Warning: as we continue the story about Ozzy this part is brutal please do not read if you are not prepared to witness what real Canine Rage is. This is a first person account of being attacked if you are not familiar with the story please stop and read the other parts linked here.
Don’t Stop Believing-a true life story that just breaks your heart Part 1,
Don’t Stop Believing-Ozzy was now mine. part 2 
Don’t Stop Believing-Part 3 BIGSEXY Ozzy
If you continue to read this you have been warned.  We also want to point out that Robert has learned how to keep loving. If you can read all the way to the end there is a bright light of hope at the end of this tunnel.
We ask that you only share positive and encouraging comments. Any comments deemed by BTN as inappropriate will be deleted without notification or response. Our purpose is to show how this dreadful condition is, not the lack of love, understanding or skill.

 If you have questions, you may feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The lengths that Robert and his family  did to protect Ozzy from his certain fate, went far beyond what most of us would have been prepared to do. This will be very hard for most of our readers to read this.
Ozzy please stop I love you

The week before Ozzy turned on me I had a big Saturday planned.  I took him to work with me, took him to the cemetery to meet my grandparents, then a Beach restaurant where dogs were allowed. I took pictures of it all and made a video of it with the Song Best day of My Life.  We had to end the day earlier than expected and I posted something saying, "Oh Ozzy, I had such a fun day but I have to take you home, you’re not acting right."  Once again people supported me in recognizing his triggers and keeping him safe yet not keeping him locked up all the time and living life.

All my posts that week were a foreshadowing of the attack, if you look back and read what I wrote.  “Halloween was upon us and I bought him a Halloween costume of Darth Vader”

 He looked adorable and was a good sport.  This is where it gets creepy. I did a Star Wars parody of like when Darth Vader told Luke to join the Dark side, except I told Ozzy about a great Jedi named Yoda Akiles who saved

Rob Vader from the dark side and Ozzy had to make a choice, join me and Yoda Akiles and restore balance to humanity, or choose the dark side.

Well believe it or not I extended my hand to Ozzy and my phone stopped recording right there.  People loved it and asked "When is the sequel?" I said "We will see what happens with Ozzy", jokingly not knowing I would face and fight Ozzy for my life a few days later.

 

 

This is extremely painful and difficult to relive..

 
It was Friday morning 5:00 am.  I had to be at work at 9 am.

I woke up early decided to do laundry, clean get it out the way. I walked and played with Ozzy. It was now 5:30 am.  While cleaning I took a garbage bag out to replace the full one.  Ozzy was on my bed as he normally would be when I clean.  Ozzy looked scared. I put the bag down walked to him pet him, told him its ok baby relax. He kissed me.  I picked up the bag popped it open, and I heard a bark. 
Ozzy wasn’t there anymore. I saw this completely different dog with black eyes, no expression, and I said “Ozzy wait!”

I knew what was about to happen, but before I could prepare myself, he jumped from the bed at my face. I put my arm up and he bit down on it and took me to the ground.  I said, "Ozzy its ok, it was accident I can still protect you.” I pried his jaws open, he got my face and his tooth went through my lower right lip.

I got him off and he got my other arm.  I knew he was gone and wasn’t coming back.  It was over.  I was able to shield myself with a pillow for a bit as he continuously attacked but he was like a ninja.  He broke through got my, upper left thigh, near my artery. I thought he got it because the blood spewed everywhere.  I still didn’t feel pain but saw the amount of blood I lost.

 I said Ozzy please stop I love you; you’re going to kill me. Don’t do this Ozzy I love you so much.  I held his head as he shook vigorously, to keep him from tearing a chunk of skin off like a shark. My fingers were chewed up.

If you have lived in an RV you know there is nowhere to hide or go. It was like being trapped in a cage fight.  I couldn’t open the door and risk people or worst children getting hurt if Ozzy got out.

 I was screaming for help and no one heard me.  Some people thought I was playing with Ozzy because they heard banging but didn’t hear my screams. After 15 minutes of getting bit and fighting him, I was able to get on top of him and use blankets to cover his face.  I couldn’t trap him. He had a hold of my arm I did everything I could think of, with no effect whatsoever.
 I got hold of a pick, I sat there for a minute holding it by his throat.  I threw it far away. I said Ozzy I’m not going to kill you, but if you’re going to kill me just do it.  I love you and don’t blame you.

