Monday, November 16, 2015

Barn Drama

But first, a pic of The Mare, approaching me in the pasture Saturday morning <3


The worst part about boarding, besides the expense and the drive, is barn drama.  I have been lucky at this barn - there is very little drama, and what there has been in the past has been extinguished quickly.  *Warning: rant post ahead*

Last night, I went out to the barn to clean Ruby's stall, reset her feed, and just in general hang out with my horse for a while.  I wasn't the only one there, and could hear laughter on the other side of the barn so I went to see who was there.

As I walked around the corner of the barn, I saw three ladies sitting at the picnic table and two dogs running towards me.  A lot of people bring their dogs out, and there is always a sprint to see who the new person is and get some pets, so I didn't do more than glance at them.

Mistake.  Both dogs ran at me as the folks at the table yelled greetings to me, one on my left, one on the right.  The one on my right kept running full speed and bit me on the leg HARD.  It didn't feel like a bite so much as like I'd been kicked by a horse or hit by something equally solid.  I stood there, shocked for a second, then told them the dog bit me as he ran off.

I tried not to make a big deal about it for several reasons.  First, I was still a little bewildered that it even happened: I wasn't being aggressive with my body language, I didn't yell a greeting at them, etc.  Second, I was wearing jeans and the dog was fairly small (40 pounds or so?).  The owner told me that he didn't have many teeth and I checked my leg, which wasn't bleeding.  And, in general, I don't try to instigate drama.  The dogs came over to smell me while I helped these ladies pack up their stuff, and it was no big deal.  I wasn't worried about these dogs because due to their size and my background, I could have handled it if they decided to be aggressive again.  I could have handled it if I'd recognized the situation for what it was before I was bitten, but I digress.  It happened fast and I wasn't prepared.

Heather (barn owner and a very good friend of mine), pulled in as they were leaving.  I went into the tack room to check my leg in the light, and told her what happened.  I had two almost puncture wounds and big welt forming near my shin.  Heather was pissed and switched to barn owner mode.  I realized my mistake as this was happening.  But, as she was telling me that she'd let the owner know the dog wasn't allowed on the property anymore, I realized that was probably best.  People bring kids out there, and a child would have been hurt much more seriously. 

Fast forward to this morning, I get a message from Heather stating that the dog belongs to a breed rescue and is going to be put down.  I felt horrible.  Yes, the owner needs to learn about dog training and behavior (and horse training and behavior, for that matter!), but the situation could have been completely avoided if the owner had kept the dog on a leash.  I messaged the owner to express my condolences for everything and received a nasty text in return.  She called me a liar and accused me of 'running to Heather.'  HA!  OMG...I'm honestly still pissed about this (obviously, or I wouldn't be ranting on the internet!).  I think I handled the situation with as much class as I was able to muster, while still telling her not to call me a liar and informing her that I don't need anyone to fight my battles.  If I had been pissed last night, she would have known it.

Anyways, fast forward a bit.  I called the rescue that was supposedly going to put the dog down to plead his case a bit...and they didn't know what I was talking about.  Nice.  It was obvious that the lady I talked to was trying not to say that I'd been the one lied to, while still saying that they have no record of the phone call that the owner made - and she is the coordinator for this county.  She said she would call the owner and they would work closely with a dog behaviorist to see if the dog was, essentially, savable.  The rescue coordinator thanked me several times for calling them and promised to keep me informed on the dog's situation.

So, I've done my good deed but I'm not looking forward to the escalating drama.  I have a hellacious temper that I've had to work hard to control, but a person can only take so much.  That being said, this person is considering selling her horse, whom she also cannot control, so maybe the drama will be short-lived.


Yes, yes, I do need a tan.
UGH, I'm still so pissed about her nasty texts.  I would not have handled this situation by blaming the person who was bitten by my dog.  I understand, kind of, that she's probably just lashing out because she's upset about the dog but GROW UP ALREADY.  We'll see what happens. I'm not one of those sue-happy people and it shouldn't get infected since the skin isn't really broken and I was wearing jeans - those two spots are almost like blood blisters.  Hopefully by the time it heals the drama will be over.   



3 comments:

  1. Good god!!!! That's ridiculous. I hate people. Jeebus. I'm glad you're okay but sorry to hear you have to deal with such an idiot.

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  2. Haha, me too. I don't see this particular person very often, luckily, and I'm hoping that she doesn't instigate some highschool-esque BS at the barn. Time will tell, I suppose.

    Update on the dog: he's going to head back to the rescue for evaluation by a behavior specialist and further training. He will probably be placed with a knowledgeable adopter in the future. I wouldn't have asked someone to give up their dog, but in this instance it might be best. Basically, the owner stated she didn't have the time or energy to do these things, so, yeah, it's best for the dog.

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    Replies
    1. So happy to hear this update! Barn drama is the WORST and this situation was especially horrible. I'm glad you're okay and also that it's working out in the best way possible for the dog! Hopefully that boarder does sell her horse and you don't have to deal with her much longer.

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