For a while now I have been considering the idea of  pursuing a career working with dogs; specifically helping people train their dogs.  I have spoken with my trainer (Sara) about possibly shadowing her to gain the experience.  I have been attending Thursday night drop in obedience as often as I can to 1) help Marcie with Zoe and 2) see what training is all about.

I admit I stopped bringing Delilah to the drop in class because I saw a marked improvement with her and other dogs and because the class was drawing in a few VERY aggressive dogs.

Last night we had a situation at class with a very aggressive pit bull; Van Gogh.

Let me say, that as far as I know both dogs are ok.

I got to class late, it was just about break time so I went in said my hellos to Sara and headed straight for Marcie and Zoe at the back of the room.  Marcie and I started chatting, Zoe leaned into me and I was petting her.

Everyone starting coming back to class from their potty break and were taking their places.  Van Gogh was in the front with his mom and Brockway (a big Alaskan Malmute) was next to Van Gogh, since I was in the back of the room I didn’t see what took place, but I heard that Van Gogh went at Brockway and Brockway went right back at him.

The next thing I knew, both mom’s were on the floor as were both dogs.  Sara ran and tried to separate the two dogs, but couldn’t.  Van Gogh’s dad ended up on top of his dog and we aren’t really sure what he did to get the dog to release Brockway, but release him he did.  Van Gogh’s dad stayed on top of him until after Sara had examined Brockway and determined he needed to be seen by a vet because  he had a couple of deep puncture wounds on one of his paws.  Van Gogh had a couple of scrapes on his face.

I had stayed with Marcie and I have to say that throughout the entire fight, Zoe remained very calm, I did see a few dogs get their dander up, but thankfully all owners remained in control.  Marcie and I were petting Zoe and letting her know that she was ok, and we were taking care of her.  Zoe was a superstar through the whole thing!

After Sara had determined that Brockway needed to see the vet; I went over to make sure Teri (Brockway’s mom) was alright.  We walked out to their car and Brockway limped a little, but he was walking on his leg and he did get into the car under his own power.  While we were getting Brockway and Teri settled,  Van Gogh’s parents got him out to their car.

Once we got back inside Sara stayed up front with Van Gogh’s parents, while we continued with class.  After class a bunch of us stayed to talk with Sara to find out how Brockway was and a couple people expressed concern about Van Gogh continuing with the class.  I found out then that Van Gogh had got into it with another dog two weeks earlier and the dog had gotten a punctured lip.  Van Gogh is no longer allowed in the class.

Sara explained when pit bulls bite they tend to lock their jaws.  According to Sara when you try to pull the dog away, they tear the skin because their grip is so tight, sometimes they even crush bone.

While we were chatting Teri called to say they were keeping Brockway overnight because he did need a couple of sutures and they would have to anesthetize him.

Everyone was really unsettled, and no-one really knew what to say; Marcie described it best by saying, “I just feel really sad.”

I left class last night really questioning whether I want to pursue the dog training, I don’t think I could handle a situation such as what took place last night.  I guess I have some real soul-searching to do.

On a positive note, I did hear from Sara today that Brockway was home and both he and Teri were feeling better.  Van Gogh’s parents offered to pay for the medical bills and so it would seem that things are ok.  But are they?

 

 

 

 

 

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