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Kitten attacked by doberman |
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#26 |
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Guest
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,843
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Quote:
Just heard from the vet. Nessa took an age to come out of the sedation and is still too groggy to have her back legs re-assessed. She'll be staying in today.
"Some hope" according to the vet, but as she also has a liver shunt (formally diagnosed yesterday, which is why she's so small and took the anaesthetic badly), the prognosis is not good. I think we're looking for a miracle here... Miracles do happen. |
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#27 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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For goodness sake, how can you equate a dog attacking kitten to then attacking a child?
I am sick to death of people who let their dogs run free. OP, my heart sank when I saw this thread title and it took me ages to click on the link as I knew how much it would upset me to read it. My heart goes out to you and I hope your little one makes a full recovery. I have everything crossed for her. |
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#28 |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 516
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uh oh...just learnt that the owner's wife is a lawyer!
Well, I expect she should know what's coming to her if they don't accept liability for their dog's actions... Edit to add: Ah, thinking about it, that'll be why he didn't say sorry like any normal compassionate person would
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#29 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 3,776
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Lawyer or not, that shouldn't let them off paying your vets bills, and they should be more responsible with a dog like that !
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#30 |
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,636
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Poor Nessa, I hope she pulls through. And poor Leo and you as well. I hope he's feeling more like himself today.
The dog owner should definitely be paying your vet bills. And personally I would report him. For a start he shouldn't have his dog off the lead in the street anyway, and if its attacked another animal once chances are it'll do it again. The owner needs a strong talking to from someone in authority. |
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#31 |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
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He's just been round...and has changed his tune BIG TIME.
He was very apologetic and PROMISES never to let it off the lead again. Has mended the fences of his garden this morning, has contacted the police and will contact the dog warden tomorrow. I think the reality of the situation has sunk in...and he has decided to fess up before he gets reprimanded by the authorities. He again said "do you want me to have it put down?" I told him either his insurance or himself will be paying the vets bills. He said "well you musn't be out of pocket" which I think was a yes. He's left his phone number and email address. |
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#32 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 3,776
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I don't think that dog should be let out without a muzzle !
Glad he's admitted complete blame, I should get him to sign something saying he'll pay all the vets bills. |
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#33 |
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 685
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My dog used to like chasing things- he didn't hurt them (except by scaring them) just enjoyed charging round after them. Thats why when he went out for walks or whatever he was always on a lead and muzzled just in case!
Given whats happened to your kitten, I think I'd insist on it not only being on a lead but muzzled as well. Like other posters have said, next time it could be another cat, small dog or child. At least with a muzzle it can't do as much damage. Really hope the kitty pulls through and the other one gets over it. Think you are both in shock. Horrible thing to have happened. |
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#34 |
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Posts: 2,568
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Poor little Nessa
![]() I hope she pulls through! |
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#35 |
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 21,977
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I think this was a dreadful thing to happen, and I hope the kitten is OK, and have every sympathy for the OP's situation. However.....
Dobermans are large dogs, and to a Doberman, there is no difference between a kitten, and, say, a rat, if it decides to play with something. Unfortunately, kittens are very delicate, and they are also pets. If the owner follows through on what he has said he will do, I think that he's behaving reasonably. He obviously didn't realise that even a well-behaved Doberman can cause problems if it's allowed to "play". So I would definitely NOT subscribe to the "put it down NOW" hysteria, because it is entirely possible that this is not a "dangerous" dog in the generally accepted sense - it was a large dog that got out of control. OP, make sure that the owner does everything that he's said he will do - he will learn an important lesson, and I'm sure the police and the dog warden will have words with him as well. |
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#36 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,146
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And an apology to you too, I hope.
Poor little kitty - you (and she) have my positive thoughts today. The owner should at least be partially responsible for any vets bill you may encounter for Nessa's treatment as his dog was uncontrolled at the time. I have a doberman and I am staggred that the owner saw fit not to keep it on the lead in the street.The owner is leagally bound to keep his dog under control in public spaces, which they clearly did not. If my dog had done such a thing I would be distaught and offer to help with verts bills. Dobermans are wonderful, loving and loyal dogs, but they can be highly strung and easily distracted and a responsible owner should be aware of that. |
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#37 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,111
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How is nessa today.
