My dog was attacked on the street.

meames_2

I don't believe her dog is bad. The way it behaved I actually think it really did think it was a toy.

krlyr

Sorry, I don't mean you, I mean the owner insisting it's soppy with children as if that makes up for what happened - yes, it may well be, but it obviously has some issues with other dogs, which need to be addressed!

elsien

My last snappy dog got out once when the window cleaner left the gate open. No harm done as I retrieved her before she encountered anyone. I then gave the window cleaner a bollocking, put an extra fastening on the gate, and now never let the dog out until I've checked the gate is shut.
Once is an accident, twice is carelessness, and that's the bit your neighbour needs to get her head round.

meritaten

I would tend to believe her - my staffy was the daftest dog with kids and adults - but she hated other dogs. she wouldn't start a fight though. and she got trained to ignore other dogs. but if she thought herself or her family under threat then she would defend herself and us.
If the lady is willing to pay vets bill then I would say accept that.

ColinAlvin63

Very sorry to hear that your dog was attacked by another. Sadly it's part and parcel of owning a dog. There is always an aggressive dog that will lurch now and again. I hope you get the leg sorted ok.

At least a vet didn't put your dog down needlessly. That's what happened to mine. They said her problems were down to a possible tumor, when in fact her symptoms (bulging & bursting eyes & loss of use of her legs) was down to their long term use of Prednisone steroids. Sadly I didn't realise that the vets (Withy Grove Vets of Bamber Bridge) had caused the problem until it was too late, and my dog had been needlessly put to sleep. I reported the vets to the Royal College of Veterinary Science, but they did nothing - they say that they only pass judgement on a vet if they are guilty of gross misconduct, yet they have the nerve to refer to themselves as a regulator! What a waste of time all that letter writing to them was. Some of my letters were 10 A4 pages, and took a whole day to write. I have not had an apology or any reimbursement of my £700 odd vet fees - it's scandalous and unjust in my opinion.

LondonGal

Definitely let her pay the vet's bill, single Mum or not. I adore dogs and, much as I hate to say it, find it easier to watch humans being injured on TV than animals.

My dogs are very much my world, BUT, we have to remember it could have been a child, not your dog. Both are serious.

My last dog was a rescue dog, and I'm well aware of some of the issues they bring with them. Hopefully the owner will train it responsibly and do something to ensure greater security in her garden - a word with the person who left it open wouldn't go amiss!

[Deleted User]

I hope Fudge recovers well and doesn't need further treatment. It must have been a dreadful shock for you.

My GSD was attacked at two months old. The dog almost bit through his oesophagus. Two ops and he was fine but it ruined our Xmas as it all cost over £500. The other dog's owner didn't pay a thing and the police were useless.

I do walk the dog but its a nightmare.., I have found that if I take them out at 7pm, there's less chance of other dogs being around.., 50% of the time there's an unleaded dog in the park and I have to ask the owner to put their dog on a lead because I am scared they will see my leaded dogs and try and come and play and it'll get out of hand. Just yesterday an owner told me 'but he's worse when he's on a lead' and I thought 'so you will have to control him, but at least he's not coming after my dog'. Drives me crazy and does make walking the dog a fear ridden occasion rather than a joy.

As far as I am concerned, it doesn't matter what the other owner's circumstances are, if she didn't have her dog under control, then she pays. Its one way of teaching what pet responsibility is.

meames_2

Thanks everyone. Fudge us a rescue too and is mostly very good he will bark at other dogs on a walk (although in this case we didn't see the dog until it had hold of him) and we are working on that and going to dog training twice a week when we can. I don't know his history so can't take chances and I am trying to be responsible.

I will chase her for the money, and will mention the dogs trust liability insurance.

I took fudge out to the bottom of the street for a very short walk as I want him to try an carry on as normal. It was very slow with the limping but the biggest change was his demeanour which was much more nervous understandably.

Luckily I booked today to work from home anyway, but it means so I can keep an eye on him.

Katiehound

Sorry to hear that Fudge has been injured, I would suggest you try to under compensate for the trauma... don't make too much of it because it will turn into a "big thing" in his mind. Above all do keep up the dog training classes because that in itself will be a confidence booster (probably for you both.)

Is there any other dog walker who you could walk with? safety and confidence in numbers.

If you feel that the "guilty party" will struggle to pay the vets bill you may decide to compromise.. saying well pay part but insist that she goes with you to dog training?... just a thought.

silvermist05

OP I'm so sorry to hear what has happened to Fudge. I hope Fudge makes a quick recovery. The same thing happened to myself yesterday evening.
My 5 month old westie was attacked too, she has a puncture wound to her neck vet has given her anti biotics and pain relief. The owner said she would pay for the vet at the time. I couldn't see anything at the time but found the wound when I got home.
Now I'm too upset to go and see the lady.