We drove from the Flying J to Shawnee, OK, for the American Coach Association National pre-Rally. It was almost a boring drive, just 163.4 miles (82,966.6 miles total) of straight, level Interstate highway. Surprise, there were already dozens of American Coaches parked and ready for the rally! We were surprised because we thought we were not supposed to arrive before the 16th.
Our assigned site was unavailable because our neighbor parked over the line and refused to move. It was quickly resolved and we got settled in. Sam and I did our usual thing and explored our new digs. I noticed a German Shepard at a site ahead of us. I said to Sam "let's just move along" but his tags jingled which alerted the big unleashed dog. I will say I witnessed the most sudden and vicious attack I could have ever imagined. That dog covered 30 feet in less than a second and pounced on Sam. Sam had enough time to turn away before the 80 pounds of fur covered razor blades clamped down on him. I was able to get him away before a second bite but the damage was already done.
Sam was in so much pain. I carried him home and Joani found a vet. Their examination recommended a pet hospital emergency room. Eight hours later, Sam was recovering from the anesthesia and we headed home with a bunch of prescriptions and instructions to help him get through the next few weeks. The drains were a surprise and gave him a real Frankenstein look. We were so relieved to get him home knowing he would be alright.
Our assigned site was unavailable because our neighbor parked over the line and refused to move. It was quickly resolved and we got settled in. Sam and I did our usual thing and explored our new digs. I noticed a German Shepard at a site ahead of us. I said to Sam "let's just move along" but his tags jingled which alerted the big unleashed dog. I will say I witnessed the most sudden and vicious attack I could have ever imagined. That dog covered 30 feet in less than a second and pounced on Sam. Sam had enough time to turn away before the 80 pounds of fur covered razor blades clamped down on him. I was able to get him away before a second bite but the damage was already done.
Sam was in so much pain. I carried him home and Joani found a vet. Their examination recommended a pet hospital emergency room. Eight hours later, Sam was recovering from the anesthesia and we headed home with a bunch of prescriptions and instructions to help him get through the next few weeks. The drains were a surprise and gave him a real Frankenstein look. We were so relieved to get him home knowing he would be alright.
The damage was four deep punctures and two one inch lacerations (and all wounds communicate - a new term for me.) The good news was - no broken bones and the abdomen wasn't punctured.
Look at that face! Is he thinking "What's going on?!" or "Look, Mom, I'm standing!"
Sam wouldn't eat or drink water and his pain pills needed food in his stomach to work. Believe it or not, he even turned his nose up to bacon! For some reason, bits of ham steak he found irresistible and the pills went down right along with it. He still would not drink water. We remembered a few years ago when he drank from a stream which resulted in stomach problems, the vet recommended pureed pumpkin and he loved it. We had a can so Joani gave that a shot and, hallelujah, he gobbled it up.
Our good friend, Loren, suggested wet food if he wouldn't drink. It worked like a charm! Joani started with a little water in the pumpkin and he ate it up. She then progressed to just a little pumpkin and a lot of water. Someone should market "pumpkin soup" for dogs!
Update: It's Sunday - two days later - and Sam is so much better! He is back to his "wiggle butt" self. Walking like nothing was wrong. Jumping on the couch (despite our efforts otherwise). Tomorrow he gets the tubes removed.
Our good friend, Loren, suggested wet food if he wouldn't drink. It worked like a charm! Joani started with a little water in the pumpkin and he ate it up. She then progressed to just a little pumpkin and a lot of water. Someone should market "pumpkin soup" for dogs!
Update: It's Sunday - two days later - and Sam is so much better! He is back to his "wiggle butt" self. Walking like nothing was wrong. Jumping on the couch (despite our efforts otherwise). Tomorrow he gets the tubes removed.
Hello David, I meet you while we were staying at the escapees park in summerdale back in 15. I am sorry to hear about your problems. During our last 3 years of travel we have noticed a decline in common courtesy and a total disregard for rules (I would imagine there was an animal on leash rule). It is a pity that so many seem to care only for themselves. We have stayed at some campsites with beautiful views, only to have to clean and wash the area of trash and animal waste. I hope the owners have at least offered to pay your vet bills.
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels
SR
Hi SR, Sam is doing well and has bounced back much faster than we could have dreamed. His drainage tubes were removed three days ago (Wed. June 21st) and we will remove the stitches tomorrow (Sat. June 25th). After three days of pain, he must have decided that was enough! Then the problem became - how do we keep him from running and jumping! Sam is 11 years old now, but he acts like he's a teenager!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Safe travel to you, David