Rottweiler attacked at message class!

[Deborah Reid]

This is posted with permission from the owner. This is an email that Traci sent asking for advise and help:

"Hi guys, I need your support and advice. As a couple of you know I was just down in Toledo, Ohio taking a canine massage course with petmassage.com. The course was 6 days long. Anyway, on the first day, we met the instructors dogs a 6 year old Boxer (Oskar) and a an 8 month old standard poodle. I knew there was going to be a problem immediatly as the boxer kept trying to get eye contact with Caemon. He is a very dominant dog I was told(the boxer). Caemon took no notice and just enjoyed the new people and the massages he was recieving. On day two, midafternoon, all hell broke loose. Earlier in the day, I had remarked to the instructor that Oskar is really trying to start something, please keep him away, he was constantly giving Caemon the STARE. That afternoon, I was massageing Caemon on the table, his head was in my hands and he was thouroughly relaxed, and looking at me. Oskar jumped off his table and attacked Caemon so viciously that he yanked him right off the table. He locked onto Caemons head and neck and wouldn't let go. I am freakin out, screamin and punchin at this dog. Poking him in the eyes, etc. Finally, I kicked him in the groin and he loosened his grip. He then got his lower jaw caught on Caemon's training (choke) collar and was now choking my baby to death. I don't know how, but finally I got my boy free. He just sat in my arms and shook and cried. He now has two punctures in his head and a long slice from his skull to below his ear. Emotionally: he didn't eat for 2 days, and this is a dog who has never missed a meal! and had diarhea for days after that. The instructor never appologized, never offered vet care, didn't even phone us later that evening at the hotel to see if things were ok or if 'Caemon had gotten worse, and above all, did not and would not discipline his dog. he admitted the next day that Oskar has attacked a dog in nearly every class. What kind of man is this? Here I am flying across my Country, into his and attending a workshop that I paid alot of money for, not including car rental, air,hotel and food, and my baby gets attacked in his school, during his course, by a known aggressive dog. I was heartbroken. I am very, very lucky to know that I have such a well mannered and stable temp. boy. Everyday after that his dog would be going crazy at his kennel to get to Caemon and he just ignored him. Now tell me this, if it had been the other way around, and Caemon had attacked his dog,do you think I would have flown home with Caemon alive. I think not! I am sick to my stomach and have looked into legal action, but would have to process it out of the state of Ohio, and it would be very expensive to say the least. I am writing his ethics board, his massage assoc. the AKC, the CKC, dogs of Canada adn the rottie quarterly, can anyone think of anything else I should do. I am at a loss. My boy is damaged, physically and substantially emotionaly. Any advise would be appreciated. Traci"

Please everyone, she and Caemon need your help, advise and support on this!
I am currently looking for the dangerous dog laws of Ohio, specifically Toledo, Lucas County.
If anyone has any ideas or advise for Traci, please post.

[RottiMomCT]

I was wondering if she sent a ccertified letter to the owner, noting the events of the day, noting that he told her outright that HIS DOG attacked a dog in EVERY session, yet he continued to allow this dog to be present, and did nothing about it, nor did he inquire as to how her dog was doing after the attack.

Also, include copies of any and ALL bills relating to veterinary care due to the attack, and let him know that she is expecting payment for those bills by the owner/host of the massage classes because if his dog had not attacked Caemon, he would not have needed that care. See if he responds to that...findout what it would cost to talk to a lawyer simply to get the letter written (in 'legalese' terms) stating that she wants her vet bills taken care of by this guy.

Most people will 'pay up' if they even think they're gonna get sued...it'll be cheaper for him if he just paid the bills instead of him paying her legal fees et al to get what she is owed.

[cinde33]

1.I would also write to the Toledo BBB
2. file a formal complaint with the police or animal control or whoever you can to at least have a public record on account in case you need it for backup.

***Take pictures of the injuries!!! Total proof when you need it.

3. Then I'd sue him

4. I'd also create a web page describing my experience so when people search for his class they will also see how this guy handles things.

This also may be worth a try:

Attorney General Montgomery Can Help You
With Consumer Problems


If you have a problem with a product or service, notify the company that sold you the goods or services in writing and give them the first chance to remedy the situation. Very often, once the appropriate person is aware of the problem, it can be resolved satisfactorily.
As Ohio's chief law officer, Attorney General Montgomery is authorized to enforce the laws outlined in this brochure. By reviewing complaints as soon as they are received, her staff can initiate investigations and promptly pursue enforcement actions when necessary to protect your interests.
If you have a complaint that you can't resolve directly with the business involved, or if you have questions concerning your situation, call:

The Attorney General's toll?free Consumer Protection Line:
1-800-282-0515
or write:
The Attorney General's
Consumer Protection Section
30 E. Broad Street, 25th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215?3428

http://www.ag.state.oh.us/


***Go to the media. They may air your story and expose this guy.

Here's this too:

Dog Bites

If you are bitten by a dog:

If you live in the City of Toledo call the Health Department's Animal Bite Investigator at 245-1734. If you are unable to contact the Health Department or Dog Warden, Call the Toledo Police Department.
Wash your wound immediately with soap and water, then go directly to a hospital emergency room as the possibility of rabies.
Try to watch where the dog goes and try to find out who the owner is. If it is a stray dog call the Lucas County Dog Warden at 255-6119.
To obtain dog biting prevention tips you may contact the Lucas County Dog Warden at 255-6119.

http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/index.cfm...&Page=Page1918

Hope this helps in some way....
:(

[crazy4rotts]

hello everyone, I sincerly appreciate all your advice. I have contacted the Toledo police dept. and the dog wardens office in Lucas County. I have a letter I will be sending to Jonathon (the instructor) as soon as I find out which is the best way to do it. Either reg mail, email or from a lawyer. I cannot thank Debi enough for the support and speedy advice as well as psting this to you folks. Caemon is a wonderful boy, has a to die for temp. and is a show dog, who is nationaly ranked here in Canada. Above all he is my baby and the love of my life.

[cinde33]

crazy4rotts, would you mind keeping me posted once in awhile? I hope all works out for you and kudos for going after the guy. Stay strong and if you need to vent PM me!

Cinde :)

[Deborah Reid]

Welcome Traci!!
It is great to see you here, I know that this community can be an invaluable source of information and support.
Please do keep us updated on what happens, I am personally ready to start flooding that "mans" email with letters of protest!!!
Kinseigh sends kisses to Caemon!