Sam was attacked by a dog

[pomtzu]

Poor Sam. What a terrible thing to happen. Sending healing prayers to Sam, that he heals fast and without too much pain.

I do hope that this gets reported to the authorities, before one of those dogs injures or kills another animal, or a person. Being that Sam was treated at the emergency vet, aren't they required to report it to Animal Control? In Delaware it's law that it must be reported. Any animal or person injured by another dog, and that seeks medical assistance at a vet clinic or a hospital (for humans), then the incident must be reported by the treating facility.

Years ago, I was playing with (ok-more like teasing) one of my Lhasas, and I got right up in his face. He wasn't a mean dog, but he was growling at me and warning me to back off, but I didn't listen. Quick as a flash, he snapped at my face and grabbed my lip, which of course startled me and I pulled back, causing a rather nasty tear since he didn't let go. I had to be stitched up at the hospital, and they had to report the incident. I got a visit from AC the next day - checking on Scooter's shot records. He was one week overdue for his rabies (I had an appointment the following week for this), so therefore he had to be "house quarantined" for 6 or 8 weeks, and I couldn't take him anywhere except to the vet for his rabies shot. And AC did a couple of spot checks over that period of time too - just to make sure that I was complying. I was rather upset that Scooter now had a "police record", but it was no one's fault but my own.

Well, that might have been somewhat off subject, but the point I'm trying to make, is that this incident that Sam was involved in, should be reported, even if it isn't state law where you live. I know you don't want to get the guy that owns the attacking dog in trouble, but just consider that you could possibly be saving a life. Dogs like he has, do not belong in an apartment environment. Sorry - that's just my opinion - but if this attack came out of nowhere and had never happened previously - then it could just as easily happen again without notice. Dogs such as this, need a big fenced in yard to run and play and exercise in, not a little patch of green in an area where there are other people and animals.

I do hope that the situation gets resolved, so that something such as this can never happen again to you or you furkids - or anyone else's either.

Please give Sam a gentle kiss on the top of his head for me. Myndi and Sparky are sending out all the good doggie vibes that they can muster.

Get Well Soon, Sam

[kaycountrygal]

I just want to be on record that I too think the incident should be reported to the police. Even if the man moves to a different apartment (and your dogs are out of danger), his dog/s might attack someone else's dog... or even a child. Maybe they will never attack again but you never know. There should be a record on file at least. ... Kay in NC

[wolf_Q]

Poor Sam and poor you. That is so scary, I've had many off leash dogs come running up to me when I'm walking my dogs and I'm always afraid something like that will happen. Years ago we had a pit bull get loose at my work and attack another dog. There was no provocation at all, he went for the throat and tried to kill the other dog who was not even fighting back. I have friends with pitties and they are sweet with people but all are dog aggressive; not entirely, they get along with certain dogs, but they have to be careful what dogs they let around them. So sorry to hear this happened to Sam, hope he'll have a full recovery.

[dab_20]

Thanks for the good vibes everyone. My mom and I decided we wouldn't report it because we didn't want the guy (considering he does seem to be a responsible dog owner) to get in trouble... or anything bad happen to his dog. But if this is the first incident, I suppose the dog wouldn't. In Utah, I believe, it is only required to be turned over to authorities if it is a human. I think if an animal actually dies they have to, too. I am not sure about that though, so don't quote me.
With your thoughts on the issue, though, I'll talk to my mom about filling out a police report. It could've been a one time thing, but it might not be. Would I just call animal control to do that?

Just a question..could it may have been out of play? I am sure this seems like a ridiculous question but Pitties are powerful dogs. I just refuse to believe that Pitbulls are "wired wrong" like some people think, and I know of course you never believed that about them. I am just bringing up a possible suggestion. I know it's a long shot, but ya never know.

It certainly wasn't out of play. I know dogs can get pretty rough in play. This was a full on mauling.

