What should I have done? -> Updated
A pitbull got my cat this morning. Cat is in the hospital and dog owner gave them his credit card. I finally have a minute to breathe, and am trying to think what I could have done differently, for ...
Forum Discussion
Most likely you wouldn't have been able to "startle" the dog as it was single-mindedly focused.
NEVER grab a dog when it's attacking like that - you're likely to lose your hand or worse. And don't stick yourself between the dog and it's prey.
Best options: if there was a hose nearby, spray it full force on the dog from the direction of the cat (so you're not chasing it into the cat); use a wide hard item to block the dog from reaching the cat (plywood, garbage can lid, etc.)
The best thing you did was to get the owner to put out the credit card right then and there. When an incident first happens, the owner is usually very guilty and will offer to pay for the vet bills, etc., however the longer the time between the incident and the bill pay, the less likely they will pay. Often they will go home and tell someone and that someone will convince them that they should not pay anything. Then you have to go through heck to get them to pay up.
NEVER grab a dog when it's attacking like that - you're likely to lose your hand or worse. And don't stick yourself between the dog and it's prey.
Best options: if there was a hose nearby, spray it full force on the dog from the direction of the cat (so you're not chasing it into the cat); use a wide hard item to block the dog from reaching the cat (plywood, garbage can lid, etc.)
The best thing you did was to get the owner to put out the credit card right then and there. When an incident first happens, the owner is usually very guilty and will offer to pay for the vet bills, etc., however the longer the time between the incident and the bill pay, the less likely they will pay. Often they will go home and tell someone and that someone will convince them that they should not pay anything. Then you have to go through heck to get them to pay up.
