Wife bitten by employers dog

[bigmarco]

On my way to pick my wife up from work yesterday, when she phoned me and she was in a terrible state. Her employers dog had bitten her and she was in a terrible state. There was nobody else in the house as her employer had taken the children away for a few days so my wife had locked herself in another room as the dog was still barking and she was scared. By the time I arrived the husband had returned home from work and he was visibly upset and was apologising. I was more interested in getting my wife to hospital as her hand looked quite nasty and was badly swollen. You could see from the wound that it wasn't just a nip but the dog had really sunk it's teeth in.
Anyway we got to the hospital where they were very nice and dressed the wound and sent her for an Xray which fortunately only revealed bad bruising and no damage to the bone. She had the Jab and was released with a course of Antibiotics and pain killers.
She received a text from the husband last night after we updated him, wishing her well and telling her that she would not have to deal with the dog going forward (part of her job is dog walking).
My concern is now that Mary Grace is adamant that she cannot work there if the dog is still in the house and I fully understand why. I really feel that they should get rid of the dog as that could have been one of their children.
However I have told her to just wait to hear from the employer when she gets back this weekend and if they are keeping the dog then obviously she will have to leave the job.

[Iani]

Sorry to hear that, it can certainly knock the confidence when attacked by domesticated dogs. At least the employer wasn't one of the all too usual owners of dogs, who trot out the old line of "oh he wouldn't hurt a fly, it's so out of character, you must have provoked him" etc.

I feel for her, but on the other hand a job is a job, it's a difficult one. If they felt they had to get rid of the dog, this might cause animosity. Hope things can be resolved.

[joebloggs]

what breed of dog was it Marco?, my girl's got a x terrier, its only a small thing and i've had a few much larger dogs in the past, never had a problem with them, but the terrier got such a temper :NoNo:

[mendoza82]

hello bigmarco,im sorry to heaR that,hows your wife now?is the dog has a antirabies vaccine??did u know hows the dog now?cos over here in the phil.we believe if someone bitten by the dog and the dog feel not ok after,then the dog has a rabies,which bad for the one get bitten.hope your wife is ok now..

[bigmarco]

what breed of dog was it Marco?, my girl's got a x terrier, its only a small thing and i've had a few much larger dogs in the past, never had a problem with them, but the terrier got such a temper :NoNo:

Not sure what breed it is Joe. Funny thing is she was just getting it ready to take out for a walk in the park. She says even the employer is a bit scared of the dog but keeps it because their 8yo old daughter is attached to it.

[joebloggs]

hello bigmarco,im sorry to heaR that,hows your wife now?is the dog has a antirabies vaccine??did u know hows the dog now?cos over here in the phil.we believe if someone bitten by the dog and the dog feel not ok after,then the dog has a rabies,which bad for the one get bitten.hope your wife is ok now..

i dont think so, rabies very rare in the uk, i think the only cases are from being bitten outside the Uk and then the person came back to the UK.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2239764/Grandmother-died-rabies-turned-away-UK-hospital-twice.html

A grandmother has died from rabies after being turned away from the same hospital twice.

Sharanjit Ubhi, 58, was bitten by her son's pet dog when she was visiting him in India. The dog gave her the fatal disease and when she went to Darent Valley Hospital, Kent, two months later, complaining of pain in her right arm, she was turned away.

Mrs Ubhi had not mentioned being bitten by a dog and her observations appeared 'normal' but when she developed hydrophobia the family's GP recognised the symptoms and sent her for specialist treatment.

However, it was too late and she became the first person in the UK to die from rabies for seven years

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2239764/Grandmother-died-rabies-turned-away-UK-hospital-twice.html#ixzz2GRsmH394
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[joebloggs]

maybe its got excited and didn't mean to bite, my girls dog goes :crazy: when i take it out for a walk, does somersaults, jumps 4 or 5 ft in the air and barking alot, and i normally take it out b4 i go to work at 5am :doh

maybe they can lock the dog up in a pen or somewhere else while your wife is there ??? , if your wife doesn't want to quit the job (and why should she )

[bigmarco]

maybe its got excited and didn't mean to bite, my girls dog goes :crazy: when i take it out for a walk, does somersaults, jumps 4 or 5 ft in the air and barking alot, and i normally take it out b4 i go to work at 5am :doh

maybe they can lock the dog up in a pen or somewhere else while your wife is there ??? , if your wife doesn't want to quit the job (and why should she )

Yeah it's a difficult one Joe, particularly as her job also involves taking the dog out at least twice a day. I said to her lets wait and see what the employer says in a few days and we can decide from there.

