NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK

Did you know that the second full week of April each year is designated as National Dog Bite Prevention Week?

Although dogs are our best friends, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by canines in the United States every year. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and at least half of the 800,000 people who receive medical care for dog bites each year are children.

To reduce the number of these injuries, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention.

• Ask first before petting a dog.  When meeting an unfamiliar dog, don’t reach out to pet her. First, ask her pet parent, “May I pet your dog?” A strange hand in a dog’s face may scare her, leading to a bite.

• After you receive permission to pet a dog, let her sniff your closed hand.  Then, you may proceed to pet her shoulders or chest. Avoid petting the top of the dog’s head.

• Don’t touch a dog who is sleeping, eating or chewing a toy.  Respect her space, as startled dogs are more likely to bite.

• Avoid dogs who are barking or growling.  It is also best to steer clear of dogs who are loose, behind a fence or tied up.

• If an unknown dog approaches you, stay quiet and still.  Do not run or scream.

MY CAUTIONARY TALE

This happened in the very early years of my Pet Photography business. I had never worked with so many people and pets in one group at a time, so I was a little nervous but very excited to have my first outdoor winter session. ❄️

Gear in hand, all bundled up, I walked up the hard crunching snow path and knocked on the door. 

As the door opened I was greeted by a room filled with people and dogs, so many welcoming friendly faces.

As I reached over to shake my client’s hand, I felt pressure followed by pain on my left wrist.  My client quickly apologized for her dog's “mouthing”.  She explained that “Peaches” was very protective of her and that she was working with a trainer to help with her socialization.

I knew from my many years of working with shelter animals that “Peaches” had displayed signs of aggression and not “playful mouthing”. I could feel my wrist throbbing underneath my jacket but I ignored it and told my client not to worry about it.  

To prevent my gear from fogging up, I had to wait outside for everyone to get ready.  As I waited, I discreetly inspected my wrist and I noticed that I was bleeding.😭 I used my shirt sleeve to put pressure on the wounds and left it covered under my jacket until I could tend to it.

A little shaken-up at what had just happened, I pushed on with the group session all the while making sure I gave “Peaches” and her owner lots of space.

As much as I was enjoying myself and everyone was so welcoming and friendly, I felt relieved when I took my last picture for the day.  I could no longer ignore the pain throbbing under my jacket.

As soon as I arrived in the safety of my own home, I was able to process what had happened and feel all the feelings!

• I was disappointed in myself for not noticing the signs right away.

• I couldn’t believe that the owner didn’t feel the need to tell me about her dog’s known behavioural issues.

• I was mad at myself for not asking the owner if her dog had any behaviours that I should know about….

This went on for a while as I cried in my loving husband’s arms and tended to my wounds. After I was done feeling sorry for myself, 😂 I realized that it could have been worse and that I needed to put some procedures in place to protect myself.

These two scars along my wrist serve as reminders for me that all animals are unpredictable and that I am the only one that can protect myself.

I hope that my story will prompt you to think about this subject and always be mindful of any animal’s body language.