it happened today. the day I prayed would never come. Tucker got hit by a car.
he unhooked, YES, UNHOOKED, his lead, and bolted, right into the road. he was outside for less than 2 minutes.
he was rushed to the vet, and after many xrays, it was determined he had NO broken bones (phew!), no internal injuries (double phew!), but he seemed to have paralysis on his right side. his right front leg, and right hind leg… were stiff, and when the vet moved them, Tucker did not move them back.
after careful consideration, we (us and our vet) decided it best to continue cortisol (sp?) for swelling and inflamation, and hold him overnight for signs of improvement (or decline). My vet thought the shock and swelling may be the cause of the problem... after a few hours of treatment, the vet called to say Tucker has regained some mobility. He can stand, and walk... a bit crooked, but he does appear to be getting better. however, one eye is a bit off now.. and my vet is concerned about a possible head injury.
so Tucker will remain at the vet's overnight, and be re-evaluated in the morning.
moral of the story - B's can unhook leads, and bolt into the road in the blink of an eye.
looks like he'll be double hooked, and possibly hog-tied in the future (kidding on that last one!).