If you follow me on social media you know that Boomer had a really rough day earlier this week. Here's what happened...
My husband was in the back yard and walked to the back fence (it borders another neighborhood) and was speaking with the woman who lives in the house behind us. They have a large white dog who likes to sit near the fence and watch our three dogs when ours are outside in our yard. Sometimes Boomer and the neighbor dog will even run along the fence with each other, like they are playing.
As my husband and the woman were chatting, Boomer jumped up next to the fence and put his paws on top of the top rail. It's a 4-5 foot fence, so he can't possibly jump it but he can get his paws up on it. The neighbor dog jumped toward the fence and bit Boomer on is right front leg just above his paw.
I was inside the house at the time and heard the dog yelp. It scared me because I've never heard any of our dogs make a noise that loud. It all happened in a split second, and Bill checked Boomer but he seemed fine. Bill was focused on Boomer's nose because he thought that's where he had been contacted. They came in the house and I asked what happened. Boomer seemed fine but as soon as he laid down, I saw his leg.
The gash wasn't very long but it was DEEP. I could see the bone when he licked it and the skin pulled away. Immediately, we called the vet and said we were coming in for an emergency visit. The vet saw the wound and said he needed to be sedated for sewing the stitches and inspecting the wound. I was so upset at this point I felt like I would be ill.
We left Boomer at the vet for his surgery and drove to the other neighborhood to speak to the owners. They weren't home and we had no way to leave a note, so we drove back home. A few hours later we were able to pick up Boomer and bring him home.
Boomer was super woozy for the entire evening and his siblings were very sweet and gentle with him. We started him on his pain meds and antibiotics. He loves taking his pills when we tuck them into hot dog pieces. He's such a good boy.
Later that evening we saw the woman in her yard again so I sent Bill out to speak with her. I knew I couldn't be kind because I was still too upset and Bill is good at handling tense situations. He told her about the bite, the vet visit, the surgery, etc. She suggested that maybe he just got cut on the fence. Even though she had been standing there and saw the whole thing!! My husband let her know that it was definitely a dog bite. She said she was 'sorry' but she never offered to help pay for the vet bill even when my husband told her about the cost of the surgery. My heart is racing just writing this story out, I'm still so upset.
My poor Boomer has 10 stitches in his leg and a big bandage covering his wound. He's being so good about not messing with the bandage, so no cone needed, thankfully. He's taking his pills like a champ and he's being as needy and clingy as ever. I'm trying to keep him calm, but he tends to get excited a lot. He's getting lots of extra snuggles for sure!
He goes back to have his bandages changed on Friday and just to make sure there are no issues with the healing process. I have no idea why this happened and we have no plans to pursue anything further with the neighbor (though if the situation were reversed, we totally would have handled it differently!) We are just focusing on loving our fur babies and making sure Boomer is as good as new as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much for all of your kind comments of love and support on social media. It really helps. Someone has his chin on my leg waiting for some love right now. LOL
Diane
I think a lot of people don't understand the concept of responsibile pet owners and even being neighbors. Glad Boomer will be okay.
ReplyDeleteAwww, poor Boomer. Hope he heals quick.
ReplyDeleteO oooh poor Boomer !! He is very brave... I'm just sorry for what happened and I hope there won't be another same situation.... big hugs Diane !! And big hugs for Boomer !
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Boomer! That was a really nasty bite! So much for considerate neighbors.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about his bad day. Dogs are very territorial and I guess your neighbor's dog was acting out of instinct. However good neighbors should at least offer, I think. Go glad your fur baby is alright and healing comfortably. Those vet bills are quite expenseive these days.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to hear about this on IG. Any pet named Boomer (I had a cat so named) has a special place in my heart. Maybe the super sweetness of our respective fur kids is derived from the name. Anyway, cyber hugs to Boomer (and you!) for continued healing. Let the anger toward the neighbor go - it’s not worth it. Besides, Karma is a b*tch.
ReplyDeleteI was at your lecture today with the Cherokee Rose Quilt Guild.. I loved your presentation and bought you book and some patterns; hence my visit to your site.. As I dog lover, so sorry to hear about your dog.. Hope he is better soon. Neighbor is so irresponsible.
ReplyDeletePoor guy. Glad he is on the mend.
ReplyDeletePlease give Boomer some extra pats and scritches from me! Hope he heals quickly and stays away from the neighbor's dog!
ReplyDeleteHow sad that people don't do the right thing. Wonderful that you are taking the high road...and glad Boomer is okay!
ReplyDeleteOH my gosh that breaks my heart! I have 3 fur babies and I would loose my s*!! If this happened!! People are so scared that if their dog bites another and its reported that their dog will be quarantined and then put down...they get scared and I can understand that BUT....take some responsibility and help out. Ignoring this will make everything worse.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Boomer is going to be ok, give lots of cuddles and treats lol
poor boomer. I have had neighbors like this too, it is unfortunate and upsetting for sure. People all too often don't do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad boomer is okay, but sorry you all went through that
Oh no! Poor Boomer and poor you. Angst with a neighbor is never fun, especially when they are in the wrong! Hugs and wishing a speedy recovery for Boomer!
ReplyDeletesounds like you need a taller fence..and not for boomer...
ReplyDeletePoor Boomer. What a beautiful dog. He looks part collie. My fav along with my shelties. We love our dogs and dont want them to do any suffering! I hope Boomer heals quickly without complications.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Boomer is ok - just reading it makes my stomach hurt. I hate confrontation, but I wonder what your neighbor is thinking! Hug your fur babies for me
ReplyDeleteOh, Diane, I am so sorry about Boomer. He looks like such a sweetheart. Give him extr hugs for me. So wise to get right to the vet for stitches and tlc. hugs
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