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Some of us don’t often think about the next life. Things are pretty good here and now…until they’re not. Last Wednesday, I was enjoying a silent retreat at a quiet, mountain retreat center near here. June was taking Babo, our less than 20-pound dog for his evening walk when he was suddenly attacked by our neighbor’s German shepherd. Here’s June’s account as she shared with a friend the next day:
Babo and I had a very traumatic experience yesterday as our neighbors’ German shepherd attacked Babo and would have killed him if I hadn’t screamed at the top of my lungs until the dog dropped Babo. We spent hours in the Pet ER and finally had to leave him overnight because they were so backed up. They had to shave the wound area and clean it. Amazingly, no sutures needed. But he is badly bruised and does have puncture wounds, one severe. We have to keep him quiet and Bob will be gone all day today, so I am on nurse duty. Bob and I left the ER last night around 10:30 and went back at 6:30 this morning. Must run…my puppy needs me. By the way, this was one of the worst things I have ever been through! I sobbed for an hour…I know you understand.
As I write this a few days later, he is recovering nicely despite some significant bruising, and for that we are thankful.
Back to the new earth. Here’s part of Isaiah’s vision:
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind…no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress…The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 65.17, 19, 25, ESV, emphasis mine)
If the wolf won’t hurt the lamb, I’m adding, “German shepherds will not attack small dogs!”
We’re so glad the little guy is doing ok.
Thanks!
I’m so sorry this happened AND I am very happy to hear Babo is healing.
I had something similar happen to a Lab where neighborhood bully dogs (one was a Chow, one was a Boxer) attacked my Lab on two different occasions. Both sets of owners were afraid of their dogs. Mine was on a leash. After the second attack, I guess I’m a slow learner, I started to carry a cattle prod with me on walks. I was living in Texas at the time and the feed store owner told me the little 3′ prod I was purchasing would knock a bull on its knees. That’s good enough for me. Not another attack on my dog after that and other people in our neighborhood started to carry cattle prods as well because of those dogs.
I have always believed in responsible dog ownership…any form of pets for that matter. In your case, with a small dog like Babo, not only is it quite traumatic for June & Babo, but for you too.
I realize carrying a cattle prod is going to extremes; yet I was going to do everything to protect my dog. I’m not suggesting that for you two. I just wish the owner of the German Shepard was more responsible. Maybe pepper spray would be effective, since you may not be able to count on other the dog owner to do the right thing.
I am looking forward to the day when I’m reunited with my pets and trust they will no longer be at risk.
I think your story triggered one of the things I am very passionate about. Hugs to all of you.
Thanks, Kathleen. So far, they are being diligent about containing the dog, but I like the cattle prod idea! I may look into that.