HowardJohnson Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 A few months ago, one of our neighbours bought a dog – well, I say dog – to me it was more of a rat on stilts. He’s a scruffy little thing with deformed legs, a pug face and a haircut that Donald Trump would be ashamed of. My step-daughter fell in love with him, of course, as well as my missus and he soon became a regular visitor to the house. I prefer larger dogs and have never taken to anything smaller than a Jack Russell, but this little feller grew on me. On Saturday afternoon he was hanging around as usual and my step-daughter and the daughter of the neighbour who owns the rat wanted to go to the local shop for some snacks. The rat followed them down the road. Just before they got to the shop, 2 larger dogs (probably about the size of a skinny retriever) approached the girls and became aggressive with 1 trying to bite my step-daughter. The rat bounded forward, barking and snarling, distracting the attackers long enough for the girls to make it to the safety of the shop. I wish I could tell you that this David took on the Goliaths and beat them but reality is often harsher than fiction. Whilst the girls looked on, the rat was savaged and would have been killed there and then had it not been for the owner of the 2 dogs coming out of her house and beating them off with a stick. The owner picked up the rat and brought him up the road, getting to our house first, where my missus was out in the garden. She alerted the owner of the rat and they all went across the road to our local vet. After making sure the girls were ok, I went over to see him. It was not a pretty sight. His jaw was shattered and he had several punctures and tears in his little body. It looked like his intestines or stomach lining was damaged as there was a huge growth and he was obviously in shock. Back home, these injuries probably would have warranted the little feller being put to sleep but here in Thailand they apparently don’t agree with that and he was shipped to a local animal hospital to see what they could do. My missus visited him this morning and I’m pleased to report that he is still with us, although it really is too soon to say if he will pull through. They are waiting until he gets a little stronger before operating on him. I know I’m being a soppy tart and associating human responses to a dumb little dog, but if he hadn’t done what he did then it could well have been my step-daughter in the hospital. So here’s to the rat on stilts. A real hero. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midasthailand Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 A few months ago, one of our neighbours bought a dog – well, I say dog – to me it was more of a rat on stilts. He's a scruffy little thing with deformed legs, a pug face and a haircut that Donald Trump would be ashamed of.My step-daughter fell in love with him, of course, as well as my missus and he soon became a regular visitor to the house. I prefer larger dogs and have never taken to anything smaller than a Jack Russell, but this little feller grew on me. On Saturday afternoon he was hanging around as usual and my step-daughter and the daughter of the neighbour who owns the rat wanted to go to the local shop for some snacks. The rat followed them down the road. Just before they got to the shop, 2 larger dogs (probably about the size of a skinny retriever) approached the girls and became aggressive with 1 trying to bite my step-daughter. The rat bounded forward, barking and snarling, distracting the attackers long enough for the girls to make it to the safety of the shop. I wish I could tell you that this David took on the Goliaths and beat them but reality is often harsher than fiction. Whilst the girls looked on, the rat was savaged and would have been killed there and then had it not been for the owner of the 2 dogs coming out of her house and beating them off with a stick. The owner picked up the rat and brought him up the road, getting to our house first, where my missus was out in the garden. She alerted the owner of the rat and they all went across the road to our local vet. After making sure the girls were ok, I went over to see him. It was not a pretty sight. His jaw was shattered and he had several punctures and tears in his little body. It looked like his intestines or stomach lining was damaged as there was a huge growth and he was obviously in shock. Back home, these injuries probably would have warranted the little feller being put to sleep but here in Thailand they apparently don't agree with that and he was shipped to a local animal hospital to see what they could do. My missus visited him this morning and I'm pleased to report that he is still with us, although it really is too soon to say if he will pull through. They are waiting until he gets a little stronger before operating on him. I know I'm being a soppy tart and associating human responses to a dumb little dog, but if he hadn't done what he did then it could well have been my step-daughter in the hospital. So here's to the rat on stilts. A real hero. Great story, I hope it has a happy ending for the"rat on stilts" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prakanong Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I hope the rat pulls through too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckd Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Great story and thread. Good luck to the little guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westerner Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the little fella. Please keep us informed of his progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thinking of you all. What's his name? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardJohnson Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 The girls call him kookin which I think is Thai for dingaling or something similar - the sound the bell makes on his collar as he runs around. That's how we always knew he was on his way to see us. I just call him Rat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattayaParent Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 And I hope the owner of the 2 savage dogs is going to be a responsible owner and is picking up all the bills and having her mutts put down for attacking 2 children? And if not I hope that you will be reporting the attack on the children to the dog pund to have the savages taken away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattaya_girl Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 This is a lovely story for all of us animal lovers out here with a heart - good luck to the little fella, it sounds to me, like he has won your heart !!! rock on Kookin the rat.... Please let us know the outcome, and a photograph of the little chap would be great, after