I was tempted to post this straight to the Dead Horses board just in case... but I just have to vent about this.

So... let me first say that while not ourselves a dog-owning family, we actually do like dogs (except when they bark all night in the neighborhood).

On Saturday, Hubby Gryffindor and I were out planting a new series in a local Nature Reserve. This trail is CLEARLY marked at the beginning in several places that dogs are not allowed in the park so as not to disturb the nature that lives there. (Hence, the term: Nature Reserve!) It's a beautiful place, and Saturday we were lucky enough to have a doe bound across the trail in front of us.

As we neared the end of the loop, however, we hear barking behind us. We were kind of moving slowly because I was taking notes for clues and we kept stopping to find ideal hiding spots. Up bounds (off-leash, no less) a young dog and scrambles all over us. I was pissed, and told another couple heading toward us, "This is NOT our dog." in case they thought we were the ones who owned it. Pretty soon, up strolls the family who owned the dog, and they quickly snapped the leash on it when they saw I was writing in a notebook. (Heh, heh, I think they thought I was reporting on them.)

I was just in disbelief that someone would just flagrantly decide that a rule like that didn't apply to them. They even had kids with them... so what does that teach them as well? Clearly, I'm still miffed about this 2 days later. I wanted so badly to say something to them, but was a little cautious about provoking strangers. What if they had trail rage or something? Would anyone here have said something? Or would you just fume about it the way I am? Or am I overreacting altogether?

Still Cranky... Carianna of GG

I'm afraid I would have reminded them of the rules.....that dogs were not allowed, either leashed or unleashed. Further I would have reminded them of the bad lesson they were teaching their children. That having been said, I would have left..........and really beat a path ought of there once out of sight!
But then Cranky is my middle name and I am old!!!!

Oh, I'm with you. I get annoyed when people have their dogs off leash on the trails in our park where they're actually allowed to be (if they're leased!) How much worse to have them in a park where they're not even supposed to be!

I have dogs, and I love dogs, but I'm not crazy about dogs allowed to run loose where they shouldn't be.

DebBee

Okay, I don't have any dogs. But for the most part, I think they are okay. I just wouldn't have one. (It's hard enough for me having kids)

But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that? Whether it has to do with dogs, speed limits or farting in public??

I certainly would have said something. I may have gotten a pistol shoved up my nose but like someone just said "Cranky is apparently my middle name too". (and I am not old)

I decided shortly after my grandma died that I am not going to wait until I am 83 to "call it like I see it." I am going to be honest about things and if it makes me look like a troublemaker, then BAM, I guess that's what I am.

I agree that this is unacceptable especially with kids in tow, and I love dogs. I suppose that I am most aggravated by the fact that not only was this dog off leash, but from what you said was that far away from its family. Like my mom always said when asked if our dog bit, "not yet." Irresposible dog owners (and people who let their cats roam where ever) drive me nuts. I would definately said something, but I am also sized in a way that even someone with trail rage might think twice.

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But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that? Whether it has to do with dogs, speed limits or farting in public??

ummmm, I am afraid I'm a little unfamilier with the rule on that last one.

The Cottontails

Clearly, if I had said something, I would not still be fuming 2 days later. I could see the look in Hubby Gryffindors' eyes though.... "Please, PLEASE, do not make a scene!"

He's mellowed me so much. In my youth, I would most DEFINITELY made a scene. It sounds as though most of you would have said something though, so that bolsters my intent for the next time. Pleading look from hiking companions or not, I won't stand silently by again.

Carianna of GG

But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that? Whether it has to do with dogs, speed limits or farting in public??</quote


ummmm, I am afraid I'm a little unfamilier with the rule on that last one.

I'm not familiar with that one myself and I wrote it, but if there were a rule for it, obviously, someone would be certain to break it.

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But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that? Whether it has to do with dogs, speed limits or farting in public??

It would go something like this... (And would raise quite a stink!)

http://www.ridiculopathy.com/news_detail.php?id=616

Carianna of GG (who can't believe her 100th post was about this... )

Too funny, that's exactly how I envisioned it.

And I might get roasted for this, but I want to say up front that I like both dogs and cats and have had my share of both kinds of critters, along with guinea pigs and other fuzzy beasts well represented in my family all through my life.

