Close Call for Banjo

[Carol and Banjo]

Banjo was attacked by the pitbull from across the road last nite. This dog is tied all day, every day on the side of their property.  He must be a mix - pitbull with perhaps doberman as he's quite large.  DH and Banjo were coming back from a walk and heading up our driveway when the dog broke his cable and ran down the road to our property.  He knocked DH right off his feet and went directly after Banjo.  They ended up under the pickup truck. My DH tried in vain to pull the dog out from under but wasn't able to. He got ahold of Banjo's leash and pulled him into the truck (almost hanging
him!!) and then had to push the pitbull out to close the door.
No one was bit thank God!  DH's hand is swollen and his hip is sore.  Banjo
is all weird about going outside now.   He smelled SO bad that I had to
give him bath right away.   It was AWFUL....I'm still sick about it.
DH called 911 - the owner's came over and assured us they would keep
dog in the house...blah..blah.. blah......And if all of this isn't bad enough they apparently are "fostering" this dog until a home is found for him!  The poor animal is left outside all day long!
I can't help thinking about all of the "what if's".  I really don't have any idea how I would have handled the situation.  The irony of it all is we had just finished having a conversation about how "well balanced and adjusted" Banjo was.  I don't want him to have any "hang ups" about other dogs or anything else.  First thing this morning I took him outside to pee.....and for the first time since getting him...he didn't go.  He was so busy looking over his shoulder and sniffing out the "crime scene".  He eventually did go after eating a small breakfast.  I keep taking him outside for little walks (recreating his walk with Dad last nite) and giving him yummy treats.  He does seem more relaxed as the day goes on here.
Just had to vent.....I'm still wired up about this, thanks for listening : )

[Carol and Banjo]

Thank you Christine : ) That's so sweet!!!! I think it'd be love at first sight! Two adorable redheads!

[cheryl & oliver]

Carol, I am so sorry that DH and Banjo had to have this happen. Thank goodness, neither of them was hurt or bitten...I agree, the best thing to do with Banjo is exactly what you are doing, getting him out there right away. I would watch like as hawk and the minute u see or hear that dog tied up, I would notify the authorities...Hope all gets back to normal with Banjo and DH's hand gets better quickly..Keep us informed...

[Ladd Hill Labradoodles]

Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry you had to go through that but so relieved that everyone is OK. It is so difficult when we take such good care of our pups and try to raise them properly and then other people's negligence messes it up. Hopefully Banjo will bounce back quickly and forget all about that poor other neglected dog.

[Louise and Toby]

Bless your heart - too scary! You are doing all the right things. Banjo should be okay. I hope that dog finds a home with a responible owner soon.

[Kathy Spyker]

Quick thinking from your DH, thank goodness he put Banjo in the truck. I am so glad nobody was bitten.I think Banjo will get over this quickly but I think your DH might be looking around when he goes out just to make sure the pits not there. Give Banjo hugs from me and Lilly.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I hope I am never in a situation like this as I have a fierce protective instinct and don't know what I would do. When my son was little and I was out walking with him on a sled we were menaced by three dogs growling and trying to circle us. I got my son off the sled, put him behind me and put the sled between us and the dogs and slowly backed away until they stopped advancing. It was a very scary time. I am so glad Banjo and your husband are ok. This must have been a very traumatic event for both of them. Every day that I take Quincy for a walk in our neighbourhood we pass a place with two dogs chained outside, a sheppard and a pit. They come barking and lunging to end of the chain everytime. I often wonder what would happen if the chains broke. I think I'll find a new route from now on.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Holy cow - how awful. It scares me just read about it and all the what ifs. Glad everyone is semi okay. Sounds like you are doing the right things. Hugs to all of you

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am glad your husband and Banjo are ok. Our lab mix was attacked from behind by a boxer when he was a pup. It seems to me that it caused a negative turning point in his development. Since that time he looks back over his shoulder to check for dogs and if there is one behind him he is skittish.

[Carol and Banjo]

Overall, I'd say Banjo had a very good day yesterday, in spite of the horrible experience of the night before. We did 6-7 short walks, retracing his path the night before - giving him yummies along the way and lots of upbeat praise, etc. But Banjo was looking over his shoulder quite often. Unfortunately we live on a very quiet street with little traffic and no other dogs or people going by so I wasn't able to see his reaction to other dogs yesterday. We had a few bicyclist go by and he was fine. Today we'll take him into town and give him a chance to see other dogs - friendly dogs I hope! It really upsets me that this one incidence may have caused a "negative turning" point for him - we've been so fortunate with him so far.....he truly has been a happy go lucky, confident little guy - not a care in the world!
I should say that while being confronted underneath the truck Banjo stood his ground and was barking/growling at the pit - when he did that it caused the pitbull to stop and back away just enough for my DH to yank Banjo out from under. DH (having grown up in the Bronx) has since taken to calling him Bronxy. I'll stick with Banjo....my sweet little Banjo boy : - )

[shelly]

Awe... the picture in my mind of a frightened Banjo is so pitiful! But GOOD FOR HIM standing up for himself! Nah... I'm with you! Sweet Banjo - Let's leave "Bronxy" to the "Bombers" LOL Good luck today! I'll be checking in after work to see how he did! Have a good day, Banjo!

[Carol and Banjo]

Banjo is in puppy class...in fact his last class is Saturday. He LOVES it!! We enjoy it as much as he does! I'd like to continue into another class as it's such a great way to interact with other dogs and people! He is a real dog and people lover....we want it to stay that way.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

You are doing everything right - Banjo will continue to be a dog lover and social butterfly as long as you keep bringing him out and doing his class, walks, etc...