I know this is not you.  If you kill me, some stranger will come and you will join me shortly and Akiles. and you will have eternity together.  I’m not sure why I was saying that.
I felt myself fading from the pain and blood loss, then thought of my nieces and what if this was them. I needed something to get angry about and bring me back.  Somehow I got some adrenaline lifted Ozzy up and wrestled him to the ground.  I was able to cover him finally and reach my phone.

It took another 15 minutes before the police came.  That took all my strength to hold him down.  He was in full rage mode.  This is where I said my goodbyes to Ozzy.  I knew I wouldn’t see him again.  Finally the police knocked.  The officer pulled his gun said jump on the bed and I’ll shoot.  I screamed don’t you dare.  They gave me the noose attached to a stick and I slipped it around his neck.  Ozzy rolled around like a Gator and tried to keep attacking me.  He was fixated only on me.

They took him away and I collapsed.  I was exhausted, bleeding and my wounds were now throbbing and burning.  I was rushed to hospital, received several stitches and was shot up with pheyntanol and morphine.  I was so upset because I been sober for some time.
 My family arrived and as soon I saw them I told them I failed Ozzy.  My sister, Cynthia hugged me said “NO you didn’t. “ I left the hospital with a cane bandaged up and looked like a monster.  When I got home Ozzy was still there in a crate cause animal control hadn’t come.  My mom and I said poor Ozzy can we give him water?  I said "Mom back away."  knowing Ozzy could burst through the crate.  I got near the crate and he growled.

Finally animal control came and made me sign papers to turn him over.  They said this is too severe and he already has a history.  They said "you know what will happen to him?" I said "yes".  I wasn’t mad at all at Ozzy, but he was dangerous.  This could not happen to anyone else, especially a child.

I posted a video of me explaining what happened.  I was crying, in tears.  I was in shock and shot up with pain meds. I don’t recall posting the videos.   I needed people’s support and needed to know if this happened to anyone else.  I needed answers.  My intentions were misunderstood. Those who have never heard or seen canine rage responded negatively. I couldn’t believe some the comments. Mind you I was in shock and high on meds. I went to a place I never thought I would go back to.

My phone rang, it was Roberta the Lady who got me ozzy .  She didn’t know what happened.  All she said is "Robert are you ok? I heard your drowning".  I told her what happened.  She helped bring me back to reality. We took down the videos. And she handled everything with Ozzy.
She told me my job with Ozzy was over I did all I could for him. “This is not your fault.”
 We tried to be with Ozzy when he was euthanized but he was property of the county and we weren’t allowed due to liability. I understood he was very aggressive while there. But he did take to a gentleman and this gentleman was with him when he went to the bridge.

Afterthoughts from Robert:
Was I the right fit for Ozzy?  I was the only fit. Who else can uproot their whole life and dedicate it to Ozzy?  Ozzy was my world, my partner in crime, my best friend (bff).  I spent every minute with him.

I spend hours on the phone with people, help them get over the grief of losing their dog, make people laugh and smile. One lady told me her mom has Alzheimers and the only thing that makes her smile are my posts and videos.  Do I have an agenda? ABSOLUTELY.  It’s to go around speaking with my dogs to people, rescuing dogs and making people smile.

 Ozzy was a time bomb and he exploded on my watch I would just like to say to Ozzy I love him, don’t blame him. We had a lifetime of fun in 6 months.  You tried so hard to conquer your demons and I’m so proud of you.  You did change the world and made people laugh with your antics and taught people to love again after losing a dog.  You taught me how to have fun and to still be a little bit of a bad boy. I know you came to me to have the best 6 months of your life, Run free with Akiles and my grandparents. I will never ever forget you. Hey Ozzy you left quite the impression on me, all pun intended.

A new begining

 Friends please don’t let this story scare you and stop you from rescuing.  It hasn’t stopped me So what happened to me?  God works in mysterious ways.  Please welcome Jubilant Josie and Dashing Dexter.

They were given to me. A wonderful lady ask be to take them. These two needed more attention than she can give. Yes, one looks like Akiles and the other has Ozzy’s face.  

Also, I’m helping LOVINGHEARTSFUND.COM.  They created it in memory of Ozzy to help raise money for rescues every month. Please check it out and donate. It’s a non-profit organization.

I will be also taking a road trip in the near future to raise money for rescues with Jubilant Josie and Dashing Dexter. The plan is stop along the way, meet some our fans, and I will be doing an interview to be packaged to networks for a movie on my life and bulldogs.  Hopefully make some money and open a rescue.

