Uncontrolled Dogs – A Tragedy Waiting To Happen

Apr 13th Uncontrolled Dogs – A Tragedy Waiting To Happen

This morning as I sat at my desk searching for a blog topic, I learned of a terrible tragedy that broke my heart and angered me beyond belief. After I calmed down, I decided the best thing I could do was bring awareness to this situation.

The heartbreaking tragedy was posted to my Facebook page by a good friend and dog breeder. A puppy he’d placed with a loving family several years ago was viciously attacked by two other dogs and died. I deliberately didn’t mention the perpetrators breed, as there are good and bad in ALL breeds. However, this family is devastated and grieving due to the loss of their beloved Chow caused by a tragedy that could have been prevented by responsible dog ownership and training.

In my humble opinion, these situations happen because people fail to keep their dogs on a leash or fail to maintain their fence so their dog escapes on a regular basis. Or people allow the escape of their canine out the front door. Now I realize accidents happen. But knowing where your dog is when you open the door. Training your dog to stay away from the door when it’s open. Or simply holding onto your dog when the door is open goes a long way to stop escape.

A couple of months ago, I faced a similar but much less devastating situation. Out for an early morning walk, a neighbor’s dog (he’d escaped confinement) charged at my dog and I, growling, barking, with hackles raised. (It was a breed that you don’t associate with attacks, so I was caught by surprise.) Adrenaline pumping enabled me to sling my 45-50 pound Chow up on my shoulder and kick at the advancing dog, connecting several times until the dog retreated. That was the first and last time I’ve left my house without an air horn, pepper spray and collapsible metal baton.

It is a sad state of affairs when you have to pack protective gear before venturing out with your dog in your own neighborhood. Yet, I meet several people daily that carry a large walking stick, among other things, for protection of themselves and their dog(s). Some go as far as to carry a concealed weapon. A recipe for disaster. But, an air horn can be a great deterrent, hopefully allowing escape without harm to anyone.

In memory of this wonderful family companion, please keep your dog under control and on a leash while going for a walk, make sure your fence is escape proof, and your dog is contained before opening the outside door. Also check your dog’s collars and leashes for wear and replace the items when necessary! Taking these simple steps may help prevent this tragedy from happening to you and your dog.

One last request, please pick up after your dog, illness and disease can be spread through feces. Not to mention the irritation and aroma a person experiences when stepping in a pile. Yuck! That way everyone can enjoy our parks, trails and neighborhoods.

Thank you!