Loose dog, numpty owner, pity...

Bit of an idle post really, but I know there's some dog lovers on the .Org.

I went to pick up the wee man from school this morning, and as usual, sat in the car waiting.

Whilst I'm sat there, idly looking around for what's going on (not much as I live in a pretty rural area), I see a pretty large rottweiler wander past the school gates (driveway gates). EDIT: On re-reading this, I realise I should make it clear at this point that the rotty is by itself, no owner to be seen.

The rotty paused, looked around, and continued on it's walk.

I considered finding the copper that was in school (cop car parked near mine), but figured that probably wouldn't be a great idea. Even if I did find the copper, the dog would probably be gone & then there'd be a massive hunt for this "dangerous" dog on the loose.

So I got out the car & walked to the other gates, knowing the dog was about to pass there (I grew up around large dogs so have always felt comfortable - I'm not in any way suggesting someone else do this). Bent down showing the dog I meant no harm, gave it a bit of a stroke & held onto it's collar pretty firmly. The dog was happy to stand there & have a stroke.

That's when the owner appeared around the corner (at this point I didn't know she was the owner of the dog, given that she was still a good 300m away from the dog).

As the owner approached, she got a little distressed that I was holding her beloved dog, and pretty much accused me of abusing/stealing the dog. All I was doing was kneeling down on the path, holding it's collar with one hand & stroking it with the other.

So before I released the dog's collar, I had a little chat about the fact she was a few hundred meters away from the dog, walking by the road. Granted she knows her dog better than I do, but just the breed walking by could scare some people. Given that the kids were just about to come out of school too, for the scare factor alone it was a tad irresponsible of her.

I thought it best not to go down the route of "what if the dog were to attack someone when you were so far away from it?" since it'd been a very well mannered & happy thing. But I did ask her how she'd feel if the dog ran out in front of a car/bus, and told her that I knew for a fact there'd be a couple of buses passing in the next few mins.

She begrudgingly clipped the lead back on & continued on her walk. I think she realised my intentions, but I'm not sure she was that happy about it.

Why do some people just not understand the real world?

[Mr Speirs]

Originally Posted by Baph

Why do some people just not understand the real world?

Cos they don't live in it

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Baph

Why do some people just not understand the real world?

Because they are thoughtless and stupid and some shouldn't be let out on their own WITHOUT wearing a leash themself...........

we need more people like you in our 'look the other way' society.
you did the right thing mate.

[ophic]

Some people either just don't care or don't have the brain power to think in a considerate manner. Or some combination of both. The law normally does naff all until someone is actually hurt, regardless of how many close shaves occur beforehand. A rotty can hurt a kid without even meaning to.

Unfortunately expecting people to act responsibly is a big mistake these days.

Totally agree Baph.

I remember when I was in my mid-teens and lived with my parents we had a German Shepherd that hated other dogs invading its personal space, it didn't give a monkeys if they were a distance away from it but if another dog came up close then there was always trouble. I used to hate seeing other dogs off the lead, running over and the usual shout from the owners "Its alright, he/she is good with other dogs" followed by me replying "Mine isn't" as he was ripping shreds out of the other dog. Ended up buying a muzzle, which was great because people would see it and actually cross the road in fear.

Dog snatcher!!!!!!

[ophic]

Originally Posted by carlos

Totally agree Baph.

I remember when I was in my mid-teens and lived with my parents we had a German Shepherd that hated other dogs invading its personal space, it didn't give a monkeys if they were a distance away from it but if another dog came up close then there was always trouble. I used to hate seeing other dogs off the lead, running over and the usual shout from the owners "Its alright, he/she is good with other dogs" followed by me replying "Mine isn't" as he was ripping shreds out of the other dog. Ended up buying a muzzle, which was great because people would see it and actually cross the road in fear.

I get this problem, only my dog is a huge English Mastiff and a total coward. So rather than their dog being ripped to shreds, its normally me being ripped to shreds being towed through a hedge to get away from the other dog...

If i see a big dog not on a lead being held appropriately by its owner, i panic. I'll turn round and go home, let alone cross the road.

I hate it when a dog runs up to me and the owner says "its ok, s/he wont bite!"

yea, cheers luv, but can't you see im sh**ing bricks here

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

If i see a big dog not on a lead being held appropriately by its owner, i panic. I'll turn round and go home, let alone cross the road.

I hate it when a dog runs up to me and the owner says "its ok, s/he wont bite!"

yea, cheers luv, but can't you see im sh**ing bricks here

You'll be fine Matt - most dogs dont like s**t flavoured food