Sunday, September 14, 2008

What A Weekend!

Hello, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. We've had a difficult one and I'm feeling a bit emotional this morning, but I feel like sharing--perhaps this is my way of releasing some pent up feelings.

As many know, my "baby" is Maddie, my precious 4 year old Beagle. On Friday, Tony was walking her in our neighborhood, when they encountered a woman walking her dog, a mixed collie not much bigger than mine. Although they passed fairly quickly, they briefly sniffed noses and suddenly the other dog lunged at my Maddie, ripping a portion of her right ear completely off. It's hard just typing that. Tony, seeing blood, immidiately ran home and we rushed her to the Emergency Vet clinic. There she had to stay until 7am on Sat. morning. We picked her up and found that the ear was unable to be re-attached, however, her surgury went well and other than being extremely disoriented from the sedation, she was ok. My Maddie has extralong ears, big and beautiful, and they have always been her pride and joy. Although I'm absolutely thankful that she will be fine, I'm sick that she's now permantly disfigured on her ear and has been miserable all weekend. Just look at my poor furry baby...
I must keep this wrap on her head until Monday, so her ear stays close to the head and she can't shake it. Otherwise, she could shake it loose and bleeding could re-occur. That would mean another $375 visit to the doctor.
As for the other dog--he rarely walks Maddie, I always do it--he really didn't get a great look at the dog and didn't recognize the lady, but he gave me enough details to have an idea. So yesterday afternoon, bagged ear in one pocket, vet bill in the other--I mustered up the courage to knock on the door of the lady I thought it might be. I was right, it was her. I pulled out my dog's ear to show her what her dog had done. I know this seems morbid and I'm sorry, but I must show you...


Of course, she seemed shocked and began apologizing--I kept that torn ear out the whole conversation. Eventually, she asked me about the vet bill...she seemed even more shocked when she saw the charges. But she gave me a hug and said she would speak to her husband and see what they could do to help. 15 minutes later, she knocked on our door and offered $200, which we graciously accepted. Since both dogs were on leashes and there was no provoking on either side, we felt that half was a fair enough and a very kind gesture. She also saw Maddie and then felt really bad. More than the money, I was praying that she would be empathetic to our situation and simply validate my feelings--and she did. I feel tremendously blessed for that. She could have simply denied it was her and slammed the door in my face, but she didn't. That was one of the first times in my adult life that I've done something difficult on my own, like, I usually need my Mommy! But my Mommy lives in NV and I live here and I'm a big girl now, so I did it. I felt proud of myself for being able to confront the people and get across the devastation we feel over this incident, while also trying not to blame or put them on the defensive. I believe I succeeded.
So, to wrap this up, I just want to say how very thankful I am for each of you, my friends and loved ones, for being in my life. Maddie will be fine and it could have been so much worse, I know. The Good Lord has remained my contstant my entire life and thru this situation he was, once again, right there with me, in my time of need. God is the reason for everything good in this life and I have everything to be thankful for. I truly am. If you're still here, thank you for reading--fore to me, it is you listening. Much love for a blessed Sunday. xoxo

41 comments:

Anne said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Maddie. I understand how difficult it must have been to walk up to the dog owner's door. I hope that Maddie heals quickly.

Hugs,
Anne in Phx

Cat Tidwell said...

Oh Lins! I am so sorry that happened to your Maddie! They are just like our babies! She looks sooo pitiful! Poor thing...Hugsss you and her both! I am so glad the lady was understanding with you...you see the opposite of that lots of times. And so glad she did help with the vet bill. Although, I feel she should have paid it ALL, getting half is much better than nothing though. I hope the rest of your weekend goes smoothly and Maddie feels better too. hugssss

Angel said...

awwww, i'm so sorry to hear this. and very glad the lady was so sympathetic. poor pup. {{{hugs}}}

Danni said...

Oh my goodness! What a horrible thing to have happen.
I hope your Maddie heals quickly.
So glad that the other lady didn't "turn the other cheek" and helped out some.
Hugs!

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Maddie's ear!! I'm glad that the other lady and her husband realized they held some responsiblity for this attack. I hope you and your cute little furry baby heal from this!! {{HUGS!!}}

Lee said...

Aww Lins!!!!! Big ole hugs!!! I'm so sorry about little Maddie!!! She's still the most precious little furbaby!!! I am sooooo super proud of you for facing that..........I either would have chickened out OR not handled it very graciously depending on what was going thru my head at the moment I was at her door! I'd say you certainly have a had rough and scary time!!!

Just know that we're all right here for ya if we can do anything at all!!! {{{{{Lins}}}}}

Gwen said...

How SAD!!!! the poor little thing!!! So glad she will be OK though! I have never even thought of that happening when I walk my little dogs! I know it was hard but thanks for sharing!
big hugs!!!
Gwen

Linsey R said...

Just gotta say real quick--you are all SO amazing!!! Thank you!!! :) ~big smiles and hugs~

Erika M. said...

Maddie is blessed to have an owner like you. I'm so happy to hear that the other dog's owner took responsibility - that is very rare these days.

