Re: Dogs on leads whilst out walking
Roxy, this is the first I have ever heard of this campaign, and it seems a good idea.
However it will only work if everyone knows about it, takes notice, and does their bit to help.
I don't doubt for a minute that there will be some selfish or inconsiderate owners who totally ignore it, but it's worth a try.
As both Margaret and EZ have just said, it can be a big worry when people refuse to spend a few seconds to pop a lead on their dog.
I am not saying all other dogs mean harm by a long chalk, but I don't care how gentle they may be, those ignorant owners haven't a clue about the other dog's needs at all.
Until a couple of years ago, I had a 15 year old Lurcher, gentle and kind and not a bad bone in her body, but she had cataracts and was also getting dodgy on her poor old legs. Some days a puff of wind would have nearly blown her over! But she was happy in her own quiet way, just poddling along in the sunshine next to me, sniffing and taking her time.
Then you get the moronic owners who have no respect for anyone else's animal whatsoever. I would have fought to the death to protect my old lady but why should I have to? I did not want her being made to feel nervous or alarmed.
Another case some time ago, was of one of my current Bedlingtons when she was heavily pregnant, just about 10 days away from whelping she was. She also has a heart of gold.
She was walking sedately along next to me, on her lead, enjoying a bit of 'me-time' away from my others, when an off-lead dog ran at her and bowled her over and over. The owner just stood and watched, never even called his dog off.
If his dog hadn't been muzzled, it would have killed my girl.
She never even attempted to fight back.
I am no fool, and know by the way he was going for her throat, then stomach, that he meant serious business.
Too long to go into any more here, but after racing my beautiful, gentle girl straight to the vet, both she, and her puppies were all saved.
The police paid the other owner a visit.
I can't tell you how I detest those type of owners.
I don't give a fig for them saying the usual . . "he only wants to play, he won't hurt you" rubbish. We shouldn't have to put up with it in the first place.
People might do well to imagine how it might feel if they were old, or poorly, or half blind, and a stranger suddenly loomed up in front of us, sticking his face inches away from ours, and circling round us.
That might give them a bit more insight into how the dog feels.
Rant over.