Trip To the Animal ER

Well, River and Hopper got in another fight this afternoon which had us taking a trip to the animal emergency hospital. :(

Brooke was petting them both when Riv moved & stood over Hopper. Hopper growled and River jumped her. She tore the muscle in her right front leg, and bit through her neck. So she had surgery to repair the muscle, and she has a drainage tube in her neck. She is highly medicated (of course) and is sleeping as comfortably as possible in the living room on a doggy bed.

My heart is broken. I don't know what to do. Obviously I don't want to get rid of River as I just feel like I was meant to be hers the day I found her and rescued her. On the other hand, I cannot have her brutally attacking my elderly dog. I suppose the only solution is to keep Hop inside and away from her.

The vet who repaired Hopper's injuries suggested that we take Riv to an animal behaviorist, which I suppose I will do when I can afford to do it.

Please keep Hopper in your prayers. If she gets an infection in any of these wounds she's going to be in bad, bad shape. :(