Late last night, as Kevin and I were outside letting Abby run about for one last time before bed, Abby was attacked by something in the dark. As strange as that sounds, it's exactly what happened. We stepped outside on the back deck and Abby, being an old girl and a quite predictable schnauzer, went straight to her favorite spot in the lawn (the one that has now become a yellow patch). Not more than a few seconds later, she seemed to be gone. Kevin and I tried to adjust our vision to the dark of the night, but she was gone before we could do that. Everything was quiet.
We then heard loud crying - such as what would come from an injured animal - from the field across the street. Kevin and I both immediately felt a wave of panic as we rushed across the street. Silence again. How did she get across the street in a matter of a few seconds? We were unsure. We heard the crying again, and knew it was Abby. But then complete silence. We were unsure of the direction it was coming from. We searched frantically for her and finally saw her coming toward us, walking slowly. It was obvious she had gotten into some sort of fight with an animal. Her entire head was bloody and she was limping - she looked as if she was in a complete daze - she was as completely stunned as we were.
We immediately rushed her to the emergency vet and they felt that with the size of the wounds, she was most likely attacked by a red fox, as we have them in our area. The animal (whatever it was), had apparently wrapped itself around her head, as she had wounds all over her neck, across the top of her head, and throughout her mouth. She received several staples in the top of her head and stitches in her neck.
Today she is very sore and has been crying periodically throughout the day and we've been trying to nurse her the best we can. It's times like this when I wish that animals could understand what we're saying - as I feel like she needs a great big "I love you" right now.
I promise that a larger post and shop info is coming tomorrow. If you placed an order over the weekend, please know that we are working as quickly as possible to get all orders shipped out by tomorrow (Wednesday) of this week, and we thank you for your patience during this busy time!
All Embrace the Lace participants - an email will be coming later this week - so watch your email for that to arrive!
Big Hugs to Abby!! I'm sure she knows that you and Kevin are trying your best to make her comfortable.
Posted by: Minh | January 06, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Feel better, Abby. (hugs)
She knows what you're saying, she just has a hard time saying back right now.
Posted by: Laura | January 06, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Oh Poor Poor Abby! Thank Goodness you found her and that she gave that Red Fox what for!
Not sure if your vet mentioned this, but raw honey on the wounds is a natural antibiotic. We used it on our dog Cody's wounds after cancer surgery with great results. I hope she feels better soon. How we love our furbabies.
Posted by: kim in oregon | January 06, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Awww! Poor baby! Hugs to Abby and wishes for a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Kelly | January 06, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Oh Abby, you poor little muffin! I'm sending you gentle hugs for a speedy recovery. And Jen, I can only imagine how stressful this has been for you and your husband. My "herd" includes 5 dogs and 2 cats, so I truly feel for you all.
Posted by: Beth | January 06, 2009 at 05:12 PM
oh no! I'm glad you're able to help nurse her back to health, even if she can't understand what you're saying. (sometimes I think dogs do, though.)
Posted by: ann | January 06, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Jen -
Don't worry about us. We, your loyal customers (and friends) will be here when you are done nursing your baby. I am so sorry about this attack. It was so lucky you were close. Give her hugs from my doggies and one from me too. Heal quickly, Abby.
Posted by: Jana | January 06, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Oh Jennifer, poor Abby. Hope she's feeling better though you will most probably have to walk her out at night from now on for everyones peace of mind.
It must have been the day for it yesterday as my beautiful old English Springer Spaniel, Marley, had the bottom of his ear bitten off by the neighbors dog. He's scheduled for surgery at noon and hopefully will be home this evening. We all miss him, even the cats.
Posted by: Marian | January 06, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Don't you dare worry about any of us....Poor Darling Abby! All of the Woolgirl family are sending her (and you) tons of hugs and kisses and healing thoughts. It just breaks my heart to read this....I'm just so glad you guys were so close and so quick to be there for her. We love you Abby!!!
Posted by: Deb | January 06, 2009 at 05:22 PM
I'm so sorry about Abby! And animals may not understand our spoken language, but I believe they understand our love and caring for them. Hope you are all feeling better soon!
Posted by: Donna | January 06, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Oh, bless.
I hope she recovers quickly.
Sweet, sweet, girl.
Hope you are okay, too.
Posted by: Christina | January 06, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Poor Abby! Take care of her, we all have plenty of yarn. :) (at least I sure do...)
Posted by: drpj | January 06, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Oh, Abby. Lots of love to all of you, Jen. Hope your girl is all better in no time. xoxoxo
Posted by: NotScarlett | January 06, 2009 at 05:52 PM
I am so sorry to hear that, poor Abby. I hope she gets better soon.
Posted by: Jessica | January 06, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Oh no. Oh poor Abby...I pray she is okay and feeling better soon! Sooooo scary! I can't even imagine. Thank goodness she is alright.
Big hugs and lots of treats to Abby and big hugs to you!! Take good care of her :)
Posted by: irishgirlieknits | January 06, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Great big hugs to Abby and some thrown in for you and Kevin. I hope Abby makes a speedy recovery and she make not be able to speak but she knows she's loved. :)
Posted by: Trish | January 06, 2009 at 06:01 PM
big hugs to the pup! that's so scary!!!!
Posted by: pia | January 06, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Oh no!!! Sending healing vibes and kitty kisses to little Abby! Poor baby!!
I'm so, so very sorry to hear about this! Let me know if I can do anything for you guys or Abby!!
Big hugs to you and Woolboy!
Posted by: Neuroknitter | January 06, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Oh no! Poor Abby. Sending all the healing doggy vibes that I can.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 06, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Aw, the poor thing! I know the feeling about wishing to be able to portray ideas to your dog. It's the same with babies.
Posted by: Cristi-Lael | January 06, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Love and (very gentle) hug to Abby. And you all hug each other - what a comfort that you are all there, whole, and together. I hope Abby heals quickly.
Posted by: Lisa | January 06, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Oh, no, poor poor Abby!! That's just terrible...our thoughts are with her, and you as you get her back to health. And I'm so glad she's going to be okay!
Posted by: alyson | January 06, 2009 at 06:20 PM
I highly recommend "rescue remedy" for all of the family .
Sending you all love & healing!
Posted by: sunny | January 06, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Oh, baby her as much as she needs. We can wait. Hugs to all of you and Abby.
Posted by: Tammy | January 06, 2009 at 06:25 PM
My gosh, thats awful! Poor Abby! I hope Abby is feeling better....lots of loves to Abby....
Posted by: Rachel | January 06, 2009 at 06:32 PM