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#38 |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 516
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Barbella, if the owner has a legal responsibility to keep it under control, why are the police not interested in taking it further?
My sister, who's a magistrate, thinks he should be prosecuted. |
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#39 |
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 3,195
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I think, that you are the naive one for thinking this dog wont do this again, or worse...i.e, to a human.
Dobermans are well known for this type of behavier, and also well known that once they have attacked once, they will do it again. The dog should be put down, it WILL do it again, 100% guarenteed. I do take issue with your assertion that because this dog has attacked a kitten, it could then attack a human. This dog is no more likely to attack a human than any other dog. If dogs were dangerous to humans because they attacked and killed other animals, there would be carnage. Jack Russells, spaniels, greyhounds, lurchers would all be attacking humans. Quote:
What if it was a baby outside lying on a rug in the sun while mum popped into the kitchen for a bottle or something? Would you take the risk? The owner should be prosecuted and he should foot all the vets bills.
I am sick to death of people who let their dogs run free. OP, my heart sank when I saw this thread title and it took me ages to click on the link as I knew how much it would upset me to read it. My heart goes out to you and I hope your little one makes a full recovery. I have everything crossed for her. |
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#40 |
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Blackpool
Posts: 53
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What an awful thing to happen - I hope Nessa pulls through.
How did the dog get into your patio? |
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#41 |
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,067
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Poor kitten, and what a terrible shock for you OP. I do hope she recovers.
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#42 |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 516
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How did the dog get into your patio?
Fluffyslippers, when our estate was built in the grounds of a demolished mansion house, the covenants (or whatever they're called) deemed that there should be no high boundaries between neighbours (so as to encourage neighbourlyness!). Very low walls were built with the stones from the old house and most of them remain across the estate. We're not meant to build higher than them, though obviously bushes and trees have been grown up over the years and as the number of dog owners has increased, the number of fences to keep them in has increased.So our garden is not entirely secure (it is on 3.5 sides)...in the spirit of the estate. Maybe we'll have to ignore this in future...although cats obviously go wherever they want, regardless of hedges and fences. I don't think this actually makes any difference as it's up to the owner to keep his dog out of my garden. |
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#43 |
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Blackpool
Posts: 53
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Fluffyslippers, when our estate was built in the grounds of a demolished mansion house, the covenants (or whatever they're called) deemed that there should be no high boundaries between neighbours (so as to encourage neighbourlyness!). Very low walls were built with the stones from the old house and most of them remain across the estate. We're not meant to build higher than them, though obviously bushes and trees have been grown up over the years and as the number of dog owners has increased, the number of fences to keep them in has increased.
So our garden is not entirely secure (it is on 3.5 sides)...in the spirit of the estate. Maybe we'll have to ignore this in future...although cats obviously go wherever they want, regardless of hedges and fences. I don't think this actually makes any difference as it's up to the owner to keep his dog out of my garden. If it's not against any rules or regulations on the estate you live I would recommend you make sure your garden is secure. Eventually your cats will grow and wander outside your boundary anyway but at least they will be protected whilst they are so young. As I said before I really do hope poor Nessa recovers
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#44 |
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Soton
Posts: 1,327
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I'm principally a cat person, but I love dogs too.
Friends of mine have had a couple of Dobermans over the years and far from being evil killers that the media likes to portray, they were both lovely animals, occasionally wilful, but controllable. HOWEVER, the sage advice from my friends was to never, ever take them for granted. They aren't always bred for their cuddlesome nature ... and I think owners all too often forget this. Fingers and everything else crossed for little Nessa. |
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#45 |
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 21,977
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Quote:
I'm principally a cat person, but I love dogs too.
