We Are Responsible For Our Pets

Life is very interesting these days.  We have had some unpleasant things happen to us.  It has made me aware of the responsibility we all need to take if we own pets.   They are like family members.

My husband and I like to walk in the evenings and unwind.  We have walked the same route for many years.  We hold hands and talk about our day and discuss life in general.   We are usually in a care free relaxed state of mind and have always felt safe until recently.  A couple of weeks ago we were walking and we were blind sighted as we strolled along the side walk and three dogs came running from a house and surrounded us.  We were caught so off guard as I saw the dogs approach us.  I tried to move into the street thinking some how in my mind that perhaps there was an electric fence.  No there was no fence and my husband tried to shield me and hold me still.  I guess he figured no movement and no eye contact was for the best.  I was so scared that my adrenalin kicked in, as they surrounded us very angry and territorial.  My instinct was to scream and draw some one's attention to us.   There was no owner outside with these dogs. I thought that I was about to be their dinner.   My screaming paid off as a women finally opened her door and called the dogs off.  She offered no apology  and closed her door quickly.

My husband and I hurried home as I was trembling and felt half sick at my stomach.  I shared my story with some friends who were concerned and happy that we were all right.   I made a mistake of saying the breed of the dog.  I was in a nice but firm way told that I was stereotyping the dogs.  I replied stating that no matter what the breed we were scared and that the dogs should not be left unattended.  I am thankful that no children were outside.

I myself am an animal lover and I have had two dogs in my lifetime.  They were both of different breeds.   I can tell you from some real life experiences that dogs, no matter what the breed and from loving owners have attacked and bitten people.  No matter what the breed if a dog feels threatened or thinks that you are infringing on their territory they will attack.

My dog I had as a child was a very loving dog.  He never harmed us in any way, but he was shot by a boy with a BB gun.  The boy would pass through our neighbor's yard and taunt the dog at the fence line.  He took it upon himself to shoot our dog one day and the dog survived by a narrow margin.  From that day forward our dog could sense that boy coming from miles away and sit at the fence waiting. If he could have gotten out of the yard he would have attacked that boy.  It was our responsibility to assure that the dog was properly kept in our yard.  The boy had no remorse for what he did, and the dog was protecting his territory and himself.  Our dog lived to an old age and was very gentle and loving to us.

Laney is my love and she can stand her own when it comes to strangers.  It is my duty to make sure that she causes no harm to others.  She does not go out unattended or without a leash.  It is my responsibility to keep her safe and others safe.  We need to remember that having dogs is a great responsibility.  No matter what the breed we need to obey laws and have our dogs registered and up to date on vaccines.  They need a loving home and owners who take responsibility in keeping their dogs in their own yards and not let them roam the neighborhood.  They are great companions for people and bring much comfort and purpose to our life. 

We no longer walk the route any more.  That scary evening has left a terrible memory in my mind.  It actually took a couple of days to recover from the incident, as it over stimulated my adrenaline.  I have returned to walking in different areas with mace in my hand and sometimes Laney on a leash.  And of course my body shield, my husband.  Love you, my husband and Laney too!

Life is beautiful!!!
Elizabeth:)

The Beauty Of A Symphony

One of my favorite blogs was the about music.  It has a way of soothing our heartache.

The Symphony

Life would be wonderful if it were like a symphony. My favorite childhood memories are listening to Chopin and Bach with my dad. He introduced me to music at a very early age and I remember him playing great symphonies and I would dance to the eloquent music. I have always found listening to music as a way to escape the stresses of life. I recently witnessed giraffes at the zoo gliding eloquently across the ground every time they heard music. It was wonderful to see them respond to the music as if they were enjoying it. It made me happy to think that animals also seem to enjoy the music. This gave me hope that my Laney also enjoys the music and finds great peace as I have.

Posted by Elizabeth Stafford at Monday, November 14, 2011 No comments: 


Elizabeth :)