The politics of dog ownership in a city that probably has more dogs than children can be a very heated topic. The Alexandria City Council recently voted to join [tag]Virginia[/tag]’s [tag]Dangerous Dog Registry[/tag] and the Washington Post ran a piece about it on Sunday:
“City to List Dogs That Attack.”
I’d heard about the incident, but I didn’t know the details since versions of the story diverged wildly as it whipped through the local rumor mill.
The hound picked up the smaller dog in its mouth and vigorously shook it, causing it to suffer severe lacerations and a broken back, and leaving the 6-year-old terrier named Emily partially paralyzed, said owner Tracy Compton.
…….
Compton said that other dog owners at the park appeared eager to minimize the incident when her dog was attacked, fearful that it would give ammunition to dog-park critics. She said one dog owner who witnessed the attack followed her to the animal hospital to tell her that her dog was to blame because it was small and “looked like a squirrel.”
What sort of dog owner says that to another dog owner, especially in such hideous circumstances? Goes out of their way to do so, even? For that matter, what sort of person behaves that way, period? People make me tired.
When last I heard, at least, Emily the terrier was making a good recovery. I haven’t been out and about in the neighborhood much lately so I can’t say for sure.
I’ve seen the way my big dogs treat squirrels – this is exactly the reason I don’t let them near chihuahuas and the pocket pups when we see one walking towards us. The brains of my dogs are small, peanut sized bits that are focused on pooping and eating, I’m almost positive they’d see a small creature as a squeaky toy or a rodent – I’m not taking any chances in any case. Oh, wait, look, a responsible pet owner! Doh! One shouldn’t take their dog to a dog park if it has the slightest chance of attacking another dog. Or else deal with handing over your wallet to cover vet bills.
You are so very sensible.
People forget dogs need some guidance from humans even when it comes to playing with other dogs.
btw I think the brains of most humans are small, peanut sized bits that are focused on pooping and eating, but maybe I’m feeling a bit down on humanity today.
Our boys don’t go to dog parks. My hubby is a paranoid pet parent and doesn’t want to risk them being hurt. Though we have BIG dogs. I’m sure my lab would smush anyone he tried to play with.
They get long walks around the neighborhood, where they get to sniff noses with other pooches on leads, and occasionally with the dog next door though the fence.
I think a dangerous dog list is a good idea though. I think I’d prefer them blacklisted to having them take my boys and put them to sleep if they ever did hurt another animal or (heaven forbid) a person.
Oy, I have a lot of strong feelings about this. The things I saw during my several year tenure at the local West Village dog run would make the asshole in the article seem like Mary Poppins. People really go nuts over the dogs and the dog fights. Boris had his share — both as the aggressor and agressee. The key is not being an asshole about it. Sadly, there are too many people who, as you said, have nothing in their heads but peanuts.
I’m clearly ready to go to bed and sleep, I read Faith’s comment and spent several minutes thinking, “I didn’t know Faith ran a dog park.” I was thinking it was something like a victory garden or a co-op board. I have NO idea why I would think this.
Having had the experience of an otherwise-very-nice-neighborhood-dog attack my dog, while he was on a leash held by me and we were in my yard, I can tell you that some dogs just hate each other on sight. My dog was a medium-sized one and the other was a large dog…no misapprehension of a squirrel and no prior meeting or scuffle. No permanent damage to my dog, but the vet bill was HUGE. Bigger dog’s owner had to be sued to pay the damages. The key to pet ownership is responsible owners.
By tenure I meant I was a regular for the first several years of Boris’ life.
And Beezel Agentus is exactly right: the key is responsible owners. The dogs don’t know what they’re doing unless they’re told.
There’s the “one bad apple” theory that seems to pervade this City at least — that if you see someone not picking up after their dog, you just assume all dog owners are pricks and don’t pick up after their dogs. Another reason for people to take responsibility. Sadly, some just don’t care.
And then you have the “Paris Hiltons” who love being the wannabe with the tiny dog in their purse. Generally the worst offenders of not picking up poop — obviously because it is beneath their fabulous selves. I’m glad the local animal authorities are finally investigating ol’ Paris — who now claims to own 17 dogs and some Japanese anime sounding animal. She had her new kitten taken away by the rescue people after leaving it at the vet for 12 days after dropping it off to be neutered. So insane.
Whatever you do, don’t let your python loose at the dog park:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23364108/?GT1=10856
My sympathy truly goes out to the Yorkshire terrier, but I wonder…
Why would anyone take a small, fragile dog to a place where virtually every other animal is larger than a Yorkshire terrior?
Socialization is for small dogs, too. A dog that does not learn submissive behavior, and when to use it, is at extreme risk in a dog park. By nature, dogs see smaller animals as potential prey, even when they are other dogs.
This is not a situation involving a pit bull and a human being, such as the situation in Spotsylvania County. It is unconscionable to equate the two. They are not the same.