Dear Dog Owners:
We know you love your dog like your family. I know that when you call out 400 yards away from your canine, “He’s safe!” you think we will have the same warm fuzzies for him.
I want to tell you respectfully that we don’t. I don’t know he’s safe. I just know he’s charging down the beach towards my terrified five-year-old and two-year-old. I just know that he’s nosing into our picnic basket and I don’t feel confident to push him away as I don’t know if he bites. I just know my kids are scared and you are at least 45 seconds away from getting to us and pulling him away.
I know that no one loves my kids as much as me, which is why I won’t let them get in your space without asking, and why I won’t excuse their behaviour by yelling out “they’re really great kids” and filling you in on their ages and personalities. Your dog’s cute name does not make him less scary for my children.
Our neighbour’s dog? We love him, but it’s because we have gotten to know him over time. I’m OK with my kids being scared of your dog – he’s double their size, charging and a stranger. I just wish you had the same respect for them when we are all out in public together.
Ashleigh Cater, Gibsons