Friends of mine have had a couple of Dobermans over the years and far from being evil killers that the media likes to portray, they were both lovely animals, occasionally wilful, but controllable. HOWEVER, the sage advice from my friends was to never, ever take them for granted. They aren't always bred for their cuddlesome nature ... and I think owners all too often forget this. Fingers and everything else crossed for little Nessa. As I said before, I reckon this owner just hadn't realised how to deal with his Doberman, and I hope this will be a lesson to him. |
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#46 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London
Posts: 790
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I am sorry you've had such a awful experience, and your kitten was attacked.
I just wanted to ask if you have any update on Nessa for us? Also I wanted to tell you two experiences I've had with cats, that may give you a little hope. When I was at Uni I saw some boys smacking a kitten against cars as they walked, whilst holding it by the tail. When I got to the scene I went hell for leather at the boys, and rescued the unconcious blood soaked kitten. I rang vets, and the RSPCA, and was told it wasn't worth seeing, and to keep it quiet and in a dark box. Angry and frustrated that no-one would help, I took him to the Uni reception, where I put him in a t-shirt lined box, and covered the box so it was dark, and expected to be collecting a dead boy a few hours later. When I came back however, he was alive and rambling - albeit wobbly - around the office, with the staff saying they'd kept him warm and kept checking on him, and now he's even had water which they tipped into his mouth. I drove the 2 and half hours to my own personal vet who assessed him, kept him in for a few days, and then released him to me. He turned out to be a Bengal kitten, but no-one claimed him, despite advertising. He made a virtually full recovery, even though the initial assessment said he may have brain damage, and he sometimes dragged his legs without warning for a few steps. But he was fine. Kittens make fast recoveries, so make sure you ask the vets lots of questions before making any decisions. You will know what is right. The second incident is of my current cat now. He was hit by a car, and missing for a week. He was left with mild brain damage but didn't really seem to be noticably effected as he was always a lazy cat. Then recently he was attacked by a dog. He had teeth marks in his head, and had been shaken violently about. There is this old man who walks with a stick, who has 2 elderly dogs, which he walks without leash - the one which is a lab mix always waddles along slowly behind - until he sees a cat. He has even, one time when the front door hadn't been closed, chased our cats right into the house before, and we caught him in the front room, after hearing the commotion, before he saw us and bolted. His owner is half deaf and thinks it's funny when his dog runs off. Anyway - Puffy was in quite a state, and we were told to see if we wanted to try and rehabilitate him, or put him to sleep. I had the time and the will - so we went through a rehabilitation programme. He is slower, has a wonky face now, but he still is very happy and affectionate. He is now a indoor cat, but I take him out for an hour long walk, once a day, on a harness and lead. He is more than capable of telling me when he is not amused by this by rolling over on his side and playing dead, but some vocal encouragement and he's off and trotting along nicely, tail in the air, and purring away softly. I have had to teach him road awareness again as he is convinced roads mean 'lay down' or stop and panic, and I have also had to work hard with him to build confidence in general. He will always freak out when he sees dogs about, but I would too, if I'd had my head in a dogs mouth. Life after attacks is possible, and can have a full recovery, but please take in to consideration, your kitten's medical history, current condition, prognosis, and that it may be a big commitment. I currently have the time to spend more than 3 hours a day devoted entirely to him, doing the walks, and the full body massage, and lots of fuss and attention. Not everyone has that luxury. Sending Nessa positive thoughts, and well wishes for a speedy recovery. |
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#47 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: on my bahookie
Posts: 4,003
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Quote:
I am sorry you've had such a awful experience, and your kitten was attacked.
