It's that time again! RUDY TIME!!! Of course at our house it's ALWAYS Rudy Time!!
This week I have a rant.
Last Thursday evening we had a scare, while on our walk in the neighborhood a pit bull mix came after Rudy. Luckily Hubby was with me to intercept the dog. Now let me begin by saying it's NOT THE BREED that I have a problem with...it's irresponsible people thinking it's "cool"--"tough" or whatever they think when they get the dog and then they don't train the dog...especially knowing it's a powerful strong breed.
I grew up with large breeds; several German Shepherds, a Labrador, a Weimeraner, and an Irish Setter (oh how I loved that dog). Rudy is my first small breed dog.
Now I'll further qualify my statement by saying it's not just the pit bull, doberman, rottweiler breed I'm talking about. It's anybody getting a dog for the wrong reasons. I don't visit pet stores that sell dogs anymore because I've seen too many times, someone holding a puppy and deciding they want it-they buy it right on the spot...without researching to see if it's a breed for kids, other pets or whatever may be their special situation---this is why so many dogs end up in shelters because they soon find out it's "not going to work out"!
Besides that I end up crying when I see all those sweet little faces looking at me through the glass or wire cage.
It's very simple here in our area to obtain even the easiest dog obedience for under $100--Petsmart, City of Salem Parks & Rec or a private dog obedience school like Rudy went to (Star City Canine)...yeah, he's an uppity "Private Schooled" dog~~hee-hee!
That is only the beginning of what went wrong. Secondly the dog was being handled by 2 pre-teen girls using a bungee leash made for a toy breed. Needless to say when we turned the corner unexpectedly it didn't take much for those girls to lose the dog. When I saw the situation I put Rudy in a sit & stay, giving them the opportunity to get dog moving away from us. That didn't happen, the dog broke free and I quickly scooped up Rudy and turned my back...so thankful that Hubby was there cause I probably would have been torn to shreds!
We have a very good Animal Control division of the Police Dept..they are VERY compassionate and caring about ALL animals, I'm not sure of the percentage but they do place LOTS of animals from the facility. I called to talk with one of my friends there, who knew all about this dog...in fact had been in court with the owner just 2 days before...for the same reason, another neighbors chihuahua nearly attacked. Another neighbor a few doors down fears for her two Pomeranians.
I'm sorry for the owner that she's angry that she might lose her dog but I, as well as others in my neighborhood want to feel safe. The Lt. of the Animal Control was willing to fix her fence for her, where the dog had escaped on one of the previous occasions...but she declined his help. So...she's not willing to train her dog...and she's not willing to fix a fence that would otherwise give the dog some running freedom....Hmmmmm, this makes me mad!
All I can say to her is...if you love your dog--spend time with him/her through some training, you'll both be better for it! BE RESPONSIBLE!!!
Okay, I think I'm done now...I hope I didn't step on any toes here.
Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!
9 comments:
Bravo!!! We actually know a few pits, including one very aptly named Baby. She would be right there with Rudy on my "doggy friends least likely to hurt a fly" list.
Honestly? I know more bad terriers because they have owners who didn't know what they were getting...
And you know Sissy drove me to an obedience class, because this former junior handler couldn't get a grip. I think obedience classes are great for all dogs and all owners.
Gretchen still wants her Canine Good Citizen award. Maybe next spring my schedule will allow...
Great post! Our animal control see's pits and immediately puts them down....we have a real horrible shelter. I dislike when people walk there dogs without a leash and let them go wild...with no regard for others in the vicinity...
Glad you and Rudy are safe!
agree!!! we made sure to spend a lot of time training our dog after we got our radial shape wireless dog fence from havahart wireless.
it is so nice to have now though...totally worth it. we can let him out to play and don't have to worry!
If the neighbor's dog hasn't actually bitten or attacked, I would like to think there's no way they could even think of putting it down.
Sounds like the best option is rehoming the dog to a responsible owner.......
Glad you & Rudy are ok.
And as for any animal control that automatically puts pits down, well then I saw those workers should automatically be given a lethal injection as well........ just my two cents. It is absurd and too many GOOD dogs die because of uneducated righteous idiots in government.
Good for you, and I'm so glad Rudy wasn't hurt--I type as my next door neighbor's dog munches a chew bone at my feet. You are so right about irresponsible owners. I warned my neighbors that Belgian Malinois are high maintenance breeds, but they just sneered as if I didn't know what I was talking about. They're not as high maintenance as you seem to think, they said. Now that the dog is a year old, he has had no training, other than what I've given him. They never walk him, and the poor baby spends most of his life shut up in a crate. As soon as they let him out, he makes a beeline for my house. I take him when I walk Rylea, with their full knowledge and permission. I have a feeling that before too much longer, he'll be mine. He is so sweet, and smart. He just needs attention. Oooh, sorry to take up so much space, but this is a peeve of mine, too.
Thank goodness everyone is okay!! Jack is okay, right??
Rudy is very handsome!
We agree with you 100% about the owner/breed issues. We have had the same problem w/ a neighbor's doberman and up the street pit bulls.
Also glad your husband was with u guys!
I'm so glad y'all are okay! I loathe irresponsible pet owners. :(
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