Need advice, my little guy was bitten on the neck and he's in the hospital now - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kinetika · 10-25-2012, 06:42 PM

It happened right in front of the house, a larger dog (it was a blur i dont even remember the breed) started growling and bit my little guy on the neck. He was bleeding pretty good and yelping, so i went to the emergency room ASAP. He's gonna be fine, they have him on painkillers and worked on the laceration. He will stay overnight. they are going to keep a couple of tubes on the wounds for a few days in order to drain any fluids and prevent infection. It could have been much worse, thank god it wasn't.

$1200 bill (I live in NYC), I spoke with the owner of the other dog (who lives in my neighborhood) and emailed her the bill.

Does anyone have experience in anything like this? My yorkies health is the most important thing, but I want to make sure that I am reimbursed the full amount of the bill. Unfortunately,there are a lot of people in NYC that do not want to take responsibility for their actions (or in this case, their dogs).

Thanks everyone

joeyyy2010 · 10-25-2012, 07:14 PM

Oh my gosh! I am glad your baby is going to be ok! That must be so hard. I would wait for the owner to respond via email. Im in FL and dogs get a "3-bite" rule. After 3 aggressive bites they are put down so maybe you should report to the local shelter/humane society. Hopefully the owner will be a responsible one and offer to pay since her dog was the meanie!

yorkietalkjilly · 10-25-2012, 07:15 PM

First of all call Animal Control and report the bite, get the biter quarantined to be sure the dog doesn't have rabies and be sure you get a copy of the vet's final report on its health. Be sure that there is a record of your official statement timely made of what happened filed with the proper agency and a copy for you - if all that hasn't been done already. Other than that, if the biting dog's owner doesn't offer to pay the bills, you will have to get an attorney or take her to small claims court to get reimbursed I imagine. Be sure you have photos of the wounds and pictures of her at the vet, the scene of the incident, home rehab, etc., and keep a journal, copies of all bills, etc. Be sure her license current, is registered with the city, the fee paid, etc., as all that could come up as will all the circumstances of how the bite incident ensued, whether or not your dog incited the attack, was properly leashed, under your control, that kind of thing - should you go to court. Try to get any witness statements recorded or in writing if you can, affidavits if the agency will take them - some won't unless it is a danger to the public incident. The more prepared you are for court, the better the outcome usually but so much depends on the sitting judge/J.P., so research them and find out what you can about him or her, whether dog or cat lover, PETA member, etc. That's all I can think of.

I hope that your baby heals well and isn't left fearful of other dogs or big dogs from this incident but gentle psychological rehab along with physical, can help that. Keep us updated on how she is going as you can.

My Sophia · 10-25-2012, 07:15 PM

Did you report the attack to the police and/or animal control? You'll want an official report on file if you end up having to take her to court to get the vet costs covered.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-25-2012, 09:55 PM

OMG!!! That could have been disasterous...a couple violent shakes and it would have been a tragic ending. I too think you should be reporting that to authorities....that other dog should be quarantined and that owner should be liable for your vet bills, it would seem. Unfortunately, in different States, dogs are considered differently from State to State...but for the most part, I think they are nothing but possessions. My Sophia is right though..you are going to need documentation and an official report in case you end up in court.....

chachi · 10-25-2012, 10:19 PM

I would give it some time for them to respond then if not follow up with a certified letter. You could even have an attorney send a letter. then go to small claims court you dont need the attorney for there but sometimes people will go ahead and pay if they get an attorney letter and then you wouldnt have to go to court

chachi · 10-25-2012, 10:21 PM

Oh and keep paperwork on everything and receipts for care for dog

kinetika · 10-26-2012, 07:17 AM

just brought him home, he will have these little tubes on his neck until monday. and he needs to be o meds for around a week, also needs to be indoors away from other dogs for around 5 days. But hes going to be ok,and the wounds will heal up!

thanks for the advice, to be honest i just want to get reimbursed for the money i paid. and that other dog needs to be muzzled. i will contact the ASPCA and police for advice.

Verbena · 10-26-2012, 07:49 AM

Great. But do file a report. Maybe this dog has done it before. And it will help stop him from doing it again

jeane · 10-26-2012, 08:07 AM

good to hear that he will be okay but i agree definitely file a report

TxVicki · 10-26-2012, 10:07 AM

Saying prayers that your little guy will be Ok. Please make a Police Report and also a report at Animal Control as well. This dog should not be allowed to be able to do this to any other dog.

