[miatri]

(hi kids, i've just written this and sent it off to our local paper, i'm sorta grinning cause on this island letters like this can create a ruckus, but jeeeez, i'm running out of limbs that work and this dog issue is truly risky! think u all will totally understand and maybe some will relate and definately appreciate how i titled it, lol.)

Last week as I was walking I had an ankle give way, heard a noise, felt sensations, sucked the air out of my lungs and knew it was going to be a challenge to manage the 2kms to get home. While my body went into shock, sweating turning to chills, nausea threatening to empty my stomach, vision dimming and my Malamute tethered to me, I cautiously focused on making it home.

It was VERY challenging not to pass out and took an enormous amount of focused breathing to stay upright. A few yards from my driveway an unleashed dog appeared and began immediately to approach us with its lip curled and teeth barred, growling. Its human was a female riding a bike some distance away. All I could manage to say was ‘NO, no, no, no’ over and over, as I tried to calm my LEASHED senior dog who wanted nothing more than to protect me.

The woman did not get off her bike, did not stop peddling, did not say a single word to me. She did call the dog, a few times, which her dog ignored and continued to aggress at us. She had no leash and clearly no intention of getting off her bike to control her dog.

I have a serious life threatening illness, the ankle bones popping out of place is part of a whole body deterioration. This encounter is not the first time I’ve wondered why people think its ok to let their dogs run off leash when they absolutely KNOW they don’t have 100% recall. It doesn’t matter how ‘friendly’ you think your dog is, when its not under control it is an obstacle for some of us to overcome and it presents an unnecessary potential threat to life and limb.

I’m a peace seeking gal, not looking for upset or anything ugly or aggressive, just doing the very best I can to maintain a quality of life that keeps me independent and away from our toxic medical system. I don’t go around talking about my health challenges, I deal with it as gracefully and privately as I can. So I’m wondering if this woman and the many, many other dog owners here would actually have some compassion and consider that there are larger potential dangers with allowing their dogs to roam unchecked. Or should I start wearing a sign that identifies me as a cripple who brakes easily? But that would only work if off leash dogs had owners close to hand, which they typically don’t…a conundrum…

Sincerely kath

[debbiehub]

Only if the dog could read-lol I was reading your question while my husband is watch Cesar - The dog whisperer- Maybe you should send him your letter- I am afraid of dogs big time- but since I cant really walk much it has not been an issue lately

Debbie

Originally Posted by miatri

(hi kids, i've just written this and sent it off to our local paper, i'm sorta grinning cause on this island letters like this can create a ruckus, but jeeeez, i'm running out of limbs that work and this dog issue is truly risky! think u all will totally understand and maybe some will relate and definately appreciate how i titled it, lol.)

Last week as I was walking I had an ankle give way, heard a noise, felt sensations, sucked the air out of my lungs and knew it was going to be a challenge to manage the 2kms to get home. While my body went into shock, sweating turning to chills, nausea threatening to empty my stomach, vision dimming and my Malamute tethered to me, I cautiously focused on making it home.

It was VERY challenging not to pass out and took an enormous amount of focused breathing to stay upright. A few yards from my driveway an unleashed dog appeared and began immediately to approach us with its lip curled and teeth barred, growling. Its human was a female riding a bike some distance away. All I could manage to say was ‘NO, no, no, no’ over and over, as I tried to calm my LEASHED senior dog who wanted nothing more than to protect me.

The woman did not get off her bike, did not stop peddling, did not say a single word to me. She did call the dog, a few times, which her dog ignored and continued to aggress at us. She had no leash and clearly no intention of getting off her bike to control her dog.

I have a serious life threatening illness, the ankle bones popping out of place is part of a whole body deterioration. This encounter is not the first time I’ve wondered why people think its ok to let their dogs run off leash when they absolutely KNOW they don’t have 100% recall. It doesn’t matter how ‘friendly’ you think your dog is, when its not under control it is an obstacle for some of us to overcome and it presents an unnecessary potential threat to life and limb.

I’m a peace seeking gal, not looking for upset or anything ugly or aggressive, just doing the very best I can to maintain a quality of life that keeps me independent and away from our toxic medical system. I don’t go around talking about my health challenges, I deal with it as gracefully and privately as I can. So I’m wondering if this woman and the many, many other dog owners here would actually have some compassion and consider that there are larger potential dangers with allowing their dogs to roam unchecked. Or should I start wearing a sign that identifies me as a cripple who brakes easily? But that would only work if off leash dogs had owners close to hand, which they typically don’t…a conundrum…

Sincerely kath

[Dew58]

There are leash laws where I live. The gal on the bike is breaking the law for letting her dog run at dog's will.

I found your article funny;however, it is sad that it had to be written.

I hope you feel better soon.

Dew

[Jomar]

Was the person close enough to hear you if you yelled at her to get her dog?
Is there a leash law in your area? I think most parts of the USA have some sort of leash law.

I think I'd yell something like - "Hey I have health problems and your dog is growling at me - come and get him now"!

[Dew58]

Maybe, carry a walking stick..for protection

[SBOWLING]

Kath,

I don't think you are breaking the peace if you had asked the lady to get her dog! She was in her own world and not paying attention or wasn't caring enough to tend to her dog. If she wanted to ride her bike leave the dog at home if she wanted to walk her dog leave the bike at home. She needs to be respectful of her neighbors or neighborhood and control her dog. We have dog parks in OH where leashes are not required. I commend you for still walking your dog. I have a red Golden Retriever "Copper" he is too strong for me to walk him. I don't have the strength and endurance I would like to have.
You don't need a sign. I'm sure your body language is saying I have a health issue. Especially since I'm sure your injury wasn't allowing you to walk normal. We get enough lables from those who don't understand our condition. We don't need to lable ourselves.
I hope your ankle is feeling better and it didn't flair your pain!!
Take care,
Sherrie

[miatri]

thankyou all for ur comments, glad the humor leaked out and please note that my left brain definately wanted to suggest that the sign wouldnt work cause the dog owner had her head up her a-- and wouldnt c it, hee hee. much like the idea that the dog needs to be able to read ey.(i'll hve to tell u about the wandering cows sometime, chuckle)

yes, there r leash laws, but one needs to enforce any law and thats not always an option here or in cities, u gotta know were the dog lives etc.
yes, i do have a walking stick which i'd stopped taking when my right arm became challenged, i am once again taking it!

the reason i worded it as i did, the reason i do everything as i do, comes from asking myself what it is i wish to accomplish, what is my desired outcome? no way to guarantee this particular woman will read the paper the week my letter goes in, i chose not to describe her or the dog, so the point mite never get to her. which lead me to decide that it was a 'teachable' moment, an opportunity to gently make a point to the larger community.

for me, i've learned that i will absolutely get back what i put out, my words, deeds and even my thoughts r energy, and will attract like kinded energy to them. if i send out anger i KNOW i will get that back, not interested! thats not to say it doesnt flare up, but its not me, i am not my thoughts, i am not this body, thoughts rise, then they fall, come and go, i dont have to identify with them, just take note and in short order new thoughts will rise and fall and so on...

i'm gonna post another story, its very magical, was a huge lesson and another amazing gift from this benevolent universe that there r no accidents, adversity is an opportunity to create what i didnt know i could create and when i Trust myself miracles can happen.

namaste