I love you all.  I never claimed to be a hero, a saint etc. I’m far from it , All this fell on my lap and I accepted the responsibility.  Being heartless, selfish and cruel is easy, try giving yourself to a cause greater than yourself, helping your fellow man, and turning the other cheek.  I’m still learning. .

 NOTE FROM BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK:

Just like the amazing Doctors and Nurses in an emergency room must not stop and grieve the loss of one patient, when there are many more desperately waiting for their care; So too is the urgency in rescue, to never forget that there are so many other dogs in need of a safe place and love. Remember the saying if you fall off a horse the best thing a rider should do is get right back up in the saddle. There is a real healing for many people in doing this. From the outside, those who have not had to deal with traumatic losses may not understand: How you could so deeply be affected by death and loss and yet reach out so soon. But many of us in rescue do this day in and day out even with all the pain and hurt. Recovering from trauma, grieving, and pain is an individual process.
The condition commonly known as rage syndrome is actually more appropriately called “idiopathic aggression.” The definition of idiopathic is: “Of, relating to, or designating a disease having no known cause.”
 To read more on this subject:
Idiopathic aggression is (thankfully) quite rare, but also quite dangerous.
Aggression-dog behavior

Is It Aggression? Maybe not...

Robert wants to acknowledge the love of his family, for their tremendous support of his struggles. In special tribute to the real Ozzy before his demons ripped him from Robert we want to share some special photos of happier times.

 

                                 

One of the things that I have found so reassuring is keeping on hand a specially prepared First Aid Kit outfitted for the Bostons.

Just like our human kids, there is always seems like a greater chance for an unexpected event that needs first aid, after your vet closes for the weekend. Perhaps not life threatening, but something that needs tending to until the vet opens back up.  In rescue we are always coming across something.  This is where having a First Aid Kit stocked and ready can be such a wonderful thing.   Sometimes a little preventive interaction can keep a minor even from turning into a major injury.

Okay great idea, but what should you put into a pet First Aid kit?  First you can of course buy a first aid kit but i have found that there are some items not normal for these kits  that sure are helpful to have.  We asked  some of our friends and readers did they have one and what was in their kit.  Along with our personal experiences we took a look at what other sources suggested.

Boston Terrier First Aid Kit

First what should you put your first aid supplies in?

It’s best to put all your first aid supplies in a metal or plastic container labeled something like “Pet Emergency Kit” like all emergency kits make sure everyone in the household knows where it is kept. If you’re traveling with your dog, it’s a good idea to either bring the kit along, or prepare a second first aid kit for the car.  If you have a special needs dog you might want to keep a separate first aid kit just for this dog.

Another great idea is to on the inside lid of the container, add a label listing your vet’s phone number, the number of the closest emergency animal clinic, and a poison control number like the ASPCA's Poison Control Center hot line at 1-888-426-4435. This is also a good place to record any other pertinent information you might need in a hurry, like your dog’s license tag number, microchip registration number, date of last rabies vaccination, and regular medications and the dosage etc.

 
Suggested items for Your Pet Emergency Kit
•Gauze to wrap wounds or for use as a muzzle if necessary
•Nonstick bandages or strips of clean cloth to cover a wound or control bleeding
•Adhesive tape to secure gauze, bandages or strips of cloth
•Clean towels (paper and cloth)
•Povidone iodine for wound disinfecting
•Activated charcoal to absorb an ingested poison (contact vet or poison control center before treating an animal for suspected poisoning)
•Hydrogen peroxide 3% to induce vomiting (after consulting with vet or poison control center)
•Digital rectal thermometer
•Eye dropper or large syringe without needle to give medicine or liquids or to flush wounds
•Muzzle (injured dogs can become aggressive out of fear or pain, however, if your dog is vomiting, do not muzzle him)
•Extra leash or harness
•Stretcher for large dogs (a blanket, throw rug, floor mat, board or other object can be used in a pinch)

Other items you might want to include:
for Tick removal tweezers, Ear cleanser, Scissors, Antiseptic wipes, nail clipper, Antibiotic ointment,

Styptic powder/stick, Benadryl ,Cotton balls, Bottled water, Eye wash, Disposable gloves, Bach Rescue Remedy, Homeopathic Aconitum for shock¹

 

The below are common uses for some of the items are listed. However we suggest that you discuss their uses first with your vet since some of these items may not be safe for your dog due to several factors including other medications your dog may be taking or the dosage may not be safe. Your vet may suggest other items they would recommend to be in your first aid kit. 



