For a while I have felt guilty calling Toby “Bitey Dog” when it was really his brother’s moniker, but Toby finally put forth the effort to make it his.
Dogs do so well at hiding their feelings sometimes that you can miss their signs of pain.
On Friday I leaned over to ask if I could help Toby reach the treat that he had pushed behind he furniture, and he exploded in a furious attack. Twenty four pounds of muscle and anger (and teeth. Let’s not forget the teeth) launched themselves straight for my face. This was so out of character for my pup that I was completely caught off guard.
I managed to get him into his kennel so I could assess the situation. He immediately fell asleep. I ended up with puncture wounds on my cheek, lip and nose. Also, my top lip had been ripped apart like a rabbit’s. Gross. Trust me, the look is only cute on bunnies.
Tuesday was the earliest I could schedule an appointment with Toby’s vet, and she told me that he “did not mince words” when she tried to examine his left knee. Also, he somehow managed to gain 2 pounds in 6 months. Oops. Looks like the shutdown got to him too.
The combination of extra weight and already wonky knees left my boy in incredible pain. Me getting near his treat on Friday sent him over the edge. I didn’t know that, though, and spent the weekend afraid of my dog. Now I feel guilty that my little boy needed comfort and understanding, and I kept him at several arms’ length.
Toby got sent home from the vet with pain medication and guidelines for a strict diet. By this afternoon he was feeling so much better that he was driving me nuts. He is evidently hungry too because he keeps stealing my things in order to trade them for food. I can tell that the next two pounds are going to be really tough on both of us.
As for me, I am hoping to be able to drink from a glass again someday. For now I have to use the ultra-super-mega Verboten drinking straws. (I wouldn’t be surprised it Greta Thunberg comes ’round at night and beats me up.) For some reason I don’t bruise purple, I turn yellow/green. It looks I have smeared mustard all over my face where Toby hit me.
Despite the unpleasantness, I am glad that I finally understand Toby’s pain and was able to get him help. If we’re lucky, the medication and the weight loss might help him to feel good for a long time to come.
Go away. I don’t feel good.
(Don’t you mean “well”?)
(Do you want to get bitten again?!?)
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The Adventures of Bitey Dog 
Oh boy. Hopefully now that he is on medicine that will never happen again. You have certainly proven yourself to be a top dog mom.
I am hoping that now I am more sensitive to Toby’s pain levels and moods. I really don’t want to go through this again.
DEAREST SWEET LADY.
I FEEL SO MUCH FOR YOU. I UNDERSTAND THE PATH.
I LIVED WITH A REACTIVE DOGGIE FOR ALL HIS YEARS. HE NEVER TURNED ON ME… IT WAS THE OPPOSITE,,, HE WANTED TO KEEP THE WORLD AWAY FROM ME. BUT TRUST ME…. YOU WILL TRUST TOBY AGAIN. IT TAKES LOVE AND SOME WORK. BUT IT WILL BUILD AN UNBREAKABLE BOND.. YOU ARE HURTING I KNOW. ITS REALLY GOING TO BE OK.
HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
That is comforting to know! 🤗
Oh noes, oh noes. This is very bad news. Once a terrier has acquired a taste for human blood it is a confirmed (wo)maneater and cannot satisfy its demonic cravings with anything other than more flesh. Toby has become the Jaws of Terrier Terror. Truly he has taken the mantle of “Bitey Dog” and placed that garment of shame on his narrow little furry shoulders. The fat little destroyer of domestic tranquility is now an aggressive dog! Max is unsure if he should shun the Tobester for ruthlessly attacking his DogMom, an egregious offense and violation of the dog code that states clearly that food providers be protected. We are will to withhold final judgment pending a weight loss and recalibration of attitude but the Tobylerone needs to understand that this is a one time abeyance; future actions involving dog violence will result in his be banned from silly dog blogs everywhere. Fair warning!
Mommy is agreement! (Toby hangs head in shame.). 🥺
Well, when Mommy puts her foot down just be sure you are not under it!
She stepped on my tail once. Does that count? – Toby
I don’t think so. When Mom decides to lower the boom, I think you’ll know. Until then, lay low.
Oh Toby, I’m so sorry your Mom just didn’t understand what you were trying so hard to tell her. Perhaps a good book on dog body language is in order? I think you should ask Santa Paws for two copies, one for her and one for you to eat.
Seriously, I’m so sorry this happened. Try supplementing his food with raw baby carrots , and Charlee Bears for treats (look like oyster crackers, barely any calories.) Also, my vet said we could give plain rice cakes – throw them in a bag with some roast beef and they’ll take on the smell and flavor.
Cool idea about the rice cakes! I’ll have to give that a try.
Yes, in hindsight, I can see times when Toby was trying to tell me he was uncomfortable, but I totally blew it. Maybe I will put one of those books on my Christmas wish list…
I can get you a list of dog behavior books, some of which I’ve even read! 🙂
I’ll probably cheat and use the internet for now. : – )
Oh, gosh! 😦 I’m so sorry to hear this. Poor you! and Poor Toby! He must’ve been hurting badly to lash out and say, “Leave me alone.” 😦
I wish you both well. Hope both of you are healed soon. And that your trust will return in full measure.
Coop hasn’t had doggie treats in years…but he does get individual pieces of his dog food as “snacks”. He’s as happy with that as he ever was with doggie treats.
All of our love to you and to Toby. We don’t want either of you to be in pain.
(((HUGS)))
Gentle PATS and RUBS
I was thinking of using Toby’s normal kibble ration as training treats. He would still get the same amount, but he would have to work for it.
Good news is that Toby is more himself, and I have healed to where you can hardly tell anything happened. We’ll keep working at that trust now.😆
Yes, that’s what we’ve been doing with Coop for years and it works. 🙂
More gentle hugs and pats and rubs 🙂
Oh Toby! Don’t bite the face that can restrict your food!!!
Can and IS restricting it! (Mwahahaha!)
Oh, poor Toby and poor you! I hope both of you feel better soon.
Thank you! So far we both seem to be doing well.
I am glad you are feeling better.
Just stoppin’ by to see how you and Toby are doing.
You’ve been in my thoughts.
(((HUGS))) for you
PATS and RUBS for Toby
and Coop says “Hey!” 🙂
Aw, thank you for caring! My face is healing, but in general things are not well. I don’t think they are for most people right now.
I really, really look forward to your uplifting posts and stories!!😊
Yes, you are right…’tis not generally well for most people right now. 😦
You remain in my thoughts and bestest wishes.
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Coops and I are thankful for you and Toby! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! We are grateful to know you and Cooper too. 😊