My parents live beside us and their house sits on top of a hill. On Wednesday I was coming home from work and he was standing on the top of his yard with my sister's 9 month old Weimaraner dog (who is out of control and doesn't listen and they are watching him while she went on vacation).....so I put the window down to say hi and to ask how my Mom is because she broke her leg and had just gotten the cast on 2 hrs prior....he said she was good and that she got a green cast and then all of a sudden the dog started running down the steep hill....my Dad wouldn't let go of the dog so he ran with him down the hill (very fast) and ran all the way to the street where he then tripped on the curb and smacked down into the street face first. I watched the whole thing in horror and couldn't do anything to stop it. He was knocked out for 10 minutes...the ambulance came and took him to the hospital and I rode along.
He has a bleed in his brain, a hematoma on the right side and his shoulder separated from the leash pulling him. He is still in the ICU and not doing very good. Plus he has 14 stents in his heart which is worrisome....I feel like its my fault that it happened because I stopped to talk to him. Plus my Mom is in a wheelchair because she broke her fibula bone so the cast is full leg.
My Mom called my sister who was on vacation and they drove straight home from Florida and got home at 4am to pick the dog up.
None of us wanted my parents to watch the dog because he is really hard to control but my sister said she couldn't find anyone else to watch him. The dog is so bad that my nephews have to "sit" with him during the day while she is at work to make sure that the dog doesn't do anything bad in the house.
Everyone says that its not my fault but I can't help but think that it is. If I would have just went home and not stopped to say hi then maybe the dog wouldn't have did that and he wouldn't have fallen.
I can't get the image of him falling out of my head and I feel terrible for putting him in the hospital. I am really sad and depressed that I did this to my poor Dad.
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Wow, that must have been really scary to watch. It doesn't sound like there is anything you could have done to prevent it. It does sound like it is past time for some obedience classes for your sister and her dog though.
ReplyDeleteOH Java! It isnt your fault. It could have happened easily even if you wouldnt have stopped Thank God you did. How horrifying to watch but you were able to be there for your dad. Oh my goodness I would say this dog is well over do for some obeience classes. Maybe the dog whisper should come and help.
ReplyDeleteLord give peace to Jave about this situation with her dad adn her parents Lord. Please touch and heal both of them swiftly and quickly in Jesus name. Let no weapons formed against any of them form and thank you that both will have aspeedy recovery. Give the doctors and thsoe caring for these dear parents wisdom and insight in Jesus name. We thank you Lord that you would send those to help and with the care and needs of the motehr and father well recovering Lord. We thank you that this dog would come under some obeience and submission of good behavior in Jesus name. We thank that all this will work out for your good adn glory in Jesus name. Thank you for your epace that surpasses all understanding in Jesus name Amen
Blessings
Holy Cow! That is really traumatic but it's not your fault! Not your fault!Lots of people in this situation could find a reason to blame themselves but it does no good and it's not the truth.
ReplyDeleteI just oonfessed a similar story to a bunch of strangers yesterday. I feel responsible that someone got hurt. It was a total accident. It happened like 15 years ago and I've felt guilty and squeamish all these years. Ecch. A waste of time!
Do what you can to help but put the self blame aside. It doesn't help anyone. I send your family and you love and swift healing.
NOT YOUR FAULT!!! It could have been anything or anyone that triggered the dog to go for a run. I'm sure your sister is feeling the same way and again, not her fault. Bad things happen to good people sometimes. All I can think is that it was a good thing you were there when your dad needed you. Keeping you in mind!
ReplyDeleteHow scary to watch that unfold and not be able to help! Will be adding you and your family in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI am a newer follower of your blog but this must of been so horrible to watch.....it might have happened if you didn't stop too....it's good that you are there for him now & I wish him a fast recovery.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed to read this topic. It's great stuff. I inspire this topic. I miss my dad.
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Java, it's not your fault, and it's not the dog's fault either. It's just something that happened and there isn't anything that anyone could have done about it. Really, your dad should be commended for holding onto that dog! That's some muscle he's got! :) It's not anyone's fault! It was just an accident. He could have walked down the hill and tripped off the curb without you or the dog there. You could have done that! Accidents happen all the time. They are just a part of life.
