[lynn P.]

Trigger Warning - don't read if you're sensitive.





My 2 girls and I, just had a very traumatic experience with 2 large lose dogs - a large Husky and a large cream dog. Me and the 2 girls were outside doing yard work when we saw them. I was by the garage, but my youngest(8yr old) was across the yard. I yelled to her to come immediately but then the dogs started running and chasing her. I ran with the weed whacker in my hands. She was frantically running up the driveway with the dogs barking vicously behind her.

By the time I reached her one of the dogs had his front paws on her back. I screamed at them and threatened to hit the dogs and got between her and the dogs. Luckily my 12 yr old ran in the house to open the front door so she could run inside while I kept the dogs away. I called the police because they're still roaming around outside. I feel completely traumatized by this and my 8 yr old was hysterical. I'm waiting for the police to come, so hopefully they can capture the dogs. There was slobber all over the back of her shirt. I was bit when i was five, so this was very hard for me to go through. I'm shaking and feel weak.

[Elysium]

((((((((((Lynn & Kids))))))))))

Oh my goodness!!!

That's so scary!! You did a really good job at fighting off those dogs and protecting your kiddos!! And your 12 yr old did a great job getting to the house to get the door open for her sister. Hugs and a high five to her!!

I got bit when I was only one year old. I still have some deep memories of it...but it's foggy. I was also chased by a black doberman when I was three and it leapt on me from behind and bit the back of my neck. It was so scary!!

I'm glad your little one is okay!! She came real close...but you know that. Calling the police is a good idea. Those dogs should not be out wandering the streets. They obviously aren't safe to be in the community.

The weakness and shaking is a natural physiological response to what happened, especially since your body is remembering what happened to you when you were young. Just hang in there. Give yourself a hug and let your inner little one know you are safe. You protected her too.

Here if you need to talk!!! Good work!!!

[lynn P.]

Thank you for the reassuring words ((Elysium)). I'm stilling quivering and have a terrible headache.

So glad nothing worse happened. Of course, what did happen will take time to get over. Well done, lynn P.

[Rohag]

That was frightening. You were living and reliving a traumatic experience, and you all worked together to defend yourselves. Listen to Elysium; you're recovering from a visit from the primal Lynn P.

[AAAAA]

(((Lynn))) I’m SO SORRY! How lucky it is that you were there. Irresponsible pet owners make me SO angry!

TRIGGER --- graphic!

When my daughter was six my husband took all four kids to his parents house to visit. It was hunting season, and fortunately for her, there was a great deal of snow on the ground.

The twins were three and it usually took a few of trips to get them and all baby paraphernalia into the car. Alone, the system was baby stuff, dog, then kids. My daughter came out on the first trip and was playing outside in the snow while her father loaded the van up. In the less than five minutes, a neighbor’s dog came into the yard and savagely attacked her.

The first “bite” ripped her lip up to her nose, and left scarring scrapes on her right cheek. The next nearly ripped her ear off (this injury still causes her pain to this day). At this point she buried her face in the snow (which kept swelling down and actually prevent more severe scarring), and the dog attacked the top of her head so viciously that it actually gouged her skull. The first surgery required over 100 exterior stitches in her face and head that had to be removed.

There was actually a tug of war between my husband and this dog, my daughter the rag doll in the middle. When the dog was captured it was quarantined by a vet that did not believe in euthanizing animals (except in cases where it is medically necessary). This vet actually had to contact state authorities to kill the animal because it was so vicious that his staff was unable to safely care for the animal.

My cousin was the animal control officer for that county. He’d received 7 complaints that MONTH about the dog attacking people. When local police responded to the various complaints, the owner of the dog hid him. When we were going through the criminal proceedings this woman showed absolutely no remorse what-so-ever.

[Julial]

Good for you for keeping a clear head and following your instincts! When your headache and quivering subside, you will see just how brave and decisive you were. I am glad you and yours are safe.

