When I got back to Auckland, I phoned the council to report the incident. On the phone, I was in tears again, emotional just remembering.
Eventually the case went to court; the owners pleaded guilty and were fined $800 for owning a dog that attacked a person. I regard the matter as closed.
But what I didn't realise was, even with a minor wound, there are considerable emotional repercussions. As an agricultural journalist, I come across plenty of dogs in my work. I make a habit of addressing them firmly, watching for any indication they may become aggressive. I'm the sort of person who doesn't open a gate if I have any doubts about a dog's behaviour.
My parents bought a dog for my brother precisely because he was scared of them. My partner has owned a dog and won't replace it because he couldn't bear to lose another, even after a long and happy life.
I'm fond of dogs, although probably, when it comes down to it, I'm a paid-up cat person.
But after the attack, I found myself feeling unusually stressed. Walking from one room to another in my house, I would think I had seen a movement outside and would be suddenly on high alert.
Not an anxious person, I found myself concerned about leaving the house, being on unfamiliar territory, not knowing what I was going to encounter.
So reading in Wednesday's Herald of yet another child being attacked by a dog - and a pet owned by a relative at that - makes me feel something really needs to be done, and soon.
Maybe dog licences should be more like firearms licences? Maybe an intending owner should have to sit a test, name referees and be checked out by the police?
Dog ownership shouldn't come as of right.
My life is pretty much back to normal. But I can't help looking at the smooth young faces of my partner's grandchildren and feeling so grateful the scar on my arm isn't on one of those for a lifetime.
And a parked car will never be just a parked car to me again.
Glenys Christian is a former agricultural editor of the Herald.