Undiagnosed Please Help, My Dog And Myself Were Attacked By A Leashed Dog, Ptsd?

[chrissy14223]

Hello,

Wednesday night I was walking my dog in the neighborhood and we came across another leashed dog and owner. The dogs were about the same size and had stopped to do the "dance" and sniff. The attacking dog attacked my dog, Zoey, biting her several times. I dropped to my knees after I was unable to pull her away, the attacking dog wouldn't let her go. I was hitting the attacking dog's nose and trying to pry her teeth off of my dog. Eventually Zoey was able to get away and I was all bit up. The owner paid Zoey's surgery bill that night, but nothing else. I was in and out of the hospital with a bacterial infection that needed IV antibiotics every 6 hours.

My hand is healing, slowly, but healing. My brain is not. I have had two major panic attacks that I couldn't control. I took valium both times. I can't concentrate on work, I can't remember things. Everytime I walk outside in the direction of where Zoey and I walked, I feel like I'm going to faint. My heart beats so fast, and I just want to get back home. When I walk Zoey, she wants to walk still, but I'm so irritable and agitated and nervous, I can't enjoy it. Has anyone been through this? Any advice would be so greatly appreciated, I feel like I'm going crazy.

 

[safenow]

Welcome to the forum, Chrissy. I'm so sorry you both got attacked. You need to have the owner pay for a few visits with a therapist to help you debrief that incident. The sooner you are able to talk to someone the sooner you can get over it. That's horrible.

You will find lots of caring people here. Being attacked like that can really cause so many problems down the line.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Chrissy,

Welcome here. I am sorry this happened to you. It sounds very upsetting. Have you any friends or anyone that you can talk it through with you or have you considered seeing a therapist?

Someone can't have PTSD until a period of time after an incident happened (I believe it is 1 month) and they need to be having a certain amount of flashbacks or intrusions a week and other symptoms etc. But regardless that does not mean that you shouldn't get help as you are obviously in distress and deserve support.

I wish you healing.

 

[KP the nut]

An attack like this may lead to PTSD, however no-one here can diagnose you and it is still early days. You may still be suffering from shock and as a dog owner of 2 very pampered pooches, I can understand that.

I would advise you to see a professional.

For now, I welcome you to the forum.

 

[Pinkcake]

Not only do I suggest you see a therapist regarding your current issues, I also suggest you speak to an attorney regarding bills that the attacking dog owner should be responsible for.

Welcome!

 

[ms spock]

Hello and Welcome to the Forum chrissy!

 

[chrissy14223]

Thank you everyone for the advice, I will see if there are some good therapists nearby. The owner of the attacking dog paid the $1800 for my dogs surgery and tomorrow she will be paying an additional $200 for my copays. On top of this, she also has to pay for the 10 days her dog is quarantined, that's a lot of $$$ and I feel guilty taking just the $200. Incredibly guilty. I spoke with a lawyer and they would go after "pain and suffering" etc... If I were to hire them. I don't think I feel right in doing that at this point though.

 

[Whitneys story]

Chrissy, Welcome to the forum. Of course the decision is yours but you should not feel guilty.

Would you look at the occurrence differently if it had been them hitting you with a vehicle.

I am not an ambulance chaser. Take your time deciding your choices. In the US people are accountable for their pets and service animals. Homeowners insurance covers their pet.

I would first approach the owner with a request if you have additional expense. They sound like good people. Mention attorney and you close a door that currently sounds open. Just my opinion.

Sorry you and your pet are having to go through this. Whitney