Dog’s Death At Dog Park Serves As Warning
I received a very sad email yesterday from Dogster member Minika Hall. She wanted to share her recent tragedy at the dog park, which resulted in the loss of her beloved dog Miles’, as a warning to other dog owners.
Miles’ was an adorable Yorkie who loved the dog park, and Hall enjoyed taking him there on a daily basis. On Sunday they went for a visit but this time Minika did something she had never done before, brought him into the big dog side of the park.
Here are the details from The Buffalo News.
Miles, an eight-month-old Yorkie who frequented the park with his owner several times a week during the warmer weather, was enjoying a late-October romp.
But Hall made a decision she will always regret. She let her five-pound pooch make his first visit to a separate running area that generally accommodates larger dogs. Until Sunday, Miles had always frolicked in an adjacent area reserved for dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds. On this evening, the special area was empty, and she wanted Miles to have company.
“Miles wasn’t afraid of big dogs,” said Hall, her voice shaking. “He loved to play with the bigger dogs.”
The Yorkie was playing with several other dogs, none of them very large or aggressive, according to Hall. She said what happened next is a blur, but she recalls Miles being stepped on and instantly falling to the ground.
At first, she thought he just had the wind knocked out of him or — in a worst-case scenario — was paralyzed. But after she and another Barkyard patron rushed the dog to an emergency clinic, reality set in. Miles’ tiny neck had likely been crushed as the dogs played, she said.
“People need to see my dumb mistake,” the distraught owner said. “They need to understand that when their dogs are playing, they have to consider the size of other dogs. I knew it, but I never recognized the importance of that until now.”
On the side reserved for small dogs there is a warning that it is only for pups 30 lbs. and under, there is no size specifications on the larger side. Lisa and I bring the ‘kids’ over to our local dog park and we see many dog owners bringing their smaller dogs into the large side, and for the exact reason Minika did, there was no one in the smaller dog area to play with. I’m sure just like Hall the owners don’t give a second thought to it being dangerous, why would they?
I know Minika feels guilty over her decision but this tragedy could have happened to anyone. If she had seen an article like this I have no doubt she would never have taken Miles’ into the large dog side, and that’s why she contacted me, to get the word out. Keep in mind, the dogs in the park were just playing with Miles’, no one was vicious, but when you have a bunch of big dogs engaging in rough play it only takes a second for a tragedy to occur.
I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Minika over the loss of Miles’. Thank you for sharing your very painful story to keep other dog owners from experiencing the grief you are now going through, I know it wasn’t easy.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. Please do not blame yourself, this sounds like just a tragic accident. It is obvious that Miles was very much loved.
I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I to am an owner of small dogs and have in the past taken them in with the bigger dogs at the park. thank you for sharing your tragic story, I will never let them in with the big dogs again.
Minika, I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. What a terrible accident. Little dogs are so fragile. Nero and Homer are big dogs who love to love on puppies and little dogs but I only allow them while they are on leash. Big guys don’t know their strength and could hurt a little one without meaning to do harm.
Minika I am soo sorry for your tragic loss. My mommy has let me play with the little dogs before. I usually lay down and wrestle with them but she will definitely make sure it is just me and the little ones and not any other big pups so I don’t start running around with the little pups or I am on lead from now on.
Oh, Minika, I am so sorry! What a devastating thing to happen! You will be in my prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet little dog. This is why I have sitters who only watch small dogs in their homes. The big dogs play rough and don’t mean to hurt the little ones. I truly feel for you and your loss, and I wish you and your family well.
I am so sorry for your loss! Buck can be clumsy sometimes and so I can see where a smaller dog could easily get injured, especially since dogs are usually unaware of their own size and strength. Best wishes to you and your family and I am so, so sorry about Miles’ tragic accident.
I am so sorry for that tragic loss. We had a neighbor who accidentally stepped on his small Yorkie Pup when playing with the family children and the dog. Really, it could happen to any small pup. The pup was not able to be saved either. I know Minika will always miss Miles, but it was an accident. An unfortunate accident. And sometimes good can come from an accident, which is a reminder to us with bigger dogs, out in our own neighborhoods, even, to be careful around small dogs, and to watch our children when they handle small dogs because children also like to run around a dog.