Jessie/knightrone said...

Oh Linsey, you and your poor furbaby!!! I am so happy she is okay, but sad because she looks so pathetic. You must be as miserable as she is, I know I would be. I am proud of you for confronting your neighbor, and equally as proud that she took responsibility instead of slamming the door in your face. Hopefully, you and your gorgeous furbaby will be back to normal soon, and although I know she will never look the same, she will always be the same, no matter what.

JenMarie said...

OMGosh, I teared up reading this. So sorry to hear..so glad she'll be ok. {{HUGS}}

Etha said...

oh goodness your poor baby!! I'm glad she'll be ok though, with or without ear :(
Believe me, I would have acted rather differently I think, this can not be the first time the other ladies dog acted aggressive towards another canine. I know my Phoebe can be very bitchy towards other dogs and whenever I see another dog, definitely one who is smaller than her, I grab her COLLAR so she HAS to stay close to me. She's got friend dogs where she can run off-leash with and she is on perfect voice control, but I never take chances and I expect that same from other dog owners.
My husband may have had to keep me from biting that ladies ear off LOL....
You did great though :)
Give Maggie my hugs please and an extra little cookie!!

Neva said...

Linsey, I am so very sorry for this horrible experience in your life. God is still in control and still speaks through us and others. I am so glad Maddie will be OK, could have been so much worse. I lost 3 cats several months ago to a band of loose pit bull dogs. These cats had been with my dh for about 15yrs.

Jennifer said...

Oh, I am so sorry about your poor Maddie! I can't imagine how difficult this time is. Good for you for going to talk with the other dog owner. And good for her for being decent enough to own up to it, apologize, and offer part of the vet bill. Fast healing vibes for Maddie!

Unknown said...

Oh NO! 'm so sorry that happened to your poor baby. Glad that the woman helped with at least part of the bill. I'd be mortified if I had a dog that did something like that. eeks.

thinking of you....

Monica-FC said...

so sorry to hear about maddie and to hear that maddie is on the mend. knowing that the other owners help take charge of the situation also and the bill even half really helps. it means that they are responsible pet owners and take care no matter what the situation. heres to the recovery of maddie as i know maddie will get fast as pets always do. :) I use to have a cat so i know.

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Oh that poor little thing! She's so lucky to have you! And that is just awesome that it all turned out so well.

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Yikes! What an ordeal! God bless you all!

Hugs,
~Nancy

Stacy Morgan said...

Oh linsey I am so sorry. That had to be horrible. Big hugs... Glad Maddie is okay and even happier that the other person felt sorry and is willing to pay for some of it.

Donna Baker said...

OH dear {{{TREMENDOUS HUGS}}} I want to cry reading your account & seeing Maddie's pics! I am so proud of you for confronting the lady & thankful she bucked up & helped with the bill! I hope she keeps a closer eye on her dog. I can only imagine the pain you all suffered this weekend! As an animal lover, I HATE it when they are hurt!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Linsey how terrible. Poor Maddie, she looks so sad in those photos, but I guess that is to be expected.

You handled the situation great!

Give Maddie a hug for me


Wendi K

Anonymous said...

Linsey,

You are so brave to have confronted this situation immediately. Maddie is so luckey to have the two of you as parents. She looks so sad. Give her a kiss from Oma! I will send her a get well gift. God is great! He guided you to the right house and stayed beside you throughout what must of been a very tense and emotional conversation. I was afraid the owners of the other dog would only deny any wrongdoing. Thats why I told you not to go door to door. I did'nt think they would validate your feelings so I was trying to spare you the pain. Wow, ye of little faith. I'm so proud of you for listening to your heart and following thru. You taught me a valuble lesson today. Love MOM

Julia Aston said...

Oh my gosh Linsey! I'm crying now - I am SO GLAD that Maddie is ok - what a terrible experience for you all - Good for you to go to the neighbor - it is only fair that they help with the cost and I'm glad she was amenable to that.... she must feel terrible also I'm sure.

I'm glad that you shared your sorry with us - and hope it helps lessen it for you!!!

If you are ever here in MA - I will buy lunch! and I'll even offer you a place to sleep!!!

Give a kiss on the head to Maddie for me (but gently!!!)

many hugs to you!!

Julia

Joani McDonald said...

Oh Linsey! I am so very sorry. Something similar happened to a friend, but she was not as lucky as you. I am thankful that the lady did own up to it and I am so very thankful that your poor little baby is still with you. It could of been worse. Sometimes I don't like to put on my "big girl" panties on, but sometimes you just have to!
Give your poor Maddie a hug from me and take good care of her.
Hugs,
Joani

Shelly said...

Awww, hugs Linsey. This breaks my heart. At least the dog owner took responsibility, doesn't make up for the pain you and your sweet doggie suffered but it is something.

Anonymous said...

Aww! Linsey, I'm so sorry to see this happen to your sweet dog, Maddie! I hope she heals quickly and is not otherwise bothered by this unfortunate incident. It sounds as though you handled it VERY well!
Hugs,
Deena

Carolyn King said...

oh my goodness Linsey---what a horrible ordeal. Your poor baby--glad to hear that she will be ok otherwise--how positively scary.

huge hugs---you will both get through this---even stronger than before.

and i am glad the lady offered to pay some of the bill....that is the least she can do.

