anAwful Thing Happened Today- Prayers Needed!

[smspamperedchef]

My son (11) had a friend (10) come over last night to spend the night. I have a sweet solid white medium size lab mix. He sleeps in our room.
This morning the little boy was the only one awake and he was standing up on the fold out bed watching a movie. (not sure why he was standing up???)
I opened my bedroom door and since I was just in my nightgown I asked the friend if he would mind opening the back door to let the dog out (as I needed to use the restroom)
Next thing I know I hear him screaming. I ran out there and my dog had bit him in the face!
The back door was open and he was back up on the bed. I'm not exactly sure how it happened but from what I get out of it he tried to let the dog out and the dog wouldn't come and so he went over to him and that's when he got bit. I'm thinking he must have got into his face and didn't like it. Or maybe since he was the only out there that was awake maybe the dog thought he was a threat to my son! Or maybe he jumped off the bed and my dog thought he was going to hurt him. I really don't know.

Well, rushed him to the urgent care center and he ended up with 11 stiches. 7 in his lip and 4 on the bridge of his nose. His parents were really great about it and weren't really upset or anything. We know them pretty well as they've been involved with scouts and soccer with us for years. Mom even joked about how he can go to school and say, "you think this looks bad you should see the other guy!" The parents even let him come back over to our house to play (with the dog outside of course). Their insurance covered everything 100% and I kept asking if I need to do anything and they kept reassuring me no and everything's ok, it happens! stuff like that! Their daughter even got bit by a stranger's dog not long ago and even though it was more minor they weren't worried about that either. Mom was even telling me when she got bit as a kid. Dad had even told Mom that it was probably their kids fault anyway.

My dog is super sweet and will hug you and is always happy to see us. However, he is very protective and will bark or growl at strangers if he doesn't know them. He would jump on someone and I have no doubt he would protect us if someone was trying to hurt us. A very good guard dog!

I'm just so shaken up about this. My husband is not as concerned as he is taking the more laid back approach that it happens sometimes and things happen.

I'm worried about my dog now. I had to fill out a form at the urgent care that gave my address and phone #s, and the city (or whoever's in charge of this kind of thing) will be contacted. Dog could be quarantined, etc. I'm not sure what if anything I should do at this point! Any words of wisdom out there?

 

[pckrissy]

Sorry to hear that Sharon. I can imagine how you must feel, even though the parent's don't seem to be upset. Hang in there..I hope everything is okay and your dog is ok too.
I don't have any words of wisdom, but I'll be thinking of you. {{hugs}}

 

[tlag1986]

I feel for you. I know exactly how you feel. It is frustrating when something like this happens and you have no control. My prayers are with your family, and the little boy.

 

[wadesgirl]

Wow, for once someone realized that an accident was an accident. Usually parents would be running around suing each other over something like this. Glad to hear that everything is okay, just realize it is a very good outcome of the situation on both sides!

 

[Ann F]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but sounds like everything's gonna be OK.

Great to hear from you!

 

[smspamperedchef]

thanks! I sure hope so. keep trying to do things to get my mind off off it unfortunately the memory of it still comes back quickly...

 

[SpiritdancerIA]

I'm worried about my dog now. I had to fill out a form at the urgent care that gave my address and phone #s, and the city (or whoever's in charge of this kind of thing) will be contacted. Dog could be quarantined, etc. I'm not sure what if anything I should do at this point! Any words of wisdom out there?

Who you will likely hear from will be the local Health Department - that's who the animal bite reports go to.

You're going to be asked about the dog's rabies vaccination status. If you can't find your vaccination certificate, call your vet's office to get a copy (no, the rabies tag generally won't count in this kind of case).

For a pet current of rabies vaccination, in most locales, the quarantine period is at home - keep the dog on leash/in the house at all times (basically supervised). In some areas, the pet will need to be checked by a vet at the beginning and end of the quarantine period.