[Tawi2]

However, it was too late and she became the first person in the UK to die from rabies for seven years
Just before this there was the case of the pinoy guy working in UK as a postie,he also died if memory serves,had been to pinas on holiday,gotten bit,rabies manifest itself when he got back here.

even the employer is a bit scared of the dog
Dogs now the alpha pack leader,bad idea in a house with children :icon_rolleyes:

[stevewool]

hope it all goes well for your wife and yourself, and i hope the dog gets a good outcome too

[raynaputi]

maybe its got excited and didn't mean to bite, my girls dog goes :crazy: when i take it out for a walk, does somersaults, jumps 4 or 5 ft in the air and barking alot, and i normally take it out b4 i go to work at 5am :doh

maybe they can lock the dog up in a pen or somewhere else while your wife is there ??? , if your wife doesn't want to quit the job (and why should she )

My dog in the Philippines is the same..he gets so excited when it's time for him to go out. So far, he only has bitten one kid as that kid just run in front of him while my dog was lying down in front of our house's door. The kid startled my dog that resulted him being bitten. My dad took care of everything needed for that kid's medication, checkup, etc. it wasn't my dog's fault as he was acting on instinct but of course we have to shoulder everything.

[han]

Hi Bigmarco.,
I'm sorry to hear about the incident. Hope she feels better now.
Me and my husband has a yorkie (our own) and at the moment we are also dog sitting our friends Labrador while they are away for holiday and to be honest even if the dogs here are all friendly I still have that little fear sometimes. A wee bit scary for me as a 4'10 in height walking with this Lab eh., the thing is almost all our neighbors here have dogs and i am thinking doing it as part-time job- after reading your thread i am now hesitant.
cheers
han

[Doc Alan]

I’m sorry to read about Mary Grace, Marco – and hope she soon recovers.


Dog bites are unfortunately relatively common, usually treatable by simple first aid and painkillers. The main complication to prevent is infection. So long as infected bites are treated by antibiotics they rarely cause serious problems.


The bite does allow a break in the skin which can allow the tetanus bug ( Clostridium tetani ) to enter the body. Symptoms of tetanus ( “ lockjaw “ ) can develop from a few days to 3 weeks later.


Tetanus immunoglobulin is given to prevent this. Children are routinely immunised against tetanus – but a booster injection is worth considering for an adult, even if they haven't been bitten. Primary or booster vaccines for tetanus ( also typhoid, hepatitis A, and possibly cholera ) two or more weeks before travel to the Philippines are FREE within the NHS.


If an adult who has been bitten is NOT fully immunised or their booster is not up to date, they require also a “ reinforcing “ dose of tetanus vaccine. Non-immunised individuals require this immediate tetanus vaccine, followed by completion of the full course. Antibiotics may also be given to prevent infection, if the wound is not “ clean “ ( tetanus-prone ).


Rabies from a dog bite is not a condition she needs to worry about in UK – this is what I have said on the forum Health section :-


Recently a British woman bitten by a puppy on a visit to India has died in London, but there have been very few deaths in recent years, all from dog bites abroad ( and a bat-handler in Scotland ). The UK is essentially rabies – free, because of strict quarantine laws.

• Almost always fatal in humans - at least 50,000 deaths worldwide ( an underestimate because rabies may not be notifiable ), and 200 - 300 in the Philippines ( out of 200,000 – 300,000 dog bites) each year. No effective treatment. Traditional healers ( “ tandok “ – placing a deer horn over the wound ) have NO place.

In the Philippines - as elsewhere - dogs ( asong kalye, or strays / abandoned pets ) are the main source. Transmission from humans is not known.

• Rabies viruses enter the body in saliva from a bite, reaching the brain by travelling along a nerve. Incubation - 2 weeks ( or less ) to over a year, depending on where the bite occurred. The old name "hydrophobia" means fear of drinking water because of muscle spasm.

• Most visitors don’t have rabies immunisation. It's only recommended in certain circumstances such as occupation or limited access to medical treatment. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals whenever possible.
If members are interested, read more here :-
http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/38723-Rabies?highlight=rabies

[grahamw48]

Stupid stupid people and their precious pets !

More important than their kids, visitors, in fact ANYBODY OR ANYTHING !

I despise numb-brains like this...utterly irresponsible ! :cwm23:

Take pictures of the injuries, report to the police, get an anti-Tetanus injection, SUE them through one of those claims companies and then don't ever go back to those idiots' house again.

