Scary time

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I've just got home from my regular walk in the woods with Candy. She was attacked out of nowhere, for no reason, by a black labrador. I'm only just beginning to calm down and feel OK. Thankfully, Candy seems to be alright, with no bite marks. It was so scary!

If I'm in a stressful situation, my cortisol levels drop, and I feel very 'wobbly' and unwell. I have to top up with extra steroids when this happens. I did this as soon as I got home.

Think I'll give the woods a miss for a while!

  • Not a good experience  for you.

    Take time out and sit, yes think you will be more aware if a next time.

    Did the dog have an owner about or roaming lose

  • They had 3 black labradors with them, all off-leads and not under control. From what they said afterwards, this dog had obviously shown this behaviour before. It should have been muzzled! Silly people.

    It could have been a child, not my dog. Doesn't bear thinking about.

  • Wow candysmum I’ve been through exactly the same situation at my local park! Dog signs everywhere stating keep your dogs on a lead but does anyone do this,nope! My Toby is dog reactive (through fear) and when another dog comes too near he reacts badly, I always hear the same old same old “ he won’t hurt you/him he’s a friendly dog” arrghh famous last words loll. I always explain it’s not your dog it’s mine he’s fearful and if a fight ensued I can’t get in the middle of it as I have cancer, this usually followed by “you need to get him socialised “ then BANG that’s it I kinda loudly reply “ if your dog was on a lead we wouldn’t be having this conversation ya moron” ok ok not my proudest moment but it’s so frustrating and upsetting, it also puts me off going out but you really mustn’t let it frighten you, my mantra is there’s never a bad dog just bad dog owners x have a hot cuppa take a deep breath and give candy a cuddle x x 

  • Yes! Have done the cuddle and the dog biscuit (her, not me!) and a cup of tea. Really need to hose her down, as she's covered in mud, but she hates it so I'll let her dry naturally. Don't want to stress her out again.

    Thanks for your understanding!

    xxx Kate

  • Oh sorry to hear that thankfully no one was hurt . It does drive me mad dogs behaving badly . some people should not be allowed to own dogs. I saw two dog owners laughing as their dogs took a ball from this terrified kid and they thought it was funny. Complete morons . They really should have a test before you can own a dog as they can kill people . I had some moron who had a pitbull jump up on my back legs when I was running . I told him he needs to keep the dog on the lead and his reply was the dog was chasing a fox. I hope you have calmed down now . All the best Minmax   

  • Thank you!

    Yes, I agree about some sort of 'management' of dog ownership, but not sure how it could be done. I think we're both OK, but I'll be careful where I walk for the next few days. 

    Your experience sounds horrible! Hope it didn't do any damage.

    Kate

  • Sorry to hear about this, especially as I know you struggle with cortisol post-immunotherapy. Hoping everything is calm now. 

  • Yes thanks Coddfish!

    I have posted in our local Facebook group to warn other dog-walkers. Found out a very similar thing happened a couple of days ago, but not sure if it was the same dog.

    We do get a big influx of holiday makers here, so get a lot of 'strange' dogs arriving too. It can cause problems!

    Yes, being steroid-dependent has its issues. I can take extra if I know in advance that I have a stressful thing happening, such as dental work. It is only an issue for me if something unexpected happens.

    I can't complain though....apart from that, my life is good and I feel well. I think I'm very fortunate! Compared with what others on here have to cope with.

    Bless you for your kind words

    Kate

  • Hi Candysmum I am fine thanks just got my appointment through for clinical psychologist so its not all bad lol. Yes I would be wary walking my dog in the woods as you have encountered unleaded dogs . Unfortunately the damage a few dogs can do to a little dog in seconds doest bear thinking about. Dogs are not the danger its the idiots who own them that either train them of let them get that way which is disgraceful really . I have seen the so called professional dog walkers take on dogs they havnt got a clue about who have mauled other innocent dogs. I think eventually any iffy breeds will have to  be muzzled. I think that's what they do over in Ireland . All the Best Minmax  

  • Glad you've got your appointment with your C Psych. It took me 6 months of waiting before I saw mine, but it was worth waiting for. It really helps. Hope it is successful for you.

    Candy is a HUGE dog, but very gentle, non-assertive and 12 years old. I don't think she'll be keen on labradors anymore though, which is a pity, as they are common round here.

    Ah well, tomorrow is a new day and we'll do a different walk!