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Post by k8smom on May 4, 2015 19:50:52 GMT
I feel horrible. My son and I were repairing a small section of fence between our yard and the neighbor's yard on Saturday so had a 3 foot or so span down. My large black lab was in the house but at the sliding glass door supervising us. I had an extension cord plugged in inside the house right next to the sliding glass door, so the door was shut on the cord, but not latched. The neighbors have an equally large mixed breed dog who stuck through the gap in the fence out of curiosity, and before you know it my lab had nosed the sliding glass door open and was on that dog in 2.5 seconds.
It all happened so quickly, I didn't realize the neighbor's dog had even been bit until Sunday when their little girl said that the dog's "cut was still bleeding." I called the neighbor and apologized profusely, and offered to pay for the vet bill. She said they hadn't mentioned it because their dog was on our property and considered their dog to blame. I felt so badly about it all evening last night that I didn't sleep more than a few hours. Our lab has never once shown any sign of aggression, or tried to bite. He will be 9 in October and is as sweet and kind as a bunny rabbit. I am just so traumatized. I feel to blame because we had the gap open in the fence, it wasn't the dog's fault he wanted to peek through it. My lab has never once nosed the door open before, it was just all so surreal.
I adore my neighbors, I have the best neighborhood and would hate for people to think I have a problem dog or that I'm not responsible. Should I insist on paying the vet bill? What would you do? She's told me twice not to worry about it but I can't think of anything else.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,175
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on May 4, 2015 19:56:49 GMT
Don't beat yourself up about it. If they said don't worry about it, then don't worry about it. You did all the right things by apologizing and asking to pay the vet bill. Did they take him to the vet? Maybe wait a couple days and then ask again after everything calms down.
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Post by momstime on May 4, 2015 20:05:52 GMT
If I ever get bit by a dog, I hope it is YOUR dog. You are the most reasonable, thoughtful pet owner I "know".
If your neighbor said let it go, let it go...but I would still make them a nice meal and send over some doggy treats, too. I would also consider having your dog looked over by the vet. If this behavior is out of the blue, there could be a medical reason.
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conchita
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,141
Jul 1, 2014 11:25:58 GMT
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Post by conchita on May 4, 2015 20:10:38 GMT
Next time be sure to let your neighbors know you'll be doing repair work so they can bring their dog inside. All you can do now is what you've already done and not make the same mistake again. And honestly, a neighbor repairing a shared fence and doing their best to make amends when an accident occurs is a good neighbor. It probably appeared to your dog that he needed to protect you when the other dog suddenly appeared. I wouldn't think that makes him an aggressive animal but one that is responding to protect. If you're still feeling low maybe take the dog a basket of treats and chew toys?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 20:45:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2015 20:12:22 GMT
Ugh that is so hard. We had a situation with a neighbor where their cat came into our backyard and our dog killed it  I felt so horrible- jus like you did. We called them at 11:30pm at night and told them what had happened. We didn't know them but the cat had a tag on its collar. I took them brownies the next day and told them how sorry I was. Not to hijack a thread but I feel that if dogs can't roam around freely then cats shouldn't be able to either. Hugs to you- I think you've done all you can in the situation. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on May 4, 2015 20:14:39 GMT
If I ever get bit by a dog, I hope it is YOUR dog. You are the most reasonable, thoughtful pet owner I "know". If your neighbor said let it go, let it go...but I would still make them a nice meal and send over some doggy treats, too. I would also consider having your dog looked over by the vet. If this behavior is out of the blue, there could be a medical reason. I agree with having him looked over. My cousin's dog who was always extremely well behaved became aggressive in "old" age. Apparently dogs can develop a form a dementia similar to Alzheimer's where they don't recognize familiar people/places and become highly agitated. My cousin was utterly shocked when the dog bit her as it was entirely out of character. It could have just been a fluke of circumstances as I doubt the fence is down very often - and could have simply been a territorial issue. But something to consider. |
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846 
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Post by georgiapea on May 4, 2015 20:42:48 GMT
If they don't plan to take their dog to the vet, and that might not be necessary, what about taking the dog a 'Get Well' gift. Maybe flowers (which would really be for the owners of course) and a couple of dog toys and treats.
