I am a dog walker with Waggin’ Tails Pet Services in Port Perry. I focus on dog walking in the Port Perry and the surrounding area. Port Perry is a very personable town and operating my dog walking business Waggin’ Tails Pet Services in Port Perry gives me an opportunity to meet lots of dog owners on my daily walks and get to know everyone’s dogs very well. I want to share a story with you that is so common in the dog walking’ world’. I hope you see the humor in it.
One day while dog walking in Port Perry a stranger approached me to pet the dog. If I have a long history with the dog, and know it enjoys this type of interaction, I would stop and allow them to do so. There was one dog in particular that I had the most trouble with, an Airedale Terrier. He is a biter, and the owner does not allow a muzzle on her dog. Unfortunately, not everyone would heed my warnings about not touching the dog.)
Man: “Hey, that’s a cute terrier. Can I pet your dog?”
(In anticipation, I wind the terrier’s leash tighter while keeping an eye on the second dog, which is a German Shephard.)
Me: “Well, sir, he’s not my dog, and I wouldn’t advise petting him as he bites.”
Man: *stretches his arm towards the dog* “Nonsense, young lady. Terriers are the sweetest things, not like that German Shephard you have there. You really shouldn’t own German Shephard’s, you know. Crazy dangerous they are.”
Me: *pulls the dog back* “Sir, Please do not touch the Airedale. He bites.”
Man: *still tries to pet the dog* “He’s so cute! Look at those little ears and that tail just wagging away!”
Me: “Sir, for the third time, please do not put your hand near the dog.”
Man: “Let’s give you a little pat eh-YRROUCH! He bit me!”
Me: *exasperated* “Yes, sir. He did. Did he break the skin?”
Man: “Your dog is crazy! You should be arrested for bringing a dangerous animal in public!”
Me: “Sir, I did warn you and for the last time it is not my dog.”
Man: “What if I was a child?!”
Me: Apologizing, but also thinking “You certainly have the logic of one.”
Now this story did end well. The stranger accepted responsibility for his actions and the dog did not break the skin.
Let this be a lesson to humans, please do not try to pet a dog when the owner advises otherwise. Not every story may have this type of ending.