(((((Lynn))))))--You behaved exceptionally well given the threat.

I've written on here about the dog parks, and the Pit Bulls (they are legal here) in the dog parks that were continuously attacking my poor Crackers. She actually tried to fight back too!!! She's too old for that--they'd have ripped her to shreds.....

Last time, I went into panic mode on an attack, I beat the Pit with Crackers chain leash till it let go of her ear. She now has a hole in her ear.

As Rohag said, it is Primal Instinct that leads you to react...I used to beat them off
from their rear flanks--never go near a Pit's clenched jaw!!!

Now, when I see anyone with a Pit, I take her away and let the Pit take over the park. Unlike the Rotties I had in NY and the Dobermans, and the white shepherd, Pits are bred to kill their own kind. People make alot of money fighting them out here.
Rotties, and the like were bred as ancient war dogs---friends of home and hearth.

There's a weird streak in Pit Bulls--they can turn on a blink, and go for the jugular-
They are outlawed in 7 states.

I'm so sorry to hear of your attack, but so glad you avoided injury--hugs-theo

[lynn P.]

Thank you to ((Rohag)), ((Byz)), ((AAAAA))) and ((Julial))) for your caring responses.
Thank you also to ((ELysium)) for sharing your bad experiences.

AAAAA - I'm so sorry for the terrible attack on your daughter. You're right it's the fault of irresponsible owners. My dog doesn't wander around and if she does escape we're right behind her.

((Theo)) - thank you for your caring and concern. We have a dog park in our area too and we've had a couple bad experiences. Do you think it best to avoid dog parks?

I'm feeling a little more calm, but very edgy and exhausted. I have a terrible headache and my TMJ is acting up(clenching my teeth). Later on I let my daughter go play with her friend down the street, to get her mind off the incident.

Later on, when she came back, she was in her room for a while and she came downstairs and told me and my oldest to sit down with her. She gave us each a home made card, which said "I love you and thanks for saving my life" - brought tears to my eyes and we all hugged. She gave me a sticker on my shirt that says "cool".

A few yrs before I had my girls I had 2 men break into my house while I was home. For 3 months after I was extremely nervous. I didn't know at the time but I think it was PTSD. I hope in a few days I'll be back to normal. Thanks again for caring.

[paddym22]

Oh (((((Lynn))))

That is one of my greatest phobias and fears. I am so sorry you had to go through this, it must have been a terribly frightenting experience.

It was great that your daughter went back out to play, a very brave and good thing to do.

Paddy

[sanityseeker]

(((((lynne))))) I hope you are feeling better soon. You handled the situation admirably. What a team you and your older daughter made in a crisis. So sweet the cards from your youngest.

Any news on what has come of the dog and the owners response?

[lynn P.]

Thank you ((Paddym22)) and ((sanityseeker)) - right after it happened I called the police because I didn't want this to happen to anyone else or a smaller dog. They roamed around the neighborhood for 45 min. I understand the police are busy, but aggressive dogs are IMO a serious situation. The police didn't even come . I called the dog pound, but they were closed. Now, there's no point in them coming because the dogs are gone. I don't know who the dogs belong to - haven't seen them before out with their owners.

(((Lynn)))-No, I think dog parks are good...it's the only place here where there's open air, and some grass, Crackers loves it...though now she can only stay for a short time (arthritis). The thing is, I keep her chain leash in my hand and stay close by (I is a New Yorker--always watching my back) I watch closely to see who is entering the park, and whether or not they have control over their dogs.

Also, I have been using the "small dog park" since the last close attack...People have tried to tell me that if I harm a Pit; it'll attack me, or I could get in trouble for it.

