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by beetree on 26 April 2008 - 03:04
Bancroft;
My British neighbor would say the same as you regarding lawsuits and the US, as we have discussed this difference many times. It would also be more fair to admit that the British are more willing to mete out their own private justice instead of involving the law in matters of difference, something we call vigilantism. Of course, this is just hearsay on my part.
by SchHBabe on 26 April 2008 - 12:04
I’m sorry to hear that this incident happened. Not only did someone get hurt, but incidents like this are bad press for the sport and the breed. I’ve also been bitten by a GSD at my old SchH club down south, and I’ve got 13 stitches and a permanent scar on my right arm as a daily reminder. However, the whole situation seems to have been handled quite differently and for what it’s worth, I’ll tell my tale. If you don’t think it’s relevant or adds any value, then skip this long post.
The bare facts were simple… a guy showed up at our club a few times with an Am-bred GSD interested in the sport and the experienced guys worked with him to on fundamentals. However, one of the “graybeards” told me privately that when he read the dog’s behavior he could see signs of a fearful and unstable temperament. Thus, as the only club novice, I was warned.
Unfortunately, I had a mental lapse one morning after laying my track and I walked up to the dog to feed him some pieces of leftover hot dog. The guys were standing around talking, and “Pooh Bear” was on leash next to his owner. I fed the dog a few pieces, he wagged his tail a bit, and when I turned to walk away the dog nailed my right forearm.
Interesting that after the guy pulled the dog off my arm how calmly the whole situation was handled. Nobody started pointing fingers and assigned blame. The owner was horrified and immediately offered to take me to the hospital and pay my medical expenses. I never yelled or threatened a lawsuit. It was obvious the guy felt remorse over what happened, and was trying to “make it right.” I have health insurance so the guy only had to cover my co-pays and deductibles, which were only a couple hundred bucks.
by Silhouettes on 26 April 2008 - 16:04
SchHBabe, this sounds more than reasonable to me and I would most certainaly act as such, The owners had a reaction that explaimed compassion..
We weren't warned, I can only sit here and say shoulda coulda woulda.
Arm bite, I would expect this to happen from time to time in this world, and I probably wouldn't be on here if we had been treated properly.
by Silhouettes on 26 April 2008 - 18:04
Ugh I made a typo, that is what happens when you are writing something, but thinking of something else, duh.
II forgot to add "if" the owners exclaimed compassion... because they did not.
by allaboutthedawgs on 26 April 2008 - 19:04
Animals are not machines that respond predictably every time. The dog could have misinterepreted an action by your mother. Your mother could have unwittingly conveyed a message she did not mean to. It is a tragic incident any way around it. I hope the owners will be more cautious in allowing a stranger with an unknown understanding of working dogs to interact with their dog in the future. And that they have the sense to be proactive to gaurd against these possiblities.
I think it is not necessary that the dog be put down if arrangements are made and precautions are taken to protect people from future incidents. If they love the dog and he is safe with them I see no reason for him to die. Simply to be managed away from these situations.
I don't see the compulsion of people to pet other people's animals. I particularly don't understand the idea that it is somehow a reflection of a dog's temperament to let strangers rub all over him. Working dogs are not labradoodles.They are self assured and dignified animals that may or may not enjoy being public love muffins. But it is not a poor reflection on them if they are not. People who work in serious and intense jobs such as firemen, police or paramedics don't necessarily have a goofy "labradoodle" personality. Though, obviously, some do. And neither do all seriously bred working dogs. I don't let people sit on/ride my Harley. I don't let people ride my horse. I don't let people drive my truck. And I don't let strangers be familiar with my children other than to speak to them. Why would it be any different with my dog? These are part of my life. If a person feels the need to have these experiences in their own life then they should obtain them.'
All this being completely aside from the fact that I treat people, animals and object in my life a certain way. I don't know if another person is going to reinforce that or undermine it. It is the mentality of an amateure pet owner to assume that working animals are public domain.
None of this is to say your mother is to blame for the incident, though she may have been unwittingly partially a part of the problem. Ultimately an adult is responsible for the actions and consequences from those in their care. If, and I do say if because I was not there, the incident and aftermath was as you say I would be angry beyond words. And, as you say, it is more likely that a wrong person will be forgiving if the offending person shows signs or remorse and responsibility. I hope your mother is well. I'm glad it wasn't worse. I hope she continues to recover well.
Regards,
Dawgs
by allaboutthedawgs on 26 April 2008 - 19:04
Sorry, make that "a wronged person" not a wrong person. Got the flu not quite with it.
by Krishnan on 27 April 2008 - 03:04
To Silhoettes:
I think, here's what you should plan:
i) Ensure about the complete recovery of your mother and take good care of her
ii) Sue the person/organization responsible for the accident
iii) Claim all your medical bills on the responsible party
iv) If need be, file a Police Complaint
v) Make sure you have all the witnesses who witnessed that accident
Sorry to hear about such unfortunate event.
Best wishes--Krishnan
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