Perrella · 10-26-2012, 05:51 PM

I'm so sorry you little guy got hurt. How frightening for the both of you. Sending prayers for a full and speedy recovery to the little fella.

DBlain · 10-26-2012, 08:40 PM

so sorry to hear this, I am to familiar with your situation since it happened to two of my dogs about 20 years apart, very hard to belive it could happen twice, and both times almost in front of my home. You are very lucky, in both situations my outcome was not good. To your question about the bill, not that I felt lucky but my vet bills were taken care of, in the first instance the other dog was running wild and came on to my front lawn. Through another neighbor who was their insurance agent they stepped up and put a claim against their homeowners insurance policy that covered the medical costs as well as the replacement cost of a new yorkie and the first year health bills such as neutering and all the shots. The second time, it was my good friends dog and I have to admit that my dog was the aggressor, but just a lot smaller. She and I rushed my dog to the ER vet and she wound up paying for the bill, when I was in another room and I never had to ask or even see it. MI however is different from NY and one of the questions I have is does the person own their home, if so insurance might cover it, if not unless the person is willing you might have a fight on your hand. You could get vocal in the neigborhood and get others to enlist you in forcing payment, some people under the right type of pressure will do the right thing. You could probably enter a claim in small claims court, so like others said save all your receipts and make reports with every agency that will take one, also take photos of your dog now, get good graphic ones, in case you have to go to court. You could also take photos of their dog and post photos saying beware violent dog in neighborhood, i guess it depends how far and how safe you feel pushing it with the owner, some owners will step up and do the right things others have to be forced or shamed into to, good luck and give your baby a kiss for me.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-27-2012, 10:59 AM

Just checking in on your little baby...how is he doing? Watch closely to be sure infection does not set in...praying he is continuing doing well.....

Buster Brown · 10-30-2012, 03:10 PM

Hope your Yorkie is recovering and feeling better and that you are all safe and sound.

10-25-2012, 06:42 PM	#1
kinetika Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: nyc Posts: 28	Need advice, my little guy was bitten on the neck and he's in the hospital now It happened right in front of the house, a larger dog (it was a blur i dont even remember the breed) started growling and bit my little guy on the neck. He was bleeding pretty good and yelping, so i went to the emergency room ASAP. He's gonna be fine, they have him on painkillers and worked on the laceration. He will stay overnight. they are going to keep a couple of tubes on the wounds for a few days in order to drain any fluids and prevent infection. It could have been much worse, thank god it wasn't. $1200 bill (I live in NYC), I spoke with the owner of the other dog (who lives in my neighborhood) and emailed her the bill. Does anyone have experience in anything like this? My yorkies health is the most important thing, but I want to make sure that I am reimbursed the full amount of the bill. Unfortunately,there are a lot of people in NYC that do not want to take responsibility for their actions (or in this case, their dogs). Thanks everyone Last edited by kinetika; 10-25-2012 at 06:44 PM.

10-25-2012, 07:15 PM	#3
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	First of all call Animal Control and report the bite, get the biter quarantined to be sure the dog doesn't have rabies and be sure you get a copy of the vet's final report on its health. Be sure that there is a record of your official statement timely made of what happened filed with the proper agency and a copy for you - if all that hasn't been done already. Other than that, if the biting dog's owner doesn't offer to pay the bills, you will have to get an attorney or take her to small claims court to get reimbursed I imagine. Be sure you have photos of the wounds and pictures of her at the vet, the scene of the incident, home rehab, etc., and keep a journal, copies of all bills, etc. Be sure her license current, is registered with the city, the fee paid, etc., as all that could come up as will all the circumstances of how the bite incident ensued, whether or not your dog incited the attack, was properly leashed, under your control, that kind of thing - should you go to court. Try to get any witness statements recorded or in writing if you can, affidavits if the agency will take them - some won't unless it is a danger to the public incident. The more prepared you are for court, the better the outcome usually but so much depends on the sitting judge/J.P., so research them and find out what you can about him or her, whether dog or cat lover, PETA member, etc. That's all I can think of. I hope that your baby heals well and isn't left fearful of other dogs or big dogs from this incident but gentle psychological rehab along with physical, can help that. Keep us updated on how she is going as you can. __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

