Rooney was attacked at our dog park

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I haven't been on DK since the attack, I've just been so upset (at myself) that I couldn't even come to you all for the comfort that I knew would be here.  Before I go any further - Rooney is fine, acts like his normal, loving, happy self so I do not think that he has any emotional trauma.  We took him back to the dog park yesterday when we knew that it would be empty and he just ran right it so he isn't associating the park with the attack which is good.  He is on antibiodics but we never had to use the pain killer.  He has one baby tooth broke off and another one is chipped and he has a laceration in his mouth.  No stiches were needed and the only thing we have to watch is that when his adult tooth comes in where the one tooth was broken that it comes in straight - worst case scenaro is oral surgery to correct that issue if it occurs.

Our dog park is a private park in our own development, the small dogs would meet up at around 4:00 and the larger breeds come later, just an unspoken arrangement.  Rooney has always loved going to the park to play with all of his buddies, the owners visit and the dogs have a blast.  Friday was no different except that DH was in town and was able to go with (thank God).  We were there and Bozo (an obese Corgi) came with his owner.  Bozo was dressed in a Santa outfit and it was pretty darn funny.  Rooney and Bozo have been around each other without any problems so many times.  At one point Rooney was trying to get Bozo to play and Bozo did a little growl.  HOW I WISH THAT I HAD PICKED UP ROONEY AND LEFT.  But I was told by our trainer that dogs will signal to each other and that they will work it out, a little growl or snap is their way to teach each other.  Everything was fine then and all of a sudden Bozo attacked Rooney without cause.

I'm ashamed that I let this happen, I love that little guy so much and I know that I let him down.  Bozo's owner offered to pay the vet bill (which we declined as we feel partially responsible) but I told them that if he requires oral surgery on that tooth down the road - I'll be sending the bill.  Bozo's owner has promised that Bozo won't be back to the dog park.  Well, later I was told by someone that Bozo has had other run ins and that they said they wouldn't bring him back then.  We didn't know about this or I would never had let Rooney around Bozo.  I will report it if I see him there again. 

I'm so conflicted about letting ever go back when any dogs are there.  I feel so guilty that I can barely sleep.  I feel like I'm a bad doodle mom.

[Lisa {Zoe's Mom]]

I love your name B.O.  lol...WTG Jane!  What a great thing you've done.  You've not only let the mangement aware, but mentioned you were satisfied with the outcome as long as he stuck to his word.  Ball's in his court and the management co.  Bet you'll be getting a call to head the volunteer board!  Stick to your guns but not making waves, you are a true lady.  Now just think about how many innocent dogs you've saved from a possible attack and a course one can take if necessary.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

If I lived in Florida I would be your body guard and we could just HANG at the park and wait for the offensive (BO and Bozo).

Your Mom sounds like she is feeling better - tough just like you.

Doodle Kisses.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Ha! Jane you crack me up!! (B.O.)  I'm glad to hear that you are being the "go to gal" with this situation! It sounds like it has been tolerated for some time now by the other dog owners. It would be great if something good can come out of all this and you can prevent other dogs and their families from going through what yours did when poor little Rooney was attacked!

 

 Chin mat huh?  It IS an unusal location! I don't think Tara has ever had a chin mat but she HAS had them just about everywhere ELSE!!  :)Yes, please post some pics of buffed and polished Rooney!!  Merry Christmas to you and your family too!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Glad you mean business with Bozo and his owners!!!  I hope you are keeping any trimmings off little Rooney.  I saved Gracie's first curl that was cut off...not a mat though!  ha ha   We need pictures of the buffed and puffed Mr. Rooney!!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I just took the bull by the horns and called the mgmt co and spoke to the General Manager.  I explained the situation, told him I was satisfied with the outcome but that I thought a volunteer board of residents to help with the dog park would be useful.  We could make sure that everyone knows the rules, and have a place to go for recourse should there be any issues like we had.  He was kind and he thought this would be a great idea.  Soooo - we'll see if anything comes of it.  I'm crossing my fingers.  Otherwise a call to Country Animal Control would get a person results.  I'm hoping B.O. stands by his word and it doesn't come to that.  Merry Christmas all!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

The dog park is run by the developer's mgmt company.  After the holidays I am going to approach them about having a volunteer board made up of pet owners to help enforce the rules, etc.  Bozo's owner immediately stated that he would never bring Bozo back - but then I have heard from others that he has made that claim before. I was walking Rooney yesterday when B.O. (Bozo's owner - lol) stopped his car to ask how Rooney was doing.  He once again said Bozo would not be back to the park.  I told him that he should never be brought back - a dog that attacks once, will do it again.  In my mind this doesn't mean that they can't enjoy their dog themselves - just not in a public place off his leash.  I will report the attack to the county animal control if I see Bozo in the park.  So on a side note - Rooney's getting groomed (buffed and puffed for Christmas) and he has his very first hair mat(t)?  A little fur ball right under his chin?  WTD?  He hates being brushed but on his chin?  Jeez I'm getting gray hair!    

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Jane - I noticed you said Bozo will NOT be returning to the park.  Did you talk to the owners or did the Homeowner's Assn. talk to them?  Just curious :)  I want to HUG little Rooney!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Jane how are you and Rooney doing today?  I'm glad to hear that Bozo will not be coming to the park again!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Daisy - can you be my body-guard?  I'm only 13 lbs but I should be about 25 when I get older.  The other dogs at our park are all my friends and that mean Bozo can not come back!  Sorry about your nose but your mom is right to be picky, my mom is going to be very picky now too. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Little Rooney, when I was just six months old my Mom and Dad took me to a training class and another doggy bit me right on my fuzzy nose. We were just standing next to each other and that dog looked at me and without any warning like a bark or a growl she just bit me. My Dad was holding my leash and my Mom bent down and picked me up. I was fine and I tried to go right back up to that dog but my Mom scooped me up, when she did she saw a drop of blood poking out of my nose. Mom started to cry and Dad started to get really mad but we left and they took me to my Dr. he shaved around my boo boo, gave me a shot and sent us home with antibiotic cream. Mom kept bothering me for a week but I was fine.

We stopped going to that training class and started going somewhere else. We hardly go where strange dogs are, I go to doggy daycare but all of them are my friends, there is only 6 of us at a time.

Once in a while, when there are not a lot of dogs we go to the dog park with the big lake so I can run and swim to catch my ball. I really don't bother with the other dogs but they bother me sometimes so we leave.

I have really good friends in our neighborhood that come over to my house to play in the backyard, they are Sophie and Saffron and they also come in our basement to run and play.

My Mom says "I don't trust that dog" a lot when she sees different dogs on the trails and I hear "Is it dog friendly?" Mom says don't believe everything you hear to my Dad all the time and we usually walk around the other dog.

I am a big girl now and can take care of myself but still Mom won't let me make new friends very often she is mighty picky. I am always thinking "relax Mom I can handle this", and she does let me try but she chooses my friends for me most of the time. Good thing I still have my regular friends. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't run and play.

So, what I guess I am trying to tell you is stick to your close friends and let Mom choose for you. Since you are a little dood and not a big 65lb doodette like me it's probably best. She will be acting weird for a while but she will be normal soon.

Doodle kisses from me - woof.