Less than an hour ago, I was driving down the street, normal speed. I sort of saw my neighbor standing towards the end of her yard, I wasn’t really paying attention to her. All of a sudden, as I was passing, I saw an animal dart toward the car and then Thump! I don’t remember if it was 2 thumps
I thought it was a squirrel. It’s not like it darted in front of my car far enough and I could see it and slow down. I was already passing, you couldn’t even see it was a dog.
I stopped immediately to get out to see what it was and my neighbor already had the dog in her arms and the dog was crying. I don’t know if I ran over a leg, paw, body. It seems like if it was the body it would have killed it.
anyway, we’ve been friendly neighbors for over 40 years, although we go years without more than a wave. She immediately said “it wasn’t your fault, he ran out.” He had a leash dangling from his neck, but I’m guessing she haven’t been holding it, or at least not tightly.
I’m going over there later this afternoon. I’m So embarrassed, although I know I truly wasn’t at fault. So, what can I take over for the dog. Ugh.
My next door neighbor ran over a neighbor’s dog in front of the entire family who were in their front yard, didn’t realize it until she got home and someone told her. She felt horrible but it wasn’t her fault. Our dog (8 pounds who used to dig under the fence) was found dead in our street, I never blamed the driver, might not have even realized it.
I just ran to the local dog store and had help. I didn’t tell them why the dog was hurt, just that its leg was broken. He helped me away from things to play with where it would have to move around. I bought this rubbery thing that you put treats in and they can stay put and knaw and try to work the treats out. I fit the treats to put them in. I’ll go after late afternoon. I know it’s nut my fault but I just feel embarrassed and as if I did something wrong. Thankfully they are kind people.
I don’t even know who hit her, another neighbor saw her and rang our doorbell. I just gave the driver the benefit of the doubt for not stopping or asking if anyone knew the owner (it was October and there are always folks out and about here).
That’s a perfect gift; my dog loves trying to get treats out of Kong-type toys. He’s a bigger dog, but once ran into a Jeep as it was pulling into our yard at night. The driver didn’t even realize they had hit him. He was sore with a few lacerations but overall fine thankfully. It can happen so easily!
I had this same exact thing happen in my neighborhood driving the kids home from school. I wasn’t going more than 20-25mph but the dog ran out from behind bushes and just went directly under my hood. There was no time to react. Pup didn’t make it.
It was the most terrible day- I know how you are feeling. Sounds like your outcome with be better
Accidents happen and this was def not your fault. The owner will be feeling just as bad wondering if they could have prevented it
Heartbreakingly I have had two dogs killed by cars. We had a 4-ft high fence around our entire yard, one section of which was a chain link fence that ran through a very mature arborvitae hedge. The first time kids were in the back yard playing ball. The ball went over the fence and the kids opened the gate to retrieve the ball. Our Golden retriever collie mix followed behind them and made a beeline for the busy street two blocks away. I came around the corner headed to get her just in time to see her get hit. After I recovered from that we got a new puppy… gorgeous small black lab. One day when she was two, she climbed the chain link fence like a cat and made a beeline for the same street and met the same tragic end.
Even though I believed we were as responsible as dog owners can be, their safety, and thus their deaths, were 100% my responsibility. @conmama, it’s never the driver’s fault.
@conmama I’m so very sorry this happened. Your neighbors sound like wonderful people, and they are not blaming you. That doesn’t make it easier for you…but it’s something.
I hope the pooch mends well.
I wonder if there is something you could get that would be comfortable for the pooch…maybe a new soft bed? You could ask if there is anything the pooch might like.
I want to add that your neighbors are gems @conmama - so sweet to text you and being concerned about your well being even in the midst of their dog getting treated.
They are wonderful people! I went over this afternoon and talked to the husband. The dogs femur was pulled out if the socket and ligaments torn. Will have to have surgery. I will go over tomorrow to see the wife. They have always been lovely people. Oddly, that makes me feel worse.
IMO, this isn’t your fault or your responsibility. I would not offer to split costs. This is totally on the dog owners. Especially since they admitted the dog likes to chase cars.
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