I’ve never been afraid of dogs, not even when I was a little kid. Back then I had no concept of the damage a frightened or angry dog could do, which is most likely why I always wanted to pet them.
All that changed as I got older.
A friend had dogs that wanted to jump in my lap and lick my face. I’d push the offending tongues away, only for them to resume dampening my cheeks.
A family friend had an untamed dog that thought my leg was for humping, and laughed about it instead of removing the dog.
Similar incidents happened over the years.
A good neighbor brought home a German Shepherd puppy. He worked with it several times a day. It appeared that the dog was safe to be around.
One morning my husband and I walked up to the nearest shopping center. The dog and owner were there. When I said hi to the dog, she jumped up and growled! I stepped back, terrified. The owner kind of brushed it off, saying it happened because I was wearing a baseball cap.
Over the years I’ve watched him play with the dog, tossing her balls to chase and return. The dog is off-leash and not muzzled.
After a recent operation, the physical therapist came to my home. When he exited his car, the dog charged, growling. The owner called and called, but the dog didn’t respond. Eventually the owner walked over and pulled the dog away.
When it was time to take a walk outside, the dog was still there. The PT and I hesitated, until the owner said he’d call the dog home.
The dog ignored commands. Eventually the owner did get his dog under control, but didn’t bring her inside. It was scary walking around our courtyard, for the possibility of the dog getting loose was pretty strong.
The dog is still not muzzled. She still runs loose when playing catch. I’ve seen them several blocks away at a playground, her chasing balls, unleashed and unmuzzled.
I realize that not all dogs are aggressive, but when you’ve faced unwanted licking and terrifying growling, you back away in self-protection.
The message for dog owners: control your dogs!
Words and Thoughts 