Why Mama Always Said You Should Never Bite Your Dog

On Thursday night, the kids gave us quite a scare. Adalynn and Banks, evidently reeling from the thought that I would post that they are best of friends, were playing on the floor with Rocky. While Travis was watching Adalynn leaned too close for Bank's comfort, and Banks began licking her annoyingly to get her away. Adalynn, in her I'm-so-tired-super-dazed-mildly-confused state grabbed both of Bank's cheeks and promptly bit down on his nose. Banks shook her off and, like a man, retaliated.

Of course, there are no pictures of this except the ones that are permanently embedded in my mind under the "Things You Never Want To See Again Because They Scare You S**tless" file.

So Travis reprimanded Banks, while I grabbed Adalynn and assessed the damage. Sure'nuf, Banks landed right above her eye, and we sped off to the ER. Trav had the forethought not only to turn off the lights, TV, and put the dogs away, but also to grab my camera. Always thinking, that man.

Thank God Aunt J was working and able to help us out in the ER. She talked to some of her friends and got Adalynn super-special treatment...in and out in 55minutes. Thank you!

In retrospect, where the scene is always in 20/20 vision, so many more things could have gone wrong that night. Leading up until this point Banks and Rocky were crated all day without release, a couple more hours than normal. It was rainy out so they couldn't play for long outside. Adalynn refused to nap and her nerves were wearing thin. And the list goes on. So when Banks and Adalynn were "playing" we were preparing to get her in bed, and when she gets tired she tends to bite. Based on the bite, Banks, who is generally tolerant with Adalynn, appeared to open his mouth quite wide and just pinched her above the eye. When Adalynn is tired she also tends to lean forward and nuzzle what she is up against with her face...so our bet is that the cards came together in the wrong order and as Banks opened his mouth to warn her away she leaned forward, and the rest is history.

Even though it looks ugly, Adalynn suffered scratches and only one puncture...covered now by glumpy glue. It doesn't bother her, but of course this is just in time for Alison's wedding this weekend. Hopefully, the 10days will be full of healing.

It's already started, under close supervision.

He stood guard last night while Trav and Adalynn read books.

Then he snuggled in close for a good night kiss.

Today he started in cautiously.

Put the tounge away, Banks...really!

And Adalynn decided to make nice back.
Trav and I have talked about Banks, and the role that he should partake in our lives from this point on. On one side is our conservative angel (me) saying that if this happens again it could (a) be worse and (b) that our house is not going to get quieter or less chaotic from this point on...this could be the start of something not so good. But, on the other side, Travis has argued that Adalynn provoked him (very true) and what dog wouldn't have responded similar when pulled in and nipped on the nose (true as well). Also, that if we take control of the environmental factors (outside time, fatigue, etc.) the chances of this happening again are slim-to-none. And I guess that is where we are right now...watching for any negative signals and possibly leasing out Banks to family for extended vacations if our house grows too hectic.