Your wife deserves to be well compensated for the injury and upset that she has suffered.

Time after time I see fools allowing their dogs to play with tiny helpless babies and small children on programmes like 'You've been framed'. As far as I'm concerned they shouldn't be allowed to keep either pets OR kids. They are so damned thick. :NoNo:

DOGS ARE ANIMALS NOT PEOPLE !

As you can see, I do feel strongly about this. Too many childen (and adults) savaged by 'pets'.

I would point out that I did have my own pet store for 5 years, and have always had dogs and been a RESPONSIBLE dog owner....and NO, I didn't have a dog when my own boy was small, or let him anywhere near them.

[stevie c]

So sorry to read your thread about Mary grace injury by her irresponsible bosses dog....As graham says I would if thought a compensation claim is warranted for this negligence by the dog owner
Here's hoping Mary graces injury heals quickly

[bigmarco]

Stupid stupid people and their precious pets !

More important than their kids, visitors, in fact ANYBODY OR ANYTHING !

I despise numb-brains like this...utterly irresponsible ! :cwm23:

Take pictures of the injuries, report to the police, get an anti-Tetanus injection, SUE them through one of those claims companies and then don't ever go back to those idiots' house again.

Your wife deserves to be well compensated for the injury and upset that she has suffered.

Time after time I see fools allowing their dogs to play with tiny helpless babies and small children on programmes like 'You've been framed'. As far as I'm concerned they shouldn't be allowed to keep either pets OR kids. They are so damned thick. :NoNo:

DOGS ARE ANIMALS NOT PEOPLE !

As you can see, I do feel strongly about this. Too many childen (and adults) savaged by 'pets'.

I would point out that I did have my own pet store for 5 years, and have always had dogs and been a RESPONSIBLE dog owner....and NO, I didn't have a dog when my own boy was small, or let him anywhere near them.

Sort of sums up my feelings Graham as it could well have been one of the children.
I will be waiting to see the reaction of the employers before deciding what to do next. Mary Grace will not be able to work if the dog remains in the home so the choice is theirs.

[bigmarco]

I’m sorry to read about Mary Grace, Marco – and hope she soon recovers.


Dog bites are unfortunately relatively common, usually treatable by simple first aid and painkillers. The main complication to prevent is infection. So long as infected bites are treated by antibiotics they rarely cause serious problems.


The bite does allow a break in the skin which can allow the tetanus bug ( Clostridium tetani ) to enter the body. Symptoms of tetanus ( “ lockjaw “ ) can develop from a few days to 3 weeks later.


Tetanus immunoglobulin is given to prevent this. Children are routinely immunised against tetanus – but a booster injection is worth considering for an adult, even if they haven't been bitten. Primary or booster vaccines for tetanus ( also typhoid, hepatitis A, and possibly cholera ) two or more weeks before travel to the Philippines are FREE within the NHS.


If an adult who has been bitten is NOT fully immunised or their booster is not up to date, they require also a “ reinforcing “ dose of tetanus vaccine. Non-immunised individuals require this immediate tetanus vaccine, followed by completion of the full course. Antibiotics may also be given to prevent infection, if the wound is not “ clean “ ( tetanus-prone ).


Rabies from a dog bite is not a condition she needs to worry about in UK – this is what I have said on the forum Health section :-


Recently a British woman bitten by a puppy on a visit to India has died in London, but there have been very few deaths in recent years, all from dog bites abroad ( and a bat-handler in Scotland ). The UK is essentially rabies – free, because of strict quarantine laws.

• Almost always fatal in humans - at least 50,000 deaths worldwide ( an underestimate because rabies may not be notifiable ), and 200 - 300 in the Philippines ( out of 200,000 – 300,000 dog bites) each year. No effective treatment. Traditional healers ( “ tandok “ – placing a deer horn over the wound ) have NO place.

In the Philippines - as elsewhere - dogs ( asong kalye, or strays / abandoned pets ) are the main source. Transmission from humans is not known.

• Rabies viruses enter the body in saliva from a bite, reaching the brain by travelling along a nerve. Incubation - 2 weeks ( or less ) to over a year, depending on where the bite occurred. The old name "hydrophobia" means fear of drinking water because of muscle spasm.

• Most visitors don’t have rabies immunisation. It's only recommended in certain circumstances such as occupation or limited access to medical treatment. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals whenever possible.
If members are interested, read more here :-
http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/38723-Rabies?highlight=rabies

Thanks Doc as usual a very informative post. Alas I was prevented from giving you a well deserved Rep and told that apparently I need to spread it around a bit :biggrin:

[Terpe]

Marco, firstly let me also join others in saying how sorry I feel for Mary Grace.
She must have been really really upset and beside herself.

