In those moments....

In those moments that happen so quickly you don't know how or why...they just happen. Yesterday afternoon on a short walkie, a big lab rushed over to us from an open garage across a wide street. It had a lead attached, and I could see someone in the garage. I thought it was just a greeting, but still healing from her operation, wanting Sierra to continue walking, I kept looking and moving forward.

Then I heard growly sounds, scuffling and then cries from Sierra. The lab was aggressive and had pinned her down. It happened SO fast. The owner quickly came over, reprimanding her dog and pulled him off Sierra. Sierra Rose continued to cry and was shaking. Couldn't believe this had happened. I found myself shaking too. I hugged Sierra, felt her for bite marks. The woman was mumbling something about moving and her dog was not happy about it. I was horrified, and just holding Sierra Rose.

Upon first inspection, I found only a few tufts of hair had been torn from her head. The owner apologized, saying to her dog 'what's gotten in to you?", then said that Sierra didn't seem injured, and went to put her dog in the backyard.

As we started to move away, Sierra was very ginger not wanting to put weight on a back leg and I realized her mouth was bloody. Panic! I memorized the house number on the street, and wondered if we could make it back to the car. I was in tears, and Sierra Rose was very quiet and seemed unsure. Just wanting us to get away and her to safety.

We made it to the car, our vet was able to see her right away. A tooth had gone through her lip and no wounds on her back leg, but probably internal bruising from the weight of the other dog. Her lady op. stitches looked fine. We were sent home with another round of Tramadol and ordered to lay low. I didn't feel that sense of relief yet for her being more or less ok...was just too shocked and upset. She was quiet and sleepy on the car ride home. Gave her lots of TLC and treats at our house.

It took me hours to decompress and reflect on this, as I never want to put my puppy in harm's way. All the "I should have's" and "what ifs" floated around in my head. Pretty upsetting. And, I was very angry for the moment.

Serria Rose is ok. She seemed to recover a lot quicker than I. And, I am so very thankful that the incident did not turn in to a huge attack. She's still a puppy! And, a bit small for her age.

So, we will lay low for a few days...play inside...try to get her to nap a lot. Re-think some of our walks, try to coordinate more walk with pals (mostly her pal, Golden Samantha! Whose mom is a super star friend, and always knows what to do). And, make sure that I feel confident on handling such instances. You just never know....

Aw! Wishing that incident did not happen, but it did, and Sierra Rose is ok. Have a nice weekend friends. Thank you for letting us reflect here.