Thursday, May 31, 2012

Free Advice Thursday: May 31 2012

My last Free Advice Thursday was back in October. Truth be told, I wasn't sure if it was going to be a regular thing. It still might not be.

Today, though, I actually heard advice requested on a topic that, in person, I wasn't really comfortable giving. Not at work anyway. Or maybe not at all. Advice that I give, here or in person, may not be taken as legal advice. If you actually have this kind of problem, you should contact a lawyer, discuss with police, at the very least call your vet or even your breeder!

The Disclaimer: I am not responsible for what you do with the information and discussion that you take away from here. I'm merely airing concerns.

So, what is is that has me bothered? 

A woman came to the library today to get some things photocopied. She said, and this is paraphrased, "My dog bit somebody. I told the guy not to play with him, because he's a nipper, but he didn't listen. His vaccine expired on May 23 so of course he bit somebody on May 30. Do you think that's going to be a problem? I already gave him to my ex-husband, because obviously I can't handle him. He's a black cocker spaniel, I love him to death. How do I get him out of my name?"

What I said? "They  may want you to quarantine him." And also "If you have him registered with the AKC, the transfer of ownership is with that paperwork."

I thought a number of other things, however.

The first thing was about the lapse of the rabies vaccine. Elka has never had an adverse reaction to any of her vaccines, so that was a red flag to me, and a concern for the gentleman bitten. There was a free rabies clinic in my town last week, just so we're clear that such things are available in my area should income be an issue. I really think that we've been schooled to think that RABIES LURKS EVERYWHERE, and the slightest gap in vaccine will let it slip in. For one, I'm sure this isn't true, though there have been reported cases of  animals in my county testing positive for rabies, most recently a raccoon in April. Some dogs do have an adverse reaction to vaccines, though, as I've learned in heartbreaking detail on the Champion of My Heart blog. Barring vaccination, either by choice or necessity, there is a titer test. What that means is the animal's blood is tested for a concentration of antibodies to a disease. Some people feel that even every three years is too often to vaccinate for something, and they titer instead. The laws on whether titering is a legal replacement for the vaccine differ from state to state, and I am not by any means telling you not to vaccinate; I'm telling you to educate yourself, talk to your vet, and make decisions that make the best sense for you and your dog. Legally.



My next thought was that if your dog is a known nipper, why would you put him in a situation where he could exercise this freely? If you tell a guy not to play with your dog, mean it. Remove your dog. Interpose yourself between the stranger and your dog. Dogs suffer daily from this. It's a cocker spaniel, not a pit bull or another BigScaryMeanDog like a Doberman or German Shepherd, so animal control, or whoever (I don't know if anybody was called, even) might just let it slide. But really. Be your dog's advocate. It's what you're there for!

My final thought was not so clearly defined as the ones prior. Oh, you want the dog "in his name" so it's not your problem anymore? Oh, you haven't taken responsibility for the dog's nippiness, so you'll just pass the poor guy off? She did mention that she paid a whole $450 for him, and that she was going to call the breeder to see how to put the dog in somebody else's name. I'm sure (sarcasm alert!) that the breeder will be delighted to receive this call.

So in conclusion: please take responsibility for your dog, be it socially or medically. Really. Who else is going to? 

17 comments:

  1. In a perfect world there would be beginner's permits, testing and a license earned before someone could own a dog.

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    1. Yeah, you'd think people would give a lot more thought to the weight of responsibility another living thing is. They don't seem to give much thought to parenting either, frankly.

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  2. This is just so frustrating to read! Hopefully the man that was bitten sought medical attention and then the hospital or doctor will have to file a report.

    I agree with Jan!

    Great advice!

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    1. Yeah, I do hope that the guy went to the doctor. I don't know how bad the bite was...I didn't ask.

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  3. Yikes. I feel for the dog and the guy, and I just do not get that woman's attitude. All things considered, it sounds like you handled the situation really well! I hope the breeder gives her an earful...

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    1. A breeder who charged $450 for a cocker spaniel puppy is probably not the kind of breeder who will deliver the kind of talking to that woman needs, unfortunately. It costs a lot more than that to do the kind of testing and work that responsible hobby breeders do.

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    2. It would be nice if the breeder gave her an earful!

      I really didn't get the attitude either. It really just blew my mind.

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  4. Eh, some people shouldn't have pets. Some people shouldn't have kids. And some people won't learn or understand no matter what you tell them. You handled the situation well.

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    1. I agree with all of your statements. I do feel like I could have/should have said more to her, but really, I couldn't think of how to do so tactfully, and didn't know if she would get it or just be confused or what. So thanks!

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  5. So Jen, how long did it take you to clean up the library after your head exploded?

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    1. Well, we had to close for a little while and set up cones and things...

      (it's amazing that I actually have normal blood pressure)

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  6. It sounds to me like the woman is very irresponsible. I kind of doubt that the difference of a week between expiration of the vaccine and the bite will make a difference, but the dog should still be isolated. Also, if there is a licensing requirement where you live, she may be due a ticket for letting that lapse. Would serve her right.

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    1. I think the week between the expiration and the incident are probably a good barometer of the care that's typically taken with her dog (and hopefully it's the ONLY dog). As I said, there was also a free rabies clinic in one of our parks last week, and that was pretty well advertised. I could be wrong, things can get away from you once in awhile. That's life. There is a license requirement within the city limits; I don't know if she's in the city or the town. There is a $200 or so fine for an unlicensed dog, anyway.

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  7. And that is why some people should not own a pet!

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    1. Hopefully that was the only dog, and her ex takes better care of him!

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