Duke's close encounter ...

Last weekend my OH was doing some work around the house, and doing a bit of painting outside. We don't have a wall, so our front garden is open. Duke was being his usual chatty self, sitting on the step, being very vocal to anyone walking by. He was so good and didn't move off the step. Until I came out to see how OH was doing with the painting. Dukie got all excited and forgot what a good boy he'd been up until then. Someone walked by and Duke rushed up to say Hi!. Fortunately the guy wasn't stressed so Duke started to follow him towards the park, which is just across the road. Well Duke had forgotten all his good behaviour and didn't listen! Little monkey! So I hurriedly went over to collect him before he disappeared into the distance.

Just then, a lady walking what appeared to be a small white dog came round the corner and because the park has a bit of a slope, I couldn't see her dog. Duke started racing over to say Hi! to her too, much to my horror!! We don't ever walk him off lead, or allow him loose at the park. Only when we're at the beach and there's nobody around, or at the fynbos reserve near us, which is fully enclosed. So I went running over (in my heels mind you), lamely calling, "Don't worry, he's friendly!" Well, she bent down to pick up what I assumed was a tiny frightened chihauhau, and hauled up a massive bull terrier!! And a gorgeous one at that! She literally picked him up! I froze and yelled "Oh sh*t! It's a bullie!!!" before belting over there as fast as those heels would let me. I was absolutely mortified! So there she was, dog held up around his chest, with all 4 legs sticking straight out. I don't know how she managed it, he really was enormous. And very keen to get to know Duke. And not in a good way I think! I managed to grab hold of Duke's collar, by this time the woman was trying to turn her back on Duke, and her dog was trying desperately not to let her. All the while I was apologizing profusedly, and she was so very nice about it. Anyway, it all lasted less than a minute. I got Duke a little bit away, tail still wagging! She put her dog down and he immediately lunged for Duke, I think he meant business. Well I wouldn't have been very happy being picked up in such an undignified fashion either. So they continued on their way, and we went back home, and everything ended okay.

Somehow in the melee Duke must have strained a muscle, because a little later on I noticed he ws limping quite badly on his right front leg. I checked him out thoroughly, no punctures, blood, swelling, flinching, etc, and a few days later he was fine. But wow, what an experience! Thank goodnes this lady was so gracious, and that she acted so quickly by picking her dog up. I must say, he was lovely!

And where was OH during all this? At the top of a ladder, completely oblivious to everything...

Wow sounds like an eventful day! glad it turned out ok

Jeeze!! Must have been scary! Is it bad that I giggled when I read that she picked up a Bull Terrier?

Sounds like a strong lady. Glad everything worked out.

it must have been rather disturbing for you, but it actually makes a really funny story
wish I could see the lady holding a big, annoyed bully in her arms

No way could I pick my boy up, especially if he was unwilling!

hahah picturing her holding up a struggling bullterrier is quite an image!

CatStina wrote:Jeeze!! Must have been scary! Is it bad that I giggled when I read that she picked up a Bull Terrier?

There's no way I could pick up Dempsey! As to the lady being ok about it, most people with bull breeds know the problems - as long as everyone tries to keep control of the situation, there's no point getting het up.

Well done for getting him back, though.

Oh that turned out to quite a funny story (since no major harm was done to anyone).

How did she manage to pick up a bull terrier if i try with cairo i pull a muscle lol.Glad everything was ok

Oh my gosh! What a saga I can't believe she picked up a bull terrier, they must weigh about 5 stone. I hope for her back's sake it was a mini or a young one! I can barely pick up Romeo and he weighs about 3 and a half stone.

hahah that is too funny!

I swear she really did pick him up!! I was so impressed.

Aw poor Duke just wanted to say hi and nearly got eaten!

Big hats off to the lady though, I couldn't even imagine picking up a bully intent on getting at another dog - I couldn't even imagine picking up a placid, willing bully!

I must be strong cause I pick duke up most dogs dont come near but you do get the occasional puppy that comes over so I pick him up I wouldnt want him to hurt another dog

You're a responsible owner gem, and clearly a strong one too, there's no way I could pick Charlie up and definitely not if he was trying to get at another dog!

[quote="shontelle"]You're a responsible owner gem, and clearly a strong one too, there's no way I could pick Charlie up and definitely not if he was trying to get at another dog![/quote]
Dont know were I get it from im 8 stone and 5 ft tall duke doesnt like it though

Ooh that made me laugh imagining a woman holding a bull terrier its legs stuck out stiff at all angles! Im surprised her arms fitted around it!!! Her dog must be DA and she picked him up so duke didnt get hurt which is good, I do the same if an over-zealous dog comes over and starts to harass skibadee. Well only if there is no other option, but she sa 16kg stafford not a massive 35kg of muscley bully!!!

The way you wrote the post made me giggle though, very 'Sophie Kinsella'!