It's an interesting story, Bon, so I'll tell it all......

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]

Posted by JohnT on March 12, 2002 at 11:57:26:

In Reply to: omg! poor Puzzly! .........msg posted by iZ's mom on March 12, 2002 at 10:51:31:

It's also a good lesson in handling difficult situations with animals, and what NOT to do...

In May of last year, it had become our habit (Mary, Puzzley, and me), to walk a few miles about four times a week. We live on a farm, on a quiet country road, so we just walk on the road. There is a creek which flows from our farm to the neighbor's under a small bridge. Now, Puzzley is a water dog. He loves it, and can't get enough swimming when the weather's warm. Whenever we cross the bridge, he detours to the creek, and dives in (literally). On this day, he headed for the creek, and we went on.

Suddenly, Puz began the most horrible screaming that I've ever heard a dog do. I ran back, and he was struggling in the water, screaming and thrashing, and unable to stand. I ran into the water, and could immediately tell that he was insane with pain. I quickly took off my hat and held it out to him, and he grabbed it and shredded it to pieces, so I knew he was dangerous.

I got behind him, grabbed the scruff of his neck and tried to haul him out. (he weighs 61 lbs)As soon as I grabbed him, I knew what was wrong, because I was feeling the pain, too. He had jumped into the water, and landed right on a new electric fence my neighbor had put up. It was a new, very flexible type, and he was hopelessly snared by the hindquarters from all the struggling. I couldn't get him out, and I couldn't let go, because he was trying desparately to bite me. I thought I had it timed pretty well, and when I released, he swung and snapped. It was so fast, and so powerful, I didn't even realize he had gotten me until I felt my thumb tingling. When I looked down, I was surprised to see the end gone! No pain, not too much blood, just snapped off like a giant pair of scissors. I surprised myself in that I remained very calm, and figured out what I should have done in the first place, which was to quickly determine the problem without grabbing him, and break the fence, which is what I did.

With the current off, we got him out, and I was off to the hospital to spend the afternoon with a plastic surgery hand specialist.

I have two reactions from people when they hear this story:

1. Is the dog still alive, and if so, why haven't you killed him yet?

2. (Bon's reaction) OMG! is Puzzley alright?

Persons with reaction 1 just don't get it, and Ive actually severed some relationships with former friends over this, but persons with reaction 2 are my kinda people! After all, it wasn't Puzzley's fault! I hope he lives another 11 years!

Regards,

JohnT (AKA Stubby)

Follow Ups:

thanx "Stubby" ... LOL + msg ... iZ's mom 03/12/02 (0)
John, Diana 03/12/02 (1)
- Thanks to you both... np JohnT 03/12/02 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: It's also a good lesson in handling difficult situations with animals, and what NOT to do... : In May of last year, it had become our habit (Mary, Puzzley, and me), to walk a few miles about four times a week. We live on a farm, on a quiet country road, so we just walk on the road. There is a creek which flows from our farm to the neighbor's under a small bridge. Now, Puzzley is a water dog. He loves it, and can't get enough swimming when the weather's warm. Whenever we cross the bridge, he detours to the creek, and dives in (literally). On this day, he headed for the creek, and we went on. : Suddenly, Puz began the most horrible screaming that I've ever heard a dog do. I ran back, and he was struggling in the water, screaming and thrashing, and unable to stand. I ran into the water, and could immediately tell that he was insane with pain. I quickly took off my hat and held it out to him, and he grabbed it and shredded it to pieces, so I knew he was dangerous. : I got behind him, grabbed the scruff of his neck and tried to haul him out. (he weighs 61 lbs)As soon as I grabbed him, I knew what was wrong, because I was feeling the pain, too. He had jumped into the water, and landed right on a new electric fence my neighbor had put up. It was a new, very flexible type, and he was hopelessly snared by the hindquarters from all the struggling. I couldn't get him out, and I couldn't let go, because he was trying desparately to bite me. I thought I had it timed pretty well, and when I released, he swung and snapped. It was so fast, and so powerful, I didn't even realize he had gotten me until I felt my thumb tingling. When I looked down, I was surprised to see the end gone! No pain, not too much blood, just snapped off like a giant pair of scissors. I surprised myself in that I remained very calm, and figured out what I should have done in the first place, which was to quickly determine the problem without grabbing him, and break the fence, which is what I did. : With the current off, we got him out, and I was off to the hospital to spend the afternoon with a plastic surgery hand specialist. : I have two reactions from people when they hear this story: : 1. Is the dog still alive, and if so, why haven't you killed him yet? : 2. (Bon's reaction) OMG! is Puzzley alright? : Persons with reaction 1 just don't get it, and Ive actually severed some relationships with former friends over this, but persons with reaction 2 are my kinda people! After all, it wasn't Puzzley's fault! I hope he lives another 11 years! : Regards, : JohnT (AKA Stubby)

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]