Ack. My Poor Doggie.

[Gail Simone]

:(

Some of you know we adopted a greyhound a couple years back. He's the most amazingly gorgeous dog--he has an angel face (but is the devil when it comes to sneaking on the couches and grabbing food from the kitchen).

He's possibly the least aggressive dog I've ever seen, despite being HUGE, and he's incredibly sweet, and trusts us absolutely. He just has the best temprament ever.

But last night when I let him out (he's got a small bladder!) he treed some sort of animal in our back yard. I don't know WHAT it was...but it had a fearsome, gutteral growl. I don't think it was any kind of cat, but I've never heard a raccoon or other small animal make that kind of noise here.

Anyway, he didn't have the sense to leave it alone and he kept barking at it (at 2:00 in the morning). It was too dark to see what it was and I couldn't get him away from the thing.

When I finally got him in the house, he wasn't himself at all, he just acted traumatized. He just put his head on my husband's leg and wouldn't move, like he was shocked or scared and just needed to know we were there.

I saw some blood on his muzzle and I thought he must've gotten the thing, whatever it was, but I think it was HIS blood. And I found the cause--he's missing an piece of skin on his throat about the size of a half-dollar piece.

That about gave me the upchucks. He's such a sweet dog...but he was raised as a racer. They have NO idea what the rest of the world is like, most of them spend up to 22 hours a day in small cages with a bit of carpeting and nothing else. They don't even know how to walk stairs when they first get adopted.

So he is obviously in some pain. Last night, he was clearly terrified to be left alone, so my husband slept on the couch. The vet can't see him til 2:00 pm.

The sad thing is, we're kenneling him tomorrow for two weeks, for Ireland and the seattle con. That's his vet and they'll take good care of him, but I am worried about his state of mind without us after this very scary incident.

Waaaah.

[shrike]

Check for rabies, please!

[buttler]

Aieeee. That sounds very distressing!

[mgs]

poor doggie! :frown:

but yes, get any possible infection treated asap!

[mr.brighteyes]

Wow Gail that sucks. do you have someone that could watch him rather than putting him in the kennel. someone that could house sit and spend time with him rather than having him locked in a cage (no matter how big it is).

From a personal perspective my Lapsa apsa used to tree a lot of strange things. step ladders, trash cans,

[Flying Saucers Over Oz]

You realize, of course, the dog planned the whole thing to ruin Gail's vacation, right?

Really, though, I assume the vet will keep a good eye on him. He'll be okay. :smile:

[scout1279]

Aww, the poor thing. I hope he's OK.

[escapegoat]

Awwww....double suck for him. :frown:

Where was Kyuubi last night?

[MartinRedmond]

Fingers crossed that the injuries are minor.

[K-DoG7p7]

Where was Kyuubi last night?

the plot thickens

[CannonFodder]

Hate to hear about any animals in pain. I'm sure they'll take care of him, though.

[veracity]

Oh! I hope your pup is okay. At least it's his regular visit and they'll know him, probably take better care of the wound since they'll have access anytime. I've worked in the kennel of vet offices before. Just let them know you'd like him to a little extra time in the back every day if he still seems a little more traumatized. I'm sure they have a potty area or something similar they can take him out on for a bit to let him feel okay. We used to do that a lot. Of course, I also handfed baby food to a Great Dane and helped Nero (a former racing Greyhound) do everything because he was old and blind. We had several former racing greys come in. Atlanta has several adoption places.

My first apartment dog will probably be a grey.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Poor puppydoodle.

[Samurai]

He needs to learn not to mess with chupacabras, they're nasty.

[Spike-X]

Yikes! That sounds like quite the nasty injury indeed.

I used to work at a greyhound track, and can only remember a couple of the dogs ever being anything but completely placid.

I reckon it could have been a cat - they'll growl like you described when threatened by a dog (freaked me the hell out the first time I heard it - who knew cats could growl?), and they will attack a dog, even a big one. One of my cats, Spike The Indestructible, once backed up a Siberian husky from one end of the back yard to the other.

[veracity]

I reckon it could have been a cat - they'll growl like you described when threatened by a dog (freaked me the hell out the first time I heard it - who knew cats could growl?), and they will attack a dog, even a big one. One of my cats, Spike The Indestructible, once backed up a Siberian husky from one end of the back yard to the other.