ReplyDeleteThe poor dog just needs some obedience training is all. All dogs want to please their masters- it's ingrained into them. They just need to be told what to do. (In doggie language). Somebody just needs to invest some serious time into the dog to get him back on track. If he's destructive when left alone, it's probably because he's bored or has massive separation anxiety and there are lots of things they can do to deal with that. There is medication, there is training, there are mind stimulation activities- like food and treat puzzles, peanut butter kongs, leaving the tv and radio on. There are also doggie day camps he can be enrolled in.
I have had the same issue with not finding people to watch my animals too. My cats I just leave enough food and water out, the dog is another story. My family refuses to watch him because they are "too busy." (Complete BS). So, I was forced to bored Charlie Brown. I researched all of the boarders in town and it's been fine. I feel terribly guilty, but he's safe there, he meets new people and dogs. They even have rooms with tv's in them! Last time he got a free room upgrade and spent the weekend watch Finding Nemo and Lion King! They have him safely contained and they are trained professionals- granted, they are like all 20 years old, but they are all animal lovers and know what they are doing. You tell them your dog is crazy and they're like, oh yeah sure, no problem. We have 20 other ones just like that.
I hope your dad will be okay and don't blame yourself! Everything will be fine. Don't let anyone blame the dog either though. It's not his fault either. He just needs to get training.
Oh Java hun it's not your fault. In fact it's lucky you did stop. There's a good chance the dog may have still run off (I had a great dane run away with me down a canal path - scary stuff). If you hadn't stopped to say hi then there might not have been anyone to see the accident happen and your poor dad might have been left laying in the street for some time until someone saw him.
ReplyDeleteAt least you were there to call an ambulance and make sure the medics had all his details right and to get him the best care as quickly as possible.
This is something that was definitely not your fault. No one was to know what was going to happen with the dog or your Dad when you stopped to chat. I hope your Dad gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and like everyone else who has commented I am glad that you were there to help out!! It was just one of those freak accidents--no one to blame. Praying for your dad and your mom and maybe even more for you that you can let go of the unnecessary guilt. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your mom and your dad! Praying that both will recover...and don't blame yourself or your sister, too much. Accidents happen. ((Hugs)) to all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for both your mom and especially your dad. I will definitely be praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteI understand you feeling guilty - literally over 40 years later, I still feel somewhat responsible for my dad breaking his leg because he came out to play in the snow with me. But try to let that go as much as possible - focus on your mom, your dad, and taking care of yourself and your family.
Love,
Sue
In Him We Live & Move & Have Our Being
First and foremost I am sorry about your dad. I hope he recovers just fine. Huge prayers and hugs. Secondly, do not blame yourself.
ReplyDeleteThis literally brought tears to my eyes.. I am so sorry this has happened. Of course it's not your fault and I believe you may have been in the right place at the right time because you were there to help your Dad.. I am praying for your Dad, your Mom, you.. Your whole family.. And I hope some obedience training is scheduled for the dog.. I'm so sorry..
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, no, it is not your fault. At all. While I didn't experience this exact thing, we had an issue where we rescued a dog, and the organization asked us to take it in. The dog showed no signs of any issues, but 4 days later, it ran into the living room and viciously attacked me while I was exercising. It was a horrific experience that absolutely horrified my daughter.
ReplyDeleteRemember, God is in control, and there is nothing else you could have done. Thank God you were there. Stop feeling guilty. My friend who chose the dog that attacked me felt guilty, too, and I had to assure him that it was not his fault.
Oh poor Java. I would think it was my fault too; but you know it isn't. Thank God you were there to help your Dad. I will say many prayers for your Dad and you. It was just one of those really crazy accidents. That dog does need some training asap.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.doreenmcgettigan.com
I am so sorry about your Dad. As I was empathizing with your feeling bad, feeling guilty, feeling like it was your fault...
ReplyDeleteWhat if you had driven right by and said nothing to him and the dog still dragged him down the hill (because they were already there) and had that accident and you weren't there to see it or call 911?
The memory will haunt you forever, but I am glad that you were there and he wasn't alone when he fell. Since they were already at the top of the hill... there's no saying he would NOT have fallen... he might still have whether you stopped to say hi or not. You being there was probably a blessing, even though it really doesn't feel like one... you were able to get him help ASAP.
Nothing could make me feel better if I were in your shoes, though... because the fact remains that you were THERE. Your sister is probably beating herself up over the dog. Should not have left him with your Dad... if she didn't, this wouldn't have happened. You all are going to feel guilty in your own ways.
I'll be praying hard that your Dad has a full and complete recovery!
This is SO not your fault. It shounds to me like the dog needs serious training or to go to a family that can train it. I am praying that your Dad will heal and that you will see that you are not to blame for this.
