Things like this always seem to happen when you don’t follow your normal life pattern: Nate and I never take walks in the rain, nor do we walk counter-clockwise to our usual path, but last night we changed things up. When we were about 1/4 mile from our home, a terrier about twice the size of Huck attacked him. The other dog was on a “leash” (it was attached to the dog’s collar, but not being held by the owner).
Because it was so dark, we couldn’t see where he got Huck, but thankfully Nate had a flashlight in his pocket. As we’re trying to examine Huck in a panic, we immediately saw his little eye swollen and hemorrhaging. Five and some odd hours later, we were able to leave the emergency vet clinic with a very sleepy puppy with very swollen, sewn-shut eye lid. :(
Huck has been amazing so far with all of this. When Nate ran off to get the car and I was weeping uncontrollably waiting for him to come get us, Huck jumped at my legs, and after I picked him up, immediately started licking my tears. He truly had no idea what was going on, and was just excited to go for a car ride! We’ll know in 10 days or so when his stitches come out if they were able to save his eye, but so far it’s looking good.
I will say, though, that while I was a complete wreck last night (and every now and then today when I look at Huck), Nate blew me away by being the perfect husband and dad… Not only was he perfect at consoling me during my breakdowns, but he was such a good dad for Huck by keeping him calm and holding him when I couldn’t. :( As horrid as last night was, I fell in love all over again with my husband.
Anyway, I just wanted to share what happened for all of Huck’s fans, and wanted to let everyone know he’s doing fine but to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I want to sincerely thank you all for your concern and well wishes- It’s helped make a difficult day a little bit easier.
I won’t post a straight-on eye shot since it looks like something out of a horror movie or The Terminator, but here’s a shot of our little hero from this morning:
Love you, Huckleberry Finn. We’ll make it through this. :)
Oh, he’s just trying to get ready for his new role in Terminator 100 – Puppy Patrol. Glad to know things are looking good and will continue prayers.
Thanks, Jeni.
What a trooper!! If any doggie can look ridiculously cute in and E-collar, it’s Huck! We are sending along our love and wishes for speedy healing! :) XOXO
Absolutely! And if he has to be a pirate for life, well, he’ll pull that off, too. :)
Jensey, Nathan and, most especially, Huck …
My heart aches for all of you through this terrifying experience. Your sweet boy {or any other} deserved this, and it is my sincere hope that dog owners everywhere could be responsible and accountable for their own. {grr} I hope Huck {and his loving parents} make a speedy and full recovery–
Lisa, thank you so much for this. We’re all recovering nicely, and the day is already looking so much brighter!
Oh Jensey, I am so sorry your sweet baby was injured. I would have been a mess just like you and Bill would have been like Nate. It was wonderful how he took control of the situation, helping Huck and comforting you. It warms my heart the way you and Nate adore each other. I will continue to pray for your furbaby and the both of you.
Have you talked to the owners of the terrier about what happened?
Thank you, Tracy. I’m truly the luckiest for having Nate, as you are for having Bill! We haven’t talked to the owners yet- We’ll be calling animal control tomorrow to see what steps we need to take. :/
Oh it just breaks my heart to see dogs in pain!! Poor little Huck!! He still looks pretty cute though, even with his messed up eye. You should get him a little eye patch and bandana and he can be Huck the little pirate…arrrrrr!!! So what did the owner of the other dog do???
I know… It’s 100 times more heartbreaking because he clearly has no idea what’s going on. :( If he loses the eye, we’ll absolutely go with the eye patch and bandanna idea. ;) The other owner just stood there… NATE was the one pulling the other dog off and we finally had to ask him to hold his own dog back. :(
My horrible typing skills were just brought to my attention! Please know that what I meant to say was “your sweet boy did NOT deserve this.” My goodness …so sorry for you all!
We knew what you meant and got a good belly laugh trying to make up stories for why you have a vendetta against our little Huck Finn… The best of both worlds! ;)
Gah! I’m so so so sorry guys! Hugs to all of you and speedy recovery wishes for your baby <3
Thank you, Jenn.
We’ve had to wear that cone-head thing a couple times before and know how annoying it can be. We know you’ll tough it out though. Get well soon, so we can play together next month :) Big licks, MK and Charlie
Thanks, bitches. – Huck Finn
Hahaha! I can totally picture little Huck saying that!
huck! you can do it buddy!
Thanks for the support, Kristen!!
Poor little Huck!!! :( I don’t know what I’d do if one of my baby’s got hurt. I hope he has a speedy recovery and will be back to his adorable little self soon!
Thank you so much, Ashley. He’s knocked out right now and I’m looking forward to him being back to himself, as well. :(
Ohmigosh!! I wasn’t even half-way through this story and I was teary! I haven’t even met Huck, but I totally had a Mommy-horror connection! Absolutely horrifying! I’m so glad he’s being such a trooper! Give him extra loves from us! And keep us posted!
It was pretty scary. :( Loves sent!
This made me tear up. So sorry that this happened. I’m glad he’s okay. Poor baby.
Thank you, Michelle.
We are so very sorry that the three of you had to go through this horrible experience. We don’t understand what part of ‘leash’ the other dog owner didn’t understand. Leashes are not effective at controlling your dog if you let your dog drag it along the ground instead of holding the loose end in your hand! Huck’s injuries are so unfortunate and totally preventable had the other dog’s owner been a responsible one; especially when you look at that picture and see what can happen in a case like this. Our hearts go to all of you, and Huck, you rest and get better and wear your crown proudly like the little Prince you are!
Thanks Mom (and Iake!). :)
Praying for your little guy!