I don't think pitties are "wired wrong" either, however, I think they are at higher chance of being aggressive. For one, they are often owned by irresponsible owners. The need a special owner because of their dominant personality, they're very strong dogs, and they have a high prey drive like mentioned.
It's sad though, because I was just talking to my brother about pitties the other day. He does believe not all, but many pitties are inherently aggressive and unpredictable. His last boxer was attacked by a Pit Bull, he was bit in the face by a Pit Bull, Springen was bit and hurt last year, and now Sam.
I know it may just be coincidence, and Pit bulls are able to do much more damage than other dogs when they get in a fight. I love Luna, my bf's pittie, to pieces. I just don't know.

[dab_20]

Hello, I saw your thread last night and posted. I didnt see the photo until now; he looks so sad and probably hurting some but I'm sure he was glad to be near you. How is he today- Sunday? Did he sleep much last night... and did you? Wonder if he will be even more sore today? Kay in NC

Sam's doing better today, at least mood wise. He was playing with some toys earlier. Begging for food like he always does (he's a pig!). He is more sore and very itchy I think.
He slept ok, kept moving around a lot though cause he can't get comfortable. I slept like a baby, just because I spent the night before with Sam at the vet and had to wake up at 4:30 am for work!

[dab_20]

I'm so glad that Sam is going to heal. And I'm glad the other owner has contributed.

But, I've got to ask -- why isn't anyone filling out a police report?
When I was 12, I was mauled by a St. Bernard. He grabbed me by the head (I had been down on my knees playing with my dog) and shook me like a rag doll. He put my entire head in his mouth and drug me around. He left. I played dead. He came back and mauled me some more. Almost 400 stitches later, they had my lip and ear sewed back on. Luckily, most of the scars are under my hair line.

My folks filled out a police report. When the police came to investigate, they told us that this same St. Bernard had already killed 2 dogs and I was the THIRD child he had bitten!

Fill out a police report! Get it on the record. As awful as it is -- imagine how bad you'd feel if the next time he kills a dog -- or a child!

How horrible!! I can't imagine how that must've affected you. This could be true- a good reason to contact the authorities. I'll let you all know what we end up doing.

[pomtzu]

I'm not posting this to make you feel bad or guilty about what you decide to do, but this is my take on the situation. After this - I'll just shut up!

I'm sure you're caught between a rock and a hard place. This dog's owner might be one of the nicest people imaginable, but it's his dog that is the issue here. What's to say another incident like happened to you and Sam, won't happen again. Perhaps if there is a next time, the animal (or person) that is attacked could be very seriously injured - or even worse. This guy could be sued for all he is worth, and then some, and would probably carry the guilt with him for the rest of his life. I don't know about you, but if this had happened to me and one of my dogs and I didn't report it and the dog attacked again - then I wouldn't be able to live with myself, knowing that I kept quiet about it. If I had reported it, perhaps another incident could have been avoided.

You said yourself the attack wasn't out of play, but was a full on mauling. The thought of that scares the hell out of me! I know it's a tough choice for you to make - to report or not - but consider the possible future effects, and not just the here and now. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Okay - I'll step down off my soapbox now. Not trying to preach, but just hoping that perhaps you'll see beyond yesterday's unfortunate happenings.

Please deliver another kiss to Sam for me - and a big {{{hug}}} to you.

[luvofallhorses]

First of all I am really sorry Sam got attacked and hope he will be OK.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was not to bred to kill rats, they were originally bred to bait bulls but in later years bred to fight other dogs. The APBT is naturally dog aggressive as they were bred to fight other dogs. Just like Labs were bred to retrieive and Border Collies were bred to herd sheep. You cannot train or love it out of them, it's what they are supposed to do.

I don't agree that they are more "inherently" likely to be aggressive. They certainly may have dominant behavior, because they are terrriers! It does not make them automatically aggressive. Heck I have met Jack Russells that are more pushy than an APBT. An APBT just wants to love you and please you.

