Special to the Aroostook Republican
I have been on vacation since June 18. During my vacation, I left my beloved pug with friends. For some unknown reason, the pug freaked out and ran and has been gone since a week ago Monday. He has been spotted several times on the East Greenridge Road, but has yet to be caught. He has turned into a scared little pug. Being in Texas has been hard knowing my pug is on the run, but I have had many wonderful friends looking for him. I am trying to remain positive, but he must be very hungry and scared. I worry about coyotes and foxes.
He was last seen to my knowledge on Thursday night. I am very anxious to get home and look for him, hoping he will come to either me or my children. I have never been through anything quite this emotional and heart wrenching. I was sure before I left to put identification tags on each of the dogs that would not be at my house, and each is microchipped, but that does not ensure their safe return. I pray each night that someone will find my little pug and return him home. This has been very difficult on my whole family.
If you have found Pugsley, please take him to your local law enforcement officer or directly to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I am so very thankful for those who have been searching; let’s hope he is found soon.
Have you ever been bitten by a dog? Dog bites are horrifying and can be deadly. One thing I tell people is that every dog “can” bite, not every dog will bite. I personally have never been bitten, but I have seen the end result of a few and it is frightening. Accordingly to the ASPCA, every year in the United States 800,000 dog bites are severe enough to need medical treatment; 17 are fatal. Fifty percent of all American children are bitten by a dog before the age of 13. There are different reasons why dogs bite:
Dominance Aggression: Members of the dog’s human family are most often the victims. Innocently attempt to move a dog off the bed to change the linens; push down on his rump to ensure compliance with a sit command; step over a dog whose resting inconveniently in the doorway and the dog erupts in a “You’d better not do that” vocal warning, followed by a bite. In each situation, the dog believes that he is in charge – that his humans have not earned the status to tell him what to do. Dominance aggression is most commonly – but not exclusively – seen in unneutered males. Early training and/or lifelong management are the only solutions.
Protection of valuables: Some dogs believe the only way to protect their valuables is by being aggressive. A dog’s list of valuables may include, but are not limited to, food, toys, territory (a house or a car) or even their human family members. Dogs have been known to “protect” one family member from another, driving crying children away from their mothers or chasing amorous husbands out of bedrooms. Again, early training and/or lifelong management are the only solutions.
Fear aggression: The fear aggression response is almost always directed toward strangers. There is no particular breed or gender predilection for fear aggression, but these biters commonly lack early socialization to a wide variety of people and experiences.
Maternal aggression: The first two to three weeks after a female dog gives birth, her puppies rely solely on her for all they need for survival: warmth, nutrition, stimulation to prompt elimination and protection. Even the most outgoing, well-trained dog may show signs of maternal aggression if she feels her newborns are at risk.
Redirected aggression: An attempt to break up a dogfight is the most common scenario for this type of biting. Fights are best broken up by loud noises or strong blasts of water when available. However, sometimes that is not enough and the dog may bite you mistaking you for his foe.
Pain-induced aggression: Any dog may bite if hurting, depending on the degree of pain. An otherwise gentle dog will bite a beloved owner’s hand trying to soothe, bandage or examine wounds.
Pestered beyond limits: Bites in this category are often prompted by children (or adults) who simply push a dog past his limits. This could be hugging a sleeping dog, blowing puffs of air in his face, putting a rubber banded knee-sock on his nose to turn him into an “elephant dog,” ride him like a pony, poke, prod, tickle him, and sooner or later, the dog will say “No!” the only way he knows how – through a bite.
There are three keys to bite prevention: learn to understand canine behavior, take the time to socialize and train all dogs – the younger the better – and teach children to respect all dogs, starting with their furry buddies at home. With this accomplished, there is no telling how low bite statistics can go. If you are approached by a menacing dog, do not attempt to run; stay quiet, and remember to breathe, be still, with arms at sides or folded over chest with hands in fists, avoid eye contact.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful pets just waiting for loving homes. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
