Kirby vs. Fishing Lure

[kjwarnold]

Seems like I have all kinds of things to report from the lake this week. Today, we headed out to the dock with guests who are visiting for the weekend. Kirby ran off to shore to take care of some business as usual. Out of the blue, he jumped and screamed, then hopped around crying and screaming. I ran over to grab him and saw that he had stepped on a double jointed fishing lure. It was stuck in his foot and had flipped up and embedded in his back! His right front foot was drawn up toward his back and as he tried to get free, it just kept pulling on his skin. It was horrible.

I picked him up carefully and held him tight so he couldn't struggle and pull it any further. At that point, the lure also got stuck in my swimming suit, so he was stuck to me. Our friend got there first, then DH got there. With tools they got the joint cut in between the two parts cut so his foot wasn't stuck up toward his back. Then they cut the barb off the one in his foot and pulled the lure out cleanly. The one in his back we couldn't even touch, you just couldn't see where it was and how deep, so off we raced to the vet. Of course, the tourist traffic was horrible at the start of the holiday weekend, but we finally got there. Once the vet staff knew the lure wasn't in his mouth, they weren't so worried. They see this all the time and they say many times dogs come in with them in the mouth because they're trying to get cheesebait or something. Anyway, the vet looked him over and then just used a pair of needle nose pliers and twisted that lure right out of his back. I'm not squeamish but I admit it kind of got to me. Kirby got some antibiotic cream but the hole wasn't ripped and no stitches were needed. His paws were fine as well and he was cleared to come home and get right back in the water.

Kirby was SO good during this whole ordeal. He sat quietly in my arms on the ride to the vet and held perfectly still while they pulled out the lure in his back. He rode quietly back home and swam with us and barked at ducks the rest of the afternoon. He seems a little sore sometimes and has frequently come over to me and wants to be held. He rarely slows down for lap sitting, so I know he's not feeling his best. Poor little guy, he's had a rough day but he was game to keep going and chase ducks or swim. He's ready for bed now though and has already raced upstairs. I'll get a bark soon if I don't follow.

I was running all day with a migraine, so after all that, I'm ready for bed, too! Darn fisherman that fish too close to shore and get snagged, then just cut the line and leave their trash on our beach!

[Hawkeye]

Poor Kirby, that sounded like an awful experience. Just reading it was bad enough, my heart goes out to you. Kirby is a tough little guy and a real trooper. Hopefully mommy is doing better too. Give Kirby a big hug from us.

[hheldorfer]

Kirby is certainly a brave boy for behaving so well. What an ordeal! I'm glad all is well now and you can enjoy the weekend. Happy 4th!

[beccadiane374]

How awful for both of you! Glad the ordeal is over...and that it sounds like Kirby is not traumatized by it all, since he's still willing to go near the water.

[pindrop]

My goodness - that was not quite the adventurous weekend, I'm sure,that you guys had envisioned. Kirby was an excellent boy by the sounds of it. Kudos to all who handled the situation with calm as that is what is needed in this type of emergency. With all that going on I'm surprised you, with your migraine, were able to keep pace. Sure hope you are feeling better this morning and that Kirby is back to normal.

I have to add that your video inspired Oldfox and I yesterday to take Layla over to the boat launch for her first day "at the beach". Just after we arrived, a family came along with two little twin girls of four years and a little tyke of one. Along with Momma & Pappa was their chocolate lab of 19 months. The lab was having a blast jumping off the end of the dock chasing sticks and Layla was beside herself trying to make a new friend. Layla actually went into the water and starting swimming - which everyone clapped about. Layla was so excited she tried desperately to be close but the lab wanted nothing to do with her - he would come out of the water and shake himself and a few times slapped Layla in her face with his tail. Now that we know how much she likes the water, we will be going further afield to an actual beach (as we live in Maine that shouldn't be hard to find.)

[Dempsy's Mom]

Oh - so sorry Kirby. That was an awful experience, but I am glad everything worked out and Kirby got to get right back in the water. Both of you take it easy now, will you?

[ScruffynMag]

Poor Kirby but what a brave boy. Glad it all worked out and he is recovering, it could have been much worse.

Hooray for Layla, enjoying the water

[Lynn in TN]

I want to cry after reading this. I know how painful that was. I am glad he is doing ok.

[tomatosandwich]

Kirby! You brave little fella! I don't think I would have stayed as calm as all the uprights involved did. I'm so glad all is well!

[kjwarnold]

Today's Update: You wouldn't know Kirby had an emergency yesterday. He's wrestling with the Lab that visiting, running around and being his normal can't-stop-moving-wagging-tail-smiling-looking-out-the-window-barking-at-squirrels self. These guys bounce back fast! My migraine seems to have faded, thanks to multiple doses of Treximet.

Hurray for Layla! She probably just couldn't resist the kids and the other dog, and wanted to join in. You'll have a blast with her at the beach. Hopefully you can find a dog-friendly one nearby.

So, we're off to start another day on the lake. I think I'll do some raking on the beach before taking the dogs out...

[janis]

Glad he's okay! I love your videos of the dogs at the lake!

[Dempsy's Mom]

Good for you Kirby! You had a happy 4th after all.

[Jeff N Oscar]

OMG my legs have the willies thinking of the hook snagging on a paw and the back at the same time... so glad all is well now!!

[gt_mustang_gal]

Poor Kirby! I'm so glad everything turned out okay. It gave me the chills to read this. I'm really proud of YOU for being strong and able to hold him so he didn't do more damage! I'm afraid I would have passed out at the sight of that. Hope your migraine is better! I feel your pain - I get them often.