Disclaimer: This is a rant, sorry for being negative.
We went out looking for signs of spring but all we found was mud and ice! It was beautiful though- in the 70's today! First we went to the middle school's athletic fields and I jogged a mile on their track and let Delilah run around off leash (she must have sprinted 2 or 3 miles at least). And then we went hiking at Indian Brook, a park across from my neighborhood. I was hoping it wouldn't be busy on a Monday morning, but it was very busy!
They have a rule posted all around the park- only dogs under voice control are allowed off leash. We must have run into 8 or 9 dogs, and all but 3 of them blew off their recall and charged up and scared Delilah. She's very friendly and gets excited to greet other dogs but as soon as they start jumping on her that makes her scared (imagine being tackled by a stranger 10x your size!) I try to body block or grab their collars. The owners are usually idiots: "Don't worry, he's just playing!"
There was one dog that ran towards us, stopped with his hackles up, and hard stared and growled at Delilah. The owner was calling but of course he didn't listen. I stepped between him and Delilah. I yelled at him to go away. The owner called "Don't worry, he doesn't bite! He's a good boy!" He charged at us and I picked up Delilah and blocked him, kneeing at him to keep him away. The owner grabbed him and said "Sorry, he's not used to little dogs" as if the situation were MY fault for hiking with a small dog! How about you don't let your aggressive dog off leash?
So even though Indian Brook's only half a mile away from us, unfortunately I think we're going to have to drive to other towns to go hiking in less populated areas. There are just too many irresponsible owners out there and I don't feel like I can keep my dog safe around them.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteOh that is so disappointing... may you find a happy place where idiots are not. Delilah - you are VERY photogenic! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Mom is in total agreement with you. It makes her nervous for a dog to approach us off leash - unless it's a puppy. What a shame that you have to go elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteOooooh, don't get Momma started on her off-leash dog rant! Momma says she loves all doggies, but she HATES irresponsible dog owners!
ReplyDeleteI too get very upset about dogs charging at us. And we all know it's not the dog's fault. I would be so embarrassed and feel so bad if my dog charged another dog. As you said, they have signs posted all around the park and yet, people still unleash their dog when they know their dog won't listen. I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteYep owners who say don't worry he is friendly while their dog growls are living in a universe where only they exist. Happy Easter remember Easter is the only time of the year when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket.
ReplyDeleteSweet William The Scot