Family Dog Protects Older Brother From Dog Attack
On Friday August 21, 2020 at around 11:20 am my children and I were out for our daily walk when my 11 year old son and black lab, Missy, were attacked by a pit bull. My son was startled and fearful of being bit that he froze in place and started to cry. Our beloved 7 year old Missy Doggy experienced a horrible trauma to her front right arm. This other dog was unleashed, roaming around its owner’s unfenced backyard unsupervised. This dog ran over to my son, who was walking Missy, and viciously jumped on top of Missy and then bit her on the bottom right arm - biting so hard through her flesh that her bone was actually chewed on and fractured in two places.
We rushed Missy (bleeding and unable to walk on all fours) to our local vet who was heartbroken and furious to hear that another dog was left unattended and unleashed in Monmouth County, NJ (where dogs must be leashed or restrained at all times when outside). At this time Missy was given several injections to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. Her arm was also wrapped due to the heavy bleeding. That weekend we prayed that all she suffered was a flesh wound however she still wasn’t walking on that arm and her right paw was extremely swollen. At her follow up appointment that Monday morning on 8/24, x-rays confirmed that there was not one, but two fractures caused be the bite. Missy was rushed into surgery to have a metal rod inserted. That night was the first time in 7 years that our dog ever spent the night at a veterinarian hospital. Twenty four hours after dropping her off we were finally able to see our Missy Doggy again.
Her arm is in a splint and bandage and it will take 6-8 weeks for the fracture to heal. Her bandages will need to be changed weekly thus incurring additional medical expenses.She still needs assistance with walking and must be pulled upright with a harness strapped under her two front arms. We’re praying for a full recovery.
Thank you so much for taking the time in reading my family’s story. Please pass this along to other parents of furry little ones. I will be posting weekly updates on Missy’s milestones.