we had an incident right after we got buckeye where the door was partially open ( my husband was examining the door frame). a very nice neighborhood dog was being walked by the elder owner. buckeye goes after people and other dogs like he is going to attack....(all he wants is a pat on his head).. but this very large dog just picked buckeye up by grabbing around his whole body. the owner of the big dog, my husband and I almost had heart attacks. the owner of the other dog took buckeye out of his mouth and every thing was good. buckeye hates that dog to this day.
that other dog is a very nice dog. I take him treats once in a while as they walk by. His name is Dog-A-bearto. He was a rescue.
I am getting off the topic here. sorry
my point is that I know how scarey it is to have another dog pick yours up like that. of course your incident was a lot worse. I definately would report it. they do need a taller fence.
I am glad he was not hurt any worse.

So sorry you and Rocco had to go through that. It happened to me a few years ago, thank God the neighbor was out and kept kicking the dog away from Maddie. Like others have said call both the police and animal control to get it on record. Once those dogs know they can jump the fence they will continue to do it. I would call everytime I saw the dog out and animal control would come, finally they fined him and made hime keep the dog on a lead in the back yard. You should beable to walk in your own neighborhood with out being scared. Hopefully he is a responsible dog owner and will follow up with you to see if you and Rocco are ok. Hugs to you amd Rocco.

You are SO RIGHT to report him! We lost our BABY pup to an evil chow of my neighbors who we have hesitated to report on prior incidents... it was a horrible experience for my whole family! We had had Pepper for 12 years, he was our first "child" when we got married... this animal had been vicious before and should have been stopped before we lost him....

First off, I'm glad that your baby was unharmed! I'm glad that you're OK too!! your neighbor was totally out of line if he thought they were just playing. I'd suggest you call the cops, and animal control. If anything, he needs to have his fence raised so that these dogs cannot attack again.

In response to the part I bolded of the above quote, he isn't nessesarily advertising that he has viscious dogs. There's other reaons why people have beware of dog signs. We have a lab mix, and we have a "beware of dog" sign on our fence for legal reasons. My brother has some friends who climb over our fence and go bang on his window in the morning (wtf?) and if Rusty were to bite them (not that I think he would) and they were to press charges, our defense would be that we have a sign warning that there's a dog in the back yard. Just my $0.02.:)

Well animal control came out and said I can sign an affadavit that will go in their file. That is it, nothing else! I can't believe that nothing is going to get done. If another incident occurs, then the owners will have to register the dog, pay $500/year, and confine the dog inside. But they will still get to keep the dog! It doesn't make sense...they almost killed my dog. The vet said he went for his jugular.

The owner called to personally apologize to me and say she felt terrible and that it never happened before. I don't believe her though. They knew that dog was dangerous. I wish they would be forced to raise the fence or keep the dog on a lead. This stinks. But at least Rocco is here with us tonight and things weren't worse. :(

Tootsies Mom, I totally feel for you. Rocco is our first "child" too and I just didn't realize how awful it would be to live without him until today. I just keep thinking that if that guy didn't come out to help, he wouldn't be here. I just can't imagine!

I'm so happy Rocco is not seriously harmed. Many big dogs could pick up these small dogs and shake them. Most little dogs dont' survive. Please definitely report this. That irresponsible owner is putting everybody in danger. Even if you are to pick Rocco up the next time u walk by the fence, who knows if the 3 dogs would jump over and get both of you ( i didn't mean to scare you, but i get paranoid like that) Good luck and definitely have the vet write a report on the puncture wound.

What are you supposed to do? Sneak Rocco up the street before it is safe for you to put him down to walk him? That's ridiculous! Anyway, I'm glad he's as well as he is. Does he show any fear now?

Thank goodness you and Rocco were not seriously injured! Not many little dogs survive being picked up by a big dog! I'm so happy this wasn't a tragic ending!

It upsets me that the SPCA cannot, or will not take more action. Once one attack has happened, it's usually a sure thing that it will eventually happen again. Why can't they help insure that it doesn't happen again and very likely have a worse outcome.

I know how scared you felt...Maddies' been attacked by a big dog twice and not seriously injured, but it has changed her in not trusting other dogs and being very cautious. I don't let her down if there is a big dog around, but those big dogs have a way of sneaking up and by the time you see them, it's too late to get your baby picked up. We also have a neighbor who has a dog who has jumped our fence to try to get Maddie. Thank goodness I was able to keep hitting the dog with my purse and keep him from getting to her. I fear it will happen again and if it does...I will kick that dog where it hurts.

