Okay, maybe that's just the adrenalin talking.

This morning, GirlDog was attacked by a Great Dane. Actually I think he was going for BoyDog - we walk past that house everyday and everyday BoyDog pee's on their fence. It's not the first time I've come across less than friendly dogs on our daily walks. Seems the neighbourhood is investing in larger and angrier dogs year after year.

Usually, all it takes is me stepping between the oncoming dog and the Muppets, standing still and the situation is defused. Not this time. He ducked around me, grabbed GirlDog and shook her right out of her collar.

The owners came running out of their yard at the sound of the dogfight (or perhaps the sound of a well aimed kick connecting with their dog) and dragged their snarling Dane back behind their gate.

"Sorry. Sorry. Is he okay?" wafted over the 6ft wall as they disappeared.

It looked worse than it was, red blood in blonde fur and all that. Two small puncture wounds in the scruff of her neck. Some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory and she's fine.

It's me that's all shaky (and feeling a little tearful if I'm honest). So what about the the vet's bill? I think they should pay it. Also I should probably tell them that now - while this adrenalin is still flowing.