The day did not start well. Paul had an appointment at the opticians. I went with him because the last time he selected frames I hated them so he said I could choose this time. Unfortunately the optician saw something that could be a precursor to glaucoma so has referred him to the hospital. Hopefully just a precaution but something that needs to be checked out.
In the afternoon I took Rick out for his afternoon walk. We were walking through the village when I saw a white delivery van approaching. Rick always lunges at vehicles and tries to chase them so I made him sit and held tightly onto his harness. As the van drew level Rick lunged forward and I was dismayed to discover that I was just holding on to an empty harness! He was off like a rocket, racing around the van and narrowly missing a car travelling in the opposite direction. I yelled at him, certain that he was going to be hit by a vehicle as he raced around. The van stopped and the driver got out with a parcel to deliver. I shouted at him to stand still and he looked at me in surprise, oblivious to Rick’s antics. Fortunately Rick raced up to the driver and we were able to catch him. I was distraught. It could have been carnage. I can only think that I had accidentally released the catch on the harness when I was holding it so tight.
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| "I'm sorry mum" |
Rick is a herding dog and it's in his nature to chase moving vehicles; no amount of training at this stage of his life will change that instinctive habit. I just need to be more careful in future.
Oh, poor you. That's a terribly frightening thing to experience. My George will chase cars too if given half a chance. I'm so glad that Rick is okay!
ReplyDeleteIt was a very scary moment, I thought it was going to be the end of Rick.
DeleteHow scary. I have glaucoma a nd do drops 3 times a day, but no other problems.
ReplyDeletePaul's brother has glaucoma that is treated with eye drops.
DeleteHow awful for you. Thank goodness it turned out okay. Our pets do know how to scare us!
ReplyDeleteI was very shaken up at the time.
DeleteWhat a fright Rick gave you - so glad he was ok! It's very weird but I had the same Thyroid op as you and my husband also has Glaucoma -as Mac n' Janet says the drops do control it - if it does turn out to be that.
ReplyDeleteThat's spooky.
DeleteHerding up white vans? That's a new one. Sounds like you had quite a shock Sue but luckily Rick lived to bark again.
ReplyDeleteHe was very lucky to come through unscathed.
DeleteOne of my previous dogs, a terrier terror, was able to shuck off a harness at such speed that it would seem as though it was left hanging in mid air, before dropping to the ground. Meanwhile, Pip would be off chasing a lorry, or a motorbike. We worked through four different brands before finding one she couldn't remove. Scary times; her recall button didn't work either. We eventually got a harness which clipped onto her collar, then used a double ended lead, two clips. Double security. That stopped her!
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to Paul.
I like the sound of the two clips and double security.
DeleteI can only imagine what a nightmare this must have been Sue. The look in his eyes says it all but wonder does it mean sorry mum or does it mean am I good at herding white vans Mum?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to your husband for the eye tests.
The latter I think Pat, I'm good at herding white vans! No remorse.
DeleteHe has such smart eyes, I wish he could read the blog.
ReplyDeleteHe's an intelligent dog but stupid when it comes to chasing traffic.
DeleteOh No you must have been so scared. Glad your both safe!
ReplyDeleteWe're fine, just gave me a scare.
DeleteRick is quite a handful.
ReplyDeleteHe is very well behaved in the house but his car/bike chasing is a bit of a problem when we are out.
DeleteThis is so scary. I am so happy to know you both are fine,
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
It could have ended so badly.
DeleteElaine's idea of double clips sounds like a good one! How scary. My Rosie never tries to get out of the back yard when I come in the gate - except yesterday. She flew out and ran to the chicken yard and sent them all frantically running into the coop and then took off. I thought she was headed for the road, but she stopped to check out the chicken poop that Pete had spread over the garden. Thank goodness! Now I know not to trust her if she's anywhere near the gate. My Mom also has glaucoma and it is controlled by drops. Good luck to Paul.
ReplyDeleteRick barks at blackbirds but completely ignores chickens!
DeleteBok was like that with the Postie. Luckily Marie-Ange adored him, and kept little treats in her pocket for him. It was excitement all round.
ReplyDeleteI was just grateful that the delivery van stopped otherwise he would have chased it all the way to the next village.
DeleteHow frightening for you! My yorkie barks and tries to lunge at buses and loud lorries. I am always worried that she might escape her harness...so far so good ! Luckily we don't have much walking by the side of the main road.
ReplyDeleteIt is the third time in 3 days that I have heard of someone with glaucoma. Hope that Paul gets sorted very soon. I didn't know it could be treated with drops. I am sick of eye drops having spent the last 3 days putting 2 drops in each eye every 2 hours. Only 4 times a day now. ( double cataract op last Monday!)
I'm going to look for a harness with double clips. It was a horrible moment holding an empty harness! Hope your cataract surgery was successful.
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