I'd like to share my experience from both side of the coin. It may or may not help.

I too have been attacked and bitten by a dog. It was quite a bad bite. I was a very young teenager at the time but not too ashamed to admit that the episode really scared me and I lost all confidence and trust around dogs. The owners didn't really accept responsibility and this did cause a rift in the relationship with my whole family which looking back caused more upset for years than the actually attack.
Strangely enough we'd always had a dog and in many ways it seemed natural for me to be around dogs, I did lose trust in our beloved but never let on, although I'm pretty sure my parents could see it.
I tended to avoid dogs for years.

Eventually we (I) got another dog. It was a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Quite a large dog.
He proved to be quite an easily excitable dog.

Now, we just don't know whatever it was that caused the dog to bite your wife. But to be honest, given that the dog knew Mary Grace, and was accustomed to her, something went terribly wrong.
Many dogs who tend to be excitable may sometimes 'nip'. A dog is a dog and needs to be trained and knows who is master.

Anyway, my dog bit a neighbours child on the head. It was excitability, I know that. It wasn't a serious wound, but it could have been an eye or anything.
In all honesty I had no choice in what I had to do.
I knew first hand the impact of such a thing, even in the wider scope.

I was actually very very close to that dog. I can tell you I shed tears for weeks and missed that guy so much.
I have no misgivings about the decision I took, but that was a decision I took immediately without consulatation to anyone.

In your case, if the owner has any intention about the dog, he would have decided and acted already.
I do not think there will be any change.
In which case I would certainly agree that Mary Grace should not return.
It would be very challenging for her to regain a 'master' position with the dog.
She would need to resign.
In that specific case you may want to consider a case against the owner in clear conscience, and for compensation of loss of earnings, expenses and damages.

Just my opinion on how I feel about it.

[joebloggs]

I've had dogs most my life, little joe grew up with a large 'full blooded shar pei' dog, i would never leave him with the dog alone, even thou i trusted that she would never harm him i would never take the risk, not once did she ever nip or bite him, even when he stepped on her or pulled her tail.

[Tawi2]

Dogs are domesticated animals,its the second word thats important,animals,you need to assert your pack leader dominance from puppyhood,not talking barbera woodhouse screetching Walkkiieesssss or pudsey dancing on its hind legs,but the dog does need to know who is leader otherwise they will sometimes overstep the mark,nothing worse than a badly trained pooch,some owners anthrophomorphise their animals even to the exyent of letting them sleep on the bed,eat off the plates etc,as I said at the begining a dog is an animal,I have had dogs that lived to a ripe old age never had one that savaged a person but if I did it would have sealed its own fate.

[lordna]

Stupid stupid people and their precious pets !

More important than their kids, visitors, in fact ANYBODY OR ANYTHING !

I despise numb-brains like this...utterly irresponsible ! :cwm23:

Take pictures of the injuries, report to the police, get an anti-Tetanus injection, SUE them through one of those claims companies and then don't ever go back to those idiots' house again.

Your wife deserves to be well compensated for the injury and upset that she has suffered.

Time after time I see fools allowing their dogs to play with tiny helpless babies and small children on programmes like 'You've been framed'. As far as I'm concerned they shouldn't be allowed to keep either pets OR kids. They are so damned thick. :NoNo:

DOGS ARE ANIMALS NOT PEOPLE !

As you can see, I do feel strongly about this. Too many childen (and adults) savaged by 'pets'.

I would point out that I did have my own pet store for 5 years, and have always had dogs and been a RESPONSIBLE dog owner....and NO, I didn't have a dog when my own boy was small, or let him anywhere near them.

I couldnt agree more! Dogs are dangerous and at some point in their lives will turn on people. People need to realise that dogs are animals and NEVER to be trusted especially near kids.

Demand the animal is put down before it attacks the child in the house. The owner is responsible here so claim against him, he should have insurance to cover it anyway.

I grew up with dogs ...but wouldnt have one in the house now. Cant believe these people that have more than 1 dog either as these animals hunt in packs and then become even more dangerous.

[sars_notd_virus]

Wife bitten by employers dog

sad to read about this , your wife should be compensated.

[bigmarco]

Marco, firstly let me also join others in saying how sorry I feel for Mary Grace.
She must have been really really upset and beside herself.

I'd like to share my experience from both side of the coin. It may or may not help.

