When our 5-yr. old was bitten by a large dog when we lived in Calif., we called the police when the man denied he even had a dog, which was barking loudly enough to make the garage door vibrate. Police suggested that the man pay all the medical expenses, and asked what else we wanted, while the dog continued to roar in the garage. The police demanded to see the dogs immunization records or tags, to be sure the dog was "legal." The neighbor was scared enough he paid. Then he brought over gifts. And checked up on us a few days later. The dog disappeared (taken to a relative somewhere else). If it had happened in Tx. at that time the dog would have been "put down". Appropriately. Too bad the dog owner gets off so lightly.
Have y'all talked to the dog owner about expenses? A lawyer often isn't the answer.
Meanwhile, your husband needs physical help, not a hot-headed spouse. And a can of pepper spray.
Jeanne, I'm so sorry this happened to your DH! I really don't understand people who own dogs and don't take the responsible path of *training* them so that they are under control. I *adore* dogs, and it makes me so mad to hear things like this.
Get legal advice now - speak to your solicitor, because this is impacting your business. Yes, you probably want the dog put down, but you also need to protect yourself financially. I would think damages for time off work and for extra help to be drafted in would be welcome.
all medical and work related costs (i am pretty sure) would be covered in NZ by Accident Compensation (every income earner has to pay into it) and another govt agency that covers the work costs. no point in sue'n them. would only go thru the small claims court and having dealt with them in the past on our massive stupid drainage work (long story but we ended up paying more than we should have) i wont even consider a small claim. being self employed one man job he cant afford to have a trusted fully trained always on call person to cover for him so he takes no sick time or holiday time off work. he seems to like it but i think it sucks, especially now. he still doesnt get why i want him to sell the business and find something else to do or retire early. nothing i do or say will change how he is so i sit around worrying about everything. a big fat snot nosed 'oh well'. losing my mind in the south pacific, jeanne
"Johanna Gibs> Get legal advice now - speak to your solicitor, because
Jeanne, I can't think of one thing I could do or say that would change anything or be any help or comfort at all. I don't even reckon getting angry with you and for you will be much help but I'll do that. We are anxious to see how your sweetheart did through the day. Let us hear from you, hugs, Polly
I guess I react with such strong feelings because there are so many delivery folks in our family, some UPS guys and a florist. They've been bitten, shot (really) and done some kidnapping. Now and then someone's pet will hop in and take a ride until the driver notices a guest. Those passengers have always been returned happy but it does cost the delivery folks dearly in time = $s. Please make delivery to your home as safe and timely as you can. Off of my Polly-anna Podium now. I'm going out to slam some doors and kick some trash cans. It's part of my own anger management therapy. The assault on Jeanne's sweetheart makes me mighty @#$! mad. Polly
Yeesh, Jeanne ... may I put things into perspective for you? *Then* you can tell me if you're being "inappropriate," okay?
1) The man that you apparently love enough to have married and had kids with, while out from under your watchful and loving eye, was mauled by a dog - owned by a person who 1) has said that she's needed to muzzle the dog in the past and 2) didn't have the sense of a goose to secure the pooch in another room before answering the door.
2) If that's not bad enough, you two are facing the possibility that your business might go down the potty because he's having a hard time working with the injuries - and to boot, he's self-employed, which means if he can't work, biz stops. So in a nutshell, you're deeply concerned about your livelihood.
2a) Since he's GOT to go and get the work done, you're stressed because again, he's out from under your watchful and loving eye, only this time, he's in pain and injured bad enough, that realistically, he should be at home resting and recovering.
3) It seems as though nothing is going to be done to prevent this from happening to someone else - perhaps a child, an elderly person, etc. The government is being absolutely useless - even rude.
Yep, Jeanne ... you sure are being unreasonable. NOT.
I've been in your shoes (to an extent) and I felt immensely better being able to vent and rage "against the machine." And if it helps you, the way it helped me, well, Darlin', I'm absolutely glad. Hopefully, venting a bit (and that's all you've done - is a "bit") here helps you get your things done and take care of the situation (and your poor hubby) - or at the VERY least, helps you understand that you have friends and people who love you and care.
Honestly, Jeanne, I didn't write all that to rile you up again .... just to illustrate to you that if someone else here had the same thing happen to them, vented a tiny bit and then said they were being "unreasonable" you'd smack them in the head with a brick. And you know it. Don't begrudge yourself the kindness that you afford others. You don't deserve it.
Hugs to you, Sweetie!!! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Jeanne))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))) Connie
It's very hard to know you are not in control of your DH's health. I am not in control of my DH's health either. And, yes, it makes me want to rant at the world too. Debra in VA See my quilts at
Jeanne, i'm so sorry to read about this. I haven't been reading group regularly, because it's busy season here, too. I know how hard it is for you guys with this situation. ARGH! Am praying that he heals as quickly as possible. You know I love you! Email me if you need a vent.
Jenn (> DH got home bout half an hour ago with both forearms
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