I know that in my city, it is also illegal for cats to run free. I am a real fan of wildlife and I have gone to great lenghts to make my yard a haven for songbirds and butterfiles, providing them with cover and water and food sources (some that grow and some that I provide), since the growth of human habitation has decreased the habitat available to them. I get really irked at all the house cats that people allow to run free -- they are such efficient bird hunters and can see so well at night when the birds are without any defense! And not only is it irresponsible to allow them to run free to hunt unrestrained, it is also irresponsible to the animal, putting it in harm's way from coyotes, dogs and other larger predators (not to mention cars).

It just seems to me that it boils down to common courtesy and responsibility, really. If I wouldn't want a wildcard dog (or cat) running loose in my world either at home or while hiking in the woods and hunting for boxes, why would I suspect that someone else might enjoy that sort of experience, just because it happens to be my dog (or cat) (or even guinea pig, loosed in their garden...)? Of course, I ask myself how I would like someone else to treat me in a given situation whenever I'm in any doubt.

Applying the above rule here, I think that either the person doesn't really understand how inappropriate their behavior is and might need a gentle reminder about why the rules are in place. Or, they're really inconsiderate and in need of a gentle reminder about why the rules are in place! LOL! I would probably say something. It's not okay to put me or my family (including the four-footed members) in a situation where they might be in danger and it's not okay for me to put my four-footed family members in danger by letting them run loose.

Webfoot (who carves more images of wildlife and pets than anything else...)

Webfoot, good point about the cats. I have 4 (along with a goofy Golden Retriever and a rescued wild mouse). Since I, too, feed birds I found a happy (for us) compromise. My cats have a fenced-in run that allows them to feel the breezes and sun, but not get hurt, lost or become a nuisance for anyone else. In exchange, they are free to hunt/snack on any animal dumb enough to force their way into the run. The birds are way too smart for that.

My dog is leashed wherever we go except at the specific park where she is allowed to be off-lead. It is heavily posted, so I figure that anyone who goes is prepared to see loose dogs. Of course it helps that she's not the kind who rushes up to strangers.

stripedbass

Thanks, stripedbass.

I'm glad my long-winded missive made some sense! I do love dogs and cats - and am currently working on an adoption/rescue opportunity with a stray/abandoned cat that's causing all kinds of trouble with the feathered residents of my neighborhood. The poor creature is currently filthy and cold and probably quite miserable. I'm trying to convince him that it would be ever so much nicer inside with a bowl of kitty snacks and a warm place to snooze. :) Some folks think I'm a cat hater because I don't like them to run loose, though I can't understand why -- I keep on rescuing and either adopting or finding homes for them. I have the same sort of approach that you do -- except I have always taken the cats out on a lead, too. I am amazed at how well they adapt (and even enjoy taking walks with the canine siblings from time to time! LOL!).

Webfoot

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But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that?

And how many Letter Boxers out there have done just that BROKEN RULES, but planting with out permision or in illegal areas?????

Mystic Dreamer
Who does let her dog of lease when I feel like there is no one else on the trail.

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But, Rules are just that... RULES!!!!!! Why is it so hard for people to understand that?

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And how many Letter Boxers out there have done just that BROKEN RULES, but planting with out permision or in illegal areas?????

Right, but how truly injurious is planting a box under twigs and leaves. I don't think I have ever heard of fatal accidents involving tupperware. However you hear something at least every month about dog attacks, and cat bites can become very infected, go systemic in your body and be fatal too.

It took a year & a half to convince one of my strays to come in from the cold. He'd run away when he saw me even when I'd put food out. The first time I was able to touch him, he rubbed against me, arched his back & walked in through the door when I opened it! Now he's spoiled & happy (and rather chunky, too!)
stripedbass

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It took a year & a half to convince one of my strays to come in from the cold.

It does take time... and patience!! Of course, I spoil all my critters -- indoors and out. ;-) I don' t have kids, so I've got to take it out on somebody!! LOL!

Webfoot

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I spoil all my critters -- indoors and out. ;-) I don' t have kids, so I've got to take it out on somebody!!

I spoil all my critters too...and I DO have kids. The kids, I don't spoil.

A dog with no visible owner..in a park that forbids dogs..and it's scrambling all over me.

That, I do believe, would be called a moving target. 'Cause I for sure would be flailing my walking stick just as hard as I could manage.

Face it, a dog would have to be either feral or insane to jump on *me*. Either one is potentially deadly. Self-preservation all the way!