Sometimes it's a hard pill to swallow, but:LIFE'S LESSONS ARE PART OF LIFE!!
---X---
On Sunday, our two Goldens got two walks: A 6km excursion with the Boss, in the early morning, and another in the afternoon with the youth in our household.
Max, was his usual playful self all day, but I could see a bit of fatigue showing through towards mid afternoon.
As you know, Max is a robust and statuesque nine-year old Golden. We are impressed with his general health and fitness, but I suppose we have to accept that he is getting on in years. His stature however, has always seemed a threat to other dominant dogs and often, on our walks here in the neighbourhood, he has been attacked without provocation. We have been attacked at least 5 times over the years!
I have put it down to Max being regarded as a threat to those dogs who remain behind their fences and gates and NEVER get walked! I suppose one can imagine how frustrating it must be, for a dog, to never see the outside of it's property. So when another dog - and it's pack- walks past them every day, they wait for that one moment when their owner is off guard.
The moment when they can slip out of their gate...
Well on Sunday it happened, yet again!
A boerboel took a leap of faith past his open gate, charged up the street (about 50m) and attacked my dog. Max was soon on his back and forced to seriously submit whilst my family (and Max's pack) looked on helplessly. We know, in these circumstances, to simply drop the lead and allow him to defend himself.
On the positive side, this is the first time in Max's life that he has been forced to seriously 'submit' . .. And I am thankful that he did!
Luckily he is unhurt but I think that his dignity has taken a serious blow. He is totally 'wiped out'. He's even omitted the early morning nose snuggle which wakes me.
My dog is really pooped!
I have told myself that I must accept that he is getting on in years. This means that my role as his protector must be firmed-up! I need to be even more vigilant in avoiding these wayward hounds on our streets...
But How, I ask when other owners continually refuse to look after their animals?!
MAX'S MOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
26 comments:
Hi Max and Max's Mommy!
That's one of the things which happen almost weekly with us here..Last month, my Maxx was (should i say attacked?) by two unleashed pekingese who immediately charged at him when i brought Maxx out from the car. One of them chomp off a chunk of fur from his cheek while the other tried to go for his legs! I couldnt release Maxx cause i know the damages he'd cause to those tiny demons..I was struggling to keep Maxx from responding which i felt was unfair for him..I stomped my feet to keep those demons away.
Worst, their owners didn't even bother to apologize..He just came and picked up(struggling to pick up) his dogs and just walked away...! Should i release Maxx next time or perhaps spray water on those two..!
Maxx's Mommy
Oh Max
Please don't think of this unfortunate incident in terms of hurt dignity. It is clear to me that you are a magnificent and dignified dog, in his prime. You now have the wisdom that comes with age, in addition to all your other marvellous qualities.
Take heart!
Cheers, H.
PS Thank you so much for your encourgaing comments on my blog. And fear not, there is absolutely no danger that an opinionated old chap like me will continue to keep quiet about the things that matter!
That is just awful. Poor Max and poor mommy! Maybe you need to start carrying something with you to warn off those bad doggies. Glad all that got hurt was your dignity.
We have to delay our trip by a week. Something about it taking forever for the gals to get organized. You start making a list of doggies who need us to open up a can of whup ass, OK?
Slobbers,
Mango
Ohhhhhhhhhhh poor sweet Max and Mommy....
First you mustn't think to that event in term of hurt dignity!!!!
PLeaseeeeeeee.....these incident happened sometimes....but isn't because our dogs are older than others....or are bigger than others...or are too much nice than others....
It's only happened because there are owners who don't take care of their dogs....leaving them behind gates for all their life and never get walked...they create aggressive dogs that are ready always to attack other happy dog!!!!!
But...where you live you can't denounce those people????
Don't you have an organism like ours called "defence animals" where we can denounce the bad owners or aggressive dogs???
I think you would reassure your sweet Max a lot and make with him something of very very special for him!!!!!!!!!
So he could understand that wasn't his guilt what's happened!!!!!!
We must be protectors of our dogs during all their life....
but in this case you didn't do lots of things....
And you have done the only thing that you could do!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
If you need of us..pleaseeeee....feel free to contact me always!!!!!
Be strong dear Max!!!!!
Life is sometimes very very hard!!!!!
Take care and pleaseeeee....let us know how is going!!!!
Tons of love and kisses and cuddles dear friends!!!
Poor you having to go through something like that. Somehow dog fights are heart racing, fear inducing experiences. Thank heavens you dropped the lead and let them sort it out. I hope you're not reliving it in the snall hours of the morning. Presumably Max is now enjoying extra attention and relishing it!
Hi Max! I found your blog through your post in Tweedles blog! You're a beautiful dog, Max, and from this post it sounds as if you've got a very responsible and caring family. :) I will read along with you on your blog journey! :)
We are sorry Max that this terrible incident happened to you.
Please don't be sad but be Strong.
So sorry to hear about that incident, Max. Hope you´re feeling better now.
xoxo
Thor
Hi Max & Max's Mom, We really hate it when other people don't take good care of their pets or just ignore them so they get mean. So glad you didn't get hurt badly. We had Siberians for a long time and one of them got chewed up by a dog not on a leash & for no reason. She was nervous about going on walks for awhile but we know you will get over it soon Max.