Bless your heart...I hope your nerves are calming down!!!

I'm glad your doggy is ok :thumbup: . I want to say something without sounding mean. I wasn't there so I don't know what really happened, but I used to have a big dog (89 lbs) and I never had a problem with him, but I know people tend to blame fights and attacks on big dogs. I'm not saying that's your case, but I was just thinking, if 3 big dogs jumped the fence with the intention to hurt your dog, dont you think they would have? If one of those big dogs grabbed your little one by the neck to attack him, how come your dog only had slobber on him? Is it possible that the dog was really just trying to play with your dog? big dogs tend to play really rough, but its usually that, just playing and it may look like theyre attacking, but they're really just playing. I do think its totally wrong, however, that they are able to jump the fence and the onwer needs to take care of that. I hope you're not offended by my post, and if I'm wrong the onwer def needs to take care of his agressive animals, but I think its unlikely that if your doggy is fine the big dog was really after him. I could be wrong of course. All in all, I'm really happy your dog is fine! :)

I'm so sorry I didn't read this before. Never mind what I said before.

Well....its nice that the owner apologized....but that doesn't pay the Vet bill. I would tell her you expect her to pay for the damage her dog did to yours. If she says no....I'd take her to small claims court.


Francie

Oh my God, I know how you feel. My little Raisin was almost attacked, though as small as she was (2 1/2 ) she literally jumped up as I was pulling on her leash and she miraculously landed on my shoulder. It was a pit bull puppy and I heard the same story, “Oh, just playing. He is really just a sweet heart.” It is what nightmares are born of.

I am glad he is alright, though I would put in a call to the Dog Warden and perhaps the police. They should either have to heighten the fence or chain them.

Exactly! ... What's the point of having a fence if the dogs can jump over it? Your baby could have been killed and you could have been injured too! I would definitely take action and report this to the police or the humane society and anyone else who would listen!

I think its disgusting that all the animal control people will do about this situation is have you sign an affadavit. How is that piece of paper going to prevent that these dogs don't do this again to another dog, person or child? How is it fair that you and everyone else in the neighborhood are forced to live in fear while these people and their viscious dogs roam free without a care in the world? What does it take, the death of a dog or child for the authorities to finally do something?:mad: I am so glad your little Rocco is ok but psychologically he will probably remain traumatized for awhile. I am so sorry you had to go through this experience but thankfully you and your pup are ok.

I know how you feel
 

I'm pretty sure I have told this story before but during Katrina, our house was halfway destroyed. There were about 4 huge tress inside of our house and the back was caved in. We all went to my sisters house the day after Katrina. (we had to walk there)
There were so many family members staying there and no power, water, food. It was complete kaos. Someone let my sweet Libby (my yorkie at the time) out and my sisters HUGE rotweiller (sp) attacked her. I cant believe she survived. I know how frantic you must have been. I was screaming at the top of my lungs, just in a panic. It was unreal. I was hitting my sisters dog (not something I would otherwise do)..... She was just flopping Libby around in her mouth. It makes me sick to even think about it now.
But thankfully she survived with a broken jaw and a few puncture wounds, broken rib... and a few minor things. But even after she survived that, she was stolen from our house a few months later while workers were there fixing the roof. =(
I am so glad your baby is ok! I bet that was a horrible experience for you.

So sorry that happened. I'm scared of big dogs too, both for myself and Sadie. I'm small myself, so even if I picked her up, it wouldn't do any good.

It seems like there are so many bad things that can happen to these little guys! Rocco is doing better today, his cut looks better, and he is mostly just sleeping. But he seems more timid and I am definitely scared to walk him around the neighborhood.
My mom doesn't think I should sign the affadavit but how bad would I feel if this happened again? She said she would be scared the neighbors would retaliate and what is the point if nothing gets done anyway. I can see what she is saying.
God, I keep replaying the whole thing over and over and I am amazed Rocco is ok. And it definitely wasn't playing. That dog beelined for us and wanted to hurt him.

I would definitely sign the affidavit. I can see your Mom's point, but if this happens again, at least they would have proof that it had happened before. I mean, look at it this way...what if it had happened before and the person then had not signed the affidavit...then it would look like the first time.

What did the police say? I still can't believe that all they want you to do is sign a piece of paper saying it happened....the puncture wound is a verified attack!!!