I have ne'er hit a dog before in my life till I came out here. Any dog can become vicious if not treated properly-but Pits are psycho--something in their brain just snaps-
they can be the sweetest dogs (I had a part pit once--she tried to go for my jugular once whilst we were sleeping spooning-I was rubbing her chest, and drifted off to sleep-she turned her head completly around; and her eyes were rolled back in her head--she had my throat in her mouth-I froze--she stopped--I kept her for ten years
after that; but we ne'er slept together again--I knew she could not be trusted--but she was better than all the Orders of Protection I ever had!!!)until some weird synaptic junction triggers them---you never know with a Pit.

Having handled Rotties, and Dobermans, and my white Shepherd---it's just not the same...they love you if you love them, and they protect you and your (their) home.

But I checked with the Marshall here, and he said that I had a right to Protect my Property; and so she is.

All through October and November, I beat the $$^^ outta Pits--with their stupid owners looking on---they could do nothing--their dog had attacked mine.

And once you prove to any dog that you can, and will hurt them; they will not attack you. You have Alpha Status.

Yes, Lynn, it was a PTSD all over again--severe trauma--you and your girls handled it beautifully.

Go easy on yourself for a few days--it takes time to get over it. xoxox-to you and your girls.!

[HereIamBp]

I'm Soooooooooooo sorry you and your girls had to experience that. That was extremely scary . But, I'm so very grateful you got through it physically unharmed. Emotionally/mentally, you guys should get some help.

Were the dogs/owners ever found by police?

[perpetuallysad]

Lynn, you are so good and so brave to protect her like that. I am so sorry that happened. Thank goodness you and your other daughter did everything right and got the littlest in the house quickly. Oh how very scary. I hope things start to feel better soon.

[notz]

(((((((Lynn and precious childrens))))))

[Sabrina]

Sorry you had to experience that........

[sabby]

((((((((((((((((((((( lynn & daughters )))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry to hear of the attack on your daughter. I pray that with time, calmness will return.

Adrenaline is a wonderful thing.....need it? Boom! It's there. Coming down from it and going over the situation can be painful. Kudos to you and daughters for working as a team through this ordeal!


sabby

[lynn P.]

Thank you to ((HereIamBp)), ((Notz)), ((PerpetuallySad)), ((Sabrina)) and ((Sabby)) for taking the time to show caring and concern.

I'm feeling a little better today, but I'm still struggling with the stress - I have a lot of tightness from my shoulders up. When I think too much I tense up. Several times I keep imagining, what might have happened if I was a second late because that's how close it was. It would have destroyed me if the dog bit her. I have to remind myself to focus on the positives here and not the 'what if's' - and we're not victims but survivors.

When I was the victim of a break and enter 13 yrs ago, I did the same thing at 1st - imagining what if I didn't show I was strong to those guys. It took me 3 months later to switch my thinking from a 'victim of crime' to a 'survivor of crime'.

I'm very disappointed in the police. I thought if someone calls the police, they come in a reasonable time, especially when they could hear we were all very upset on the phone. I don't know if the dogs eventually went home or continued to wander. I've never seen them being walked in my neighborhood, so I don't know where they live. Even though I slept, I feel very tired.

[Shangrala]

Holy. I just saw this....I'm so slow.

I'm so sorry for this happening, Lynn. I can only imagine the trauma it has put you and your dots through. Huggs to all of you.

It is so rare to see any roaming dogs anymore around here. And in my area if they are to be seen, they're usually Chihuahua's anyway...although, I suppose they can do some serious damage to the ankle if they wanted to....lol.

I envy you, actually. From the sounds of it (all you've ever posted about your home life n all), despite the odds and situation you're in, you have one set of fantastic daughters there....You should be VERY proud of yourself.

I'm so glad your dot wasn't seriously hurt, and kudos to all of you for handling the situation so well.

Shangrala

[Shangrala]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

Thank you ((Paddym22)) and ((sanityseeker)) - right after it happened I called the police because I didn't want this to happen to anyone else or a smaller dog. They roamed around the neighborhood for 45 min. I understand the police are busy, but aggressive dogs are IMO a serious situation. The police didn't even come . I called the dog pound, but they were closed. Now, there's no point in them coming because the dogs are gone. I don't know who the dogs belong to - haven't seen them before out with their owners.