I too have been attacked a bitten by a dog. It was quite a bad bite. I was a very young teenager at the time but not too ashamed to admit that the episode really scared me and I lost all confidence and trust around dogs. The owners didn't really accept responsibility and this did cause a rift in the relationship with my whole family which looking back caused more upset for years that the actually attack.
Strangely enough we'd always had a dog and in many ways it seemed natural for me to be around dogs, I did lose trust in our beloved but never let on, although I'm pretty sure my parents could see it.
I tended to avoid dogs for years.

Eventually we (I) got another dog. It was a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Quite a large dog.
He proved to be quite an easily excitable dog.

Now, we just don't know whatever it was that caused the dog to bite your wife. But to be honest, given that the dog knew Mary Grace, and was accustomed to her, something went terribly wrong.
Many dogs who tend to be excitable may sometimes 'nip'. A dog is a dog and needs to be trained and knows who is master.

Anyway, my dog bit a neighbours child on the head. It was excitability, I know that. It wasn't a serious wound, but it could have been an eye or anything.
In all honesty I had no choice in what I had to do.
I knew first hand the impact of such a thing, even in the wider scope.

I was actually very very close to that dog. I can tell you I shed tears for weeks and missed that guy so much.
I have no misgivings about the decision I took, but that was a decision I took immediately without consulatation to anyone.

In your case, if the owner has any intention about the dog, he would have decided and acted already.
I do not think there will be any change.
In which case I would certainly agree that Mary Grace should not return.
It would be very challenging for her to regain a 'master' position with the dog.
She would need to resign.
In that specific case you may want to consider a case against the owner in clear conscience, and for compensation of loss of earnings, expenses and damages.

Just my opinion on how I feel about it.

Thanks for sharing that with us Terpe.
Mary Grace has had a few texts now from her employer and although one of them stated "she will not be expected to deal with the dog going forward" there is no mention of them getting rid of the dog. They have 2 young children in the house so why on earth they would consider keeping the dog beggars belief.
She is due back to work on Wednesday but between now and then we will have to make it clear that she will be unable to continue if the dog remains in the house.

[lordna]

Thanks for sharing that with us Terpe.
Mary Grace has had a few texts now from her employer and although one of them stated "she will not be expected to deal with the dog going forward" there is no mention of them getting rid of the dog. They have 2 young children in the house so why on earth they would consider keeping the dog beggars belief.
She is due back to work on Wednesday but between now and then we will have to make it clear that she will be unable to continue if the dog remains in the house.

Sorry to hear about your wife. Why not get legal advice? Do you have free advice included in your household policy?...if so use it!

Dont let your wife go back there, the dog WILL bite again.

[bigmarco]

Just to update Mary Graces hand has recovered quite well and she seems to have recovered from the shock.
Surprised she got a text from her employer a few days ago enquiring into her wellbeing and saying that the dog has now gone. Common sense seems to have prevailed.
Thanks for all your nice messages and a Happy New year to you all.

[raynaputi]

Just to update Mary Graces hand has recovered quite well and she seems to have recovered from the shock.
Surprised she got a text from her employer a few days ago enquiring into her wellbeing and saying that the dog has now gone. Common sense seems to have prevailed.
Thanks for all your nice messages and a Happy New year to you all.

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

I was going to suggest having the thing muzzled but looks like there`s no need.
I was bitten by a terrier on my hand when I was 8.. They have crossed teeth and they dont let go.. I still have the scars today..
Glad your Mrs is feeling better now anyway.

[Michael Parnham]

To be honest the dog should be put down, because next time it could be a child that gets bitten. Sorry to hear what's happened to Mary Grace Bigmarco, hope everything is resolved so that she can continue her job!!

[grahamw48]

Just to update Mary Graces hand has recovered quite well and she seems to have recovered from the shock.
Surprised she got a text from her employer a few days ago enquiring into her wellbeing and saying that the dog has now gone. Common sense seems to have prevailed.
Thanks for all your nice messages and a Happy New year to you all.

Ah that's good news then.

All the best to you both for the new year ahead. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

That's a genuine decision by the owner and employer.
I think that suggests he's a reasonable human being.
All bodes well imho

Glad to learn that Mary Grace has recovered so well.

[Doc Alan]

Thanks Doc as usual a very informative post. Alas I was prevented from giving you a well deserved Rep and told that apparently I need to spread it around a bit :biggrin:

At least you tried Marco, thank you !

What's more important is that you found it helpful, and most important of all a good outcome, with Mary Grace OK :smile:.