If there is no previous history of bites, and the rabies vaccination is current, it's not a huge deal. Don't panic

 

[smspamperedchef]

well, unfortunately he got his shots at one of those low cost clinics that set up for a certain Saturday and then they are gone, and since moving many things have been misplaced, shoved in boxes, etc. so I have no idea where that could be even. Tag is not to be found. I'm assuming hubby never put it on because the dog is always here. I have such short brittle nails I always give that job to him though not sure why I waste my time as he's bad about details. So, what happens if I have no proof of shots?

 

[raebates]

I've prayed for quick healing and a smooth resolution to the issue.

 

[smspamperedchef]

I've prayed for quick healing and a smooth resolution to the issue.

Thank you for your prayers

 

[SpiritdancerIA]

well, unfortunately he got his shots at one of those low cost clinics that set up for a certain Saturday and then they are gone, and since moving many things have been misplaced, shoved in boxes, etc. so I have no idea where that could be even. Tag is not to be found. I'm assuming hubby never put it on because the dog is always here. I have such short brittle nails I always give that job to him though not sure why I waste my time as he's bad about details. So, what happens if I have no proof of shots?

That's one of the biggest arguments against using one of the mobile clinics. Hopefully, in your area they either get their rabies tags from the city/county and/or are required to report the vaccination information to the city/county. If so, they should be able to look it up. Same applies if you've paid a local dog tax/dog registration.

Then again, with an owned dog, and the owner present, you may not hear from the Health Department at all. I least where I've lived, followup was more or less left to the discretion of the health department person.

Absolute worst case scenario is the dog is boarded in a kennel for the quarantine period - and you should be able to request it be done at your regular veterinarian's. Things vary A LOT regarding dog bites based on where you live (That being said, the only case I've seen mandatory quarantine done was in a dog with no history of rabies vaccination and a history of behavior issues/biting)

 

[jwpamp]

Ahhh...I was once bitten by a dog at a show. The owner had 2 dogs that looked alike, and it happened so fast we weren't sure which one did it -- they were both jumping at me).

One of the two was late getting his last vaccination (it was overdue by a few months), so the owner had to board both of the dogs for 10 days to quarantine them. The cost was $50 per day (a total of $1000).

If the dog had been current on his shots, the owner could have "home quarantined" both and saved a whole lot of money!

 

[WLMcCoy]

My dog had all of his shots & had to be "home" quarentined for 10 days. Then everything was fine.

It was put on his record at the vet.erinarian's office. The hospital called my dog's vet & told them what had happened.

 

[smspamperedchef]

:cry:well, unfortunately I got a notice on my door when I wasn't home today which said we have til 6pm tomorrow to quarantine our dog at either: :cry:

a) pet owner release to the city
b) animal care and control center
c) your choice of veterinary clinic

I choose option c

Quarantine is through May 12. :cry:

 

[BlessedWifeMommy]

So sorry to hear about this. I'll be praying for you.

 

[pampchefrhondab]

I would pick opt. c too. They can pick up all kinds of things at the animal care & control!!

Sorry you are going through this.

 

[smspamperedchef]

Looks like this is going to cost about $275. Pray my hubby gets a job this week. I need to book more shows!!!

 

[smspamperedchef]

I'm so missing my dog right now. He sleeps with us every night! I called the vet twice today and he's doing great and I'm sure he's just fine. This is more punishment for mom here though! :cry:
So weird him not being here when we come in the house. He always waits for us by the door. He's really a very good dog and I miss him so.

The little boy is doing pretty well with no signs of infection. Stiches come out on Thursday. Keep praying for a full recovery with minimal or no scarring.

 

[Sheila]

Glad that the parents are being understanding.

I'm a retired police dispatcher for a suburb of Dallas. In Texas, it's usually the Animal Control Officer who investigates dog bite cases.

I suggest you try to find the proof of shots and FAST! I've seen children undergo the rabies shots (a series of them to the tummy) after a dog bite where there was no proof that the dog was up to date on it's shots. This little boy is already dealing with enough pain. I'd hate to see him suffer through the shots too if it can be avoided. I'm sure he & his parents would appreciate it as well.

 

[sk8rgrrl99]

I can't imagine going home at the end of the day and not having my cats greet me. I'm SO sorry your dog has to be away from home for so long. *BIG HUGS* Can you go there and visit him and walk him? BEST of luck to you in getting through this.