A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, THEN UNDESERVED ABUSE

ON Monday I faced the easiest decision in a very difficult and emotional situation — I am ending my dog’s life. He was my pet, a member of my family, and a working “security” alarm as I have previously experienced domestic violence and a home invasion.

On Monday a terrible accident involving my dog occurred just outside my home. My garage door blew open inexplicably, and he escaped my backyard, which resulted in a totally out-of-character attack on another dog being walked outside my home.

The female dog-walker reacted by screaming as my dog ran out of my driveway. Maybe her dog reacted to her screams, then maybe my dog reacted to both of them as they would have been in territory he considered “his” as my daughter was at her car on my nature strip. Who knows why this happened? My daughter was very kindly assisted by several neighbours who woke to the confronting scene. She remained calm and restrained my dog, advising the injuries sustained would be paid for.

At some point she was crying and hyperventilating with the stress of the situation. However, in the heat of the moment, a male approached and hurled expletives from the opposite side of the road.

What I don’t need or expect, is to be vilified on Facebook by a third party (who may actually be the dog owner) but who was also not present, at the time of these events.

I have not been able to ascertain who the dog is actually owned by, nor have I been approached directly.

I promptly made inquiries and contacted the Geelong Animal Emergency vet service directly, and have made arrangements to pay the outstanding invoice.

I am truly sorry for the injuries this dog has sustained, and the pain and suffering both the families have experienced. I will have a large vet bill for my dog, also. He was a muchloved member of my family. Miriam Farrell, Leopold