Re: [PyrNet-L] Our letters and opinions need to be based on whole truth!!

[MGApeach@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/20/98 9:36:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,
cquest.pyrs@worldnet.att.net writes:

<< Janice is very accurate in describing a bite. I've groomed numerous rescues
 trying to give them that "adoptable" edge. Over the years I've been nailed a
 few times. Bites are very painful and usually get infected. The underlying
 tissue damage is often worse than what you see. The wounds do take time to
 heal. It is an unpleasant experience.>>

I work for a vet and also have been bitten numerous times. (someimes once a
week) Along with all the other employees. They are very painful, but also part
of working with or having animals. I have a Brittany who accidentally bit my
husband when he(the brittany) was angry at one of my Pyrs. Bites happen.
 
 <<Ownership responsibilities are one of the first topics I cover in an
 obedience class. I want to impress upon the pet owners that there is more to
 gain from obedience than a dog that will sit. The law is not very forgiving
 concerning bites and neither are insurance companies. One of my stories to
 my classes concerns a former neighbor. They had a happy-go-lucky Golden that
 loved to greet people as they went by the house. They got away with allowing
 this behavior for 2 years. One day the Golden greeted a jogger and knocked
 her down on the pavement. Nothing viscous, no bites, no scratches, but the
 women was hurt. The end result was a lawsuit and a judgement against the
 Golden owners. They ended up losing their house.>>

I think that it is great that someone discusses owner responsibility. Most
obiedience instructors overlook that. But one question...Why was the dog able
to get to a jogger? Dogs should not be allowed to roam or run loose-even just
to go outside even for a few minutes. I know that escapes can be inevitable,
but I srongly believe in restraint. As a matter of fact, my first requrement
for prospective puppy or rescue homes is that they have a fence. Owners must
take responsibility when they are negligent. Now I am not pointing fingers, I
don't know the particular incident. And people who allow their dogs to run
loose, no matter how gentle are negligent.
 
 <<It is often upsetting for pet owners to learn that facts, opinions, reason
 and good intentions which seem so important to them can have such a
 negligible effect on the outcome concerning bites. The fact is the dog bit
 and that is essentially enough.>>

We see alot of bite cases at my clinic. (they have to be quarantened for 10
days) And people are always SO surprised that THEIR dog bit someone. They just
can't comprehend that their Rover would do such a thing. And yes, they are
almost always very surprised and upset at the facts of the situation and the
law. Most of the cases we have are ones that could have been prevented had the
dog been in a fence. And as dog enthusiasts we need to do more educating on
all aspects of owning a dog. From feeding, care and training to Owner
responibility.

::steps off of soapbox:: :)

Melissa, Maddie, Samson and Tanner