I just wanted to ask if you have any update on Nessa for us? Also I wanted to tell you two experiences I've had with cats, that may give you a little hope. When I was at Uni I saw some boys smacking a kitten against cars as they walked, whilst holding it by the tail. When I got to the scene I went hell for leather at the boys, and rescued the unconcious blood soaked kitten. I rang vets, and the RSPCA, and was told it wasn't worth seeing, and to keep it quiet and in a dark box. Angry and frustrated that no-one would help, I took him to the Uni reception, where I put him in a t-shirt lined box, and covered the box so it was dark, and expected to be collecting a dead boy a few hours later. When I came back however, he was alive and rambling - albeit wobbly - around the office, with the staff saying they'd kept him warm and kept checking on him, and now he's even had water which they tipped into his mouth. I drove the 2 and half hours to my own personal vet who assessed him, kept him in for a few days, and then released him to me. He turned out to be a Bengal kitten, but no-one claimed him, despite advertising. He made a virtually full recovery, even though the initial assessment said he may have brain damage, and he sometimes dragged his legs without warning for a few steps. But he was fine. Kittens make fast recoveries, so make sure you ask the vets lots of questions before making any decisions. You will know what is right. The second incident is of my current cat now. He was hit by a car, and missing for a week. He was left with mild brain damage but didn't really seem to be noticably effected as he was always a lazy cat. Then recently he was attacked by a dog. He had teeth marks in his head, and had been shaken violently about. There is this old man who walks with a stick, who has 2 elderly dogs, which he walks without leash - the one which is a lab mix always waddles along slowly behind - until he sees a cat. He has even, one time when the front door hadn't been closed, chased our cats right into the house before, and we caught him in the front room, after hearing the commotion, before he saw us and bolted. His owner is half deaf and thinks it's funny when his dog runs off. Anyway - Puffy was in quite a state, and we were told to see if we wanted to try and rehabilitate him, or put him to sleep. I had the time and the will - so we went through a rehabilitation programme. He is slower, has a wonky face now, but he still is very happy and affectionate. He is now a indoor cat, but I take him out for an hour long walk, once a day, on a harness and lead. He is more than capable of telling me when he is not amused by this by rolling over on his side and playing dead, but some vocal encouragement and he's off and trotting along nicely, tail in the air, and purring away softly. I have had to teach him road awareness again as he is convinced roads mean 'lay down' or stop and panic, and I have also had to work hard with him to build confidence in general. He will always freak out when he sees dogs about, but I would too, if I'd had my head in a dogs mouth. Life after attacks is possible, and can have a full recovery, but please take in to consideration, your kitten's medical history, current condition, prognosis, and that it may be a big commitment. I currently have the time to spend more than 3 hours a day devoted entirely to him, doing the walks, and the full body massage, and lots of fuss and attention. Not everyone has that luxury. Sending Nessa positive thoughts, and well wishes for a speedy recovery. |
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#48 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Digital Spy Forums.
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JinnyJinxed what a lovely post and very inspiring to know there are people out there like yourself who care so much.
![]() I hope Nessa is much better today. |
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#49 |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 516
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Okay...who's up for a good news update???
![]() Nessa's home and lying on my lap as I type. She's still very trembly, very frail, can barely stand and has a large gash on her tummy. But, she's taken a few steps so is not paralysed. I've just encouraged her to have a bit to eat and drink...so she's got a bit of an appetite! Not sure what happens about her using her box...don't think she has the strength in her back legs to squat. Her tummy feels a bit bloated ![]() Not sure whether she'd prefer to be left alone in her bed, or gently stroked on my lap. Leo is being very gentle and has just given her a few licks on her head. Vets bill was £400 so far which we'll pass on to the dog owner. Still early days, but it looks like she'll survive the dog attack ![]() The vet seems more fascinated in how he's going to treat her pss (shunt). Anybody had experience of this? Seems to be a choice between surgery or a life on medication...poor mite! Thank you again for all your support, over what has been a horrific weekend for all of us (especially for Nessa!) Sally xxxx |
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#50 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: The Hawthorns
Posts: 2,502
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I read this in horror yesterday and nearly didn't click on the thread in case it was bad news.... glad I did now and the little one is at home safely.
I'd just let her stay on your lap and have some love and cuddles, it's obviously what she wants and perhaps needs at the moment to have the warmth and love of her mum. Fingers crossed for Nessa and I hope you are feeling a little better today, what an awful shock it must have been for you. gentle hugs for (((Nessa))) |
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