Rua was Attacked at the Dog Park

[Dori & Rua]

I'll start out with saying that she is just fine.  She (or perhaps more so me) was just a bit shaken up. 

 

I started out on some errands today with Rua.  We went to the beauty supply store to find some thinning shears (they were out), went next door to the natural dog food store (got some peanut butter & blueberry treats), then went into to Office Depot (worked on walking her up and down the isles) and then finally to Petco to do some training (kinda a long strip mall).  At Petco they had retired greyhounds to adopt out, so we tried to do some recalls and sits.  Just a bit too much distraction, so I decided to go to the dog park.

 

I took Adina's advice and did some recalls outside of the park on her long lead, and she did fairly well.  So, as a reward, I took her in to play.  Kinda windy and cool, though the sun was shining.

 

All was going well, she really was actually venturing away from me and having so much fun running and frolicking.  She is always fairly cautious in approching dogs, and she will run back towards me if dogs appear too aggressive to her (we were in the small dog part).  Well, I was chatting with a couple who had a 1-year old fairly shy dog, and fortunately I always  Rua in my sight.. All of a sudden, Rua is being surrounded by four dogs and they started attacking her.  Rua was squealing/crying in a very high-pitched manner so I did what any totally insane person would do...I threw myself over Rua, pulled her from the dogs and tucked her under me to protect her.  I tucked my head down to keep from getting bit in the face.  The other dogs were pulled off of us...I don't even know who really attacked her (I think two of them were border collie-type dogs)...but just heard lots of "are you both alright" and "I'm sorry".

 

I checked her over...someone said one of the dogs had her by the top of the head...and other than being full of dead grass from being rolled, having a wet head from slobber, and piddling herself, thank God she was fine.  I did get bit on my left index finger, 1/2 way between where it joins my hand and the first knuckle.  The skin was punctured just a bit (just a few drops of blood) in two places.  I have treated it and will just watch and see.  I am not concerned about rabies...just an infection.

 

I had been considering getting an invisible fence this spring so Rua can run and play in the backyard.  The back of our lot is along the out-of-bounds line for the 6th hole of the golf course we live on and we have golfers almost in a yard all summer long (ummm mostly the bad golfers LOL).  After reading more about invisble fencing, I am thinking that I am going to have to talk my DH into a real fence.  We can only put up an ornamental fence and they are really expensive.  What with the housing prices, we wouldn't recoup the cost of an installed fence in who knows how long.  But, I think perhaps I can get an Ornamental Alumium fence - instead of iron - and do-it-ourselves (how hard can it be to dig and set 37 or so fence posts) install.  Hmmm...perhaps I will hire the digging!  I had planned on getting new great room furniture this spring, but I think a fence needs to be a higher priority!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

What a frightening thing to happen.  I do worry about these Dog Parks because it all depends on having responsible owners and very well socialized and trained dogs.  Too many variables I think.  Perhaps a better option is to find some walking buddies with safe dogs and seek a place where dogs can run free.  Probably a big ask.  In Ireland every house has either a fence or wall around their lot.  We aren't so open plan as you guys so it's not the big expense you have in securing a safe area for dogs.  ( Do you have Tetanus shots up to date?  That's the one I would worry about if they drew blood at all)  TG you and the lovely Rua are ok.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry you and Rua had to go through this experience....poor little girl.  Unsupervised dog parks scare me for just this reason.  The fenced yard sounds like a perfect solution.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

OMD!  I am so sorry you and Rua had to go through that experience.  I am glad neither of you were injured badly.

[BG and Gavin]

Sending my sympathies your way.  I too have become less and less enchanted with the dog park.  Last time we went (some time ago) there were two huskies that would not leave Gavin alone.  I intervened when one pinned him down (had him rollled over and was holding him by the neck) while the other one humped Gavin.  The owner seemed largely unconcerned (they are just playing defense).  We left and haven't been back.  Keep an eye on that finger.  Do you know for sure that the dog that bit you was UTD on his shots?

[Rose]

Very scary! I'm glad to hear you and Rua are okay.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Thank Goodness you are both alright. It is such a shame this happened. This is my fear, Daisy is a bigger 65# dog and probably can handle herself with most dogs but Rua was ganged up on, when that happens there is not much that can be done.You did exactly what most dog owners would have done I would think - you are a good mommy.

[sandy b]

Dori, I'm so glad you and Rua are Ok. That had to be incredibly scary!! I'm thinking the fence is a great idea.

[Kim and Kashi]

So sorry to hear this happened to both you and Rua. Its so sad that you we're trying to socialize her and that had to happen. I hope it doesn't scare her away from all dogs.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Oh Dori - our little Rua. What a horrible experience for both of you. I'm glad you're going to go back to the park because that shows Rua not all dogs are bad. We had a Broder Collie that lived behind us and our golden Ret and he used to "talk" through the fence. The minute she saw him in person she would shudder. He was very mean and scary (even to humans).

As to a fence...can you put up a chain link then shrubbery to hide the fence?

I know the feeling of throwing yourself in to save your "kid"...I did that with my daughter when she was 5yo and a really mean Yorkie started to attack her on the soccer field. Thank goodness she had shin guards on...

[Donna Vee]

Ohhhhh Dori, I'm so sorry.  I'm glad as many have said that you two weren't badly hurt but how very scary... Poor Rua, she's such a sweet little girl. :(

 

 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Dori, I don't know if Rua goes to doggie daycare, but that is another option for socializing her with other dogs. It is a far more controlled setting than a dog park. Just a thought!

[Dori & Rua]

Laurie, Rua does go 2x a week and enjoys it.  Since our backyard isn't fenced in yet (I emailed 3 companies this weekend to start getting prices) I just wanted her to be able to run for a bit.  So, for now, it will be daycare until we have a fenced in backyard.