Samson hurt

[mruffruff]

Saturday afternoon at the dog park, great weather and good friends. Sounds ideal. And for a while it was.

I had three of mine-Samson, Scruffy and Bella. The other dogs were a standard poodle, black fox terrier (I think), a spaniel, an old English sheepdog and a black pittie named Scully.

Everyone was getting along great. Scully was playing with the spaniel, the other dogs were either investigating the woods or chasing each other at the other end of the park. Old man Samson was sitting next to my chair, watching quietly.

Scully came by, a little too close for Samson, so Samson let out a small, low growl. Sort of a 'Take off, kid" comment.

Scully, about a year old, was on her way already, but turned around and growled back as if to say 'What did you say old man?'

Samson stood up and growled louder, baring his teeth. Of course Scully had to answer. From that point on, things got ugly. I stood up and tried to get Samson to back up. Immediately, Scully attacked, grabbing Samson by his left ear. Scully's owners were trying to call Scully from about 20 feet away and finally came over and tried to pull her off.

By this time the jaws were locked. Scully knew she should let go, but couldn't, Samson is squealing like a pig and being dragged by this 35 pound youngster. I'm trying to soothe Samson as best I can without getting in the middle of the two dogs. The owners are trying to pry Scully's jaw apart with their fingers.

Scully finally let go. There was a lot of blood, all Samson's.

The owners were appalled. Their dog has never been a problem with anyone, including me. I was petting her earlier in the day. They wanted to pay for any vet bills and apologized profusely.

Samson's ear has a very deep, inch and a half tear on the inside of the top of his ear where it attaches to his head. I'll check later today to see if it needs a stitch or two. I suspect he won't.

We stayed another half hour (Scully was taken out immediately). Samson seems fine. No nightmares for him. Mom on the other hand..........

I'm glad all dogs have to be up to date on shots and checked for temperment before being allowed to use the park. I know this was just one of those things that happen, but it doesn't help the pit's reputation.

I guess there really isn't a point to this post; just needed to tell someone.

Mary

[dukedogsmom]

Poor guy. How big is he? I hope he'll be alright. Duke's an old man, too and he doesn't like a lot of action around him, either. At least the owners were going to pay for the vet bill and all.

[stacwase]

Oh, gee - how many people were watching? I hope this isn't going to start yet another "pit bulls are vicious" story.

Thank goodness Samson is OK. Keep a close eye on that ear.

[GraciesMommy]

Aww poor guy...I hope it didn't have to be stitched..

[mruffruff]

Samson weighs about 50 pounds. He looks like Duke (Doogie's roommate).

I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the ear. And no bashing allowed.

Mary

PS. I'm still figuring out my new computer at home, so I couldn't post a pic.

[dukedogsmom]

Originally posted by mruffruff
Samson weighs about 50 pounds. He looks like Duke (Doogie's roommate). I'm still figuring out my new computer at home, so I couldn't post a pic.

Oh, I'd love to see a pic of him!

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, what a scare! Dog fights are so frighteing Thank goodness Samson wasn't hurt seriously. And I feel bad for the owners of Scully too. They must feel awful Hugs to you Samson...and MOM!

[caseysmom]

Sometimes the dogs just get ticked off at each other...kind of like us humans only dogs usually have other ways of resolving...I have seen lots of breeds get into it at our dog park...thankfully I haven't seen bloodshed though...hope you pup is fine.

[dukedogsmom]

It's true. Duke gave Robilee's Katie the evil eye(complete with teeth) and Katie spoke her mind. She didn't hurt him at all, just let him know who was boss. I mean, it was her house. I just freaked out and Anna grabbed Katie. Wonder what makes them do that just out of the blue?

[lizbud]

Mary,

Seems you had my worst nightmare. A dog fight happening
at a (friendly) dog park is one of my greatest fears. I'm glad
that Samson was not more seriously hurt. Scully's people must
feel awful about this happening. Hope Samson heals up soon
with no after effects.

[mruffruff]

This is Samson.



He is at the vet's getting his ear checked out.

Mary

[vinjashira]

wow a split image of Duke

[dukedogsmom]

He is so cute! I can really see Duke in his face. Amazing. Even likes to smile like Duke does. Separated at birth?

[LauraT7]

I don't have a dog park near us - wish I did - i have always had goldens, and they generally get along with everyone.

One thing i have noticed about every 'incident' reported at any dog park -

The owners of the dog that attacks, (no matter the breed) or 'starts' an incident, always seem to be physically 'distant' from their dogs, and often I have heard people say the owners tried to 'call' the dog off, before getting to their feet and adding their physical presence to their 'authority'.

Now, I'm not saying I would be to thrilled to get in between a pack of flashing teeth, either - but like small children, YELLING doesn't usually do a thing - you have to BE THERE to enforce behavior when it's already out of hand.

Much as I love to visit with other doggie people - my eyes are ALWAYS on the dogs.

Now, aside from the few dogs that are VERY well trained (who wouldn't be the kind to get into these kinds of issues, anyway)
what the heck makes people think that if their dog sometimes ignores them in their own backyards, that they will suddenly drop fighting with another dog simply at their master's command?

laura

[Logan]

Oh Mary, I haven't been here, so I didn't see this until now. I do hope that Samson will be ok. Wonder what in the world set Scully off like that???

Samson is a beautiful, wise looking fellow. Give him a gentle hug from me when you get him home, please.

Logan