10-25-2012, 10:19 PM	#6
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I would give it some time for them to respond then if not follow up with a certified letter. You could even have an attorney send a letter. then go to small claims court you dont need the attorney for there but sometimes people will go ahead and pay if they get an attorney letter and then you wouldnt have to go to court __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-25-2012, 10:21 PM	#7
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Oh and keep paperwork on everything and receipts for care for dog __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-26-2012, 10:07 AM	#11
TxVicki Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: At Home Posts: 8,386	Saying prayers that your little guy will be Ok. Please make a Police Report and also a report at Animal Control as well. This dog should not be allowed to be able to do this to any other dog. __________________ [SIZE="3"VICKI & ALLIE[/SIZE]

10-25-2012, 07:14 PM	#2
joeyyy2010 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: tampa Posts: 705	Oh my gosh! I am glad your baby is going to be ok! That must be so hard. I would wait for the owner to respond via email. Im in FL and dogs get a "3-bite" rule. After 3 aggressive bites they are put down so maybe you should report to the local shelter/humane society. Hopefully the owner will be a responsible one and offer to pay since her dog was the meanie!

10-25-2012, 07:15 PM	#4
My Sophia YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 467	Did you report the attack to the police and/or animal control? You'll want an official report on file if you end up having to take her to court to get the vet costs covered.

10-25-2012, 09:55 PM	#5
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	OMG!!! That could have been disasterous...a couple violent shakes and it would have been a tragic ending. I too think you should be reporting that to authorities....that other dog should be quarantined and that owner should be liable for your vet bills, it would seem. Unfortunately, in different States, dogs are considered differently from State to State...but for the most part, I think they are nothing but possessions. My Sophia is right though..you are going to need documentation and an official report in case you end up in court.....

10-26-2012, 07:17 AM	#8
kinetika Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: nyc Posts: 28	just brought him home, he will have these little tubes on his neck until monday. and he needs to be o meds for around a week, also needs to be indoors away from other dogs for around 5 days. But hes going to be ok,and the wounds will heal up! thanks for the advice, to be honest i just want to get reimbursed for the money i paid. and that other dog needs to be muzzled. i will contact the ASPCA and police for advice.

10-26-2012, 07:49 AM	#9
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Great. But do file a report. Maybe this dog has done it before. And it will help stop him from doing it again

10-26-2012, 08:07 AM	#10
jeane Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: montana Posts: 2,945	good to hear that he will be okay but i agree definitely file a report

10-26-2012, 05:51 PM	#12
Perrella Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: VA Posts: 8,040	I'm so sorry you little guy got hurt. How frightening for the both of you. Sending prayers for a full and speedy recovery to the little fella. __________________ Tena & Zhoie Sweet Little Miracle

10-26-2012, 08:40 PM	#13
DBlain Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland County MI Posts: 6,190	so sorry to hear this, I am to familiar with your situation since it happened to two of my dogs about 20 years apart, very hard to belive it could happen twice, and both times almost in front of my home. You are very lucky, in both situations my outcome was not good. To your question about the bill, not that I felt lucky but my vet bills were taken care of, in the first instance the other dog was running wild and came on to my front lawn. Through another neighbor who was their insurance agent they stepped up and put a claim against their homeowners insurance policy that covered the medical costs as well as the replacement cost of a new yorkie and the first year health bills such as neutering and all the shots. The second time, it was my good friends dog and I have to admit that my dog was the aggressor, but just a lot smaller. She and I rushed my dog to the ER vet and she wound up paying for the bill, when I was in another room and I never had to ask or even see it. MI however is different from NY and one of the questions I have is does the person own their home, if so insurance might cover it, if not unless the person is willing you might have a fight on your hand. You could get vocal in the neigborhood and get others to enlist you in forcing payment, some people under the right type of pressure will do the right thing. You could probably enter a claim in small claims court, so like others said save all your receipts and make reports with every agency that will take one, also take photos of your dog now, get good graphic ones, in case you have to go to court. You could also take photos of their dog and post photos saying beware violent dog in neighborhood, i guess it depends how far and how safe you feel pushing it with the owner, some owners will step up and do the right things others have to be forced or shamed into to, good luck and give your baby a kiss for me. __________________ Lola my amazing little yorkie-pom Donna

10-27-2012, 10:59 AM	#14
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	Just checking in on your little baby...how is he doing? Watch closely to be sure infection does not set in...praying he is continuing doing well.....

10-30-2012, 03:10 PM	#15
Buster Brown Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toluca Lake, CA Posts: 5,491	Hope your Yorkie is recovering and feeling better and that you are all safe and sound. __________________ CarolynBuster Brown "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."