Hepburn was attacked today

[itsbaddangel]

Originally Posted by itsbaddangel

Thank goodness that store owner took such good care of you and Hepburn! I bet he doesn't realize you have a WHOLE ARMY of Yorkie Warriors behind you!
Praying for a speedy recovery!!

Sorry. I meant the owner of the Chocolate lab...I was under the impression he was the store owner in your first post.

[salazark]

I'm just reading this. Oh my gosh - I'm sure you were so scared. Beemer was attacked last fall and I still can see it. It's horrifying. I'm so glad that Hepburn's surgery was successful. You have my prayers for his continued improvement.

I've recently begun working as a training assistant at a canine behavior center and I'm learning so much. Dogs are compartmentalized learners. When we learn something we generalize it. Dogs don't do that. That's why so often when you're out with your dog they don't do all the tricks that they know at home. In order for a dog to generalize something it has to happen at many places. At class we call it their file folder. They have to have many pictures in that folder for them to realize that it works everywhere.

This also holds true in a traumatic event. That's why some dogs will only be afraid of a dog that looks like the one that attacked them. Other dogs associate the attack with the place where it happened. Because they don't generalize easily, they don't generalize their fear. My Beemer was actually attacked at class. He has no fear of other dogs - he's a four pound giant in his mind. But, when we walk into the classroom where it happened he starts shaking if there are other dogs there. I'm working really hard to help him overcome this. One thing that is present in my mind everywhere we go is that he can't afford to get any more pictures in this particular folder. I'm very observant whenever I take him out. I also carry pepper spray. I will caution you though about picking him up whenever a larger dog comes close. By doing this you will be showing him that there really is something to be afraid of. You could actually end up with him being more fearful. Dogs play off of our emotions. I do understand wanting to protect him - believe me I do!! I think that in your situation, it might be easier to just not have him on the ground unless you are confident that the situation is safe. In other words, be proactive - not reactive. I wish the best for both of you!!! I'm sorry this is so long - it's just that this is something I'm really trying to learn about because I'm going through something similar.

[manolos mom]

Wow poor Hepburn. I am so glad the store owner did the right thing to help you out. This must have been very scary. Remember, time will heal all wounds!! Lissette

[RachelandSadie]

wow that sounds awful but i'm super glad he's going to be ok. i would defin praise God that the store owner was so amazing to help and drive and pay. i would mention that he needs to keep his dog on leash or at home so it doesn't hurt any other pets or people.

[biapaiva]

That's is so sad. I'm sending my prayers to Hepburn, poor little thing.

[Bitsy]

Just now seeing this. Oh, your poor baby. I'm SO glad he is okay and will say a prayer for a good and quick recovery. Hugs to you both.

[Buster Brown]

I am so sorry that this happened to Hepburn and you.. I am glad that he is recovering well and seems to be not too traumatized by the event. Best wishes to you both.

[teacup0819]

I am just reading this now and am so happy that Hepburn is home and doing well...what a horrible thing to have happen to him and to you. I am happy that the owner has been cooperative and so helpful to you...but I hope that he keeps his dog restrained or home from now on....Hepburn could have been much worse off if not for you being right there and his guardian angel. Hugs to you both...and I am praying for a speedy, complete recovery for Hepburn.

[yorkieusa]

I'm so sorry for the horrible ordeal that you and Hepburn have endured. It sounds like he is recovering well and I hope he will be his usual carefree self very soon. I'll keep him in my prayers.

[MauiGirl]

This is so frightening, and I am glad things appear to be turning out ok so far. I wish Hepburn a speedy recovery.

[Ringo1]

Wow. I'm just now seeing this and so glad that Hepburn is home from surgery! Poor little guy; sounds like he really had quite a wound if he came home with a drain and all that.

I am glad that the owners stepped up to handle the costs and that is one battle you won't have to fight.

My Casper (maltese) was attacked by a larger dog and had to go to the ER vet; but had had bruising only and not the large gash. He was already not that great with strange dogs; I'm sure that incident did not help; but I really didn't see much change.

I remember he stunk so bad after the attack and the Vet told me that he was so afraid that he let his anal glands 'go'. Poor baby.

But the dogs owner came over to my house, knocked on my door, gave me a big hug and started crying. I knew she felt so bad. She paid for the one Vet visit and that's all he needed.

Big hugs to you as that was a very scary thing you just went through.

[moshes_human]

Poor little guy.

Poor Momma!!! I would have FREAKED out and probably lost it on the store owner. You kept your cool and handled it beautifully.

Well Done

[Sandysbabies]

I would have probably had a heartattack right there. Thank goodness he didn't get an artery. Poor little baby. Prayers that he will have a speedy recovery and I'm glad the owners took the respondsibility for your vet bills etc. Give that baby and kiss and take care.

[dryoasis88]

Hepburn is doing wonderfully today, considering everything. He even said hello to my neighbor's maltese and was very excited about it. He is eating, running around and playing with his toys a bit. Tomorrow he goes back to get the IV and hopefully the drain out. My parents (his omi and opi, which is german for grandma and grandpa) have already sent him a package in the mail full of toys and treats (they spoil him like he is a grandchild). I am so glad for the support on here. You guys really helped me get through this (and know what to ask about at the vet. I read lots of threads on here about anesthesia two months ago when he was fixed so I was well informed about what I should ask my vet before he was put under). I am surprised that I stayed so cool and didn't flip out at the store when it happened, although they initially didn't want to take me to the vet (a dog bite must be reported by the vet or doctor who handles the victim) I insisted and I am sure glad I did. I will update again as he recovers.

[Baroness]

Jiminy crickets...prayers for Hepburn. So glad to hear the store owner stepped up and took responsibility. So sorry something like that happened though...