all, he deserves it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost in LOS Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 hope the little guy pulls through, brave dog. My dog and I have been attacked by thai dogs many times while minding our own business. guess what happened? : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardJohnson Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) And I hope the owner of the 2 savage dogs is going to be a responsible owner and is picking up all the bills and having her mutts put down for attacking 2 children?And if not I hope that you will be reporting the attack on the children to the dog pund to have the savages taken away? The owner of the 2 dogs does not appear to be the nicest of people and apparently was pretty rude when asked about contributing. That's not something I think we can really get involved with as he is not our dog. As for reporting the attack, well - I'm not sure there is a dog pound here in Pattaya and as neither of the children was injured I am not sure the police or authorities would be that interested. Sometimes I wish there was a way to make people more responsible for their actions but I can't ever see that happening here. Unfortunately. hope the little guy pulls through, brave dog. My dog and I have been attacked by thai dogs many times while minding our own business. guess what happened? : ) Looking at your avatar, I'm guessing the soi dogs soon disappeared with their tail between their legs! Thanks for all the kind words. He is going in for his operation today so fingers crossed. Edited July 1, 2008 by HowardJohnson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westerner Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 And I hope the owner of the 2 savage dogs is going to be a responsible owner and is picking up all the bills and having her mutts put down for attacking 2 children?And if not I hope that you will be reporting the attack on the children to the dog pund to have the savages taken away? The owner of the 2 dogs does not appear to be the nicest of people and apparently was pretty rude when asked about contributing. That's not something I think we can really get involved with as he is not our dog. As for reporting the attack, well - I'm not sure there is a dog pound here in Pattaya and as neither of the children was injured I am not sure the police or authorities would be that interested. Sometimes I wish there was a way to make people more responsible for their actions but I can't ever see that happening here. Unfortunately. hope the little guy pulls through, brave dog. My dog and I have been attacked by thai dogs many times while minding our own business. guess what happened? : ) Looking at your avatar, I'm guessing the soi dogs soon disappeared with their tail between their legs! Thanks for all the kind words. He is going in for his operation today so fingers crossed. I really hope everything goes well with the operation on this brave little dog. I'm sure many of us TV members will be thinking about him today. Please let us know how he is doing as soon as you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattayaParent Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 And I hope the owner of the 2 savage dogs is going to be a responsible owner and is picking up all the bills and having her mutts put down for attacking 2 children?And if not I hope that you will be reporting the attack on the children to the dog pund to have the savages taken away? The owner of the 2 dogs does not appear to be the nicest of people and apparently was pretty rude when asked about contributing. That's not something I think we can really get involved with as he is not our dog. As for reporting the attack, well - I'm not sure there is a dog pound here in Pattaya and as neither of the children was injured I am not sure the police or authorities would be that interested. Sometimes I wish there was a way to make people more responsible for their actions but I can't ever see that happening here. Unfortunately. hope the little guy pulls through, brave dog. My dog and I have been attacked by thai dogs many times while minding our own business. guess what happened? : ) Looking at your avatar, I'm guessing the soi dogs soon disappeared with their tail between their legs! Thanks for all the kind words. He is going in for his operation today so fingers crossed. Sounds like the dogs need to be rewarded with some nice steaks laced with rat poison (and maybe the owner too!) before they DO bite some children. If you konw it's likely to happen there's no point in waiting for your child to be savaged before taking action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meg_2003 Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Wow, really nice story and Im very sorry to hear about what happened to the poor little guy.. Hope his operation goes well, Please let us know how it goes! Fingers crossed!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergen Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Nice story ............Hope little "Braveheart" recovers well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westerner Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Please let us know how he's doing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardJohnson Posted July 2, 2008 Author Share Posted July 2, 2008 The operation didn't happen yesterday as the vet was waiting for his money first. He needs 4k before he will do it. The lady with the 2 dogs agreed to pay it but has since disappeared, the rats owner didn't have the cash and neither did my missus. Unfortunately, nobody told me this until I got home from work by which time it was too late in the day. I have given the cash to my missus today so I am hoping for some news later. Thanks for all your concern. I showed the messages to my missus last night and she was genuinely touched and says thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeungKen Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 I just stopped by to see how little "Rattus Rattus" is going. Sorry to hear his Op has been delayed and wish the little hero "Good Luck, Braveheart" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattaya_girl Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Thankyou for the update, I am sure myself and a lot of other animal lovers on this Forum are all standing by waiting for the outcome - good luck to him for today !