Benadryl

While this has been something every veterinarian I have worked with has suggested would be safe to use at home... Please consult with your vet on its usages with your dogs...

Dosage:   0.5-2 mg per pound. (1 pill for the average Boston, up to two pills if Boston’s is >25 lbs).

Use: minor allergic reactions, skin rashes, sneezing, itching, swelling.

Note: If allergy appears severe (lips become swollen, dog shows any difficulty breathing, rash covers most of dog’s skin THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Medication the dog the max benadryl dosage and find a vet immediately.

Pepto Bismol

Use: Diarrhea

Dosage: Up to 1 tsp per 5 lbs every 6 hours (2 tablespoons for a Boston)

Note: Consider before use: often diarrhea is a symptom of something the dog ate that does not agree with him/her which the body is trying to expel. Thus, often it is best to let the diarrhea run its course so the substance is eliminated. Diarrhea is often self-limiting (ie: when the substance is out of the body, the diarrhea goes away).

Consider before use: This medication turns feces black. It also may cause constipation.

Mineral Oil

Use: Constipation

Dosage: Be sure and ask your veterinarian about the dosage for your Boston.

Notes: Make sure the dog is well hydrated. The first culprit of constipation is dehydration.

Saline Solution

Use: Clean wounds, clean eyes
Notes: Use saline solution without extra chemicals from the pharmacy. 
If you notice red eyes clean with saline solution and give benadryl if it seems to be allergy. If it gets worse, get to a vet.
If you notice anything that looks like an ulcer (often it looks like small white pigmentation on the surface of the eye, clean with saline solution and get to a vet. Boston’s are known for getting eye ulcers and they can go bad within 24-48 hours and can result in expensive eye surgeries or even eye loss.

Peroxide

Use: Clean wounds, induce vomiting

Dosage for inducing vomiting: Mix solution ½ peroxide and ½ water. Use syringe and give the dog 3-5 tablespoons (10 mls) to the back of the mouth. Stand back! ;)

Notes: Do not induce vomiting if animal consumed caustic substance (acids and bases). Call poison controlled for details on this.

The sooner vomiting is induced the better for poisonous substances.

Many ‘things’ that dogs eat (socks, tissue, etc) pass through their GI system easily somehow.  So vomiting is most likely not needed for things like this, in fact the bigger the’thing’ is the more dangerous it is for them to vomit it up.

When first treating a wound you can use hydrogen peroxide but after initial cleansing and treating it is best to clean with saline solution instead of peroxide. Continued exposure to peroxide breaks down new skin that is growing.

Buffered Aspirin

While this is not normally given by the vets I have gone to. Perhaps because there are many other medicines that our veterinarians prefer to use. This is something that is often in our homes

Use: Pain, inflammation

Dosage: 5 mg per lb. every 12 hours (1 low dose 81 mg pill for Boston terrier)

Notes: This may work well for pain relief, limps, etc.

If pain is a result of a wound try giving the aspirin a few hours after the wound has been treated and is starting to heal. Aspirin is a natural blood thinner and will  it make wounds bleed more.

Always use buffered low-dose (81 mg).

Neosporin/Bacitracin (triple antibiotic ointment)
Use generously for wounds. Generally it is ok for the dog to lick the Neosporin from the wound, just don’t let them eat gobs of it.

 Other articles that you might like to read:

 How to get dog to take medications

Ear Infections: They can be more complicated than you thought
First responder: CPR FOR DOGS: 
OUCH, MY PAWS ARE HURT!
What should I do if my dog starts having a seizure?

¹healthypets.mercola.com

Warning: This is a real first person experience of Canine Rage.There is nothing more terrifying than what happen.

But both the Boston Terrier Network and Robert feel it is so important to share his experience in hopes to help others understand that Canine Rage is real, just like some human medical conditions are attributed to a person going on a rampage is real. While this is extremely rare when it happens, the humans usually have no idea what is occurring to their sweet loveable best friend. This is the greatest danger just not knowing… “

The condition commonly known as rage syndrome is actually more appropriately called “idiopathic aggression.” The definition of idiopathic is: “Of, relating to, or designating a disease having no known cause.” “While most other types of aggression can be modified and reduced through desensitization and counter-conditioning, idiopathic aggression often can’t. It is an extremely difficult and heartbreaking condition to deal with.”¹

Robert has been kind to share with us a very heartbreaking event. We understand that this type of experience sharing raises a lot of fears and emotions in many of our readers. We ask that you only share positive and encouraging comments, any comments deemed by BTN as inappropriate will be deleted without notification or response. If you have questions, you may feel free to contact me at donna@bostonterriernetwork.com. Links to parts 1 and 2 are at the end of this page if you have not yet read or would like to reread this story along with other sources on this subject.