Lynn...
Perhaps, calling the Police again and have them to come out so you can file a report. Get the description of the dogs on record, so that way just in case there is another incident, (or even if the cops, themselves happen to see them), they'd be able to identify the dogs sooner, (perhaps even preventing another attack from happening).

I know how frustrating it is when you rely on the protection of the police, yet they lolligag their sweet time to you, as though they don't want to be bothered, (maybe when you call them, you can offer them a plate of fresh donuts?....lol).

Filing a report might also offer you a sense of attendance to the trauma you all have been through, too. I mean, knowing that the authorities have documented it, and is now alerted to it. It might allow you a sense of proper acknowledgement and perhaps make it easier to overcome?
(Just a thot....)



Shangrala

[lynn P.]

Thank you ((Shangrala)). What you say makes perfect sense but at the moment, I feel discouraged with the police. I called them twice yesterday, so now I feel uncomfortable calling them again. I understand they have serious priority cases, but it not like we live in a high crime county. When the police hear that an 8 yr old is hysterical, you would think they would care enough to pay a visit. Let just say if the dogs did end up biting someone else, I would blame them, for not attending to the situation. I'm not going to let it bother me - my daughter seems to be doing very well today - kids are resilient thank God, more so than adults are I think lol.

We've had dogs roam here in my neighborhood before and one time we took a Golden Retriever back to his owner. There was something about these 2 dogs that immediately made me uneasy - I know dogs tend to act out more when there's more than one. When i saw them and then looked at my daughter on the other side of the yard - I felt like I was watching National Geographic during a predatory scene. My daughter loves animals so she wasn't afraid at 1st. I think it was a mistake for her to run but yet I understand it's instinctual for her to run. Both dogs were at least 130lb males.

[AAAAA]

It was a mistake for your daughter to run, it exacerbates the aggression. BUT that doesn’t mean she has ANY blame in the situation at all. It is a good idea to teach safer behavior such as not making direct eye contact and moving slowly.

I completely understand where you’re coming from regarding the police, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In my daughter’s case, I hit the same wall and every single law enforcement person in the entire county knew her since birth. Each and every one traveled the three hours to the hospital she was in to check on her and bring gifts and cards. No one wanted to take responsibility however. Ultimately it WAS the pet owner’s fault, but as I said, this was a problem dog at some point law enforcement had to step in to protect the rest of the community.

At the very least, I would approach the police department to see what their procedure is for a vicious pack of dogs roaming residential neighborhoods. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer (and an apology) I would approach one of your elected officials and let them know the situation.

I made an absolute pain of myself. After this attack, my daughter was trapped in a grocery store because there was a dog running around the parking lot. I called the police and they said they didn’t have a car in the area, which was a bold face lie because I could see one in the McDonald’s drive thru which happened to be adjacent to this store. I went to town and county board meetings (make sure you’re placed on the agenda or they can limit your time to five minutes) with the pictures they took in the hospital of my daughter before her surgery and said “this is what happens when you decide that a dog, sight unseen, is not a threat to the community and put it on the bottom of the priority list. I wrote letters to all elected officials.

The judge that presided over the criminal case for my daughter was on the county board and changes were made, but there is always ways around them. For example the town that my daughter was injured in pointed out that they pay 80% of the county taxes and no one had seen the animal control officer in town for several years. The Sheriff then made the D.A.R.E officer drive the animal control truck to the school when he put on his programs so “those complaining &@%$ can’t say they haven’t seen the animal control truck in town.”

I am so sorry that you’re all going through this. Who knows how great of an impact on your child’s life this will have. No child should have their sense of security shattered like that. Don't let them make you feel uncomfortable, they're here to protect and serve... it's their job!

