Well, things had been going pretty good around here lately until this morning. Zoot and Nigel had really been great together, a few glances here and there but no growling or anything. We have been keeping the little terrier separated from Nigel for safety, because I have not been willing to take any chances until I felt really confident about Nigel's reformation.
All went out the window when Will walked into the house carrying a bag of dog food. I guess the mere presence of a bag of food is enough to trigger a fight! Apparently, Nigel jumped right on Zoot and started tearing into him. I was upstairs when I heard the familiar sound of my boys fighting.
I came down and ushered the other dogs outside, and I was really hoping the fight would come to a resolve in just a few moments and they would reach some kind of understanding. Ha- no luck there. It became obvious that Zoot was not interested in backing down
at all. We separated Nigel and Zoot using a great technique that I HIGHLY recommend if anyone finds themselves in this very unfortunate situation- we each took a dog by the back legs and slowly pulled back, holding them like wheelbarrows. It takes a minute but they do let go and then I backed Nigel into the other room. When they can't see each other any more, they calm down.
So there was blood everywhere, and inspection of the dogs revealed that Zoot needed to go to the vet IMMEDIATELY. Nigel is more or less fine.
The vet told me Zoot is very lucky he didn't lose his eye and his front leg. Nigel apparently grabbed Zoot and tore him right next to a bundle of nerves that could have paralyzed Zoot's leg forever. But he *missed*. So Zoot is a mess, covered in blood and stitches and has punctures all over his face, neck and chest.
I am so sad.
But I finally have the number of a local behaviorist thanks to my vet. And we'll see what we can do. I just can't believe what has happened. Nigel is such a sweet dog and I love him so much. I cannot bear the thought of giving him up, and I am afraid that is what people are going to tell me to do. It has already been suggested to me more times than one. But he is my dog. And he is not going anywhere. I already feel weak, but I have to muster up the strength to get through this situation.
I can't even look at Zoot's wounds. He looks terrible, but he is in good spirits and he is on pain medication.
And he wants to eat really bad, but they told me to wait a while since he was under anesthesia to get the stitches.
Anyone have a really awesome success story of how an aggressive dog made a breakthrough and now he's really chilled out and sweet??? Please?!??
