Once in a while every city gets a dog-related story. This week we’ve been shaken by two, one on the heels of another. The first story is a heartbreaking tale of a dog with a missing leg. The second… an unfathomable tragedy that affected the entire community.
Good dog, poor dog
Yesterday, a story ran in our local paper about a young dog that apparently got caught in a leghold trap and chewed her own leg off to break free. The dog was named Jeannie. (read full story). It sounds like Jeannie’s troubles are far from over: she is extremely emaciated, has mange, and suffers from several open and infected wounds. Although her leg (or what’s left of it) needs to be amputated, the animal is too weak to undergo a surgery. They want her to put on some weight and get a little healthier first. Jeannie’s treatment is expected to cost a pretty penny, and AARCS (The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society) is asking for donations.
Family dog gone terribly bad
Today’s story was about a tragedy in a community just north of Calgary. A family husky attacked a newborn; the little boy didn’t survive the attack. Not much is being said about what provoked dog’s aggression. All we know at the moment is the dog didn’t have a history of violence. (read full story)
My heart goes out to the family who have suffered this unimaginable loss. It’s also a reminder to all of us, canine aficionados, that dogs have teeth, and they can bite.
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As Cowboy pointed in his comment to this post, the article (and the organization behind it) is against pitbulls. I have nothing against pitbulls and I don’t believe in “aggressiveness” of certain types of dogs. I believe it all boils down to a responsible dog ownership, although “ownership” is not the best word either to describe our relationship with our beloved four-legged “kids.” Please also note, in the 2nd case it’s a husky. And the circumstances of the attack are likely still under investigation.
Staying safe
Most dangerous situations
- Leaving an infant or toddler alone with any dog breed
- “New” situations involving children and aggressive dog breeds
- Approaching a chained dog, especially if it is male and unaltered
- Encountering a group of loose dogs. Like the human “mob” mentality, normally obedient dogs often become violent when part of a pack
- Inserting yourself into a dogfight, especially when pit bulls are involved
- Approaching a vehicle with a dog inside (or in the bed of a truck)
Always remember
- Do not pet a dog without first letting him see you
- Do not lean your face close to a dog
- Do not tease a dog, especially if it is chained
- Do not startle a sleeping dog
- Do not bother a dog that is eating
- Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies
- Do not turn your back on a dog and run away
If you think you may be attacked
Guidelines from the HSUS
- Never scream and run
- Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog
- Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight
- If the dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around
Related articles
Related articles
- Dog-mauling death a ‘tragic accident,’ say police (windsorstar.com)
Natalie –
Both the stories are indeed heartbreaking. However, That website is absolutely wrong and very misleading about many things. One of the things that may be the worst lie is the statement of “Many serious attacks occur when a child is visiting the home of a relative with a pit bull or rottweiler (“new” situations1)”
That is exactly the kind of organizations that create bad names for dogs that don’t deserve it. The parent that allows a dog to play with children is the one to blame when something happens.
No child should ever be left alone with any dog at any time, but for an alleged public education website, they are making statements that aren’t true. Pit bulls or Rottweillers are no more likely to bite a child and actually less likely than some small dogs like dachsunds.
I sure wish organizations like that would get their facts straight before getting the general public all riled up.
Cowboy, I am not against pit bulls, sorry if it came across that way. And I totally agree that parents should not leave a dog and a baby alone. Especially if a dog is a large one, although little pooches can inflict damage too. I’ve seen that on Dog whisperer. I found this article on dogsbite and thought it would be a good reminder to us that certain things need to be kept in mind, especially when babies are concerned. The husky that killed the poor boy will likely be destroyed, but was it entirely its fault? The family lost both their baby and the dog. I hate to see these stories, especially so close to home. I like happy -ends.
Natalie –
I didn’t intend to imply that you personally were against pit bulls. It’s just sad to see that kind of misinformation on an a so-called public education website
It is possible that they will euthanize the husky and I do feel sorry for the child. The only possible good that comes from a scenario like that is hopefully the parents have learned a valuable lesson. Dog owners just don’t get it, for 35 years, I’ve preached that all dog owners should be licensed and pass a written exam just as required for a drivers license before they are allowed to possess a dog of any breed. While this wouldn’t stop all dog bites, I bet the number would be greatly reduced.
It’s a great blog post and one that raises awareness, hopefully people who read it will pay attention and learn by reading instead of the way these parents learned. I’m glad you posted it !
Thanks for your perspective. I appreciate it very much. After the first story about Jeannie the poor three legged pooch, I’ve decided I need to get involved with a dog rescue organization. I am thinking of foster care, but hubby has objections. I said I’ll do research and talk to those who’ve been fostering for a while. What are your thoughts about foster care? Meaning what’s typically involved? I understand there is a process, and requirements, but I’d like to hear about firsthand experience from those who did it or are doing it.
Natalie –
First, check to see what rescue groups are near you or at least within 100 – 200 miles. If you hope to foster a specific breed, check the internet for that breed rescue in your area. If you would be willing to foster non specific breeds, check for local all breed rescue groups.
You may be required to have the ability to initially separate a foster dog from other animals you have on premises. Aside from regular day-to-day care (feeding, grooming, exercise), the responsibilities of a foster home may include basic training (housetraining, walking on leash, sit, down); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping, mouthing, barking, destructive chewing, dashing through doors); socialization and temperament evaluation (to determine whether the dog is good with different types of people and other animals); medical care (dispensing medication, taking the dog to vet appointments), and of course plenty of playtime and snuggling.
Fostering a dog may can be a formidable task, but it’s a very tangible way to make a difference in so many ways.
Some of the rescue groups may have different needs or requirements.
Wishing you the best of luck should you be able to foster !
Thanks, Cowboy! That’s very helpful information.
Reblogged this on JUSTICE FOR RAYMOND.
Do you have any updates to offer on Jeannie?
My daugher worked as a veterinary tech for 7 years. Often times the girl had to unload the pain of her work days in emails to me, and I have to tell you–sleep wasn’t so easy after I’d read what went on, but she was an Angel in Scrubs. She helped save and re-adopt a number of animals before she left the vet field.
If we all would lift our hands to help just one animal . . . what a difference we could make.
Hi Rebecca, thank you very much for your comment and your kind words, I added an update on Jeannie’s story to the post, which, in a nutshell, says that donations have been pouring in for Jeannie’s treatment, but the dog is still too weak to have a surgery; she is on painkillers and antibiotics. They think they will be able to do the surgery in the coming weeks.
Your daughter was a vet tech – bless her heart! I can’t even imagine how hard that could be emotionally.