ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: endurance dogs

Re: endurance dogs

SandyDSA@aol.com
Tue, 17 Jun 1997 10:44:48 -0400 (EDT)

One last point here - our Collies are delightfully well-behaved at all times.
That's why we have 3! That doesn't change the fact that for me to take them
along on a ride in public places where other people are allowed the freedom
to ride, there are
1. Leash laws
2. Cars to hit my dogs
3. Horses to kick my dogs, and
4. Other dogs to attack my dogs.
Not only have I tried to teach my daughters to respect the rights of others,
but also to understand the risk to ANY animal allowed to run loose. A
neighbor who was doing a really nice thing to let her exceptionally
well-trained German Shepherd loll on her fornt porch while she weeded was
devastated when he ran out in the road in pursuit of a rodent. Bam. Dead dog,
shaken driver, sobbing owner. Why? Because he LIKED to be in the front with
her! Just like a lot of dogs LIKE to go for rides with their masters. I am
reminded too of a HUGE Rottie a couple of months ago who charged my older,
well-trained mare. As the owner screamed at her dog to COME, assuring me at
the top of her lungs that he didn't bite, I assured her loudly that I WOULD
if her dog came any closer. Well, he circled us barking fericously, and my
mare continued to spin while this woman tried to CATCH him. All this on
public property. I guess her dog likes to run free. So do I - and I don't
appreciate getting chased - bareback. And so, the moral of the story is - if
your dog stays close enough so that I can't tell if it is on a leash from a
little distance, then fine. If not, put a line on it. Sure would hate to have
my horse responsible for the death of another Rottie. As my hubby says, your
right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins. Just common sense and
common courtesy, saddle pals! IMHO
s

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