A really bad day -- attacked by a Pit Bull

[2Labs]

The title kind of says it all …

Today Maya and I were attacked by a pit bull. We were introducing ourselves to our neighbor at our home in RI when their pit bull came charging out of their house and viscously attacked Maya, our 10 month old puppy. I’m intentionally keeping the details quiet here and on our blog, but I will say that the attack was completely unprovoked and that while injured, Maya and I are doing ok.

At 1:31am my adrenaline is still running and I’m nowhere near ready to go to sleep, so I’m taking the first overnight shift with Maya since we need to keep an eye on her and the shunt that she had put in during emergency surgery today.

Here are a few photos of the injury Maya sustained. While I have bites and puncture wounds on my right hand, poor Maya took the brunt of the attack.

[BobGed]

I'm really sorry to read this. I hope you and Maya a speedy and full recovery. Had to be a very traumatic experience for both of you.

If you don't mind me asking, just what was the owner of the pit bull doing while you and your puppy were being mauled?

[2Labs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed I'm really sorry to read this. I hope you and Maya a speedy and full recovery. Had to be a very traumatic experience for both of you. If you don't mind me asking, just what was the owner of the pit bull doing while you and your puppy were being mauled?

In my 40+ years I have never been bitten or attacked by any animal and yes, it was a frightening experience.

The owners were screaming at the dog to let go and after them running into the house 3 or 4 times to fill pitchers of water to throw on the pit bull's head, it finally released.

[chaunclm]

So sorry for you distress. Many dogs should not be allowed to live.

I would recommend that you report the incident to the authorities. This dog will attack again and next time it may be a child that's the victim. The dog also needs to be observed for a period to insure that rabies is not in the cards.

Pit bulls were bred to fight, and even the most gentle has this fighting instinct in their psyche.

[chaperon]

There are sooo many owners of agressive dogs that have no idea how dangerous these dogs are, how much damage they can inflict and no idea how to control them. Such a sad, sad experience for you and your pup!!

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Labs ...that while injured, Maya and I are doing ok.

'Problem is, Maya probably isn't okay. Our Havana was charged at a dog event, of all places, and forever will be alarmed anytime a dog, stranger or not, is behind her. The experience changed her personality.

I'm sorry a thoughtless human and its animal did this to you and your little one. Hopefully, she'll heal physically and not be altered emotionally by this terrible mishap.

[2Labs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVNeophytes2 'Problem is, Maya probably isn't okay. Our Havana was charged at a dog event, of all places, and forever will be alarmed anytime a dog, stranger or not, is behind her. The experience changed her personality. I'm sorry a thoughtless human and its animal did this to you and your little one. Hopefully, she'll heal physically and not be altered emotionally by this terrible mishap.

I agree totally. My comment about being "ok" was in relation to a physical sense. I am sure that Maya is traumatized and can see it in her face, her ears and tail. Being a week shy of 10 months old I do worry about how this is going to effect her and any future encounters with strange dogs.

[2Labs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaunclm So sorry for you distress. Many dogs should not be allowed to live. I would recommend that you report the incident to the authorities. This dog will attack again and next time it may be a child that's the victim. The dog also needs to be observed for a period to insure that rabies is not in the cards. Pit bulls were bred to fight, and even the most gentle has this fighting instinct in their psyche.

This incident was immediately reported to the police and police, fire and medical personnel were on site within 5 minutes of my 911 call.

[Bruce C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVNeophytes2 'Problem is, Maya probably isn't okay. Our Havana was charged at a dog event, of all places, and forever will be alarmed anytime a dog, stranger or not, is behind her. The experience changed her personality. I'm sorry a thoughtless human and its animal did this to you and your little one. Hopefully, she'll heal physically and not be altered emotionally by this terrible mishap.

Sad to hear, It'll take time for her to feel comfortable with other dogs but in time let's hope she'll feel at ease. My Sasha had some bad times earlier in her life but with time and alot of love she loves people now, and other dogs as well. It did take along time though.

[Steve N Sal]

Sad to hear stories like this but sure glad the two of you are OK. I could make some comments about that breed but I best keep them to myself.

[John H...]

I hope you and Maya both heal soon from the attack. Sure is a terrible way to be introduced to new neighbors. Doubt you will ever get close. This dog should have been chained up.

Hate to offend anyone who may own this breed of dog, but I think they should quit breeding them and made extinct. Too many people and other animals are often viciously attacked for no reason.

[Bill WA6YBD]

2Labs,
So sorry to hear about your ordeal. I can't begin to imagine your horror. It's easy to see how much your dogs mean to you. I would rather spend time with my dogs then time with most people I know. I hope your neighbor does the right thing and we don't have to see you on Judge Judy.

She is a beautiful dog. Hang in there, soon she will be back to her playful self and you can put this ordeal behind you. Give her a pat on the head from Joanie and I and 2 licks on the nose from Annie and Buddy my 2 border collies.

I will watch for daily updates. ~Bill

[WheelingIt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Labs I agree totally. My comment about being "ok" was in relation to a physical sense. I am sure that Maya is traumatized and can see it in her face, her ears and tail. Being a week shy of 10 months old I do worry about how this is going to effect her and any future encounters with strange dogs.

I am so VERY sorry this happened to you. What a horrible, horrible experience!!

Regarding Maya once she heals (physically) you can work slowly on getting her comfortable again around people & other dogs -> The key is lots and lots of *positive* interactions in a calm and organized manner. My dog was attacked by a German Shepherd when she was a pup which made her even more nervous than she already was (she's always been a jittery type). After the ordeal we worked on positive interactions with calm dogs and people...lots of treats, lots of positive meetings etc. done one at a time as often as we could. I was a volunteer dog trainer for many years (at a shelter) and this is how we worked all traumatised dogs. My dog is now OK with other people and dogs, but is still spooked by German Shepherds and prefers to meet dogs one-on-one rather than in a crowd.

All that to say that Maya may always have some inhibitions from this, but there is lots you can do to get her comfortable again.

Good healing to her and to you!!

Nina

[Fred1609]

I hope you and your dog heal quickly. Its funny how you'll probably hear from the other dogs owner that "my dog has always been good, great with children", "never was agressive, my dog is different from the rest of the breed", etc. Just takes a second and you and your dogs are victimized. I don't care how anyone tries to square that circle a pit bull has great potential to go off unprovoked.