These dogs should never be human aggressive, period. They should welcome all people who are strangers with licks and tail wags. Other dogs, not so much as they were bred to fight. They pass temperament tests a lot more than today's popular breeds according to the ATTS.org. Every APBT and mix I have met has been wonderful with people, but not so great with other dogs and other animals which is common.

I am not trying to ruin your thread as I feel for you and Sam, I really do; but I don't think it's fair to say they are more likely to be aggressive when they never should be with people.

From atts.org
American Pit Bull Terrier - 86.0% in passing temperament tests.

I sincerely hope Sam will be OK.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm not posting this to make you feel bad or guilty about what you decide to do, but this is my take on the situation. After this - I'll just shut up!

I'm sure you're caught between a rock and a hard place. This dog's owner might be one of the nicest people imaginable, but it's his dog that is the issue here. What's to say another incident like happened to you and Sam, won't happen again. Perhaps if there is a next time, the animal (or person) that is attacked could be very seriously injured - or even worse. This guy could be sued for all he is worth, and then some, and would probably carry the guilt with him for the rest of his life. I don't know about you, but if this had happened to me and one of my dogs and I didn't report it and the dog attacked again - then I wouldn't be able to live with myself, knowing that I kept quiet about it. If I had reported it, perhaps another incident could have been avoided.

You said yourself the attack wasn't out of play, but was a full on mauling. The thought of that scares the hell out of me! I know it's a tough choice for you to make - to report or not - but consider the possible future effects, and not just the here and now. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Okay - I'll step down off my soapbox now. Not trying to preach, but just hoping that perhaps you'll see beyond yesterday's unfortunate happenings.

Please deliver another kiss to Sam for me - and a big {{{hug}}} to you.

I totally agree with you on this one Ellie.

[cassiesmom]

Oh my goodness. My heart just took a dive when I saw the title of this thread. Big prayers for Sam and you.

[K9karen]

Sorry, I've been off the computer a few days, and just saw this.

The picture of Sam broke my heart. Oh, poor, innocent dear. I hope he recovers quickly.

Mz Logan is a sweetie, but there are times when I over rough house, or bother her and she'll give a growl warning. Since she can't stand up and bop me on the head with a hammer, I take it seriously. I've had a few deep bites from not heeding her warning. In Pa., if it's your dog that attacked you, there is no need for a police or AC report. So, of course any dog can "attack".

Having been through a vicious dog attack, unprevoked, and seriously hurt, I wouldn't give the owner an ounce of pity. Sorry to sound heartless. The neighbor was a nice guy, we said hello, we waved etc., but he was a lousy dog owner and even worse property maintainer.

I know you don't want to get the guy in trouble. He gave you some money. That's real nice. How would you feel if Sam was killed? It's every owner's responsibility to follow city, township, state laws. Are you going to be afraid to walk your dogs? How will Sam react? I think you should have made a police or AC report. In PA, my neighbor got to keep his dogs, but they could only be outside, leashed with the owner at all times, and muzzled.

I guess this incident hit home to me, as a human, and I don't want anything ugly to happen to your sweet babies.
Gentle kisses on Sam.

[cassiesmom]

Sam, Molli, Springen, dab_20 I am thinking of you tonight and sending you (((HUGS))) ---


elyse

[anna_66]

Gosh, your poor Sam. I'm very glad to hear that he's feeling a little better. I have to say I'm very surprised that the owner has already paid you some, that's really good.
Many hugs and kisses to your sweet Sam.

kuhio98-wow, I can't imagine. I don't think I'd ever own a dog after that.

[lvpets2002]

Aweee poor sweet baby Sam.. I sure hope you heal real fast & get well soon.. I would have been so horrified over this.. Sending Lots of Prayers & Huggss..

[Vette]

I am sorry to hear that Sam got attacked but i am so glad that it turned out the way it did. especially after reading about other dog/on dog attacks in other threads. pretty nasty stuff.

but the part where you said it looked like he was about to cry.... my heart went to the guy an to you. i know id have a really hard time reporting it... =/