The unimaginable happened tonight- Goldie bit Silverlyn

[Star and Goldie]

Before I tell my story let me start with this, I am ALWAYS ALWAYS very careful of Silverlyn and Goldie's interactions. They are ALWAYS supervised. They are NEVER left alone together, not even for a second. I preface with that because I feel so terrible about what happened tonight that I would expect some verbal lashings of someone indicating this is my fault...

Silverlyn and I built a tent in the living room. It started out as a great night. As she played in the tent I crawled out (because it's not a mom size friendly tent) and I sat at the opening- so YES I was right there when this next part happened... Goldie was laying about 3 feet away from the tent playing on the floor with some of her toys- being the super good puppy that she is.  Silverlyn crawled out of the opening of the tent and in less than 5 seconds had been bitten in the neck.

Silverlyn is almost 3 feet tall so as she was crawling out she came close to where Goldie was playing. Now, Goldie did NOT growl, she did NOT snap, she did NOT act possessive or like her space was being invaded or anything like that. What, in my opinion and from what I saw, believe that Goldie did not even know she bit Silverlyn. I really think Goldie just thought it was still her pile of toys.

It was a super quick nip and Silverlyn's reaction really startled Goldie and she had this 'oh no what did I do wrong look on her face'. But I was obviously more concerned about my daughter. I did not scold Goldie or anything because I knew it was an accident. I quickly swept Silverlyn up and rushed into the kitchen to put her on the counter for an exam.

Below is a picture of the bite. Even though it was an accident, Goldie got her on the worst imaginable place- the neck. Silverlyn only cried for about 45 seconds (this happened over an hour ago and I'm STILL crying). I doctored her all up and she seems to be fine but momma is NOT fine.

I keep trying to tell myself that it wasn't my fault and that there wasn't anything I could do to prevent it but the fact that it drew blood like that just has my mind all over the place. I really hope that this doesn't build a fear up in Silverlyn. I'm hoping the fact that she only cried for 45 seconds means she'll bounce back quickly.

I feel like I did the right thing by not scolding or recognizing bad behavior from Goldie since I truly believe she just thought she was still playing with her toys.

It was all just bad timing that lead to a bad accident that could have certainly been a lot worse. I'm glad the household is calm right now. As I type this Goldie is laying at my feet chewing on a toy and Goldie is playing a game on my phone- both seem like nothing even just happened.

So is it just me that will have a hard time forgetting this???

[Ginny Nightingale]

So glad you are all feeling better--accidents will happen and puppies are not that aware of their teeth and what they can do--this was very minor and I am sure we are all relieved to see that all is well....I had a terrier once that "collided" with my 5 year old son (he is 21 now) and the pup had his mouth open--he caught my son's mouth with his canine tooth--they are very sharp and it sliced the corner of my son's mouth--after ER trip and 8 stitches, we knew it was an accident and we had to be sure that my son was more educated about keeping his face away from a rambunctious pup--it never happened again...but my son still has the scar to remind me that he was hurt by that puppy!! Guilt trip!!

[Hailey and Oliver]

Hi star.  I just saw this and when I read the title I thought that something happened to silverlyn or goldie.   Well I guess something did happen to Silverlyn, but worse.  Not that this isn't bad but, oh you know what I mean.  But i'm glad  too hear that everything is OK.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I just saw this. You sound like a wonderful mom.  And what you wrote about your feelings for Silverlyn is beautiful!  This sounds like puppy play.  Nothing to feel guilty about.  Glad all is well.  We had lots of little scratches and nips from puppy "love" over the years.  The kids still loved the dogs and the dogs loved them. I agree with Karen and F... it's probably a good idea to keep your DD off the floor near the puppy when the puppy's playing and away from face level until the pup is a little bigger and through the teething phase. But don't make a big deal...just explain it's part of how the puppy plays.  You'll get through this phase.  I really admire your giving your daughter the experience of growing up with a puppy. 

 

[Star and Goldie]

@DJ- you have NO idea how much you just made my day with that short little comment. Being a single mom can be one of the most challenging things but also the most rewarding. Everything I do is for my daughter. She was such a special gift to me and I vowed to spend every day with her in a way that would honor that gift from God. Even at some of the most challenging moments I just couldn't my life any other way then it is right now... blissfully perfect. I work so hard to provide a good life for her and my purpose in this world is to raise her to greatness. It's just so refreshing when even a complete stranger sees something there.

I named her Silverlyn because I combined the words Silver and Lining... every cloud has a silver lining. She brings light to everyone around her. It's my duty as a parent to raise her in a way that allows her to be a shining light to the world :)

[DJ & Chance]

You are a great mom--it shines through your posts on Silverlyn and Goldie.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Glad everything is okay today.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree with you and the others. If I crawl towards Darwin he perceives it as playing, and will do a play bow and start wagging his tail. So perhaps that is what it was.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am glad all is well  )

[Star and Goldie]

Here's the Good News Update brought to you by one relieved Momma: Silverlyn is perfectly fine today. No markings are left on her neck. It faded quickly through the night. She hasn't mentioned it once this morning and she doesn't seem to have any different feelings towards Goldie! What a scare that was... for all 3 of us (apparently more so me than the other 2 haha)

[BG and Gavin]

Well how are things today?  It looks very minor, but any touch with those sharp puppy teeth can leave a mark.  It was just an accident and it sounds like you handled everything well.  Good advice from those who have already responded.