing pogo kind of bounce in my chest reading your story and all the posts following. How utterly terrifying for you! And of course for Piper! I am so very sorry that happened to you.

I have been super aware lately of how often we humans gain personal esteem by the way our animals behave. I was at Trout Lake in East Vancouver with my daughter and her lab and Monty was on leash running around. A mid sized dog came running up to say hi and I just bent over and picked up Monty. There was something about him ... an interest. Not sure but I didn't like it. The owner was confused because Monty had been playing with the other big dogs. He sort of challenged me on it ... like because I was nervous of his dog it meant that he was a bad pet owner. it took a few sentences of me explaining my own nervousness ... it didn't have anything to do with his dog. That because he had been attacked ... I just go with what I am feeling in the moment. He seemed to accept that.

Please try not to be too hard on yourself although I do know the horror of that responsibility of not listening to your gut which is why I use the "try" word.

I flip the negative shame/damning kind of feelings I put on myself in these situations into gratitude to the Universe for helping me learn such a powerful lesson and Monty didn't die.

Thank you for sharing your story so bravely. I have learned from you and from Piper ... and the message I have taken to heart is reinforcing that if I feel hinky ... then don't. Don't try and make sense of it inside. Just don't. Don't worry about offending the human owner. Just don't. They will either understand or they won't and if they don't ... shrug... oh f*ckin well right? Smile. "My" people understand. And in spite of all my desire to keep him safe, it is still an unsafe world we live in so don't live in fear and uncertainty, just do my best and explore and enjoy life and all the beauty it offers.

[canana]

Originally Posted by MarkFromSea

Glad Piper is ok. I've had fears/concerns of that happening when we meet dogs while we're on our walks. Sometimes I pick my boys up till we pass the other dogs, sometimes I don't. It could happen, and super fast.

Very glad Piper is okay! That sounds so scary!

I too pick up Scottie and Casey during walks if there's a larger dog approaching on the sidewalk. Mostly because they start barking and it's a gong-show trying to walk by otherwise. But if I don't and they start barking, I'm afraid the other dog might not take it well and snap.

[CaponeTheYorkie]

Jellymint, I'm glad you brought up the bit about the larger dog owner's reaction to your hesitation with your smaller dog.

Ive encountered this many times. Im in college and live in an apartment complex that's gated so many owners let their pit bulls and other large dog breeds run around the complex freely. (Ive talked to the apartment management and police about the matter, nothing has been done though) my poor capone has been attacked so im extremely hesitant when i walk him, like i carry pepperspray, a taiser, and pick up capone if i so much as hear a dogs collar around the corner. These larger dog owners dont understand why i basically pick my dog up and run from them.. They usually have no idea why i am so cautious because they are only concerned with their dog. I dont care how many times you tell me your dog it nice, that doesnt mean you can let your dog run up to me unrestrained. It makes me pretty mad because they are being selfish by not considering my feelings as a small dog owner and the fact i dont want my dog to play with your dog doesnt mean im trying to be rude to you or that im insulting you as a person.

[Jkpal]

No one can say for certain how their dog will be behave with a strange dog. Many, many years ago, strangers would approach my German Shepherd (obedience-trained, good-natured, calm dog) and ask, "Does she bite?" To which I responded, "Well, she hasn't yet, but that's not to say she won't."

[MzLynnC]

You were extremely lucky - How is Piper doing now?

[buddybear]

Just saw this ....... so sorry you both went through this. I'm sure your puppy will get over this before you. Hugs to you both.

For me the best fence is a block wall. I put one in between us and our neighbors that have boxers.

[Jkpal]

"lucky" doesn't begin to cover it. Let me just say that I don't know what happened in that one second a big Akita had Piper in his jaws and the next she was safely, unhurt in my arms. But I believe God performs miracles and whatever transpired, miraculous is what comes to my mind. Piper is doing very, very well...I see her nerves when nearing his front yard and she is much more reluctant to be around any dog (even well-known) that's even a little bigger than she. But Pipe has a sparkle in her eyes and a desire to "go anywhere" and still loves her walks. Life is good--very, very good! Thank you for asking; it's comforting to know people care.