I know I'm relatively new here, but I could really use some advice. I was walking my dog this evening and he got attacked by a German Shepard. My dog was on a leash, but the German Shepard was loose in the front yard. I didn't realize he was loose, but as soon as he saw Wesley, he ran straight for him. I didn't have time to pick him up before the GS got there, but who knows what would have happened to me if I had him in my arms.
Luckily, there is a vet that lives 4 houses down. I had never met her before, but she was kind enough to come and take a look at my dog. It's mostly puncture wounds, and she said he would probably be in a lot of pain. I gave him a baby aspirin per her instructions, and he's currently resting by me. He's stopped bleeding, but I think he'll need stitches/stapes tomorrow when we go to the vet first thing in the morning.
My dog is normally friendly, confident, and very playful. I have no idea what this attack will do to him. I fed him a little bit of his dinner, and he seemed to eat that and a few treats just fine.
My husband and I called the police, and they filed a report. I have no idea what will happen as a result, but we wanted to make sure it was documented. The dog owner seems clueless. She had the gall to tell me that he looked ok and that it wasn't life threatening. At least she gave my dog and I a ride home, but she mented that her two male dogs fight all the time. Wonderful.
What can I do to comfort my dog? He's sleeping in bed cuddled up with me, and we'll go to the vet tomorrow. He was supposed to start training this week, but I have no idea how he'll react to other dogs now. Should I try some private lessons, and then perhaps have the trainer introduce him to a bigger dog in a controlled environment? Also, what should I do about the owner and her dog? Obviously, I am expecting her to pay his vet bills, but if this incident has really traumatized my dog, should I expect her to help pay for the rehabilitation too? I don't necessarily want her dog to be put down, but I also don't think she should be allowed to keep it, since she clearly cannot handle him.
I'm supposed to go back to work on Wednesday, and now I'm thinking I shouldn't. He already got hurt on Wednesday (he knocked over a mirror and it shattered and cut his leg, resulting in the need for 7 stitches). I just don't want to leave him if he's hurt & scared.
I'm sure this post is scattered, but I'm still pretty shaken up, and now terrified to walk alone in my neighborhood. Any advice would be wonderfully appreciated.