We left of with having to place Ozzy into quarantine. Robert continues his story:

I had 10 days to rescue Ozzy once again!  I visited him 3 days later where I played with him for 20 minutes.  He seemed fine and was looking for an exit. It was almost like visitation at a prison. I couldn’t leave him there 10 days. I came back 2 days later got him out. I Paid 200 dollars forhis quarantine and an extra 150 dollars to get him out early. Ozzy licked and kissed me all over and I reciprocated it to him. But I was a little torn because he did hurt my sister very bad.

 My mom let me stay with Ozzy at their house. I had a cage for him and I walked him around the house with a leash to be safe. I notice when I was around Ozzy he was fine and behaved great.

I was at work, and my step-dad felt bad for Ozzy. He let him out.  Ozzy could melt your heart with his eyes. I get a call again. Ozzy went after my step-dad but he got away.

I got home Ozzy was wagging his tail. This was now taking its toll on me.

I was ready to move but no RV Parks had room. I felt like I was on the run with Ozzy. We slept one night with Ozzy in my car because we had nowhere to go.

A wonderful woman from my fan page contacted me. She had a vacant mobile home an hour away and told me I could stay there with Ozzy free as long I needed it. We stayed there.

I couldn’t endanger my family anymore. I drove an hour to work and back every day for three weeks but Ozzy and I had sanctuary and it was peaceful. Have I mentioned that Ozzy was twice the size of a normal bulldog and had the strength of Hercules?

 My mom and sister worked diligently to find a RV Park for both Ozzy and me.  Finally, a spot opened. I moved the RV and we now had a home.  This was a whole new world for me.  I have nothing against trailer parks but i never imagined myself living in one.

I didn’t care.  All I cared about was Ozzy. I told myself this isn’t how our story ends. I took an oath to rescue and protect him. My family didn’t give up on me and I had their support with Ozzy even after the attack on my sister.  

Ozzy and I fit right in.  Our neighbors were nice caring and a lot of dog lovers.  I was upfront about Ozzy and what happened. They commended and praised me and weren’t scared of Ozzy.

 Most the people owned dogs, but I was very protective of Ozzy.  I let people pet him but I always had a tight grip on his leash and harness in case.  

Ozzy was very friendly at first but something would change in an instant and I had to yank him back as I knew him well and his triggers.  Ozzy and I embarked on many adventures while here.  I thought we were in the clear.  Ozzy had found peace and so had I.  I began videos and posts called "Life Lessons with Ozzy", where I'd teach him about being good and helping. "The Trailer Park Boy Chronicles", just funny things that took place in our trailer park with our neighbors.

People gave me so much positive feedback what a great job I did with Ozzy.  People loved to tune in and see my post to see if Ozzy rearranged my bed as he loved doing spinning 360 degree turns on my bed with his toys.

I realized Ozzy would probably be around for another 9 yrs or so because he was a healthy remarkable specimen.  I knew I couldn’t be in a relationship with a woman or have another dog because Ozzy was a 1 person no pets dog. I was ok with it.

I had committed myself to drugs and a dark life style in the past longer than that, I could do this. I was Ozzys salvation and he was mine.  Ozzy was doing wonderful. I thought his demons were gone.  To celebrate I announced Ozzy and myself were going on a Road trip and would stop along the way meet our fans and invade New York City and raise money for rescues on the way. I called it OZZILLA INVADES NEW YORK CITY!".

Ozzy had the nicknames Ozmonster, Ozzilla, The Ozzinator, and Ozmonster, but after he attacked my sister I no longer used them and wanted a more positive nickname and came up with BIGSEXY after one of my favorite wrestlers.  It fit and people loved it.    To be continued..

Links to the Oozy Story:

Don’t Stop Believing-a true life story that just breaks your heart Part 1
Don’t Stop Believing-Ozzy was now mine. part 2

To read more on this subject:

¹Idiopathic aggression is (thankfully) quite rare, but also quite dangerous.