I was minding my own business performing the pre-hike ritual of fussing with my shoes and gear. A young couple pulled up in the parking area. I spotted a small dog between them. I continued putzing around.
Next thing I know, the little cur was rushing, snarling and barking at me. I froze in place and shouted at the twosome. “Please call your dog!”
The woman shouted the dog’s name. No response as the little shit kept advancing towards me. Exasperated, by the dog’s selective hearing, she ran over and scooped up the mutt. Then she went about whispering sweet nothings into its ears while cuddling it.
Not exactly a Pavlov’s Dog training regime. Wouldn’t you say? She pawed the puppy with public displays of affection for bad behavior? WTF!
There were no words of apology issued either.
I screwed around some more (with higher blood pressure) reckoning they’re young and will hike faster than me.
WRONG!
Apparently, they were in Olympic training mode for the “One mile mosey” competition. I caught them in 15 minutes. Once again, the Napoleon complex dog charged me. Once again I yelled out. “Please call your dog!” It was doggy Deja Vu all over again. But this time the little turd jumped up and snapped at my calf. It missed. I raised my hiking stick up in a menacing manner. “Don’t let me do something all of us will later regret!” She snagged the attacker and once again coo-cooed into its pointy years and hugged it.
At least, this time she issued a lame. “Sorry.” The Dude called out, “Have a nice day!” While my blood pressure crept up along with my anger.
I forged ahead and took a detour to check out a retro bitcoin mine. Once again, I figured the threesome would get way ahead of me resulting in no more Jeffie vs. canine confrontations.
WRONG II !!!
In less than a Sambini second, I spotted them ahead, moving at the incredible speed of one step/minute.
At this point I said, “F—k it!” I don’t want to deal with this shit again. I don’t hike in beautiful places to be harassed and hassled.”
I headed downhill in an unhappy state of mind.
Now some Jeffie Dog History. I don’t own a dog and probably will never own a dog. That being said, I’d consider myself to be dog neutral. If a strangers dog leaves me alone, no problem. There’s no need for me to pet it or exchange contact info so we can become Facebook buddies. However, I will quickly warm up to a well trained friendly dog. I’ve been known to pet, tail wagging pooches briefly, while saying. “You’re a good dog, a friendly dog. I like you.”
So here’s my point. We live in society where dogs have been elevated to the status of “fur babies.” Fine! But please take the time to train your four legged child to heel or else place them on a leash. This small gesture would be appreciated by wildlife, humans with cynophobia (fear of dogs) and me. Woof! Woof!
Dog owners! Please consider this! A former no fake news post about wildlife vs. dog concerns. (The wildlife loses).
Last photo: Here’s the note I left on that couples truck. A reality check for dog owners.