I’m so sorry. Please try not to blame yourself. It was a horrible accident. I can’t imagine your pain right now. Miles knows how much you love him.
I am so sorry for your loss, I also have very small dogs all of mine are under 10 pounds and I never had a thought that somethig like that could happen. My chihuahuas love to play with they’re larger fur cousins but after reading this I will deffinately reconsider. Thank you so much for shareing this story hopefully Miles death may save the lives of other tiny dogs.
I’m so sorry for you and Miles. Remember the good times. He ’s a little angel now.
I’m sorry for your loss…hugs to you.
I am so very sorry to hear this. It was indeed an accident but by sharing your story you just may have saved a life for another animal. I have always been afraid to have Sassy around big dogs but I am an extreme worry wart to begin with and over protective. She seldom is around dogs. She thinks she’s just like me only the boss so my situation is different than many. Thank you for sharing with others when I know it broke your heart to tell your story. Dog bless.
Who of us hasn’t made a bad choice that they relive over and over and wish otherwise. I’m so sorry for your loss and appreciate your sharing this experience which will surely save other dogs in the future.
I am soooo very sad and sorry to hear about the loss of your little Miles.. I cant say enough on how bad i feel. And thank you for sharing this story.. As difficult as it was for you , there are many of us who appreciate your words on this tragedy and how to avoid such a thing..
God Bless..
I am so sorry for your loss, Minika. Thank you for sharing your story about Miles. He knows that he is loved and missed.
Thank you for sharing this important story with the Dogster community. You are in our prayers. And Miles will be in your heart forever.
This happened in Buffalo and we are heartbroken for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss! I have 3 dogs, 1 large, 1 medium & 1 small. My small puppy loves to run around w/ the larger ones & my husband is always paranoid about Cuddles getting “run over”. I’ve always dismissed this telling him he’s a worry wart. Well I guess I learned a lesson – a terrible way to have to learn one though. Thank you for sharing Minika & may Miles’ love be in your heart furever.
Sincerely, Diane, Cuddles, Fella & Izzy
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Miles. What a horrible, unforseen accident. Thank you for sharing your story. Love, Banjo, Blondie, Ace and Sheba
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your precious baby Miles. What an unfortunate and very sad accident. Love and Hugs from Canada
As a big dog owner I have been repeatedly asked to let them play with “my little dog”…I always refuse and try to explain danger- I usually end up being told off and having the little pup’s owner stomp off in a huff!
I will ALWAYS err on the side of safety and do feel bad when the small pet owner cannot understand.
Your courageous decision to tell your tale may save lives- God Bless and you will be in my prayers…
It’s only common sense, though, and it was severely lacking here. Heck my 14 pound cat could kill a Yorkie. Once during a simple walk around my neighborhood my 52 pound border collie was attacked by 2 great danes and that was no fun. Nobody was hurt, but I could not ever imagine in my wildest dreams letting a tiny little dog go near a huge one, let alone a bunch of them off-leash! Come on!!!!!!
I’m very sorry for you lose. I have rottweilers (3) who go to the dog park weekly. I have to check my dogs to the point that it is no fun to be there because people let their tiny dogs down to play with the big dogs and as the owner of dogs that are already pursecuted, God forbid they step on or run over one of these little guys and hurt them.I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “He likes to play with big dogs, he’s tough.” Nothing that weighs 5 lbs. can take being stepped on or rolled on by a 130 lbs. dog. I’m going to post a copy of your arcticle at my local dog park so as to educate other small dog owners of the danger they put their pets in. Thanks
Kody
Tonka
and
Teak
Kathleen, your comment is heartless and you sound like an annoying and pompous think you know it all after the fact sort. In our town we have only one section of dog park where ALL size dogs play. People also manage their dogs so there are not huge pile ups of dogs that could cause a mishap, or worse. This was a rare and unfortunate accident. Yea, right, come on!!!