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Post by eebud on May 4, 2015 20:52:28 GMT
Next time be sure to let your neighbors know you'll be doing repair work so they can bring their dog inside. All you can do now is what you've already done and not make the same mistake again. And honestly, a neighbor repairing a shared fence and doing their best to make amends when an accident occurs is a good neighbor. It probably appeared to your dog that he needed to protect you when the other dog suddenly appeared. I wouldn't think that makes him an aggressive animal but one that is responding to protect. If you're still feeling low maybe take the dog a basket of treats and chew toys? I would also put together a nice basket of treats for their pup. I'm sorry this happened. As much as we treat our pups as family members, they are also animals. Animals are sometimes unpredictable. We have to always remember this. |
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Post by Sam on May 4, 2015 20:58:28 GMT
Offer a 50/50 to help with the costs - their dog got in but only because your fence was down.
I bet you'd feel the same way if circumstances were reversed and they can take or leave your offer.
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Post by k8smom on May 4, 2015 21:00:52 GMT
Thank you for the replies! Our fence has never been down but some posts were wobbly after a big wind storm last winter, so we have been installing Stur-D fence post brackets over the last month or two to reinforce them. This was the only repair on the part of the fence that adjoins our properties. Both the husband and the wife were outside working in their yard and both chatted with my son and I while we were working, but I don't think it occurred to any of us that this could happen. We are all responsible dog parents and like I said, I thought mine was safely inside. It was just one of those split second things that happen where you wish you could turn back the hands of time.
I hadn't thought about a treat basket, I will do that! My neighbor promised to update me after the vet visit, and as we share the same vet I will follow up with a phone call and see if they want to examine my guy as well.
Thanks again for the kind replies, I do so appreciate you all!
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Post by colleen on May 4, 2015 21:41:39 GMT
My dog has been attacked twice by other dogs and all I really wanted was an apology. Things happen with dogs and as long as someone isn't totally irresponsible and is contrite, I would be good. I think you are being a very good neighbor and pet owner.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 20:45:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2015 4:07:47 GMT
If they won't let you pay the vet bill, get a gift certificate from Petsmart or other dog centric store in your area.
Our 2nd Golden (lost him last year) was a total lamb. Until another male dog came into his yard. We were shocked how aggressive he became when a neighbor got a lab pup who kept wandering over to our house to play. Thankfully, the pup always went into total submission and our golden felt his lesson was over. Equally thankfully, the neighbors realized the pup was not a good idea for them and found it a new home.
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Post by cajeanne on May 5, 2015 4:39:46 GMT
Your dog was protecting you. She said let it go, so let it go. (But I can understand where you're coming from!)
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Post by mom on May 5, 2015 4:43:18 GMT
I feel horrible. My son and I were repairing a small section of fence between our yard and the neighbor's yard on Saturday so had a 3 foot or so span down. My large black lab was in the house but at the sliding glass door supervising us. I had an extension cord plugged in inside the house right next to the sliding glass door, so the door was shut on the cord, but not latched. The neighbors have an equally large mixed breed dog who stuck through the gap in the fence out of curiosity, and before you know it my lab had nosed the sliding glass door open and was on that dog in 2.5 seconds. It all happened so quickly, I didn't realize the neighbor's dog had even been bit until Sunday when their little girl said that the dog's "cut was still bleeding." I called the neighbor and apologized profusely, and offered to pay for the vet bill. She said they hadn't mentioned it because their dog was on our property and considered their dog to blame. I felt so badly about it all evening last night that I didn't sleep more than a few hours. Our lab has never once shown any sign of aggression, or tried to bite. He will be 9 in October and is as sweet and kind as a bunny rabbit. I am just so traumatized. I feel to blame because we had the gap open in the fence, it wasn't the dog's fault he wanted to peek through it. My lab has never once nosed the door open before, it was just all so surreal. I adore my neighbors, I have the best neighborhood and would hate for people to think I have a problem dog or that I'm not responsible. Should I insist on paying the vet bill? What would you do? She's told me twice not to worry about it but I can't think of anything else. I wouldnt worry about it. It happened, it was an accident. Next time, give them a heads up that you'll have the fence down so they can be prepared. |
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I felt so horrible- jus like you did. We called them at 11:30pm at night and told them what had happened. We didn't know them but the cat had a tag on its collar. I took them brownies the next day and told them how sorry I was. Not to hijack a thread but I feel that if dogs can't roam around freely then cats shouldn't be able to either. 
