39 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

I like the post that refers to getting a bigger and better pepper spray canister. Make sure it has the longest range on the market. Standoff ranges are a deterent. Ask the Soviets during the cold wars. Our tanks couldl outshoot theirs by almost 1000 meters.

When she pulls hers, pull yours.....and see who twitches first. Then unload on her.

Your kindness overwhelms.

[JMH]

Mylo, I am sorry your friends brought their pet to your home uninvited. I love my dog, but he is not taken to anyone's home unless he is specifically invited and even then I would decide if it is the right environment. He is a small, older dog and I just would not want him around very young children.

When I walk him, children are always coming up wanting to pet and hug him. He is cute and they would consider him to be a toy. I always hold him with my hand around his mouth and allow them to pet him. He has never bitten anyone, but that could be because I don't give him the opportunity.

I do know that there are many responsible pet owners, but probably just as many, if not more irresponsible pet owners. The original poster sounds like one of the responsible owners. He needs to report the incident to the police. If the lady sprays his dog without provacation, then I consider that to be animal cruelty.

I am sometimes afraid of teens that I see out in public. That doesn't mean that I can threaten to harm them because I am uncomfortable.

I do know that you are not one of the animal haters on our board. But, we do have a few that immediately jump down someone's throat the minute a dog is mentioned.

[MikeinFolsom]

Your kindness overwhelms.

Kindness via MAD........(that's Mutually Assured Destruction for treehuggers like yourself)......

STEVETHEDAD <----------------------is this guy for real??????

[Buford T Justice]

Kindness via MAD........(that's Mutually Assured Destruction for treehuggers like yourself)......

STEVETHEDAD <----------------------is this guy for real??????

keep the guns and ammo away from this one folks

...and FYI he's more real then you dude

[Steve Heard]

Kindness via MAD........(that's Mutually Assured Destruction for treehuggers like yourself)......

STEVETHEDAD <----------------------is this guy for real??????

Please clarify your post, Mike.

Yes, I am for real. We can meet in person, if you like.

[sat]

First off, I am an absolute crazy dog lover, so I might be biased with this topic. I walk my 11-month-old Australian Sheperd on this same trail several times a week, though I have never encountered this woman. However, when approaching other walkers, I tighten the leash hold so I am almost holding the actual collar. I know my dog is still a pup and just wants to visit the other walkers, with or without dogs, but his excitedeness might not be appreciated by others. The original poster sounded like his dog was not even close to approaching this woman, yet she pulled out her pepper spray. If it was me, I would be angry. If my dog did not threaten you, how dare you threaten my dog?

I have read the posts about irresponsible dog owners, and I agree they are out there. However, in my experience with other dog owners on the trail, I see more responsibility than irresonsibility. If I pass another dog owner, generally one of us gets out of the way to let the other pass. Even when I walk the trails by myself, other dog owners are for the most part conscious of me, and they keep their dog away from me. (Though I would be happy to stop and pet the animal).

[cw68]

I think that the extremes on both sides make the problems. Though I don't currently have a dog, I usually am with the dog owners. However, the owners that insist that their dog thinks everyone is their friend is as blind to the situation as the pepper spray lady.

Everyone needs to give others the space and respect that each of us deserve. No one should be encroaching others. Nothing is completely to each of our likings. So be respectful, take care of yourself and allow others to do the same.

[Steve Heard]

I think that the extremes on both sides make the problems. Though I don't currently have a dog, I usually am with the dog owners. However, the owners that insist that their dog thinks everyone is their friend is as blind to the situation as the pepper spray lady.

Everyone needs to give others the space and respect that each of us deserve. No one should be encroaching others. Nothing is completely to each of our likings. So be respectful, take care of yourself and allow others to do the same.

That's all I'm tryin' to say.

[Orangetj]

What amazes me is how many people I see walking their dogs off leash. The dog is typically 15-30 feet away and the owner is walking along with the leash in their hand. What good is an unfastened leash going to do?

[NewOldCokeDave]

Pepper spray will stop a dog, so it's unfortunate that she feels the need to pull it out and threaten someone, unless there was reason to believe the dog would get loose.

This is not neccessarily the case.. I used to be a meter reader for PG&E back in the olden days and I have unloaded a whole canister of that stuff on attacking dogs on a couple of occasions.. It affects them more after they have calmed down, then when they are on a fun-on attack.. I stopped carrying it as it seemed to only make matters worse. So basically I wouldn't count on pepper spray protecting me from an attack..

I have also been bitten as a meter reader by one of those "big ole friendly dogs" so you never know when and if a dog is gonna attack.. On the other hand I have been one of the ones that very unfriendly dogs have actually liked.. So go figure..

Also pepper spray is considered a weapon, not much different from a gun or a knive and is subject to the same laws.

As far as the lady with the pepper spray, crazy or whatever, she is WAY out of line, especially on a public path.. Best case is to file a complaint with the PD.. This is no different if she had a gun or a knive or a taser, whatever..

I'm not crazy about dogs due a childhood incident either, so I usually don't go walking on paths where people are freely/usually walking their dogs.. They have the right to be there, just as I do.. I also have the right to go somewhere else.. Or go to the gym and walk on the treadmill..

However, just because I have the right to walk anywhere I want (basically) I don't have the right to threaten others for ANY reason.. my fear included. That's up to me to manage, and act accordingly.