My name is Emma Zen and I am pure temperament. You know one of those souls you Humans always hope you get in life, when choosing a canine for your family. I am loving. Slow moving. Gentle. Intuitive. Well behaved. And that's just all in my nature. On top of it I am well socialized, experienced and trained. I am a therapy and service dog. I have passed many test and many will attest to my nature.
Until this week April 2012 I have never been in a fight. I think I curled my lip up once about a year ago but that was a day when I was laying in the front yard after I hurt my knee and I wasn't' feeling good. But I didn't even growl. In fact I didn't even bark until I was almost four years old. I will be five this year.
Last week an extended families dog whose history we do not know decided the hall we were both in was to small for the two of us, and I found myself in my first fight. Don't kid yourselves folks, we are dogs and we turn to wolf the second we need to defend ourselves, even sweet little me... Within that sentences lies a reminder for you to tell yourselves this about your own pet too. Look into those sweet loving I'd never hurt a souls eyes and know, when push comes to shove, your powder puff is going to become a wolf! Know that in your soul, just so your mentally prepared if it ever happens.
Yes this is the point where the 'safety dog' in me tells your Human to take Pet First Aid and CPR. You well more than likely be the first person on the scene when your pet is injured so PLEASE know what to do BEFORE it happens. You do not want to be sitting there with a wounded pet and no idea on what to do or where to go... PLEASE take care of your pet, by being properly prepared.
Some of the effects of trauma are the adjustment in attitude that "can" occur after a pet has been attacked. I use to always hear that old antage that if a dog kills one cat, it's probably going to kill another. So if a dog gets in one fight, is it more likely to get in another? I do not know the answer to this question though I venture to guess that the answer lies somewhere between your pets temperament, training and socialization and your physical and mental reaction to the situation. You know how are you going to act differently passing your next dog on the street, or at a dog park or wherever your situation happened?
Six weeks after this fight, Emma Zen was playing with a neighbor dog who has become friendly in the past few months. Almost just enough time to forget that she had a problem to begin with. She had a new toy in her mouth and Emma Zen to a look at it and SNAP before you could take a breath, dog fight! Good Lord, what is going on here?
This time my dog got a couple of puncture wounds, enter the confidence I have to do the right thing... (Take Pet First Aid & CPR! I have told you that already, right?!)
The wounds are small and only effect the nerve and muscle to the level of tenderness and well heal nicely with time. But now I am worried all over again about my dogs disposition.
Tuesday after fight one, I didn't take Emma anywhere for 4 days. Then on day 5 I took her to met another ZENfull soul. (By the way thank you Buddy) Day 6 another fight... I guess am going back to my friends house!
I choose to share this story because what I would like to give you are reminders that are "pets" are not us. They are animals with animalistic behaviors. I believe putting yourself in check may aid you in the event of a crisis. Also for you to hear again that a calm and collective demeanor may best give you that "clear head" you need in the case of emergency. And it never hurts again to told that you should take an emergency preparedness class (pet first aid & CPR..)I have said that already, correct?! :-)
life is, well life and anything can happen even to those who you don't think deserve it. And people change, so why not your pet? Make sure your medical attention includes after care damage control.
Emma Zen has already played nicely with both dogs that hit her. She has played with friends, and she has met a stranger. Next week were going to CANIDAE because their family includes a pack of friendly canines.
Ouch hurts. Ouch is not just skin deep. And Ouchs heal! Be well.
Debra Jo (aka Emma Zen's Human)
www.facebook.com/emmazenfoundation
