Bits and Bites

December 7th, 2008 Posted in Story

So today C2 and I went for our usual Sunday morning 7am constitutional trail run in Blue Hills.  Bogie, trail director for the Fells races and Wapack 50 and fellow Trail Animal Running Club (TARC) member, joined us for the first time.  Not more than a half mile into our run we came across some hikers and their dogs - four in all.  Two of the dogs came bounding down the trail towards us - a black lab and a short haired hunting dog.  The lab ran full speed right past us, very excited, wagging his tail.  Then he did something very strange.  He stopped suddenly, turned back towards us and CHOMP - bit Bogie behind his left knee right across the tendons.  Bogie grabbed his knee and fell to the ground writhing in pain.  The owner corralled the dogs and C2 and I helped Bogie strip down to investigate the wound. This is what we found:

You can clearly see the teeth marks from the bite.  Ouch!  We discussed with Bogie options and we all concluded he needed to run back to the parking lot, and get the wound irrigated ASAP to reduce the chance for infection.  He stopped at the ranger station and they sent him to the emergency room where they cleaned the wound and recommended antibiotics.  The dog owner (Bogie got his vitals) said the dog’s rabbie shots were current.  Let’s hope so….

So this was the way we welcomed Bogie into TARC - he’s now a true and official Trail Animal!  He was impressively calm throughout the ordeal, especially after the dog owner’s first words were, “Hey, we walk here every Sunday at 7am” - like it was our fault we crossed paths.  I’ve been a dog owner almost my entire life, but one thing I cannot stand are owners who take advantage of rules like no leash if your dog can be voice controlled - but put no effort into actually training their dog AND then when something like this happens, cop the attitude like it’s your fault!  If I’d been Bogie I’m certain I would have cocked this guy one for being so self entitled.  Good for Bogie for his self control and dignity he showed.

C2 and I continued on after showing Bogie the way home and had a nice 4+ hour run in the first snow of the season.  We even ran into another old pal……