Good dogs, bad owners: September 2013

Good dogs, bad owners

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a good dogs, bad owners post. But after living in California for five weeks, it just had to be done. Oh, some things don’t change much no matter where you live …

In a parking lot. This lady comes around the corner with a golden off leash. The dog carries a teddy bear, owner looking proud. They pass, but then I hear barking. I turn to look. Teddy bear now on the ground. The dog circles a man. The man is pushing an ice cream cart. The dog’s tail is between its legs, ears back. It won’t stop barking and won’t come when called.

On a walk. My dog Ace and I pass a parked car. I’m horrified as three cattle dogs lunge and growl from the car. They push their heads and front paws through the windows, which are about halfway down. I’m scared of a dog attack for the first time in a long time.

At the beach. A man and woman walk two small dogs. One dog squats and takes a dump right on shore. The man, embarrassed, doesn’t have a bag. He says to the woman, “Get a bag! Why didn’t you bring a bag?” He then stands there (guarding the poop?) while the woman walks away, to get a bag. I see her walking away. Every time I look, she is still walking. The man stands there. The waves and sand cover the poop.

On a walk. We’re in a busy, storefront area. Lots of people. Ace wears his Gentle Leader in a tight heel. A family approaches head on – a man, woman, two girls and two dogs. The girls look about 7 and 9, and they each struggle to control a dog. One dog pulls and growls as it passes. We ignore it. The second actually snaps. We hear the woman yell, “Leave it!”

At the beach. Dogs must be on leash – but you know – I’m sensing a theme. Ace and I see the woman with her mini schnauzer, so we move away to mind our own business. The schnauzer of course charges, gets in Ace’s face, growls and put its paws on Ace’s neck. I see that it’s harmless, that Ace is a 70-pound pushover. But I worry for the schnauzer and the next dog it charges.

What’s a dog to do?

The majority of dog owners are good owners, and we all make mistakes. Yet, we all know there are a few gems out there. If you have a story to share for the next edition of “Good dogs, bad owners,” keep it concise (less than 100 words) and send to [email protected] with the subject “Good dogs, bad owners.” Can’t wait!