Last night, just before some friends left, the 11-year-old girl tried to give Jackson a hug. They were on the living room floor. Head to head. Jackson snapped, opening a small gash on her cheek. Not her eye, thank God, but still resulting in a trip to the ER. Toxic stew of emotions in our home last night; somewhat better this morning. Now I know how it feels to love a criminal!
15 comments:
I almost lost my eye to a dog when I was 6, opened two gashes when its top teeth went between my eyeball and the socket and the bottom teeth just in front of my ear.
Obviously, not all dogs do this, but it is an instinct, a way of proving they are above whatever they bite in the hierarchy. And although its not excusable, Jackson just thought that he needed to prove that he was higher in the line than the little girl and that she didn't have the right to invade his space like say you, Rick or Brian or you might be able to because you've made it clear you're all pack leaders over him. Don't think too bad of Jackson, he is after all just a dog. Sorry to hear it happened, but equally glad it was no worse than it was.
I honestly think that Jackson was treating the little girl as he would treat any other puppy - playfully. If he'd have meant to harm her, he certainly would have. Celeste has a habit of nibbling cheeks and chins at greetings, too. No harm intended, just her way of being playful and sharing it. Jackson obviously didn't realize that soft pink baby skin isn't the same as hairy dog hid. Forgive him. He's still a great boy.
What a tough way for the girl to learn a lesson in dog space! I hope she's OK, and that Jackson has been forgiven.
Nancy in Iowa
Sorry to hear of your sad happening. I understand that dogs do not like to be hugged. Guess Jackson is one of that group.
I never held it against Jackson, as I have known since much younger than 11 not to get down in a dog's face, much less try to give it a hug! But I feel TERRIBLE that this happened to dear friends of ours. Last night Rick was literally ready to kill Jackson, and Brian and I were both fighting panic that he would do so. The heat of that moment has passed, but we are treading carefully - and we will not be letting any children play with Jackson in the future.
Sorry you have to go through this Michelle. I do hope everyone involved finds it in their hearts to forgive each other, including Jackson.
Animals are unpredictible, period.
This might sound harsh but dogs are not stuffed toys they unfortunatly can react badly. Can understand how upset you all must be.
Very glad the little girl is OK, must have been a shock for you all.
Hope you can forgive him .
Jackson was just saying, Hey kid..get outta my face! I feel for Jackson, his 2-legged family and the girl and her family. But Jackson was just being a dog and that's how dogs can communicate when people get in their face. One of my dogs bit a child many years ago, in the face, and now I only let kids pet my dogs while I supervise. I know how awful that scene is. Take care.
Michelle,
So sorry this happened. It's easy to forget that they are animals, since they live with us 24/7. It's sometimes difficult to reconcile their reactions to what we think they should do. Thankfully, the bite wasn't horrific or disfiguring and now you have the knowledge that he can't interact with small children. Sometimes people can't understand the space issue that many animals (and some people!) require. It's just a sad situation for you and your family and friends, but hopefully will not leave any lasting 'scars'. With Boone, I have never allowed children around him unsupervised. I don't think he would harm them, but if he chose to, he could do terrible damage, and it's not worth the risk. It's as much for his own safety as for the children to be honest, as I know sometimes kids can push a situation as well. The same holds true for Ashley since I have no idea her response to children. Anyway, hang in there, and hope everyone has calmed down!
Tammy
Hey, our concerns are with you all! I recollect the time you were bitten by Laddie,and you hadn't even touched him! This just the week after you had run into the corner of the ping pong table (and got a black eye). The trip to the ER for a few stitches calmed me down, and your dad did not kill the border c. as he was threatening to do. Laddie never bit you again, but then I never let you near him unsupervised.
So sorry Michelle, I'm glad the little girl wasn't more seriously hurt. I know how sobering an event like this can be. Best wishes for all involved.
Michelle, Late to the party, but I'm with you on this, dogs ( and other animals) no matter how sweet have moments. I have had a number of known biters through the years and a few dogs that just didn't like kids ( and a few who weren't too keen on adults either)
You now know a bit more bout your dog, the girl learned a valuable lesson albeit a bit extreme and Rick will likely calm down and get over it.
How stressful for everyone!
I hope everything has turned out ok, Michelle.
Just hearing about the little girl's body language makes me think Jackson was just saying "back off". Yet my little sister was attacked by a doberman when she was just a preschooler and almost lost her entire face. She still has the scars. So I know how frightning it can be on that side too.
I'm glad it was a relatively small bite. And I hope all hearts, minds, wounds, and relationships are on the mend.
Post a Comment