Melissa Caldwell: Dog incident on Mt. Toby trail leaves hiker injured, seeking answers

To the editor:



I want to alert hikers and other lovers of the outdoors to a matter of human and animal safety. I am a fit, athletic and animal-loving adult who was hiking on a Mount Toby trail in Sunderland, with two friends and our dogs, on July 3.



As we returned from the summit at about 11 a.m., we spotted four people and a dog coming towards us. At this point, I picked up my small dog (on leash) to avoid any barking. Unexpectedly, their boxer-like dog (not leashed) started to streak towards us. They called out that their dog was friendly as their dog continued at us at high speed.



My friend courageously lunged in front of his wife and me to try to protect us, but the dog slammed me and my dog full on, and took us down.



The dog owners, two of whom identified themselves as an EMT and a nurse, looked at my leg, checked my toes and after asking if we wanted them to go back, get the gate unlocked and call for help, just moved on without offering contact information. My friend had to carry me about a quarter of a mile to our car, as my foot and leg had swelled badly and I was in great pain and could not bear weight on my leg.



The x-rays revealed a fracture of the fibula. I am now on crutches and using a wheelchair for six to eight weeks.



I have two requests. First, leash your dog, period; there was no reason for this accident. Second, I am hoping the dog owners will come forward, or be brought forward by those who know them.



In our state of shock and disbelief, we did not ask for contact information. I feel strongly that the medical expenses and deductibles directly associated with this unnecessary accident be incurred by the dog’s owners, not by me. It’s not too late to do the right thing.



Melissa Caldwell



Whately





