When we last convened, Farmer H had settled our new rescue dog Lucky in the side yard, over by Shackytown Boulevard. Lucky had slipped his collar three times, and Farmer H got a too-small harness to contain him.
Wednesday afternoon, Farmer H had exchanged the harness for a larger size to fit Lucky. He was outside putting it on, as I readied myself for town. When I got out of the shower and dressed, Farmer H was back in the house.
"I don't know what we're gonna do! Them dogs went crazy! I had Lucky by the collar, with my left hand, trying to put the harness on him. Jack jumped in, and started nipping at Lucky. Bit him on the balls and the pecker! Lucky went after Jack. He had him on the ground, underneath him. I couldn't pull Lucky off. Lucky was on top of Jack, with his mouth around Jack's head. I kicked Jack out of the way--I mean, I scooted him with my foot, and he still kept coming back! Lucky pulled me off my feet, and I was on the ground in the middle of it. Lucky bit me!"
Farmer H held up his arm, which was dripping a little blood from a long mark on the inside of his left bicep. No puncture holes. One gouge, about three inches long.
"Wait. I don't think Lucky could have bit you on the arm you were holding him with. That must have been Jack."
"Maybe. It happened so fast, I couldn't tell. It might not be a bite. It might be from claws."
"Yeah, Jack has those digging claws. And Lucky has feet just like that. But again, if you were holding him with that arm, it was probably Jack."
"Jack started the whole thing, running in and biting Lucky."
"I believe that. Jack can be a little sh!t. Is he okay?"
"Jack got bit on the eye. I hope it's all right. He run off yelping. I don't know what we're gonna do. They're gonna kill each other!"
"If Lucky wanted to kill Jack, he would have done it. You couldn't have stopped it. But he didn't. He taught him a lesson. Once he gets his operation, that will help."
We got Farmer H's bleeding stopped. Put on some antibiotic ointment and a big bandaid. Farmer H said he was okay. But he looked shaky from the adrenaline rush. I said I'd stay home, but he said he was going over to the BARn to do some work.
I don't blame Lucky for the fracas. He was restrained by Farmer H, held captive with Jack biting him. That's not a fair fight. They had been fine together the day before, wagging tails and sniffing, just a few warning growls, then more wagging.
Usually, we introduce new pets by sitting on the side porch with them, the new one in a carrier, giving both treats, and reprimanding any signs of aggression. Then more petting and treats over the following days, so both are getting attention from one of us. I told Farmer H that next time he's working with Lucky, he needs to first toss Jack into SilverRedO, so he can't cause trouble. I'm pretty sure it's just Jack's jealousy, and trying to protect his territory.
More on this saga tomorrow.
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