Just wanted to share this incident that happened this morning.

I took Sox for his walk as normal and was accompanied by my neighbour who also has 2 Staffs. They all get on like a house on fire. Ellie, one of my neighbours 2 doesnt like other dogs much and Sox has learnt not to get too involved with her as she sometimes has a growl. Even so shes no where near as bad with him as she is with other dogs.

Anyway were having our walk when this dog appears, unaccompanied and off lead. Its owner calmly strolls in and doesnt do much as she watches my neighbour trying to wrestle her one away and do the responsible thing. Anyway she retrieves the dog but not before it makes a beeline for and snaps at my little boy. I was quite shaken but Sox undetered casually runs up drops his toy at my feet and wags his tail. A few moments later, I noticed that he had actually been bitten on the side of his face and on his head. Dont know how I missed seeing the contact but it was all so fast. The cuts are fairly superficial but I dont think he even noticed! He didnt cower from this dog but just calmly moved away from it. No aggression no lack of concentration on the fact that I was calling him, he just came. It broke my heart seeing him like that as he has such a sweet nature and especially as its his first birthday on Friday!

The vet said hes fine and cleaned his wounds and gave me antibiotics to bring home, which he just eats when I give them to him. He wasnt worried about the dogs in the vets and wanted to play with them all. Im just so proud of his reaction under these horrible circumstances -  I could cry! Im nervous about taking him out now but hes chomping at the bit for his walk so I guess ill have to get over it. I can only say that the tips on socialising and teaching a great recall from this site have been invaluable. This teamed with Sox's brilliant nature helped take the heat out of what could have been a very serious incident. So thank you all so much!

I'm really sorry to hear that Sox was hurt, but on the plus side he seems to have a truly wonderful nature :)

Lindsay
x

Thank you. I truely dont think he even knows anything has happened!

oh, this brought a tear to my eye, bless him ! you truly have a good natured friend there. he remindes me of my Tina , a boxer cross labrador , who we had as a member of our familiy for 19 yrs!! she got kicked in the face by a drunk passing our garden & had vet treatment. she was so lovely & dealt with it the same as sox . arnt dogs the loveliest animals on this planet ?!!! :):):):)

AND! don't forget to take the Vets bill to the aggressive's dogs owner!

Ahh. Thanks for your messages. Sox appreciates it on the eve of his 1st birthday!

I know I should give her the bill but I probably wont because a) if I see her again I think my blood would boil and I dont know what I would do! (getting married on Saturday and cant afford the black eye!)b) I dont think I will see her again as from her comment about being late for work I assume she normally walks earlier. c) Im not bothered about the money im just glad Sox is ok.

Having said this, If I could bring myself to say something to her I would tell her how lucky she was that it wasnt worse and that potentially I could have lost my dog and she may have had to have hers PTS! She could also have been faced with a HUGE vets bill rather than the measley £40 I had to pay to have my boys wounds cleaned. Worse still if my neighbour hadnt been as responsible as she was her dog would have most definately have come off worse as Ellie is a little tough nut!

Anyway thanks again, we live and learn!!.....and we are healing nicely too!

poor sox,hope he gets better soon, thank god it wasnt worse around his eyes or anything
happy bday sox

What an awesome dog Sox is, you should be very proud.

Personally I would not let this rest, a dog allowed loose snapping at a child and attacking another dog I would report to the police.

In fact I feel it's your obligation to report it, what happens if tomorrow that same dog takes a chunk out of a child ?

Good Point DD! If I am honest I hadnt thought of that I was so wrapped up in Sox and a bit shaken myself!

Thanks for pointing that out, cant believe I didnt think of it.