Hi, new here and seeking advice. It’s day 4 since my rescue bit me in the face. So far, I think the sutures and healing looks decent. Based on the photos I’ve found on Google search, I’m hopeful the scarring won’t be too bad in a year or so. I’m trying to reserve my judgement until the sutures are removed tomorrow evening. There’s a lot to process so trying to take it one step at a time.
Aside from recovering from the physical damage, I was wondering how folks who have had a similar experience dealt with their relationships with dogs. My rescue, at times, could be a little nippy, but think mostly was reactive due to a situation that he felt uncomfortable. Occasionally, he would nip when he looked more relaxed, body was laying in a relaxed position (on his side). We’ve had him checked out at the vet and even hired a trainer. At the time, there was no red flags. The trainer’s assessment was that he wasn’t aggressive.
But this last incident ended with me in the ER getting several sutures in the face. Perhaps there was signs I didn’t notice before I could pull away. In any case, it happened. I now feel wary living with him. Feel that I have to be extra, extra cautious. Since the incident, he’s had his sofa privileges revoked and sleeps in his locked crate nightly. We’ve started hand feeding him again, in hopes, to rebuild the trust. Also, going to try CBD oil and treats. We’ve made another vet appointment to check if his behavior is health related and plan on finding animal behaviorist. We love him but if rehabilitation is not working, rehoming is on the table. I feel heartbroken, wanted to provide him with a good and safe home. But afraid we don’t have the skills to rehabilitate and I don’t want to live in fear. We’re really struggling with what to do. Afraid if he’s returned, he won’t get rescued again or this incident will happen to another family. Wondering if anyone else had this shared struggle. Did you give up your dog? Try to rehabilitate? How did you rebuild that trust? Was there other incidents? Trying to stay positive and hope there are some good stories and advice people can share. Thanks for reading my post.
Aside from recovering from the physical damage, I was wondering how folks who have had a similar experience dealt with their relationships with dogs. My rescue, at times, could be a little nippy, but think mostly was reactive due to a situation that he felt uncomfortable. Occasionally, he would nip when he looked more relaxed, body was laying in a relaxed position (on his side). We’ve had him checked out at the vet and even hired a trainer. At the time, there was no red flags. The trainer’s assessment was that he wasn’t aggressive.
But this last incident ended with me in the ER getting several sutures in the face. Perhaps there was signs I didn’t notice before I could pull away. In any case, it happened. I now feel wary living with him. Feel that I have to be extra, extra cautious. Since the incident, he’s had his sofa privileges revoked and sleeps in his locked crate nightly. We’ve started hand feeding him again, in hopes, to rebuild the trust. Also, going to try CBD oil and treats. We’ve made another vet appointment to check if his behavior is health related and plan on finding animal behaviorist. We love him but if rehabilitation is not working, rehoming is on the table. I feel heartbroken, wanted to provide him with a good and safe home. But afraid we don’t have the skills to rehabilitate and I don’t want to live in fear. We’re really struggling with what to do. Afraid if he’s returned, he won’t get rescued again or this incident will happen to another family. Wondering if anyone else had this shared struggle. Did you give up your dog? Try to rehabilitate? How did you rebuild that trust? Was there other incidents? Trying to stay positive and hope there are some good stories and advice people can share. Thanks for reading my post.
