My stepdaughter is 5 years old. She lives with her Mom and Mom's bf. We are fortunate in that we see her very regularly and she usually spends Sunday through to Monday with us.

My husband received a call this afternoon that the child had been bitten by a big dog at the Mom's home. She was rushed to hospital and while the bite marks on her shoulder are deep, they are not serious. She has a bruised behind as well. Naturally the entire family were distraught and very apologetic towards my husband when he went to see her. Turns out my stepdaughter was 'riding' on the dogs back when it happened. The dog was terrified and just retaliated.

We have big dogs at our home and our stepdaughter knows she should never ever play with them without adult supervision, and even then 'riding' on the dog would be forbidden. My husband is a very experienced dog handler and breeder and has always taught her the do's and don'ts of dogs.

It could have been so very serious. I feel so sorry for her poor Mom who passed out in hospital from the shock.

Despite my stepdaughter only being 5 years old, she is 5 going on 25 and a proper little madam. She is quite mature and I am just amazed that she did this at all as she was quite coherently able to tell my husband that she was 'riding' on the dog's back and that is why it bit her.

Oh well, a lesson learnt I guess. But a frightening one!