Tatting Derailed by Dog Attack

Tatting Tea Tuesday was derailed today by a dog attack. The neighbor's Saint Bernard  (who normally is not seen outside of the backyard fence) was out jogging with one of the college-aged daughters, who was home on break, I presume.

The Sprout, two hounds and I were just finishing up our mid-morning walk -- outside our home and just walking up the driveway -- when the Saint Bernard began lunging hard on her leash and pulled her master over to our sidewalk.

It happened so fast I didn't have time to panic. I just barked out "Get back!" to The Sprout as I protected my two medium-sized, mixed breed beagles from snarling, snapping jaws. One dog came through with only minor scratches. The other needed surgery to the tune of $800.

Guardian angels were clearly watching over The Sprout. He was out of the way and very brave through the whole ordeal.

Today I had no car, so I had to ask another neighbor to drive me and the injured dog to the vet. Luckily (again -- thank you angels!) the neighbor's husband was home (had the day off) and offered to watch over The Sprout for me. The Sprout chilled out in front of cartoons and played with the neighbor girl, pretty much nonplussed.

We pick up our dog Julie after suppertime and start her at-home recovery care. We're thankful her injuries weren't more severe.

The County Animal Warden arrived in short order to the neighbor's home -- we didn't call them. The Vet did, since the dog's vaccinations were over a year out of date. The dog is currently under quarantine for rabies, and perhaps other diseases. I won't know for sure if the attacker will be spared or euthanized (euthanitised, for UK residents), unless I get a call from the Vet or the Warden or the neighbor.

But thankfully, the neighbor did offer to pay for our dog Julie's vet bill. (Let's see if he follows through once the Warden gets done with him.)

Cross your fingers that the St. Bernard owners act responsibly and make good on their offer -- i.e. reimburse us for the damages. I would hate to have to sue.

It was a big scare, but thankfully we have good relationships with our neighbors and could call on them in a time of need. The good Samaritan neighbors are getting a fresh-baked, strawberry-rhubarb pie from me as a thank you.

Tatting will resume soon. In the meantime, thank you, dear readers, for letting me unload my troubled heart while I await the release of my pet from the animal hospital. Big hugs to you!