Hi, I'm back on line after my 5th hospital visit in 4 days.

Thanks for the advice and good wishes from all those who have sided with me rather than with the owner/dog combination.

To clarify, the dog wasn't a 'stray' in the usual sense of the word, it was just standing in the street outside the gateway of the owner's house. But the street was deserted (8.30 on Sunday morning) (I know, it's my fault for being awake) and it just went for me in a flash then ran back round the back.

The good news is that it attacked a man's arm rather than a child's throat. Even better, it didn't cut an artery (what would I have done, I was about 200 yards from home), and it now seems that the nerves and probably the tendons are undamaged so I should be OK in about 2 - 3 weeks. My next paid concertina gig is 1st August, so it's touch and go.

The police did get involved, at some length, but probably won't prosecute. I don't yet know what they said to the owner, but will be sure to find out.