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofer Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 A few months ago, one of our neighbours bought a dog – well, I say dog – to me it was more of a rat on stilts. He’s a scruffy little thing with deformed legs, a pug face and a haircut that Donald Trump would be ashamed of.My step-daughter fell in love with him, of course, as well as my missus and he soon became a regular visitor to the house. I prefer larger dogs and have never taken to anything smaller than a Jack Russell, but this little feller grew on me. On Saturday afternoon he was hanging around as usual and my step-daughter and the daughter of the neighbour who owns the rat wanted to go to the local shop for some snacks. The rat followed them down the road. Just before they got to the shop, 2 larger dogs (probably about the size of a skinny retriever) approached the girls and became aggressive with 1 trying to bite my step-daughter. The rat bounded forward, barking and snarling, distracting the attackers long enough for the girls to make it to the safety of the shop. I wish I could tell you that this David took on the Goliaths and beat them but reality is often harsher than fiction. Whilst the girls looked on, the rat was savaged and would have been killed there and then had it not been for the owner of the 2 dogs coming out of her house and beating them off with a stick. The owner picked up the rat and brought him up the road, getting to our house first, where my missus was out in the garden. She alerted the owner of the rat and they all went across the road to our local vet. After making sure the girls were ok, I went over to see him. It was not a pretty sight. His jaw was shattered and he had several punctures and tears in his little body. It looked like his intestines or stomach lining was damaged as there was a huge growth and he was obviously in shock. Back home, these injuries probably would have warranted the little feller being put to sleep but here in Thailand they apparently don’t agree with that and he was shipped to a local animal hospital to see what they could do. My missus visited him this morning and I’m pleased to report that he is still with us, although it really is too soon to say if he will pull through. They are waiting until he gets a little stronger before operating on him. I know I’m being a soppy tart and associating human responses to a dumb little dog, but if he hadn’t done what he did then it could well have been my step-daughter in the hospital. So here’s to the rat on stilts. A real hero. Dogs are truly man/people best friends. I wish they would treat dogs better in Thailand. Good luck to the Rat dog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meg_2003 Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Good luck!! Waiting to hear how it goes! Fingers crossed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardJohnson Posted July 3, 2008 Author Share Posted July 3, 2008 Well, The rat had his op yesterday and they have stiched his intestines back into where they are supposed to be. He woke up late and the neighbour reported that he was groggy but ok and he was taking his fluids and mushed up food, so thats a good sign. Apparently the vet has said that he has to go to a specialist in Bangkok to get his jaw fixed. I am not 100% sure about this as my missus couldn't really communicate the technical details. Although I'm not surprised as his jaw is so tiny, it would take a real expert to rebuild it. Obviously, thats a lot more cost involved for the owner and she's unlikely to get any help from the owner of the 2 dogs so it looks like I may have to dip into my pocket to help out - which I am happy to do. I just hope its all wothwhile. Again, thanks for your messages of support. Cheers HoJo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westerner Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 Well, The rat had his op yesterday and they have stiched his intestines back into where they are supposed to be. He woke up late and the neighbour reported that he was groggy but ok and he was taking his fluids and mushed up food, so thats a good sign.Apparently the vet has said that he has to go to a specialist in Bangkok to get his jaw fixed. I am not 100% sure about this as my missus couldn't really communicate the technical details. Although I'm not surprised as his jaw is so tiny, it would take a real expert to rebuild it. Obviously, thats a lot more cost involved for the owner and she's unlikely to get any help from the owner of the 2 dogs so it looks like I may have to dip into my pocket to help out - which I am happy to do. I just hope its all wothwhile. Again, thanks for your messages of support. Cheers HoJo Sounds like the little fella might pull through, which is all down to your generosity and caring. What a great bloke. I look forward to the next update. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattaya_girl Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 I am happy at your news and I think your a great guy for doing this for the little chap. Hope his jaw is ok and I hope he makes a full recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prakanong Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 I am happy at your news and I think your a great guy for doing this for the little chap. Hope his jaw is ok and I hope he makes a full recovery. I second that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meg_2003 Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 Great HoJo ... Good on you!! Please do post a picture of the Hero once he recovers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icequeen Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 hopefully this maybe one sad story that has a happy ending best of luck to little rat it sounds like he is in good hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westerner Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Hi HoJo Can we have another progress report please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardJohnson Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share Posted July 4, 2008 No updates right now about his condition but I will find out later. BTW: I found 4k on the table this morning and it turns out my missus forgot to mention that the lady with the 2 dogs did indeed cough up for the op. So my money was not needed and I have had no further requests for assistance so it looks like they have managed to sort it out between them. Will let you know as soon as I do. Thanks HoJo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 No updates right now about his condition but I will find out later.BTW: I found 4k on the table this morning and it turns out my missus forgot to mention that the lady with the 2 dogs did indeed cough up for the op. So my money was not needed and I have had no further requests for assistance so it looks like they have managed to sort it out between them. Will let you know as soon as I do. Thanks HoJo I feel so pleased that the lady with the 2 dogs paid for operation and now let's hope that she manages to keep her dogs under control. Thinking of you and hoping all going well for Kookin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now