Melian (In Memory of Tiny)
Saluki |
FEMALE
| 4 YEARS OLD
| E, CA
CLUB DOG MEMBER SINCE: June 14, 2009
47 COMMENTS |
53,483
RD MEMBER |
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ABOUT ME
I look at Melian in a new light now. Whenever I'm out working or having fun I never worry about Melian. She's the fastest dog for miles. Not even her own kind can catch her. I think that only a greyhound, and a fit one at that, would even have a chance. And it would have to do it in the first few metres because they don't have the stamina of a saluki.
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So, when good dogs go bad and threaten my Meli I am secure in the knowledge that she only has to run and she's safe. And that has always been the case. She doesn't stick around when there's danger. It's each dog for herself and off she flees.
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In the back of my mind I have always wondered if she gives any thought to others who may also be in danger. I guess she figures I can take care of myself. After all, I am the boss. Haven't I made that clear?
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Anyway, yesterday she showed a different side. I was out building a fence for a new pen for Eddie. Melian was with me, as were tiny Kermit and Tuna. Suddenly a vicious dog came charging out at us. He visits our neighbourhood from time to time and he's not nice.
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Immediately I thought about Kermit and Tuna. I looked and Kermit had already headed home through a small hole in the fence. He was safe. Tuna, who is partially deaf and blind, and though a sweetheart she is also a bit retarded, was standing out in the open.
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The dog, a sporting breed, came at us full speed and in attack mode. I leapt in front of him to head him off. He turned back and ended up with the fence between him and Melian and Tuna.
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I rushed back to scoop up Tuna. She paid no heed to me and with her hackles raised she was ready to attack the danger. She's so clueless about these things. She knows that in a dangerous situation someone will make sure she's okay. So, she's fearless! She would walk off a cliff, no questions asked.
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I grabbed her up and rushed to put her inside our gate. The gate shut, Tuna was now safe. The dog was insane with rage. He kept lunging at the fence and twice he ended up halfway through it in his attempt to bite Melian.
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Melian didn't run away. She kept pacing back and forth and threatening this mean dog. Suddenly the dog ran back and figured out a way round the unfinished fence. He came charging again and again I leapt in his path. This time he didn't turn back but swerved around me heading towards Melian.
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He's a good 20lbs heavier than Melian and he was going at a fast clip. I was sure Melian would run away as always but no. She had the little dogs to defend. Instead of running she turned around and faced the oncoming attacker ready to bite.
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He slammed right into her with his teeth bared and bit her full on the flank, piercing right through the skin and completely bruising her whole side. Still she stood her ground. She turned back to bite him (I sure hope she got a bite in!) and he turned away ready to renew his attack. At this point we managed to get a hold of him and he was dragged back home.
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I have never seen Melian stay around when there was danger. The only difference now was the presence of the small dogs. Melian was protecting her pack. One bite from this dog and they would have been dead. No doubt about it.
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I am very proud of my brave girl. She showed a valour I didn't know she had and she was injured in the line of duty. Her side has a puncture wound and it's purple with bruising from the full on hit. Both her back legs are sore and have scrapes and bruises. She deserves a Purple Heart!
4/12/2013