If you own a paper shredder you MUST read this!

[Muggsmom]

I don't think I will ever get over reading this story. I would never have believed a paper shredder could be dangerous to a dog. Just goes to show you, you can never 'puppy-proof' enough. I can't imagine what that poor dog went through.


Paper Shredders Risks and Dogs

[kuritsa18]

That is one of the sadest stories I have ever heard! I can't imageine going through that! I wonder what made the dog put its tongue in the shredder though?!...maybe trying to lick it or taste it?! SCARY!!! I have a paper shredder and will definately be more careful about keeping an eye on my dog to make sure she doesn't go near it. My dog usually doesn't go near it though as it is in a corner and she can't really reach it because we have filling cases in front of it. Also, she is scared of the noise so she doesn't like it.

I feel so bad for that dog and the people and I am glad the dog is fine now! It is so amazing how the dog adapted so quickly!

I will definately remember this story!

[Muggsmom]

I believe, from another article, that a child had "shredded" some food and the dog was being a dog and tried to eat it.

[prolibertate]

It's articles like this that scare me about some people having pets...and having pets when they have young kids...People need to be vigilant about keeping their pets safe, just as they would to keep their children safe. when baby-proofing a house, we're taught to get down to the baby's level and remove everything they can reach...why don't people do the same for when they get a dog? I've actually seen a few of the better trainers now mention about doing this when getting a dog...It's just a shame that all owners don't listen. Too many times they don't think about what a dog can, and will, get into...especially if they - the owners - make it easy for the dogs (e.g. leaving shoes around instead of in a closed closet; not having a secure lid on the trash can; leaving breakables at a dog's height; etc.) Too many people say 'I'd have never thought about a dog getting into that' after it's too lat...why didn't they take a few minutes to look around and see what a dog *might* get into before they actually did? It's not hard to do, and frankly, if one cares about the health and safety of their dog, they'll do it even before they bring that new dog or puppy home.

[Muggsmom]

Originally Posted by prolibertate

Too many people say 'I'd have never thought about a dog getting into that' after it's too lat...why didn't they take a few minutes to look around and see what a dog *might* get into before they actually did? It's not hard to do, and frankly, if one cares about the health and safety of their dog, they'll do it even before they bring that new dog or puppy home.

In all fairness, you can NEVER totally predict what a dog (or child) will get into. In my wildest dreams I would never have even considered that a dog would lick the paper shredder and get his tongue caught.

especially if they - the owners - make it easy for the dogs (e.g. leaving shoes around instead of in a closed closet; not having a secure lid on the trash can; leaving breakables at a dog's height; etc.)

Yes, there are several obvious things that anyone should realize would tempt a dog, or be a potential danger, but sometimes their minds work in very mysterious ways.

[Lyka_01]

Breath taking story...Glad that Shelby is ok now that's really a miracle...

[Camsy]

Yikes, I can't access the article without having to register! Are there any links to this?

[Muggsmom]

Hi! My name is Erica Cacioppo. On May 26th, 2006 my labLabrador Retrievers Book
The docile, friendly, affectionate lab makes a fine household pet and is very good with children. Barron's Labrador Retrievers Book provides .../pitAmerican Pit Bull Terrier Handbook
Owners of this assertive breed are advised on the importance of rigorous but humane obedience training. Barron's American Pit Bull Terrier Handboo... mix, Shelby had a horrific accident involving a paper shredder.

I woke at 6 AM to a horrible sound. It was Shelby screaming! It was a sound I have never heard and can't get out of my head. I ran downstairs and asked my husband Gino, who was holding her, what was wrong. Before he could answer I saw the most horrific sight of my life, Shelby's tongue stuck inside our paper shredder. Our other dog Sophia, thinking Shelby was being attacked was pulling relentlessly and with all her might on the shredder, not knowing she was making matters worse. Even though in shock of the situation we worked as fast as we could to get Shelby to the vet. We had to pry Sophia off and put her in the bathroom. In that time Shelby had bit her own tongue off. I suppose in animal instinct.

Gino got Shelby in the car as I got dressed and got together our purse and wallet.

This all happened in a matter of 5 minutes. Our closest animal clinic was an agonizing 20 minutes away, at which time Shelby was bleeding profusely. We got there just in time. She started going into convulsions just before being put under for surgery. During the operation she got between 40 to 50 stitches and loss her entire tongue. After the surgery the vet, Dr. Emo, told us she didn't know how Shelby would be able to eat and drink, as she has never seen or heard of an injury like this. At this point we had decided to put her to sleepSnooZZy with Bumper Original Fleece Crate Bed
Precision Pet Products SnooZZy Crate Bed. Place Bumper Bed in crates, carriers, dog houses, SUVs, or anywhere! The luxurious acrylic fleece is complet.... Thank God the vet did extensive research and found a study on dogs with the same injury and they adapted to the situation over time and had the same attitude and a great quality of life. We then decided to give Shelby the chance she deserved.

It paid off! She is very happy! Shelby getting her voice back was no problem, 2 weeks later she was barking at the neighbor dog again. She can eat wet food very easily with our help and as of mid June is doing okay with trying to learn to eat dry food again. She is drinking waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui... through a syringe that we give to her. She lets us know when she wants water. She is starting to learn how to scoop up water on her own and on June 17th ate her 1st rawhide that she stole from her sister! She still drools some, but has learned to wipe her own mouth on towelsWee Wee Pads
Four Paws Wee Wee Pads are super absorbent, making housebreaking easy. The poly-dry formula locks in moisture and prevents tracking. Dog Wee Wee Pads ... we have in the house and outside for her. We have no doubt she will completely adapt with some time and effort. She's our miracle baby!

We want people to know that this happens and that if it does you can save your baby! If you are in a similar situation please e-mail this web site and they will contact me and I can help you with any questions you may have. I beg you to please tell everyone you know and please UNPLUG your shredder or GET RID OF IT!!!! You NEVER want to go through what we did!!!!!! It was utterly horrible. We couldn't eat or sleep. We have bad nightmares about what happened. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!


Thank you,


Erica Cacioppo, Shelby's owner

[kathy.kishy@yahoo.com]

I can't imagine having something that horrible happen to my dog. I'm always worried about that. That's why I bought the weakest shredder ABC Office sold, that way it will have the thinnest opening.

I still always unplug it though. You can never be too careful.