I’ve just returned from a trip to casualty. Not quite the ending to the morning run I expected. Less than a mile from home, outside a pretty little cottage the other side of the village, I was just congratulating myself on almost completing a horrid seven mile interval session when something took exception to my smug face. There was a very scary snarling noise, a sensation of being stabbed in the backside and then I was trapped by the World’s Angriest Jack Russell (yes, another one – I love them! I don’t deserve their hatred!).
I stood there wondering what to do whilst WAJR danced and snapped round my legs until a gate opened and there was a kind of Jack Russell explosion when two of WAJR’s mates appeared together, thankfully, with the owner. She looked very uneasy when she saw what had happened, even more so, minutes later, when having inspected my bum and found a puncture wound, I returned to tell her about the damage.
Then it was a quick shower and off to casualty. My tetanus jabs are up-to-date, fortunately, but the wound needed to be dressed and I’ve got strict instructions to return for antibiotics if there’s any sign of an infection. Tom and I differ in our approach now. Tom is incandescent with rage that I’ve been attacked and thinks I should report the owner to the relevant authorities. My view is that I’ve informed the owner that her dog has bitten me, so she should make damn sure it doesn’t do it again. I’m shaken, upset and my bum hurts. But never mind, we’re going sailing tomorrow...
Cardiff Half Marathon Training
Runner’s World SmartCoach Programme Week 5 = 19 miles and a dog bite.
Paiting is 'Blue Pool, Mwnt' by Tom Tomos
Comments
CKx
Had you run past that house before? It is interesting to me that there are several dogs there with ability to do more than bark. Their owner clearly needs to be more observant, at the very least.
xo
PS: Brian (who, as you know works in crime recording for Dyfed-Powys Police) says it's a recordable crime (Dangerous Dogs Act) and you should report it to the police. The dog owner should receive a caution at the very least. He says: "The owner needs prosecuting. It's a crime. Imagine if it was a child next time..."
It's a problem I think of often as I go past many dogs tied up, obviously some escape their leashes and are running loose.
Take care, maybe think about taking some small spray to use to defend yourself.
Frances, I've heard lots of noise before but it seems that the fence needs mending. Thanks for your good wishes.
Gaelikaa, yes, the child thing is beginning to worry me. Thank you for your good wishes and suggestions... do you think a large whisky would be a good subsitute for milk?!
Mags, it's certainly getting more and more dangerous going out for a run! Lily made the same point to me ie that my bum is at the same level as a child's face therefore I should report it. The owner looked very shaken, but something about the way, when I indentified the dog that had bitten me, she said 'Oh, dear. That one shouldn't have been out at all' has got me thinking. She has promised to repair the fence where the dog escaped so I hope she is as good as her word.
Jude, I've been very reluctant to carry any kind of self-defence aid - after all who's going to rescue me in the middle of nowhere? - but this has really shaken me up. Lots to think about.
Pfg. I am in a quandary now. The dog owner was clearly very shaken when I spoke to her - and it's important to say although I was shaken I wasn't angry or threatening, far from it. She has told me she will mend the fence so the dog doesn't escape. I hope that by pointing out that I've been bitten she will take better care to make sure no one else is attacked.
I'm sure the dog owner was contrite, but really, anyone with three dogs had better be in control. She sounds a bit ditzy.
Hope things feel less sore, soon. xx
I think you should be sent a bunch of flowers or a box of choccies to heal your wounded feelings if not your backside.
Hope you are now less sore!
On a happier note I hope you continue to enjoy the sailing and have a peaceful day on the water tomorrow!
x
LBD, I hope that she was shaken enough to do something. I've decided that if I see the dog loose again then I will take action... I do hope it doesn't get a taste for 'it' or my backside!
Rosie, the owner didn't even ask where I lived, and I don't know her. If she mends her fences and keeps her dogs under control then that's it, as far as I'm concerned... unless I get a horrible infection.
Toady - now you're talking. I can sit on the rubber ring tonight and take it sailing with me tomorrow. Sorted!
Eilzabeth, still smarting! I've decided to watch and wait, I've been as clear as I can be without being unpleasant. If she doesn't follow through I shall have to reconsider.
Lampie, glad you haven't been bitten - although I know from what Tom says that it isn't much fun being chased when you're on a bike either.
Jeanne, thank you - I'll do some forward thinking instead of thinking about my behind!
I think I'm with you about the dog, btw.
I can't bear it when owners don't keep a check on their dogs, they can be dangerous creatures.
Gaelikaa, thank you so much for your concern. Back from sea - behind feeling a lot better, although still bearing the scars. No infection - thank goodness.
Tam, thanks for your very kind comments and making me feel a bit better about my decision. Mind you, I'm off for my next run tomorrow so that'll be the crunch (though hopefully not of jaws!).
Hi Debs, good to see you after your writing week. Thank you.