Teyla, my Snowshoe, growls whenever someone is on the porch for the neighbors (we share a small porch). I had no idea cats could growl, but Tey makes it her life mission. She also growls randomly. I've heard large dogs with quieter ones.

[TomStillwell]

I hope he gets better soon, Gail.

[Arrogantcur]

That's awful. I'm glad the thing didn't do more damage and I hope he's able to return to his old self eventually.

[Gail Simone]

'Scuro is doing better. Thank you for all the kind words, it definitely helps.

He's still very subdued and a little down, which is just a side of him I've never seen. He is usually inexhaustably happy no matter what. He's the happiest, most joyful big goofy doofus in history, just a sack of flying knuckles and elbows.

So seeing him mope around and not want to go outside, and being so clingy, is hard.

But he's doing better. He had to have staples, but they think he's gonna be fine.

Yay!

[Gail Simone]

Yikes! That sounds like quite the nasty injury indeed.

I used to work at a greyhound track, and can only remember a couple of the dogs ever being anything but completely placid.

I reckon it could have been a cat - they'll growl like you described when threatened by a dog (freaked me the hell out the first time I heard it - who knew cats could growl?), and they will attack a dog, even a big one. One of my cats, Spike The Indestructible, once backed up a Siberian husky from one end of the back yard to the other.

'Scuro's never placid except when he's asleep and he's fairly hilarious even then.

He's awesome.

You worked at a track? 'Scuro loves to run, he just can't get enough of it. He made himself a little oval track in our backyard.

Everyone should have a greyhound!

[hellokittykat]

Oh no! Poor 'Scuro! :frown:

This worse part about this is that you have to leave because I know I would be a basket case if I had to go away and my Eskie was injured. I'll pray for a speedy and stressfree recovery for him.

I don't mean to question you vet, but that is unusual to use staples on what is most likely a bite wound. *puts on nurse glasses* Bite wounds are usually not sutured close because it is nearly impossible to clean the wound entirely of all bacteria. With the wound closed, it poses the danger of growing anaerobic bacteria which much nastier than the "normal" aerobic ones. *takes nurse glass off* So the good thing thing about you going away is that he'll be right there in the vets office if he shows any sign of infection.

[Weetomuncher]

I'm sorry to hear about Scuro's injury but he'll be back to his old self pretty soon.

I wouldn't be worried too much about leaving him in holiday kennels as the workers there know how to cheer up a lonely or distressed pooch and they're often taken on walks and have regular playtime.

I have a dog myself, a 14 year old Border Collie named Glen.

He had several seizures as a pup but they suddenly stopped after a year and he has been fine since.

[escapegoat]

We actually owned a whippet for about six months. A great dog, but she was a bit too much for us to handle. Very high energy dog. We're pretty low key as a family. That, plus the girls were 2 and 4 at the time, and children demand a lot of attention. So when the whippet wanted attention at the same time she would be a bit overbearing for us. Luckily we found her an awesome home.

For the longest time, I said I wanted a whippet, just so I could call it "Devo". Then I could sing the "Whip it" song a lot whenever taking her out...
But he was a she and came pre-named....

Now we own a dachshund, which is more our speed... :smile:
Though I wish we could find a good way to keep her from barking at everyone...

[Corrina]

Poor puppy!

Well, it takes some time to recover from trauma. Maybe the change of scenary where he's boarding will be good for him and he'll be less clingy when you get back.

[Jae Namkyoung]

:frown: Poor puppy, well, at least he's doing better. Perhaps when you get back he'll be very happy to see you! ^_^ Give him time, he'll be back to his ol' self in no time!

[LewisH]

now I just have to try and figure out what it was that attacked him. Looking over the list of possibilities (http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/Professional-Trapper/wildlife/WA-Seattle-Wildlife.htm)

I'm betting Opossum. They growl and hiss when cornered and have very sharp teeth. We used to catch them by accident from time to time when trying to remove feral cats from our property in Georgia.

[veracity]

now I just have to try and figure out what it was that attacked him. Looking over the list of possibilities (http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/Professional-Trapper/wildlife/WA-Seattle-Wildlife.htm)

I'm betting Opossum. They growl and hiss when cornered and have very sharp teeth. We used to catch them by accident from time to time when trying to remove feral cats from our property in Georgia.

You never remove opossum in Georgia. Can't throw a stone without it landing at one's feet. You let the lovely wildlife people do it, unless they're in the vent of a house. Then it's easier. Or so my dad told me. I liked having the family in the vents growing up, though. Lots of babies hanging upside down.

