Gavin was attacked today, he is NOT hurt, but I am upset!

[BG and Gavin]

We were walking through the neighbourhood park towards the garbage can to make a deposit and a man and a black mixed breed 50ish lb. dog sort of emerged from the tree shadow all friendly and saying "hello." Well the dog was off leash and made a b-line towards Gavin (who was on leash) and attacked his face and neck. Gavin cried like I have never heard and tried to hide behind me. I made myself big and backed that (female dog) off until the loser, I mean owner could grab her. I dared not drop Gavin's leash because the small park is not fenced and bordered by busy roads on three sides. Gavin cried and cried. Loser: "I don't know why she did that. She never does that. We sent her away to be trained for doing that." I just put on my happy face and kept going with Gavin acting as cheerful as I could. After we got a block away I examined him for any damage. He looked ok. Then I cried and cried lol. I stopped a couple of times to visit people on the street before going home to try and keep thing positive. I kept thinking if that loser and his dog traumatized my sweet Gavin I can't be held responsible for what I do.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh no....I am so sorry for Gavin and you. This makes me furious. No one should be walking their dog off leash and this is why. I have had several dogs off leash approach us and their stupid owner always says, "don't worry...he/she is nice!" I don't care. I have 2 dogs on leash and I don't need to get in the middle of a fight and neither do you. Poor Gavin....he is so sweet and I am sure this scared him to death. Please give him a hug and kiss from us. 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Laurie.  You are right of course.

[Leslie J]

That's awful! I'm glad Gavin wasn't hurt. I can't imagine why this dog is allowed off leash considering her history!

[BG and Gavin]

Bone head owner.  Thanks Leslie.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Just reading your description of what happened makes me gasp. I can just imaging how surprised you were and how quickly it took place. Your instincts sure kicked in when you got the other dog to back off and release herself from sweet Gavin. While it doesn't sound like the other dog broke Gavin's skin, he might still be sore from the pressure put onto his neck and face. How terrifying. One minute, you are out enjoying nature, minding your own business, and the next second you are shocked into the reality of an unpredictable dog and an irresponsible owner. I hope Gavin recovers quickly from the incident and the emotion of it all, and that you are able to catch your breath and regain some calmness. So terrible . . .

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks.  I was telling a neighbour what happened and started crying again.  I am hopeless when it comes to this dog!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I would cry too if that happened to either of my boys that is too awful. What a dreadful irresponsible dog owner. I think I would not have been as polite as you were. :(

[BG and Gavin]

I was only polite because I was in shock lol.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

So sorry to hear this, but glad Gavin is ok. I'm impressed with how you were so level headed and thought to keep it positive for Gavin. Thanks for sharing that. I think in the moment that must have been so hard to do, but it was the right thing to do for him. Well done! Best,

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Cindy. It was just instinct I guess.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh no!! Poor sweet Gavin. This makes me mad and scares me too because things like this can happen so fast and are so unexpected . One has no time to step in and stop it and protect their baby.  Tara is so small, the smallest dog I've had to date and she could be so damaged by a dog like the one you encountered.  Terrifies me. I  really hope Gavin (and you) can completely recover from this incident.  He will follow your cues so be brave, be strong and have no fear (easy to say!) Doodle kisses from Tara to Gav.  

As for the other owner....geez...all I can do is shake my head. 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Ricki.  I just wanted to protect him and he is 75 lbs.  Little Tara would have been another story :(