Beware of... stupid people?

Yet another news article about a child, this one only 19 months old, being mauled by a pit-bull. What happened this time? Oh, the child decided to give the pit-bull a hug - while the dog was tied to a pole. And of course the dog looses its life. Thank god the child survived. Where was the parent to this 19-month-old? Who in their right mind would allow a child to hug a dog they didn't know? Let alone a pit-bull tied to a pole, hello people it is a muscular dog with sharp teeth, like most dogs. I'm sure the dog felt threatened. The guardian of this child should take responsibility for this one under the law and is lucky if they are not charged with neglect.

It makes me stare in disbelief when people allow kids to interact with strange dogs. All people should respect the animals more and not assume they can walk up and pet a dog they don't know. Most dogs are much more protective and feel threatened when they are on a leash, behind a gate or fence, in a crate/cage, or tied up. Parents should teach their children to always ask before approaching a stranger's dog and then dog owners just learn that the answer is always "No." Why risk your dog's life and a person's safety by giving into the person for no reason at all? Your dog does not need to be pet by strangers.

Justin and I adopted a dog, Scooter, who was either from a puppy mill or badly abused, which pretty much goes hand in hand, and he is terrified of new people. It takes at least 10-20 times of consistently being around Scooter for him to like a new person. Scooter was so scared when we first adopted him that he literally peed on my sister-in-law's head when a stranger came through the door and the few times my dad tried to pet him or take his leash, it scared the shit out of him - literally. He's gotten much better but is still generally scared when not around his trusted circle of humans or when idiots shoot off fireworks for weeks on end throughout the summer.

Scooter is the most amazing and sweet, cuddly dog I've ever experienced and I couldn't be happier with him. It's people that baffle me; I totally understand Scooter. For some reason people take offense to the fact that he is scared of them. Others think they are the dog whisperer and that there isn't a dog out there that could possibly not like them. We tell everyone - just don't look at him, please ignore his terrified howling. What do they do? Walk right up to him as he cowers and backs away barking more and louder trying to get Scooter to come to them or let them pet him. Don't you get it? This dog is terrified and does not want to be pet. If he bites you, you provoked him, consider yourself warned.