The police told us to call animal control. But I am thinking about calling back again today. Maybe someone else will be more concerned. I totally agree about having to report it so the next time doesn't look like it is the first. I will probably wait a few days to make sure they pay our vet bill and then submit it. If this ever happens again, they could subpeana (sp?) me to court to go against the owners. I just wish the laws here in Florida were stricter.

Poor Mommy, poor little guy. Mya had one dog go for her I keep her on harness for quick Yank up and grab. I screamed NO at the dog and he stopped trying to get her. Mya shocked me by growling and going nuts like she was telling the big dog off but Mya had night mares all night long. Sleep with your baby close tonight. I am sure that guy broke the leash law even if those dogs did accidently get out. Hugs to you both

I don't know where you live, but I would get a can of pepper spray and take it with you when you walk. Practice spraying it in a safe outside place, so that you will know how it works if you ever need it again. I hope you don't ever need it again, but it's better to be prepared.

Iam so glad that Rocco is alright.We had a liitle incident the other week where a neighbours dog went for Lottie.I nearly had a fit ,pulled Lottie out of the way.
Since then I have read that you can carry an automatic umbrella and if a dog looks as if its going to go for your dog put the umbrella up,to shield your dog from the other one.It also might startle the other dog and gives you a chance to pick your dog up.
It will take a little while to build both you and Rocco's confidence up whilst out walking so maybe an idea to carry ,the umbrella for a while.

You have gotten so much good advice here I won't add to it.
Just wanted to say I am glad you and your fur baby were not
injured. I am sure he will be frightened for awhile. The nerve
of the owner to say they were playing when one had him in
his mouth. I bet he was as nervous as you were but just did not
show it and played it down.

Im so sorry for you I would be so upset to if that had ever happened to spencer. I would call the authorities and tell them about the incident. Im sure there is something they could do about that

This is good advice. I actually have some myself for the same reason. Like I said, we have a lot of big dogs in our area & I'm not able to protect myself against them, much less myself and Sadie. Even if I picked her up, we're both still at a level to be seriously hurt. So I do have some pepper spray that I carry, but admit that I don't carry it all the time. I'd never want to have to spray another animal, but if it came down to me & my dog vs. the other dog, there'd be no decision to make.

I had a neighbor that never has her dog on a leash. One day the dog came up to us quickly. It wasn't really being aggressive, but was wanting to sniff Sadie & stuff (but how did I know it WASN'T going to be aggressive). Sadie was scared & so was I. She kept moving, so I couldn't reel her leash in enough to pick her up. The neighbor wasn't even trying to get her dog away from us. I said, "Can you please get your dog so I can pick mine up?" She said, "God, you act like it's hurting you or something." That really p***** me off. Big time. Some people have no consideration for others. I mean, even though I'm a dog person, I don't like big dogs if I don't know them. Because of a medical condition, I am small and if a big dog even bumped into me hard enough, it would knock me down & that could cause big problems for me.

It's not all big dogs...just ones I don't know. My brother has a 90lb Lab and she's the SWEETEST thing you could ever meet. However, I don't let Sadie near her. When Sadie was small, Sissy kicked her accidentally & it hurt her. She would never intentionally hurt her, but she doesn't realize her size.

sorry that was so long.....it's just something I deal with all the time & guess I can get passionate about it.

That's scary that they just jumped the fence like that! Do you know if they ever jumped it before? I'm glad your puppy is OK. Are you friends with the owner of those dogs? If you are, maybe tell him to get a higher fence, if he wont take care of it, then go to the police about it.

I hate to see neighbors fighting over or about dogs -- because nothing good ever comes from it. In fact, things usually only get worse.

I would make a serious complaint - to get it on the record.

And - I think you and your husband should walk over and visit with your neighbor regarding his dogs. I would be as nice as I could be, considering the circumstances, and discuss his getting a higher fence. Doing the right thing is in his best interest also - because he is placing his dogs in a position where they may do some harm and may end up being taken away from him. Plus -- even if he gets defensive - no one wants their dog or dogs to injure other dogs or people.

I would tell him about your vet bill, and hopefully, he will offer to take care of it. And - I would tell him that I am sorry, but I had to report the incident. He needs to know that a report has been filed.

**** as far as suing or bringing charges - I wouldn't even go there. (There isn't much more right now other than your vet bill - the not-too-serious injury to your dog - and your being frightened to death.) Bringing charges or legal action against neighbors just isn't where anyone wants to be...... I would spend my time working to solve this problem and staying as friendly as possible.

He needs to understand that nothing like this can ever happen again - and needs to do whatever is necessary to prevent it.

Good luck!


Carol Jean

Good post!