A Routine Walk Turned Nightmare
I never imagined a simple dog walk in my own neighborhood would turn into one of the most traumatizing moments of my life.
Patches, my sweet dog ( my dog before Praline), and I were out for our usual evening walk when a neighbor lost control of their dog. Before I could react, their dog chased us down and latched onto Patches’ neck. The panic, the helplessness—I felt it all at once.
A neighbor saw what was happening and quickly poured water over the attacking dog, making it release Patches. I scooped her up, covered in blood, and sprinted home. But the nightmare wasn’t over.
I needed an emergency vet—immediately. But as I frantically searched, minutes felt like hours. I was trying to find an open clinic, calling numbers, and scrolling through search results while my injured dog needed help. Thankfully, I eventually found one. But I kept thinking… what if I had already been prepared?
A Busy Schedule Shouldn’t Mean Being Unprepared
As dog parents, we’re busy. Between work, responsibilities, and life, we juggle a lot. But what happens when an unexpected emergency arises?
I share my story not to scare you but to empower you to avoid my mistake. Here’s how you can prepare today—so you’re never caught off guard.
Your 3-Step Emergency Vet Plan
📌 1. Save Two Emergency Vet Numbers in Your Phone Now
- Find the nearest 24/7 emergency vet clinic and save their number under “Emergency Vet” in your phone.
- Save a backup clinic in case the first is unavailable.
📌 2. Keep a Copy of Your Dog’s Vet Records in your phone
- Many emergency vets require vaccination records before treatment.
- Have a copy of your dog’s latest vet records and store them in your phone and update after each visit
📌 3. Identify a Dog-Friendly First Aid Tool
- A bottle of water, a leash, and a cone (if needed) can help manage an emergency before you reach the vet.
Avoid the Panic—Be Prepared Today
The worst part of my experience wasn’t just the attack—it was the wasted time searching for help. Those minutes could have been spent getting Patches the care she needed sooner.
✅ By taking 5 minutes today to save an emergency vet number and organize records, you’ll never have to experience the helplessness I did.
✅ Your dog deserves quick, prepared care—and you deserve peace of mind.
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we understand how much you love your dog. That’s why we’re not just here for walks—we’re here to help dog parents feel confident, supported, and ready for anything life throws their way.
💾 Save your emergency vet number today. It could save your dog’s life. 🐾