Melanie said...

wow, you go girl!! So gladit went well, i'm proud of you!! When God is with us, who can be against us?)
So sorry that happened to Maddie, but if her mom tells her she's still beautiful, she'll beleive it :)
(((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))

Tammy Hershberger said...

OMGosh, now I'm sitting at my desk crying! Your poor baby! She looks so miserable! And I'm so sorry for you having to deal with that, and confront the other dog owner. I would NOT have been able to do that, but God bless that woman and her husband for doing what was right. I hope your Maddie will be back to her old self soon, battle-scars and all!

Kevin Renz said...

Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that happened - poor baby. But glad that you are at peace wit all that happened. My MIL happened upon your post today and asked if I had read it and of course I hadn't so I hopped on over. Hope Maddie is doing even better today.

dpkennedy said...

OMG Linsey, I am so sorry! I can hardly type through my tears! That just breaks my heart...but you still have Maddie and that's the important thing! And I am so proud of you...you did something that I don't know if I could have-and that woman was also apparently a kind person and her empathy was worth more than money.

Several years ago I took my cat to the vet only to be told that her teeth were bad and had to be pulled. I cried the day I brought her home because they had to pull more than they thought and her mouth was caving in and it changed the look of her beautiful face. But years later (and more tooth extractions later!!) she is my same wonderful baby...and totally cracks me up when her top lip gets caught on the one tooth she has left and her tiny pink tongue hangs out between her velvety lips! It sounds sad but believe me it's cute and funny and she's the same with or without teeth!

I am so glad that Maddie is making a full recovery as I read in today's post and in time you will too! Hugs!!!

Deb Neerman said...

OMIgosh, Linsey, I'm soooooooooo sorry about Maddie!!! The poor l'il thing!

She's so adorable and it's so sad that she was hurt but you still have her, and that's a blessing.

{{{{Linsey}}}} wish there was a way to help!

~Big hugs, Deb

Free Spirit said...

That is so sad. I am not even a dog person but Maddie is adorable. Sorry for her pain. It was nice of the lady to offer half the bill. You have a cool blog. Stumbled onto yours from SCS. I am at

www.twoworldsunite.blogspot.com

Take care and hope maddie feels better. Hey are the halloween cupcakes a card or an actual box. Could not find the template. any help with that would be great.

Anonymous said...

Linsey... i am behind in reading again so I am just now getting this. I am soooo sorry to hear about your baby...my heart breaks just reading the story. Glad she is feeling better now. Give her a big doggie hug for me!

Unity Stamp Company said...

OH NO! OH NO! OH NO! I did not see this till this evening! Your poor little dog! I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that! Give MADDIE lots of love...

Lisa said...

First, I'm glad that Maddie's better. My Tucker sends her a big old lick. He'd sniff her, then snuggle her. That's the kind of dog he is.

Second, I am so proud of you for going up to this woman and telling her what happened. I don't know that I could have done the same, but I would have wanted to do so. And the ear, that was perfect. Morbid, but it needed to be done.

I'm glad you had your feelings validated. Now Maddie will heal with you.

Give her a nice snuggle for me, please.

Angie said...

Wow Linsey my friend! I haven't blurfed over to your blog in about a week (my laptop is about dead and your blog is bookmrked on that, not this desktop) and I missed so much! I am so glad that things worked out with Maddie, and the vet bill, and the neighbor, and that your precious pup is doing so much better. I have had a couple very special dogs in my life, so I know what it is to feel for your pet. I'll be checking in more often!

Unknown said...

Oh no, poor girl! Both of you! What a blessing the other dog owner helped you, but your sweet girl's wrapped up head... I hope you both are feeling better soon.

Theresa Momber said...

Oh, poor Maddie. Beagles are the best. Good for you for tracking her down. I am so glad she did what was right. I always worry about my dogs when we walk. So many people are careless about controlling their dogs. {{{hugs for Maddie and for you}}}

dragonflydreamer said...

This is my first visit to your site and while trying to go back to older posts, I stopped at this one because I feel I was meant to read it. First, let me say that I'm sorry about Maddie and hope she is feeling better. Secondly, I want to thank you for sharing this story. I really need to learn to become assertive even though it is very hard for me. Reading this gave me an example of how tactfully touchy situations can be handled. I also want to tell you that I love your cards. I am trying to overcome my fear of not being good enough and begin crafting, scrapbooking, and card making. I love your blog, I will definitely bookmark it.

Tanja said...

Hello. I'm so sorry to hear about the nightmare you and your sweetie went through!
I am actually shocked that the other dog owner only paid half of the vet bill. You could have easily insisted that her dog be euthanized (at least here in VA.)
I have to say I am happy about the way you handled the situation.
Honestly, though, the other woman should have sought you and your husband out to check on your dog. I hope she has learned a lesson! Hope Maddie is doing ok and not in pain any more.