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by AAAAA

It was a mistake for your daughter to run, it exacerbates the aggression. BUT that doesn’t mean she has ANY blame in the situation at all. It is a good idea to teach safer behavior such as not making direct eye contact and moving slowly.

I completely understand where you’re coming from regarding the police, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In my daughter’s case, I hit the same wall and every single law enforcement person in the entire county knew her since birth. Each and every one traveled the three hours to the hospital she was in to check on her and bring gifts and cards. No one wanted to take responsibility however. Ultimately it WAS the pet owner’s fault, but as I said, this was a problem dog at some point law enforcement had to step in to protect the rest of the community.

At the very least, I would approach the police department to see what their procedure is for a vicious pack of dogs roaming residential neighborhoods. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer (and an apology) I would approach one of your elected officials and let them know the situation.

I made an absolute pain of myself. After this attack, my daughter was trapped in a grocery store because there was a dog running around the parking lot. I called the police and they said they didn’t have a car in the area, which was a bold face lie because I could see one in the McDonald’s drive thru which happened to be adjacent to this store. I went to town and county board meetings (make sure you’re placed on the agenda or they can limit your time to five minutes) with the pictures they took in the hospital of my daughter before her surgery and said “this is what happens when you decide that a dog, sight unseen, is not a threat to the community and put it on the bottom of the priority list. I wrote letters to all elected officials.

The judge that presided over the criminal case for my daughter was on the county board and changes were made, but there is always ways around them. For example the town that my daughter was injured in pointed out that they pay 80% of the county taxes and no one had seen the animal control officer in town for several years. The Sheriff then made the D.A.R.E officer drive the animal control truck to the school when he put on his programs so “those complaining &@%$ can’t say they haven’t seen the animal control truck in town.”

I am so sorry that you’re all going through this. Who knows how great of an impact on your child’s life this will have. No child should have their sense of security shattered like that. Don't let them make you feel uncomfortable, they're here to protect and serve... it's their job!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you ((AAAAA) for giving me the encouragement and a little fire under my butt, to get some answers. You're very brave and a good mother for demanding action in regards to your daughters brutal attack, How horrible this must have been for your daughter, you and your husband. I agree my daughter shouldn't have run and I told her if she ever encounters a similar situation - to stand still and don't look at the dog.

I finally got up the courage to call just now. I'm a mild mannered person and sometimes I find it hard say how I feel in a live conversation. I spoke to the dispatcher and explained my disappointment and she transferred my call to the sergeant. He claims there's a record that an officer did drive through the neighborhood, but didn't see the dogs. I told him I didn't see a car and we were looking out the window at our kitchen table for at least an hour. I told him the dogs were roaming in the area for 45 min and that's why I called a second time.

He said because she wasn't bitten, is why they didn't come to the house. He said I could have specified that I wanted to speak with an officer. I just assumed they would want to talk with me and now I know I was supposed to request it. He apologized for my dis-satisfaction and he gave a 24 hour 7 days a week number for the dog catcher, if I ever see these dogs or any other stray dog. I emphasized this wasn't just a stray dog wandering around and they were aggressively pursuing my daughter. I said "what would have happened if these dogs went on to attack another person" - it would be their fault for not taking the call seriously.

Talking about the incident again, made feel nervous but I'm glad I called. Now I have the number for the dog catcher 24/7. Thanks also to ((Shangrala)) for encouraging me to call. I appreciate everyone's concern here at PC

[Shangrala]

Gawd.
I'm really sorry, Lynn, for the conduct of the police and their lack of concern.
This kind of crap only reinforces what's already (pretty much) common knowledge, anymore....The cops do less to protect and serve.

Filing a police report 'forces' an officer to physically come out and actually write out a report dictated by you. Excuse the sarcasm..but c'mon. Why can't they attend to their job like their supposed to?
How are they supposed to know what the dogs look like if they don't have a detailed description of them? (Not that they care...I know. Pitiful).