You are a handsome and great pup.
Love
Ernie, Sasha, & their Mom
Oh Max...my Mama gets SO ANGRY when she hears of these instances...So VERY ANGRY.
I hope that you are getting a good nights sleep!
Smileys!
Dory
Dear Max and Max's Mom
We were so upset to read about the attack on you Max. Murray got so upset that we nearly wished we hadn't told him as he sat beside us this evening reading along with us. We hope that you are a lot better now and we're sending you lots of love from Dublin.
Loose dogs are a big problem over here in some areas particularly for our guide dog owners who don't see the dog approaching. Several of our guide dog owners have had to retire their dogs after horrible attacks on them by stray dogs. We are constantly asking our local authorities and councils to take more action against loose dogs. It is totally unfair of dog owners to allow their dogs out to behave like that.
We hope you recover very soon.
Lots of love from Clive and family
That is so sad! And so scary! We're glad you're OK, Max, but we understand it does take a lot out of you - even if you show no injuries! We've been attacked by loose dogs, too - and know our mom feels helpless when it happens.
Please feel better, Max, and get some rest. And give your mom a lick on the nose for us, OK?
Love,
Ammy
Hi, Max!
I am so sorry for this episode!
When I go out on walkies, I almost never see a doggie outside walking. All of them are behind gates and I feel sorry for them. Now, I don't want to imagine if one of them gets free by themselves!
Forget that mean doggie and be happy as always!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Hi there! I am back from vacation! I can't believe it was a boerboel (well actually I can), but I am so sorry! That is ridiculous and sad. Good job on being on top of it.
Kasha and Africa
mumsy is sooo angry it happened to you......and so mad at the owners.
i was attacked once and mumsy scooped me up on time but she got bitten.....now i get carried when big dogs are around
if you're well enough, do come by to feed my feesh - it may cheer you up
take care
chikisses
All around the world people are placed in situations just like yours. Frankly, I'd carry some pepper spray if I knew my dog's health and life was at risk. You are much wiser than me because I would have jumped on top of the larger dog, bared my teeth and bit him right on the nose and then he would have proceeded to rip me apart!
I would definitely write the owner a letter. Always a letter. Never a phone call. A letter is documentation of what took place. Put the owner on the defense just like poor Max was on the defense.
Max, I'm so sorry this happened to you my friend! That must have been so scary. Me and mom are sending you lots of love and hugs. I hope your mom finds somewhere to walk you where there are no mean dogs!
Luv,
Cloud
Poor Max, that makes me angry!!
Glad you did the right thing Boy!
My Zack is getting older too and I keep a watchful eye on him.
Kit
Mom and I are still digging out from my great blog khrater but wanted to khomment on our skhary it must have been...
And soooo sad that their 'people' don't khare enough to prevent it from happening...
I'm sorry fur all of woo...
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Max this is terrible that it happened to such a wonderful dog like yourself. Know that you are the dog : ) People that do not walk their dogs shouldn't have them really, being outside behind the gates is just one big crate to them. Be strong!!! We are happy you were not hurt!!
So sorry to hear about your ordeal Max. Many years ago, we had a neighbour, Dougal, a handsome labrador who was often attacked. He was such a kind, gentle soul, just like you, without a mean bone in his body. It just does not seem fair does it? I am thinking of you a lot so do take care. Lots of hugs and pats.
Oh dear,
Sounds like a bit of a dog spat this time.
Well, at least if any injury or harm results from a loose animal, the owner is held responsible. That doesn't prevent these problems unfortunately.
Please tell Max to remember that feeling he had, as that's what we kitties deal with when we're chased or bullied!
I'm sure Max's confidence will return soon. If not, tell me where that dog lives and I'll put the word out in the kitty community. He won't enjoy claws in his feet or nose one night.
We kitties are nimble :)
I have the same problem with Woodrow - woodrow get his big bully ass handed to him - he doesnt fight back even with the smallest dogs - and tons of dogs are aggressive where i am and just attack
Woodrow - Sweetie - MJ
sorry - we hope max is okay and you have no further problems
Woodrow - Sweetie - MJ
I still blame toffee....word on the street is generaly your pretty amenable with other dogs, just you know, exchanging phone numbers, until toffee gets picked up and decides to bark at the other dog, forcing you to protect the pack. Is that true max? You did good max, hold your head up high, you kept ur lady safe, and that ball of fur too
So sad for poor Max and glad he was not hurt. I also feel bad for those animals who are allowed to roam the streets because their owners either don't care or think they should be allowed freedom. It is dangerous all around! My Moose being large and black seems to elicit that response from some dogs inspite of always being submissive and gentle. He was bitten pretty badly by another dog who gave no warning (if he had Moose would have turned away), just grabbed his neck and would not let go. It is an awful and traumatic experience for the dog and owner so I really feel for you.
Glad you are all (Max & pack) ok and hope it never happens again!
Moose + Dana
Post a Comment