Due to the gracious negotiating skills of our local Animal Control officer, the rottie was put down. We received the welcome news this a.m. as we were finishing breakfast. And we are very grateful! Initially the owner had tried to deny culpability and asserted that she was unaware of the situtation and had been away with the dog that afternoon. So this was a very great turnaround and we give credit to God for this satisfactory resolution. We sympathize with the owner in her loss but know that this was the best solution. The dog weighed in at 180 lbs! and was a giant she could not control. He suffered from hip dysplasia so this was a mercy to him as well.
The calf is still reeling with the wounds and deep bruising. It likes best being elevated and immobile. A walker assists the old lady attached to the calf to limp about when essential. Meals and dishes are no longer essential duties! Going to the powder room is the primary essential. Gardening unfortunately is out of the question. But God is good and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or even imagine. He is a merciful and gracious shepherd to calves and their owners! --LS
Sometimes life goes on so predictably you don't know what there could possibly be to blog about. Then there are days like today. Just a few hours back I was complaining to myself about exercise taking so much time and robbing me of my afternoon free time... And now, I shall have my hasty wish. I've got my feet up for the next while, doctor's orders, no hikes or bike rides in view!
I decided on a trail ride for this afternoon's aerobic exercise. I managed all the rocks and roots OK but then I got to the park and a Rottweiler thought I looked like a threat (or maybe a treat?!) He came charging.
I attempted to scramble off to the far side of my bike but was not quick enough. He lunged for my retreating leg. Got a good strong grip on my calf and gave it a hearty jerk. He is a bear of a dog, a neighborhood terror with many complaints on his record.... I had this slow motion sense of disbelief that this was happening to me. Have you ever been there? Then your stunned brain goes for panic, what's next? Am I a goner? Well these thoughts scarcely had time to form, let alone devise a response when the terror released his grip and ambled off. It was one of those unreal moments. Then I looked down...and saw the ripped open pant leg and the blood. It was real.
The owner (familiar from previous unpleasant encounters) rushed up and commenced to make excuses for the dog and say she was sorry and was I hurt?...She glimpsed blood and wanted to see the damage. I didn't. I headed off in slight hysteria with a significant dose of adrenalin, to hammer on a friend's doorbell in anxious desperation. I was neither calm nor controlled about it. I wanted help and in a hurry. Sobbing, hyperventilating, panicked I told her to phone Jim and the police....and poor Jim, he came not knowing what he was going to face. But he acted the part of the hero and got me to the hospital in short order.
