esrosedotblog

ATTACK DOG

Franklin got attacked on the walk last night. The sled dog up the street came over the wall at us.

It is the second time.

His owner was in the yard with him and came running to get him off.

The dog is big and super aggressive. Franklin got two bite marks on his side. Bruised. No open wounds.

This dog is not socialized nor does it appear that he will ever get that way.

The owner is a sort of ineffectual guy more interested in theories of pack aggression than doing something about it. He and I had a frank discussion. Like the first one.

But this time we have started carrying a stick on the walk. And in half an hour I am calling the animal control department. We want to be on record.

We have also alerted other neighbors, some of whom have also had trouble with the dog. He has gone after Franklin's best friend Bruno, the boxer.

Of course the problem is not the dog. It is the owner who is basically clueless. He is not even defensive about it.

The trouble with the animal control approach is that it is the dog that will be taken and eventually put down if there is more trouble.

But I don't want my dog attacked either.

Neighborhood dilemma. How tough do you get with a neighbor who doesn't seem to get it. When good will is not enough.

Franklin seems to be doing better today. The bruise is tender. It is like being pinched.

He is also a bit timid. Staying with us. Closer. It is the first time that he has had his ass kicked. It is his first real battle. Most have been ceremonial as these things are and F has come out on top. Some pride has been hurt here too.

So now, his right side is off limits for petting. A scar from his operation earlier in the week on his neck and two big tooth marks (the very short hair got scraped off) on his side.

Tough week. And he will recover.

A friend has offered a meter reader stick which got left at his house. It has a tennis ball on one end of a flexible (whipping) shaft and a knob on the other. I think that I will start taking it along.

We will see.

In the meantime, Franklin is getting lots and lots of petting and encouragement. As I type, the other human is snuggling the boy.

We will love him back into shape.

Labels: Franklin