Speaking of which, I think there was a possum outside last night with the weird screeching fight with my downstairs neighbor's dog barking at it.

[a. non]

I don't know what i'd do if something like that happened to one of my dogs. I hope he'll be ok soon.

[Stressfactor]

Oh no! Poor 'Scuro! :frown:

This worse part about this is that you have to leave because I know I would be a basket case if I had to go away and my Eskie was injured. I'll pray for a speedy and stressfree recovery for him.

I don't mean to question you vet, but that is unusual to use staples on what is most likely a bite wound. *puts on nurse glasses* Bite wounds are usually not sutured close because it is nearly impossible to clean the wound entirely of all bacteria. With the wound closed, it poses the danger of growing anaerobic bacteria which much nastier than the "normal" aerobic ones. *takes nurse glass off* So the good thing thing about you going away is that he'll be right there in the vets office if he shows any sign of infection.Perhaps, but greyhounds have very thin skin and as such it is torn a lot more easily. I imagine the vet was just afraid that the poor little guy would accidentally end up tearning the skin at the bite and making it worse.

I SO want to own a retired racer but most rescue groups insist you either have a yard or else spend copius amounts of time at home for them and I am in a position for neither right now in my life.... So I live vicariously through other people's pets.

Hopefully the "40 MPH couch potato"* will feel better soon


*yes, this is honestly a nickname for greyhounds.

[Gail Simone]

Stressfactor, that's it exactly...Greyhounds have almost no fur to cover their skin so they get scrapes and owies easily, but their actual skin is thick and tough. The wound, about the size of a half dollar, actually looked like leather had been stretched over his musculature, it was so thick.

However, the vet's assistant told me that many dogs would have died in the same situation. The animal attacked a very vulnerable spot on most dogs, the lower throat/shoulder, and that it could easily have been fatal since it was enough to tear through his tough skin. But the front of a greyhound is sheer, ridiculous muscle, and the wound only got through the skin.

Whew.

Anyway, I'm having a little pause because of what kitty said, but this vet is very good, so hopefully it's okay. I also have my mom and step-mom here to check in on him.

[Gail Simone]

Perhaps, but greyhounds have very thin skin and as such it is torn a lot more easily. I imagine the vet was just afraid that the poor little guy would accidentally end up tearning the skin at the bite and making it worse.

I SO want to own a retired racer but most rescue groups insist you either have a yard or else spend copius amounts of time at home for them and I am in a position for neither right now in my life.... So I live vicariously through other people's pets.

Hopefully the "40 MPH couch potato"* will feel better soon


*yes, this is honestly a nickname for greyhounds.


And yep, that's him. Sleeps more than any dog I've ever seen, as most grey's do, but then are unstoppable bursts of energy.

Also one of the most loving, sweet-natured dogs I've ever known of any breed.

[veracity]

And yep, that's him. Sleeps more than any dog I've ever seen, as most grey's do, but then are unstoppable bursts of energy.

Also one of the most loving, sweet-natured dogs I've ever known of any breed.

I was looking into a retired greyhound for my mom, until I realized she can't really run or be energetic during those short ultrabursts of energy. She got a Dachshund/Min Pin mix instead. Two Saturdays ago, we were getting ready for obedience class (new dog, required basic words) and the local Grey org was there. I'll definitely look them up once I get my own place. But I've noticed a lot of the adoption places around these parts require a fenced in backyard, which is a bit of a problem when you live in an apartment or condo. The org seemed to be willing to work with people with instant rejection, though. Which is awesome.

[scout1279]

I am so glad 'Scuro is going to be OK. Between the fact that I sympathize, and I have a special fondness for rescued greyhounds, I was sincerely worried and thinking about it quite a bit.

I'm always concerned that something like this will happen to my dog. On Long Island, the most dangerous animal she would encounter was a squirell, but now we live upstate and there are tons of creatures that could hurt her. She, of course, loves it, and chases everything.

[Arrogantcur]

I'm curious: did Santa's Little Helper have anything to do with you choosing that particular breed? :smile:

I'm glad that he's getting to spend time with you before you leave. From the original post, I thought that you wouldn't have much time before you had to take off. I'm sure that having you around to comfort him helps, and it's good to know from Weetomuncher's post that the people at the kennel are going to be good to him.

