Pets have one of two reactions to a noisy appliance: There are those that ignore it and those that react as though it’s a mortal enemy. Barbara Abell’s 2-year-old West Highland white terrier Darci falls into the latter camp. “Darci has always snapped at the vacuum, mower, and lawn edger,” the Belleville, Ill., resident explained. “She never actually touched them, but she would lunge at them.”
A few weeks back, Barbara’s husband was using a chainsaw to cut up a branch that had fallen off a tree in the family’s backyard. Shortly after letting Darci into the yard for a bathroom break, Barbara heard her granddaughter calling her name. “The next thing I know,” Barbara said, “my granddaughter is standing in the bedroom with Darci in her arms. She says, ‘Darci bit the chainsaw.’” Darci had indeed taken a bite at the running chainsaw as Barbara’s husband was slicing a log.
Barbara quickly wet a washcloth with cold water and pressed it to Darci’s bleeding muzzle. Upon closer examination, Barbara found that the saw had torn two holes in Darci’s right upper lip near her nose. With her regular veterinarian’s office closed for the weekend, Barbara rushed Darci to an emergency clinic 20 minutes away. The veterinarian on duty quickly evaluated the terrier’s condition and explained that Darci would need surgery to close her wounds.
Five hours and four stitches later, Darci was on her way home. “She was drowsy and just wanted to sleep,” Barbara said, “but by the next day, she was back to her feisty self.”
Barbara’s advice for fellow pet owners is not to assume their pets will keep their distance from dangerous equipment. “I would tell others to make sure that your pets are not close to you if you are using any type of tool,” Barbara concluded. “If your puppy is as inquisitive as mine, it just might cost it its nose!”
8:16 pm
That is a terrier for you. I could totally see my terrier going after one of these as well. Thankfully we’ve not had to use one, but if we do, I will remember this story and keep him far away. Glad she is okay though.
8:17 pm
I am glad everything turned out okay, she must be something. She got my Vote!!
8:18 pm
Having a terrier, I well understand how they dislike noisy appliances. Vacuums, weed eaters and lawn mowers. Guess I am going to have to keep a closer look when the mowers are out. You got my vote
8:19 pm
I’m glad that Darci wasn’t more badly injured, but that’s a Westie for you!
We have a ten year old Westie that has chased after a mountain lion and tried to pounce on a moving snake but no run ins with the chain saw thankfully. No wonder we call him a West Highland “Terrorist”.
8:20 pm
My dachshund Buttercup hates noise of any kind. If I say I’m going to run the sweeper she runs down to our family room. Sometimes she will nip at it.
8:20 pm
We own an English Bulldog who ran right past me & out our front door so he could charge the mower my husband was using in the front yard. My hubby stopped it the minute he saw him coming, but it could have been scary. He also attacks the vacuum at any chance he get’s but he run from the (manual) kitchen broom…you know, cause it may attack back!
8:21 pm
Poor Darci, you know that that had to hurt!
I hope she’s learned her lesson, and doesn’t try it again. She’s such a cutie!!!! I’m also from Belleville, and Darci got my vote.
8:29 pm
I love Westie’s and have had 3 of them – they are curious little fur babies- so glad that Darci is ok!