A shrill yapping is heard from the other side of the road. The yapping draws the attention of a black and white mass of energy. Bounding across the road in pursuit of the yapper, the spotted blur of fur quickly targets the source. Yapping turns into a high-pitch squealing as the yapper realizes it is bound to its owner by its leash. The "formerly-known-as-yapper" had no idea what it invited right into its own yard until it was too late.
The vicious pit bull from across the road does a little dance-and-dart, trying to spark some fun. The squealing gets louder as the frightened little dog tries to get away. As the pit bull is dragged away, the other owner angrily tells him he needs to keep his dog on a leash. The pit is put in the house where she pouts, wondering why the little dog wouldn't play.
If you are a pit lover, you are probably not surprised by this. The thought of their slobbery kisses makes it difficult to believe they are a threat to anyone. I ask you to take a step back for a moment and put yourself on the other side of the coin. You have seen this dog out in your neighbor's front yard with its owners and playing with children. You have seen this dog playing with other neighborhood children. You have also witnessed this dog "viciously" attacking a rope that is hung from a tree in the front yard. You don't know it is just her favorite toy. For all you know, these people are training that dog with that rope. Just look at how that dog clenches onto it, and swings with no feet touching the ground!
The point is, whether a pet owner believes their pet will hurt someone is not the issue. The man across the street had every right to be angry. His dog was on a leash and he was in his own yard. The pit bull was not leashed, which is a subdivision rule even in this rural area. Not everyone appreciates a large dog charging at them in a welcomed greeting. Obedience training has only taken her so far. She will sit, stay, beg, and even shake your hand. When it comes to humans, she has no manners. In her eyes, everyone in the area is here to see her. This is her second offense of leaving her property to greet unsuspecting neighbors.
This is the part where being a responsible pet owner means that as much as you may like taking your pets out to let them run and play, it is your responsibility to keep them contained. This pit is never outside unattended, but that isn't enough in this case. Respect your neighbors, children, and your dog. While there is not a pit bull ordinance in this area, there would be no repercussions for someone protecting themselves against what they may perceive as a threatening animal. Whether or not this pit bull was really a threat if something like that were to happen would be a lost point. It will not bring your dog back and you would lose in court.Ownership means responsibility. Live up to it.
We know what our plans are for the spring. Installing a fence and moving the rope to a tree in the backyard for the dogs to play have just become top priority.
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