Vicaroo1000
"Slug Assassin" and PBS Gardening Dweeb
- Jun 23, 2011
- 5,775
- 389
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Beefeater's Buxom Beatrice and Lord Harrington's Bodacious Beauregaard
On our daily walk around the neighborhood, I often run into a know-it-all woman who, some months ago, had adopted a Puggle rescue named Buddy. Buddy has issues -- I think I've talked about him here before. I have always tried to be supportive and helpful when encountering Buddy and his stupid human. The first time we met, she smacked the dog on the snout for barking at my dogs and at that time, many months ago, I said quite simply, "Hitting a dog doesn't teach them anything. Have you considered attending obedience classes with Buddy?" Since then, I have heard about how well he's doing in Petco obedience classes (yay) -- and he really IS improving -- in spite of this woman, I think. His principle problem is -- as she puts it -- "Dog aggression"; which is bullcrap. He's fearful of other dogs and his outbursts are the OUTCOME of her INSISTING that he be within muzzle reach of other dogs. The KINDEST suggestions are met with either, "Oh yeah. That's what his trainer says." OR "I know." (my favorite since she DOESN'T FLIPPING KNOW).
Here's how Thursdays encounter went. Everyone is leashed and we are at the grassy park outside the clubhouse.
Me: (secretly rolling my eyes to myself. Oh crap. Here comes Shyt-For-Brains.) Hey There. Hi Buddy. How are ya?
Lady: "Good" + some small talk about the bad weather, as she brings Buddy as close as possible to my dogs as quickly as possible. He's at the very end of his leash meaning that she is not controlling the meeting. He's now in muzzle reach within seconds and he immediately begins showing teeth and snapping. She swiftly and heavy handedly HITS THE DOG ON THE HEAD.
Me: HEY! Listen, you brought him too close too fast. Just stay back a bit and let him acclimate -- JEEZ! (She steps back a bit) You CANNOT hit your dog like that! He's not learning anything when you do.
Lady: Oh I know. His trainer says...
Me: (infuriated already) Oh sure! Your trainer tells you to SMACK YOUR DOG IN THE HEAD????? REALLY????? Oh yes, I'm CERTAIN that's just exactly what she said....
Lady: (defensively now) Well when you have a dog that's like THIS (she throws an arm in Buddy's direction)...
Me: Listen. If you want to beat your dog Lady, you need to do it in the privacy of your own home.... you cannot and WILL NOT do it in front of me! (I'm yelling now) You aren't teaching that dog A THING BY DOING THAT.
Lady: His trainer...
Me: BULLSHIT. You cannot do that in front of me. I forbid it.
Lady: (stunned; she stands there for a moment) and then says, "Fine. Comon' buddy.", and stomps off with the dog in tow.
Her place is right off the park and we pass by it every single day. I already have an apology prepared for when I do see her again -- and I surely will. I just lost all patience so quickly. I'm not helping her by doing that and more importantly, I'm not helping Buddy. I've thought about writing a note and leaving it on her doorstep -- but I won't do that. SHE was wrong. And I'm not going to apologize for THAT. Maybe next time she's considering reaching out and smackin that dog, she'll think of me going postal out there in the grass? Maybe not. Ugh. I feel bad about not being a good example, right? But COME ON. UGH UGH UGH.
Anyway, that's the story. What would you have done?
Here's how Thursdays encounter went. Everyone is leashed and we are at the grassy park outside the clubhouse.
Me: (secretly rolling my eyes to myself. Oh crap. Here comes Shyt-For-Brains.) Hey There. Hi Buddy. How are ya?
Lady: "Good" + some small talk about the bad weather, as she brings Buddy as close as possible to my dogs as quickly as possible. He's at the very end of his leash meaning that she is not controlling the meeting. He's now in muzzle reach within seconds and he immediately begins showing teeth and snapping. She swiftly and heavy handedly HITS THE DOG ON THE HEAD.
Me: HEY! Listen, you brought him too close too fast. Just stay back a bit and let him acclimate -- JEEZ! (She steps back a bit) You CANNOT hit your dog like that! He's not learning anything when you do.
Lady: Oh I know. His trainer says...
Me: (infuriated already) Oh sure! Your trainer tells you to SMACK YOUR DOG IN THE HEAD????? REALLY????? Oh yes, I'm CERTAIN that's just exactly what she said....
Lady: (defensively now) Well when you have a dog that's like THIS (she throws an arm in Buddy's direction)...
Me: Listen. If you want to beat your dog Lady, you need to do it in the privacy of your own home.... you cannot and WILL NOT do it in front of me! (I'm yelling now) You aren't teaching that dog A THING BY DOING THAT.
Lady: His trainer...
Me: BULLSHIT. You cannot do that in front of me. I forbid it.
Lady: (stunned; she stands there for a moment) and then says, "Fine. Comon' buddy.", and stomps off with the dog in tow.
Her place is right off the park and we pass by it every single day. I already have an apology prepared for when I do see her again -- and I surely will. I just lost all patience so quickly. I'm not helping her by doing that and more importantly, I'm not helping Buddy. I've thought about writing a note and leaving it on her doorstep -- but I won't do that. SHE was wrong. And I'm not going to apologize for THAT. Maybe next time she's considering reaching out and smackin that dog, she'll think of me going postal out there in the grass? Maybe not. Ugh. I feel bad about not being a good example, right? But COME ON. UGH UGH UGH.
Anyway, that's the story. What would you have done?