On Sunday, Sept. 13, a beautiful morning, I decided to bring my two small dogs, Barney & Betty, to the dog park located on Circle Avenue. Little did I know it would turn into one of the most terrifying experiences of my life!
I brought the dogs in and sat down on the bench where Betty jumped up with me. Well, as you might assume, all the other dogs at the park decided to come over and sniff the newcomers. No big deal since we are experienced with dog parks.
Next thing I know a German Shepard attacked poor Betty putting her head in his mouth. I’m screaming and trying to get them apart. I get bitten in the process. People around are trying to help. The owners are of zero help.
Finally, after part of her ear is gone, we stand up, but do the owners hold their
dog? No, while Betty is in my arms the dog goes after and bites her in the rear end. Betty is screaming.
People are once again helping me and a voice that I will never forget yells, “Get your dog out of here. Now!”
While I’m about to pass out, Betty is still screaming in pain, several people help me and get my other dog, pick up Betty, wrap her in a sweatshirt to cover the blood and keep her from going into shock.
These 4-5 strangers, obvious dog lovers, walked us out to my car and did whatever they could to calm me down so I could drive to the emergency vet. Without their help and care I could not have done this on my own. I will be forever grateful to them!
Needless to say, I will never go to the dog park again. The owners of the German shepard were extremely negligent in getting their dog under control. This should not have happened.
So $600 later and lots of stitches, Betty is doing OK, but the outcome could have been so much worse without the help of the other dog owners at the park.
I’m hoping they see this in the Forest Park Review so they know how much their help meant to me.
Janice, Barney & Betty
Forest Park
