Hospital on the first day of the camino

[ysabelthepilgrim]

Hi everyone

New to the forum but I thought I’d share this incident today.

My dad and I started the Portuguese coastal way today from Matosinhos and stopped at a bar by Agudela around half 12.
Unfortunately my dad was bitten by a dog (complete shock accident) owned by another customer there and had to be taken to Porto hospital by ambulance to clean the wound and get antibiotics.
Luckily he is completely fine and has no pain, and we will continue walking tomorrow.

Treating this as a case of simple bad luck (especially on our first day of the Camino) and i’m very glad it wasn’t anything more serious.

Now, onwards to Santiago!

Ysabel

 

[JohnLloyd]

Ouch! It can only get better from there.

And it will.

 

[Former member 22438]

We wish your dad os melhores ( all the best) and make out the best of your mutual caminho from tomorrow.
Do not let it influence your mood and spirit
Bom caminho

 

[FLEUR]

So sorry to hear of your dad's misfortune and wish him a speedy recovery.
Try this albergue in Fao it's a gem

 

[Sue127]

Ouch, not a good start but it can only get better. Hope your dad is OK. Enjoy, been camino.

 

[Corned Beef]

Would be interested to know what the local laws about a dog that bites. I had one that was unpredictable and would pick on another dog or, strangely, humans if they had walking poles. We had a visit from the local police with firm but friendly advice.

Seems to be a more relaxed attitude to dogs there and in Spain.

 

[Kathy F.]

This is probably the worst that will happen during your entire trip. I'm glad your Dad is OK and you both seem to have a good attitude about it. Glad you were well taken care of.

 

[dpatterson0516]

One of the reasons I always use hiking poles. I've had too many close encounters with free range, undisciplined dogs. Thankfully, as an avowed animal lover, I have had few situations where I had to defend myself. The poles usually keep the dog at bay until the owner shows up claiming Cujo is friendly!

 

[dpatterson0516]

One of the reasons I always use hiking poles. I've had too many close encounters with free range, undisciplined dogs. Thankfully, as an avowed animal lover, I have had few situations where I had to defend myself. The poles usually keep the dog at bay until the owner shows up claiming Cujo is friendly!

To be clear. I haven't done a Camino yet (Sept 7-Oct 17 coming up). This is in reference to trails I've hiked in Canada.