ReplyDeleteIt's not your fault. You were lucky you were there to call the ambulance--or he might have lain there alone for who knows how long. That dog would have misbehaved whether you were there or not. It's not your fault.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't blame yourself one bit. It's that dumb dog's fault. Cats rule. Wow, just another reason why I can't stand dogs..
This is just awful, but please don't blame yourself. I think the dog should be blamed!! My daughter and her boyfriend have an 'out of control' dog and when I'm asked to dog-sit, I'm a bit weary. I hope that your parents don't dog-sit again. The dog is better off in a kennel when the owners vacation. I hope your parents get well very soon.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the "it's not your fault" group. You said the dog is out of control anyway...anything could have made it run off like that. It is my belief that Heavenly Father had you stop to talk to your daddy (it was the right thing to do!) so that someone would be there because he was going to need help. If you hadn't been there, no one would have known he needed help and he could have been lost to your family. Your mama might not have been able to see from the house that he'd fallen, but you did. He's hurt, but you still have him and maybe you wouldn't if you hadn't stopped to talk to him. He's in my prayers for healing and you're in my prayers to not feel guilty anymore. I am so sorry that your daddy is injured. :(
ReplyDeleteI pray your Dad is ok. That had to be horrible to watch and you had to feel so helpless.
ReplyDeleteit isn't your fault! Please do not beat yourself!
Prayers to your Dad
Java,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your father but please do not blame yourself. This was an accident pure and simple. Do not blame the dog, he is still a puppy and desperately needs training. I would hope you sister will enroll him in an obedience class so she (your sister) can get the training needed to get the dog under control.
I will keep your Dad in my prayers. I am going to add you to my prayer list too because you are too hard on yourself and I pray you will release your guilt feelings.
Hi Java!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry your family is going through this! Your dad is lucky you were there to get help asap! Any update on how he is doing?
*hugs*
http://simplyyousimplyme.com/
I am so sorry this happened! Glad you was there to be with your dad.
ReplyDeleteHave your sister check into boarding her dog when she has to go on trips. And sounds like anxiety disorder which is common with young dogs. She could kennel the dog when she is at work freeing up dog sitting time. Then also spend a lot of time playing with the pup when she comes home.
Also there is medication for dogs who suffer from anxiety disorder. We have one that freaks out with loud noise, storms and fireworks. Had to learn how to make her feel comfortable and safe during these times too.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=C&C=153&S=0
First not your fault. but how scary to have seen it happen. sending love and support your way. hugs
ReplyDeleteOh, I cried when I read this. I can only imagine how you feel and we always do the "what if?" Honestly, your attempt of checking in and saying hi was out of love and in no way could you have anticipated the dog to react that way or your father to have had such a horrible fall.
ReplyDeleteFocusing on your father is your first concern so I am just sending all my positive thoughts and support for you and your father. I hope he turns the corner soon and is on the road to recovery before you know it :)
Oh My goodness Java my sweet friend. I am so terribly sorry to hear about your Father ( and your Mother). Dearest, this is in no way your fault! You stopped to speak with your Father and to inquire and send loving thoughts to your Mother. There is absolutely no way anyone could have anticipated this outcome or stopped it from occurring,. Your Fathers instinct to hold tight to the leash was to keep the dog from running off, his concern for the animal kept him holding tight. My heart aches for you and for your parents. I send prayers your way . I hope you feel this HUG. xo
ReplyDeleteP.S> time for the dog to go to obedience school
Oh my goodness! I sure hope you're Dad is okay. As for the dog, I have just two words "crate training".
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! Accidents happen, so try not to blame yourself. I will say a prayer for your Dad tonight...and you too. Keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kat
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's fall. Prayers going up for your entire family.
ReplyDeleteDon't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault! You were there to get him the medical help he needed right away!
This is a very unfortunate accident, certainly not your fault! Sure hope your dad will be okay but it doesn't sound very good. Praying for him now!
ReplyDeleteI'#m late coming to this and have read the posts 'backwards' so I've read the update already! Still, I had to comment after reading this. What an *awful* experience for you to have to go through. I'm not surprised you are 're-seeing' the whole thing in your mind. Oh, ... not nice for you at all.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it wasn't your fault, and I know your poor dad has suffered so much more - what an awful thing to happen - and how quickly our circumstances can change. Oh my... I'm rambling, but feeling for you in this situation :( x