Thursday, November 03, 2011

Beware of Dog(s)


Wrigs and I were on our daily stroll through town when suddenly we hear loud, aggressive barking coming from up ahead. I couldn't spot the dogs, but there were multiple barks and growls - each one louder and more ferocious than the last. We were on a busy street corner and after scanning the sidewalks in all directions I saw a dog's head pop out of the passenger side window of a big truck parked on the street. And then 2 more not so friendly heads appeared. The dogs spotted Wrigley and their barking and stance were just like the dog in the photo above. The window was a little less than half way up but I did not feel comfortable walking by the truck. A man standing next to me on the sidewalk said, "I don't think they're too friendly" and was hesitant to walk by as well. No sooner did his words come out when one of the dogs jumped out of the truck and headed straight for Wrigley. Wrigs and I ran into the vitamin store on the corner, along with the man and a couple other sidewalk dwellers. My heart was beating out of my chest and the people in the store were so concerned as they watched this unfold from the window. The customer at the counter who was about to pay for his items was the owner of the dogs and bolted out of the store to get his dog back in the truck and roll up the window. He came back into the store and apologized profusely saying that he forgot to roll up his window all the way and he hopes that we are ok. I told him it was a bit intimidating and as dog owners know, if your dog is generally friendly or at least "all bark and no bite" you'd respond accordingly, reassuring that your dog(s) just wanted to play. It was clear by his reaction that his dogs had no intention of a play date with Wrigs and I can't stop thinking about how this could have ended in tragedy. 

6 comments:

karen gerstenberger said...

Well that's a terrifying story - it makes my heart pound just to think about it. (Imagine if you took Chumley out in the car and left the windows open!)

Clippy Mat said...

LOL Karen, that'd teach 'em.
:-)

ChiTown Girl said...

My heart is seriously pounding right now just reading this. I'm so glad it ended the way it did. You're right, it could have been SO much worse.

AnneGood said...

Yikes! Did you get the guy's license plate number? I think I'd call it into the Humane Society to go check out the situation. I feel bad for the mean dogs too because something happened to them to make them that way. Soooooo glad that Wrigley is safe.

Me said...

It was really scary. Anne, I didn't get the plates or any info. I didn't go back outside with Wrigs until he and the dogs were out of sight. I have a little spray of mace with us now on our walks, that I think is a good idea for anyone walking their pups in public or private places. You just never know. If it wasn't for the safety of the vitamin store I have no idea what could have happened.

Anonymous said...

I always explain to people that all dogs have the propensity to bite. A dog’s mouth is one of its main tools that it uses all the time. I would suggest the owners look for a dog training book.