A traumatic morning.

[Loraseal]

I know how on lead walks are frustrating after you have been so used to off-lead walks.
Trust me it is well worth the wait!
Hunter says Hi to GGJ and he is very relieved to know that she is feeling much better!!
X

 

[Candy]

Another on lead walk today and I thought Joy was doing really well. She had a quiet grumble at a Beagle but appeared fine with the other dogs that we saw. Then as we were heading for home we saw a man with two GRs, a quiet elderly one and a young, daft,excited barky one. I took Joy to the other side of the lane, talked calmly to her and gave her treats, she didn't bark back, so of course I praised her. This was when I made my big mistake. As I was patting her I noticed that her seroma looked a bit smaller, so I reached out to feel it, as I have done lots of times at home with no problem. However we were out and I don't think she realised that it was me touching it because she let out a shriek and turned round in the direction of the dogs we had just passed. She was cowering and trembling and crying just as she had immediately after the attack. At first I thought I had hurt her, but she's fine with me touching it now we're home again. It's made me realise how frightened she must be when we're out, poor little girl, and how brave she's being. I suppose it's early days still and I'm hoping that she'll start getting some of her confidence around other dogs back when she can see those that she has come to know and trust and have a run around with them again. If anyone has advice or ideas about anything I can do to help her, it would all be welcome.

 

[Jacqui-S]

I am so sad for you and GGJ. No specific advice, bit I KNOW you will get your girl back with your TLC

 

[Naya]

Poor girl. It does take them a while to get over things like this, but time and patience (which I know you have in abundance) will help. Also arranging some short walks with other dogs she knows would help x

 

[Charlie]

How sad, poor Joy and you. Firstly don't beat yourself up you did what comes naturally. Maybe up the juiciness of your treats in the presence of unknown dogs. Bits of warm sausage etc. As I suggested before, organising to meet your friends with friendly dogs that Joy knows is a good starting point to build on her confidence. Letting Joy take her interactions with unknown dogs at a distance at her own pace is crucial whilst eating sausage. It will take time but you will get there. She might still be sore which will cause her to bark/grumble at dogs saying "stay away" I'm sure once she is pain free and feeling comfortable she will start to respond. Slowly does it for the best outcome. Keep going Candy you're doing all the right things. xx

 

[Rosie]

Oh, sweetheart!
Pongo sends his very very very best wishes and says to tell her she is being Very Brave, and he wishes he was there to Protect Her From The World.

 

[MellowYellow]

Oh I am sorry, poor little GGJ

 

[chrisc831]

 

[Cath]

Poor girl

 

[Boogie]

Bless her, and you.

It‘s good, in a way, that you’ve discovered how nervous she still is. You can go really slowly with her re-introduction to other dogs in the knowledge that it’s the right thing to do.

It‘s often hard to know.

Hugs and Lambies for you both

 

[Granca]

Poor GGJ. It’s difficult to know what she will react to after the attack. You’re doing so well with her.

 

[Selina27]

It's such a shame for dear sweet GGJ, but she has the right hooman in life to help her recovery.

I guess slow and steady is the only way to go xxxx

 

[Candy]

Bless her, and you.

It‘s good, in a way, that you’ve discovered how nervous she still is. You can go really slowly with her re-introduction to other dogs in the knowledge that it’s the right thing to do.

It‘s often hard to know.

Hugs and Lambies for you both

I have also been thinking that it's a good thing that I've realised how scared she still is, it's upsetting of course but it's better than me making things worse for her by rushing her.

 

[Atemas]

Poor Joy - she’s had a terrible trauma. You will get there with your usual patience and love. ‘s for both of you

 

[Candy]

She's just been standing by the door squeaking, so I looked out and the neighbours were out there with their puppy, Loki. He was on his new lead, they're trying to get him used to it as he can start walks on Tuesday. I put Joy on her lead and took her out. She was a bit cautious around Loki at first but was soon showing signs of wanting to play with him. That's reassuring and makes me think that she's likely to be OK with Fiona's little gang after perhaps some initial caution. Onwards and upwards, very slowly!

 

[MellowYellow]

Poppy is STILL nervous when confronted with a group of dogs that she doesnt know, this is years after she was attacked. She kind of freezes, and then escapes as fast as she can. Clearly the trauma is still with her, though she is fine in any other situation.

 

[Selina27]

With Cassie I find that it goes on the look of the other dog. Having been attacked and pinned down by a German Shepherd more than once, any dog of her size or bigger that has clearly pricked ears is frightening to her and she shuts down and removes herself, likewise anything that resembles the lurcher that went for her from a distance of 50 yards. Other gundogs are still the best ever, and most dogs smaller than her are ok.

At least Cassie had no physical damage to contend with unlike poor GGJ.

 

[Candy]

Joy has been fine with every Labrador we've met, so that's good news for when Forum meet ups might be possible again!

 

[Lab_adore]

Poor little GGJ but I know she will be back to normal soon with your TLC Candy.

 

[Shaz82]

Poor Joy, it's so upsetting for you to see her frightened and she must still be a bit nervy, poor girl