Ok, first let me point out that I like dogs. I grew up with dogs. I've owned dogs. My dad bred dogs when I was a kid.
Dogs are fun, and good to have around especially when you have kids. Sometimes people just need someone to listen and have no fear of it getting around :) Can you tell I was a kid that used to go outside, sit by my dog, put my arm around her and blahblahblah and sometimes bawl... cause really? That dog ain't going to judge you no matter how much of an irrational teenager you are! And it sure as heck isn't going to tell that really cute boy that you are desperately in love with him.
Anywho, as I was walking around my neighborhood yesterday searching out parents of the little punks that were picking on Goober... I noticed a LOAD of dogs. Some small, some big. Mostly nice dogs. Very few confined. One dog ran up to me, sniffed me out and wagged his tail. If EB had been with me he would have been TERRIFIED.
I continued on my way and proceeded to go in my front door, blocking aforementioned dog from coming in with me (he seemed set on it). After a few minutes I heard scratching on my front door. So I headed back outside to see if this dog had tags... mainly cause I really am not fond of having my door scratched up by a random dog.
Low and behold he had a tag. Yay! Hammer was his name (who names their dog that?!) and he was a sweet dog, but from about three blocks away. I called the phone number on his tag and got a voicemail. So I decided to walk him home... hoping for a fence or something to keep him there.
There wasn't a fence, but a chain in the front so I tied him up and went on my way back home. Kind put out that it was left to me to take care of someone elses dog.
Later I got a call from the lady of the house saying thanks for bringing him back and that she had just let him out to "do his duty" and that he usually wanders off, but comes back after a while. I replied that I was glad he had a tag so I would know where to take him. Her reply? He had been picked up by animal control a couple of times and so they decided to get him a tag.
Now, here's what I don't understand. Having been a dog owner myself I understand that sometimes a dog will escape, sometimes they run off when you are cleaning the car in the driveway and let them out while you are outside. What I really don't get is if a dog has been picked up by the animal control more than once, shouldn't that be an indication that they shouldn't be running around loose? While I'm glad they got a tag for the dog, many people wouldn't bother to look for one and would instead just call animal control.
I know that people think their dogs are sweet and not bothering anyone. I know that. I don't have a problem with how nice or not nice their dog is (which sometimes totally changes when their owners aren't around). I have a problem with the fact that my youngest son is scared spitless by cats.... let alone DOGS... which are usually bigger (and whom, I might add, might not be current on their shots and might actually be a danger to my children).
Then there is the whole dog doo on your lawn thing. I know dog owners don't think it's that big of a deal... it is after all a lot less than what they clean up on a weekly basis. Thing is, I don't know it's there before me or one of my kids step in it... and then I get to do that whole, scrape the crap off the bottom of the shoe with a toothpick thing. And that is besides the fact that this is one of the main reasons I don't currently own a dog.
Now, I don't want to be a pain in my neighbors butts. I don't want to complain to them, mainly because they are nice people and generally law abiding ...besides there are already laws about having your dogs loose. Shouldn't that be enough? If you have a dog. Get a fence. Then you won't have to feel bad about the dog not being able to run around a bit, then you won't have to make sure they don't run off when you let them out to relieve themselves. I now fences are pricey. I know! I've put one in myself. But if a fence is too much, isn't a dog too much?
I just don't get it I guess.
14 comments:
I agree 100% with you. I have my dogs fenced & my parents always let them out so they can "run". I have told them numerous times that they will get hit or whatever. Some people just dont understand the danger of letting there dogs run free.
Did you ever find the parents of the kids? Good luck with that I hope I NEVER have to deal with it. I'm not sure I could be so nice.
Yes, that is a conundrum. However, I have a more confusing one. I've watched some of my neighbors with a fenced yard "let the dog (a pitbull)out, unattended." Additionally, there is a great dane who is known to attack children and has maimed a few that is "let out" unattended as well. The last little girl almost lost an eye, yet the owners have not stopped "letting (this dog) out." Can you tell it infuriates me? The great dane attacked my Katie while she ran ahead as we were walking home from school once.
