Rufis, a miniature Doberman Pinscher, is pictured on August 23, 2019, over a week following an attack by a neighbouring dog (photo by Ross Lavigne)

By Charles Lefebvre

Dog recovering

Dog recovering over a week following Bullmastiff attack

Aug 23, 2019 | 4:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A Medicine Hat family is looking for assistance after their dog was attacked by another dog last week.

Rufus, a six year old miniature Doberman Pinscher, was attacked by a Bullmastiff near their home, while walking with his owner Arlene on August 14, 2019.

“We just go out by the door, and I saw that their next door dog, its unleashed with no one watching,” said Arlene (CHAT News is not using her last name, as she is afraid of repercussions from her neighbours).

Arlene says when she was attempting to take Rufus and her other dog Max back in on their leashes, the Bullmastiff attacked Rufus.

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She recalls the panic of the situation.

“I’m trying to pull Rufus,” she said. “I want to kick the dog, i can’t because I’m thinking he might attack me and Max. He just took it and put him down again, so I thought we could go. But later on, he just bit him again and attack him again. While in his mouth, he just shook everything up and down.”

Rufus was eventually released and rush to City Veterinarian Hospital with significant injuries. He suffered seven puncture wounds, broken ribs and a broken shoulder. She says Rufus will require surgery in Calgary, and veterinary bills are expected to reach as high as $6,500 for his treatment.

A donation page has been set up on Facebook to help the family with their veterinarian bills.

Arlene describes Rufus as a happy dog and good with her children, and says seeing him in pain was devastating. He needs help when he has to go outside, and has trouble walking due to his injuries.

“He’s like our family,” she said. “I really don’t know if he is going to be gone. My kids are all crying ‘mommy, how’s Rufus?’”

An x-ray showing the broken shoulder Rufus suffered (supplied photo)

Barri-Ann Hayward, acting superintendent with the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Unit, says the owner of the Bullmastiff has received three charges in connection with the incident; animal running at large, animal causing fear and animal causing injury to another animal. She adds it’s the first incident involving the dog that has been reported to bylaw.

Hayward says the investigation is ongoing, and they’re waiting for the owner to provide veterinarian records for the Bull Mastiff, to ensure there is no risk for diseases. If the owner doesn’t provide the records, another charge could be laid.

Hayward adds the incident serves as a reminder to all dog owners that they need to be responsible for their animals.

“If you know that your dog doesn’t like other dogs, doesn’t like children, doesn’t like people, you need to make sure that dog is on a leash, you have control of it at all times, you don’t give it the opportunity to get away and cause problems,” she said.

Arlene says she knows Rufus’ recovery will be a long one, but the family is cherishing every moment they have with him.

“He’s still a nice and loving dog,” she said. “Right now, when it’s morning, you’ll see him, you’ll see in his eyes, he’s happy to come home with us. The last time he was at the veterinarian, he was so sad, and now that he’s been home for a bit, he’s enjoying it.”

Rufus, a miniature Doberman Pinscher, recovers at home. (supplied photo)