Responsible Dog Ownership

Last weekend, The Youngest's boss ( a veterinarian) and his partner decided to take advantage of the nice weather and walk along the river there in the city where they live.  As it was, they walked along just enjoying the day and not paying particular attention to what was going on around them.  Suddenly, a dog attacked the vet and bit him in the crotch and immediately let go.  However, there were four puncture holes through the man's pants and boxers and blood was present.  The dog was on a loose lead and his owner wasn't paying attention to what was going on.  The vet didn't even SEE the dog, much less engage him in any way.  He didn't talk to the dog and didn't make eye contact.  Yet, the dog--a Rottweiler mix*--attacked with no provocation.  And to make matters worse, the dog was not vaccinated and is now in custody of animal control and under quarantine.  Meanwhile, the vet almost lost his junk--he is considerably bruised and battered--and must wait the proper time to find out if he needs rabies shots.  This freaked me the hell out!

I LOVE big dogs and would love to have one, but this is just an example of how you MUST be in control of your animal at all times--and I'm not sure I have the wherewithal to be able to control a big dog.  Despite what people say, you can never completely trust an animal.  As I have always said about my animals, "S/he hasn't bitten/scratched anyone--YET."  Too many people--and I'm making assumptions about the dog's owner, now--don't do enough research about a dog/breed before getting one.  Many people just go by what looks cool or is the 'in' thing at the time.  But there is much, much more that is involved in RESPONSIBLE pet ownership and it's time people started to realize this.  Maybe we should have to have a license in order to GET an animal, rather than waiting until we already have one.

Hopefully, the vet will be fine--and the chances are that he will.  This could have been much worse, but for him, it was terrifying enough.  I don't even WANT to think what the results would have been if the dog had attacked a child!  Horrifying!


*In no way am I trying to vilify Rottweilers OR any big-breed dogs.  This is only mentioned as it IS relevant to the story.  Little dogs can do just as much damage as a big dog--in different ways, of course.