Jody - I have to say, I would have Animal Control on SPEED DIAL at that point. Grrrrr
I do have Animal Control on speed dial. However, the day Kate was bitten they gave me "the run around" asking if I had proof, in the form of case numbers, that the dog had bitten other kids. Then, I had to inform the dispatcher their were other children who live on and use the street, who were in danger of being bitten, before they conceded to send an animal control officer.
If that wasn't enough, the first city animal control dispatcher didn't pass the message along to an animal control officer. Then, after I called back a few hours later, even more angry(after medically caring for Kate and while waiting before bringing her to see the doctor), a different dispatcher answered and actually sent an officer.
I was so mad I called an attorney. The attorney said I would have to wait a year to see if a scar had formed before I could press charges. I find this advice to be suspious because there is a statute of limitations. However, I feel I didn't have anywhere else to turn.
What is a mother to do when her child is in danger, the people paid to enforce the laws (i.e. animal control) don't enforce them and one could go to jail for "taking the law into your own hands"?
I'd give up on animal control and call the police. Tell them your child is in danger and that animal control seems to be ignoring the problem. But that is me.
I do have Animal Control on speed dial. However, the day Kate was bitten they gave me "the run around" asking if I had proof, in the form of case numbers, that the dog had bitten other kids. Then, I had to inform the dispatcher their were other children who live on and use the street, who were in danger of being bitten, before they conceded to send an animal control officer.
If that wasn't enough, the first city animal control dispatcher didn't pass the message along to an animal control officer. Then, after I called back a few hours later, even more angry(after medically caring for Kate and while waiting before bringing her to see the doctor), a different dispatcher answered and actually sent an officer.
I was so mad I called an attorney. The attorney said I would have to wait a year to see if a scar had formed before I could press charges. I find this advice to be suspicious (appearently, I don't spell well while typing angry) because there is a statute of limitations. However, I feel I didn't have anywhere else to turn.
What is a mother to do when her child is in danger, the people paid to enforce the laws (i.e. animal control) don't enforce them and one could go to jail for "taking the law into your own hands"?
Aprillium's reply (chronologically): I'd give up on animal control and call the police. Tell them your child is in danger and that animal control seems to be ignoring the problem. But that is me.
That's a good solution. Thanks Aprillium:D
I apologize for the mess I made on your blog Aprillium. I've tried to make amends by attempting to clean up my mess.
lol no prob Jody! I would rather hear from you and have a little smudge than not hear from you and nothing :D
Ughhhhhh, people are so dumb sometimes!!! It's against the law to not have your pet leashed! Grr. Irresponsibility in a can. I adore dogs, too, but I, too, am sick of stepping in dog poop. Dog poop is the main reason I don't have one, as well. There is a lady in my ward who is sooo nice, used to be my visiting teaching companion, everything. But she lets her dogs loose, and they do their business all over my lawn. As do the nappy neighbor dogs (who are exceedingly unfriendly dogs). I've started picking up the poop in a plastic bag and depositing the bag on the front stoops of these people. Enough is enough. I'm hoping they'll get the message soon enough.
Thanks April:)
Hey, Karr
Why leave it in a tidy container which makes it EASY for them to throw away? Put it somewhere they'll unexpectedly step in it (as others of us, unfortunately, often do) or, if you want to be pointed about it, put (uncontained) on their front door mat (or in their streetside mail box? Don't want to make it a "federal" case, though). Or you might just use your shovel to toss it from your yard back onto said neighbor's lawn.
I couldn't agree with you more. Dogs are great, but there are reasons I don't own one. Some dog owners are perfect, respectful, and understanding. Other dog owners just don't get it. This lady is one of those that just doesn't get it.
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