[leonidas]

I am not really sure this qualifies as a Beagle Discussion, but I didn't know where else to put it, so here I go...

It's mid-evening which means it is time for Leo to take a walk. So I put on his leash and we go outside. It is a beautiful evening with a slight breeze. Naturally, a rather interesting smell reaches Leo's nose, and we start off. We did not even reach the end of my 6-foot front yard when Leo finds the source of the smell. A lovely dead bird deposited by my new neighbor's outdoor stray cat just promoted to being a pet stray cat.

After rangling Leo from the decaying bird, we continue on our walk when Leo's nose catches another smell (now please don't think my frustrations are with Leo's nose, that is not the issue at all.) As we casually stroll along, Leo's nose is glued to the ground searching for the source of the smell when we chance upon an unidentified dog poo. I try as a respectable dog owner to always clean up after my pet. But you can't help get frustrated with other pet owners when you have a scent hound you can't help but sniff from pile to pile.

After giving Leo the leave it command after what seems like a never ending supply of poo, we finally reach the park. We are minding our own business and romping in the flowers. Then, out of nowhere, a Doberman Pincher shows up, hair raised, bounding up to Leo. No owner in sight. Finally a man, calling Here girl, come here, approaches the Doberman. The dog could give a ruby rat's you-know-what about what this man is saying to her, and in an attempt to get away from him tramples over my puppy. The man takes her by the collar, pulls her away, and apologizes, promptly releasing her collar and letting her continue to roam uncontrollably. It took every fiber of my being not to say, You know, they make these wonderful inventions now-a-days called a leash, you might try using one!

In the end, Leo did get his walk, but I was so angry with the lack of consideration of others that I didn't feel like I had even accomplished anything! AHHHHHHHH!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Start by yelling at the idiot with the Dobe... There is a leash law. Learn it, or stay home.

As for the dead things, poo, fresh worms, squirrels, and humans of less than normal intelligence, these are things we wise beagle owners must contend with.

<span style="font-style: italic">Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth... in a long cleansing breath. Repeat as necessary.</span>

 

[Murphys Dad]

I can understand your frustrations. Many people are idiots and have no consideration for anyone other than themselves. We have people in my apartment building who frequently throw food to the ducks that live in the pond. There have been many times that I've had to pry Pop-Tarts, pizza crusts, bread out of Jersey's mouth. Not to mention the geniuses who think that they can fish out of what is essentially a retention pond and leave bait and hooks around the side of the pond.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

It's been a long time since I've had a dog that is young/healthy enough to go walking with me. Our lab and St. Bernard were elderly and we hadn't been able to really walk any distance for the last 4 or 5 years.

I never cease to be amazed at how inconsiderate some people are in containing/training their pets. In my opinion dogs should be leashed when walking in a public area. Period. I don't allow my dog to go racing up to someone else and I expect the same courtesy. If the other person wants to meet/greet my dog and me I'll happily oblige. But I'll keep Murphy under control at all times and I expect the same from them.

Now if you want to talk poo-we live in a very rural area with lots of wildlife. I'm always surprised each morning at the variety and volume of fresh poo that has been deposited on the side of the road during the night. I've become very good at steering Murphy around the all the poo.

 

[nmartin32]

I tell you...some people just lack common sense.

 

[ecemom]

It's rather annoying...especially when you come upon poo in a schoolyard. I mean seriously? Kids play here! Yeah, so it's now summer holidays, but the poo ain't going to decompose before the kids get back to class!

I feel your frustration...

 

[Sephly]

wow thats horrible just a reminder, it isn't the dobe's fault he was raised to be unsociable and not well trained. its the owners. Dobe's can be wonderful dogs. I've had a few and they are amazing dogs.

I definatly would have told that man if he can't control his dog he shouldn't have it off leash. I hope leo made it thru unscathed.

 

[Brisen]

I'm with Joe...I would have totally yelled at the idiot and told him about leash laws! I'm glad Leo wasn't hurt or traumatized!

 

[kgh]

This would not work for everyone, but it did once for me and I still have a satisfying memory. I was walking my sweet, but deaf senior, Cricket at a local park and lake. Out of the corner of my eye I see a dog and woman (with leash in hand) heading our way. Cricket was certainly not up to a meet and greet and I did not like the looks of this dog anyway. I call out please put your dog on its leash. I get, oh, he's friendly. I call out please, I would rather you did. I get the, oh, he just wants to say hello. I tell her, oh, if you don't care, it is ok with me. My dog is ALMOST over her kennel cough. She probably is not contagious. I have never see anyone scoop up a dog and run that fast. That dialog just came to me on the spur of the moment, but in my case it worked like a charm. Of course sweet Cricket did not have kennel cough and if she had we would have been home!!!

 

[cheezyridr]

the dog poo thing bugs me too. i always pick up after my dogs, and around here, dogs get a bad rap because of the owners who don't. i can't wait to catch one of them in the act.
...i've got a plan.
they ain't gonna like it either.