Thank you, Dennis.
If Huck has a thing for “bigger ladies,” I can bring Molly Bridget to comfort him. He will be better in no time!
Bahaha… If he wasn’t taken already, we might have taken you up on that! ;)
oh my gosh, this is like my worst nightmare! I’m so sorry that that happened to your special little guy but happy that he’s ok. I am sure everything will work out:).
Guinness (my puppy), Justin and I are sending lots of puppy love and kisses your way.
I’m happy he’s ok, too, it could have turned out so much worse. :( Thanks Amanda, Justin, and Guinness!
Hey guys, I was sitting here with our black lab Rory, and she would not take her eyes off of Huck. So from Rob, Rory and myself – lots of love and healing thoughts to Huck. Keep us in the loop as the story continues… I hate irresponsible dog owners who can’t control their dogs. :o( Look what happens! :o(
Awwwww, thanks to Rob, Meg, and Rory! We’ll update when the stitches come out. :(
How horrifying!!! Poor little Huck…hugs to him (and mom and dad) for a speedy recovery. What a trooper!!!
Thank you, Trish!
Awwwe!! He is so cool! I work at Petsmart and it’s crazy how some dogs just really endure pain amazingly! Almost as if they don’t even notice! I’m glad he’s okay! :)
Thanks, Kristen!
My husband and I are completely shocked by your story and just want you to know our thoughts are with you guys!
Thanks, you guys. I still can’t believe it happened! :(
This is absolutely atrocious that such a sweet boy should go through this. Though I can say huck could be a conehead model easily!
Absolutely! We should be taking more photos for vet brochures. ;)
I am so sorry about your ordeal….I had tears in my eyes while reading. I love my little fur-babies and though I don’t know you personally (or your precious little one), I feel connected to you because of your deep love for your dog. And, Huck trying to comfort YOU, wow! what a picture of the unconditional love our pups have for us!! Please keep your readers updated about Huck. I am praying for a speedy, uncomplicated recovery for him. (PS…way to go Nate!!!)
Thank you so much, Anna. We’ll update soon.
You know the amazing thing about bad days? That you two, you three, can see what really matters. You kiss each other’s tears, or lick them if the urge strikes, you hold on to each other tight, while your love for each other grows stronger. Nate and Jensey, you are so blessed to be each other’s best friends and to have Huckleberry in your lives.
Praying and thinking of you all,
Mom
Thanks, Mom. :)
Poor little baby, your story gave me tears…….love the love you guys have!!P.s Huck reminds me when they do that skit on Conan O’brian… “In the year 2000″….Feel better Huck!
Thanks, Andrea. :)
I hope your dog will be ok. I will pray he doesn’t lose his eye. Oh by the way I am Lindsey Taylors Mom. Keep everyone up to date with his progress.
Thank you, Mrs. Giffin! I’ll do another post on Huck’s progress when he gets his stitches out.
Aw, I just now saw this. So sorry about what has happened, poor Huck :( What a trooper and I can only imagine what you all went through. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
hugs, Joy and
Thank you so much, Joy & Garrett!
This picture breaks my heart! What a brave little dog! We, humans, could all learn a thing or two about courage from your little boy. One of our dogs, Buster, had to have surgery on his back a few years ago. I truly think it was more traumatic for us than it was for him. He came through it with flying colors and I know that Huck will too!
So true!! Thank you, Brooke. :)
Oh my gosh, poor Huck! I hope his eye will be ok. :( I hate irresponsible owners….my baby got attacked by a pit bull once and the owner claimed it was “just playing.” If your dog is unfriendly, leash it!!
Agreed- Luckily it was a terrier of some sort, not a pitt bull. :(
Praying for Huck and that his eye heals, poor baby. :( I’m so disappointed in the other dog owner, he/she should take responsibilty for Huck’s vet bills!!
Thanks, Kelly! We’ll be contacting the owner shortly, so hopefully he feels the same way. :/
Your poor little guy! Glad to see he’s a brave little soldier, and that you’ve got a most excellent hubby. I’ll be sending all kinds of positive vibes that Huck gets well soon!
Thank you so much, Colleen!
Let Huck know that Ryan and I are praying for him. He is such a strong little guy and is so lucky to have the two of you as parents <3
We’re the lucky ones! Thanks so much, Christin and Ryan!
i burst into tears when I saw his little eye..Sami was attacked by a husky and the owner did the same thing..just watched it happened!
As the proud mother of 4 (dogs, I mean), I know how horrific that experience must have been. I immediately teared up when I started reading this post. I’m glad to know that Huck is okay (considering) and I wish him a speedy recovery. And lots of belly rubs and treats. :)
Oh my gosh! My stomach is in knots just reading this! When we had to take Eisley to the vet in a panic the other day because she had a stick stuck in her mouth I literally thought my heart would burst from my chest but I can’t even imagine having her attacked and her eye so badly hurt. :( Poor little Huck. What a trooper! Keep us updated!
oh this broke my heart. i was just sobbing when i saw the picture :( even my little baxter was looking at my laptop sending his doggy love. i hope he gets better soon–he looks like a little trooper! he’s lucky to have your love and support!
Just read this. I am so sorry! i cant even imagine. Huck and Peanut need to be friends!
I just read this and was crying…I am SO sorry!!!! This is my worst nightmare come true, I can’t even imagine the fear you both went through! I have two (fur)babies that are without a doubt my WHOLE Life! I am Very Happy to hear that Huck is on the mend!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Huck!! My (fur)babies, Pepper & Jack send their love as well….:)