Deepest condolences, Miss Hall on the loss our your baby. I am also sorry you have to be subjected to the ignorant and insensitive responses of a few ignorants. Your are in my thoughts.
I’m just stating facts, that’s all. It’s just something that kind of surprised me! Before the fact I wouldn’t do it because I think things through from beginning and then out to the possible end before I do it. I’m not a know-it-all type, just very life-experienced.
Oh I am so sorry for your loss, and your dog is so CUTE! Thanks for sharing that touching story with me and everybody! I will always remember your puppy Miles.
I am so sorry for your loss… This story really tugged at my heart strings…My dog, Tucker absolutely LOVES going to the dog park! As I am sure Miles did as well. Please do not blame yourself for this horrible accident. It could have happened to anyone.
Again, so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Ella H.
Poor Miles, poor Minika…Angel gets weird around other dogs which is why I don’t bring her to a dog park. RIP Miles.
So sorry for your loss
So sorry for the loss of your furfriend. Please know that is wasn’t your fault. You thought you were doing the right thing. That isn’t a mistake! Mom knows she takes a chance every time we go to a dog park even though I am a midsized dog. Our thoughts are with your family.
“common sense”…hmmm…let’s play that card and say it’s should be so common as to have common decency when someone has suffered such a great loss no matter the circumstances. to be insensitive and so harsh is so very tacky. don’t throw stones in glass houses. most “life experience” is gathered by making life changing mistakes. take a moment and reflect on your own life before passing judgment. it might be surprising, but it takes a moment to type in a comment and that should give plenty of time to gain control of yourself, let the shock wear off, and compose something appropriate. thank you to everyone else, who has shown such compassion and consideration. i’m sure it is some small ray of warmth in Minika’s grief.
We are with you in this time of sorrow and your tears are not in vain. Thank you for sharing what happened to you so that others will be helped. We all love you and hugs and licks.
I am deeply sorry for any loss of life. This is a heartbreaking story. The chances of it happening are remote but it’s better to spread the word so people don’t even take the chance.
I’m not saying this to judge Minika, because god knows, I’ve made MANY poor decisions throughout my life that I will have to live with, but unfortunately, small dogs getting killed by larger dogs at dog parks is not a fluke or an uncommon occurence. There was a story in the Long Beach Press Telegram about a year ago, where a woman was at an empty park with her chihuahua in her arms, when two pit bulls came out of nowhere, snatched the dog from her arms and mauled it to death. The pit-owner simply yelled at her dogs, when they were done killing the little dog, packed them up and drove off in her car without a word of apology- nothing. I used to take my terriers to the small dog section of the park, but since one of my dogs was pestering another little dog, and I didn’t want it to get ugly, I don’t take her there anymore. Also, you cannot count on other dog owners to be responsible and vaccinate their dogs- you never know what your dog could pick up as far as disease is concerned. I think as long as other people continue to be irresponsible, that taking one’s dog to a dog park carries alot of risks- especially for a tiny dog such as Miles. Rest in peace, Miles.
It surprises me how many novice dog owners of tiny dogs expose their tiny dogs to great danger because the small dog area is empty.
This dog was as tiny as a dog can possibly be and this incident was very predictable
……
Bill Z ….
ccdogpark at YahooDotCom ….
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dogpark-National-News/
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a medium (but muscular) dog and large dog. Our neighbors have tiny dogs (some older) and even though ours want to play with them I won’t let them. I’m so scared they will hurt them just from play. I never would have thought about just being stepped on.
Bless your baby over the rainbow bridge, my condolences.
Mom and I are sad to read of Miles tragedy and have sent him some wings to fly around at Rainbow Bridge.
It was a mistake of letting Miles play with bigger dogs. For I always hear that Yorkies act like big dogs in little bodies.
My condolence on your loss.
i am sorry to hear of your loss. this sounds like a freak accident and you shouldn’t blame yourself…