30/10/2025
The process of rescuing a traumatized dog is never linear, it’s a rollercoaster ride and sometimes their past experiences come back and affect them. Yesterday the dogs were startled by a neighbor yelling and began to quarrel. I intervened when Buddy was on top of the smaller dogs, asserting dominance out of fear he was being attacked. I quickly pulled him outside to separate them and instinctively he latched onto my arm. Despite the pain, I didn’t react, so he didn’t thrash my arm off haha. Instead just let him realize the bite was wrong and he let go, leaving blood gushing from 4 deep puncture wounds. I put him on the leash outside, expressing to him that it was wrong but I understand why he did it, and that he didn’t need to be afraid anymore. Luckily, the health clinic in my neighborhood was open and I immediately went and got treatment from a doctor. When I came home, you can see from the photos that Buddy was very remorseful and made sure I knew he loved me and that it was an accident. Sometimes when somebody, animal or human alike, act out in violence, we need to remember that their history may have been filled with trauma and the response is not conscious. We can give them space to work through it. Thankfully, he didn’t hurt or bite the other dogs, (nor get any of my veins or arteries) he just wanted to stand up for himself. Biting me was truly an accident and self defensive maneuver. I ain’t mad at you Buddy, and I’ll always be here to support your healing and growth. Even if it means a few new scars 💜❤️🩹