@escapegoat: Now I want a whippet. Whippet good. :redface:

[Stressfactor]

And yep, that's him. Sleeps more than any dog I've ever seen, as most grey's do, but then are unstoppable bursts of energy.

Also one of the most loving, sweet-natured dogs I've ever known of any breed.Yeah, the first time I met a Grey was when a rescue group was doing Christmas giftwrapping at a Borders for donations. As I was talking to her person this lovely red-brown brindle sidled right up to me. When I didn't immediately pay attention to her she took her head and bumped me in the stomach to get my attention. I looked down into these big brown eyes that were basically screaming "I'm HERE, helloooo, PET ME!"

You just can't refuse a request like that. :biggrin:


P.S., on the Animal Planet show "Breed All About It" they covered Greys once and the host said basically, that if a scientist wanted to design an animal that would run as fast as possible with the most effort/energy conservation then the design they would come up with would end up looking basically like a Grey.

[Arrogantcur]

Two Saturdays ago, we were getting ready for obedience class (new dog, required basic words) and the local Grey org was there. I'll definitely look them up once I get my own place.

That reminds me: you can teach an old dog new tricks. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if0VYjJWocU&feature=PlayList&p=DA2B8B3C7031D6B4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6)

[veracity]

That reminds me: you can teach an old dog new tricks. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if0VYjJWocU&feature=PlayList&p=DA2B8B3C7031D6B4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6)

That's the only episode of MythBusters I've ever seen because it was a doggie episode.

[Arrogantcur]

That's the only episode of MythBusters I've ever seen because it was a doggie episode.

That WAS a good one, and I'm sorry there aren't more full clips of the others up on YouTube. (There's absolutely nothing about the various ways to get past a guard dog. :frown: )

This next one is OT but still worth a look. It's just under two minutes, and it's from the first "Ninja Myths" episode. Apparently, legend had it that ancient ninjas were able to walk across water, so they were testing whether that was just exaggeration or whether it could've actually been done. After Adam delivered a memorable line in a martial arts movie voice-over voice ("Come, Silent Walrus, let us storm the castle! I will don my safety gear.") and donned his safety gear, he first tried stepping into the pool with these circular, wooden dealies on his feet. That didn't turn out so well. Next, they tried this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u4P5Fc6CNo

I don't think this is definitively the most hilarious scene ever, but it is a good example of why I wanted him as my avatar. :biggrin:

[MartinRedmond]

Everyone, have a greyhound!

Thanks, Oprah.

[laizeohbeets]

Well, I hope 'Scuro is still a-ok. It's good that he's ok, even though he got hurt in his sensitive spot.

Brockie's pretty thick-skinned, and will chase anything (Terrier), so I'd hate for anything like that to happen to her.

[Joe Acro]

I hope things work out okay.

[hellokittykat]

Stressfactor, that's it exactly...Greyhounds have almost no fur to cover their skin so they get scrapes and owies easily, but their actual skin is thick and tough. The wound, about the size of a half dollar, actually looked like leather had been stretched over his musculature, it was so thick.

However, the vet's assistant told me that many dogs would have died in the same situation. The animal attacked a very vulnerable spot on most dogs, the lower throat/shoulder, and that it could easily have been fatal since it was enough to tear through his tough skin. But the front of a greyhound is sheer, ridiculous muscle, and the wound only got through the skin.

Whew.

Anyway, I'm having a little pause because of what kitty said, but this vet is very good, so hopefully it's okay. I also have my mom and step-mom here to check in on him.

I'm sure that he'll be fine, Gail; I didn't mean to worry you. :redface: I'm sure that the vet knows what he's doing, but my medical training is always causing me to overanalyze things, especially when it's something/someone that I like. :redface: And I like you, and I like animals so naturally I'll be a little overprotective. :wink:

[Solaris]

I'm glad he wasn't hurt worse, poor dog. He sounds awesome.

There is this about the trip: even if he was at home, you might have needed to crate him anyway, to help keep him still and give the wound a chance to heal. As it is, he's crated (except for the exercise yard), and being given medical attention and daily medical checks on the wound. If it starts to get infected or something, their trained eyes will notice it right away and treat it, while laymen like us might not notice it for that extra day or two, because we aren't as used to looking for the earliest signs of infection.

So all in all, if it had to happen, this was probably the *best* time for it. :smile: