Live Metanoia

I lost my collective mind earlier today. I haven’t had an adrenaline rush and panic response like that in a while. Here’s what happened.

I was taking my dogs outside to use the bathroom at the apartment complex I live at. I have a standard poodle who is about nine years old and has been through obedience and socialization training. He loves other dogs and other people. He’s very friendly. I also have a 10 pound Maltese poodle mix who is small and not aggressive. She’s actually shy toward people she doesn’t know but doesn’t growl or bite. I also live in a gated complex with two dogs parks, a kids play area and all the things.

So here I am, taking them out, when I notice there’s other dogs playing at the dog park close to my building. So I think ‘well there’s multiple dogs there so they should all be friendly and my dogs like to play so it should be fine’. How wrong I was.

I walk over to the park, all the while these dogs are still inside. A man with a German Shephard exits, and I enter. There’s a holding area between the first and second gate. I guess the man didn’t close the gate, or maybe the dogs inside squeezed through or under, but never the less they attacked-snarling, snapping, biting. It happened so fast.

A black shaggy haired collie or Austrian shepherd looking dog and a black and white mix breed dog attacked my two dogs- who were both on leashes and about to enter the park. I started screaming NO! pulling my dogs away from them.

The panic and horror of my small dog yelping and crying in panic was all I could hear as I scrambled to get my dogs away from the violent animals.

My standard poodle is luckily a larger one in size, so he was able to fend for himself until the owner of the black shaggy dog took control of their aggressive animal. My small dog I had to literally drag around me and then fling away from me as I grabbed the attacking black and white dog and held it against the fence railing.

All the while I’m still screaming ‘no’ at them.

All the while my small dog was screaming and crying out in panic and fear.

All the while the owners of the other dogs took their sweet time getting their animals under control.

My Panic turned to rage. Who brings their aggressive, unsocialized dogs to a dog park ? We pay for a park people can bring their pets to enjoy and play around. Not to be attacked. If they do bring their little monsters in, why aren’t they muzzled ? Muzzles come in all shapes and sizes. If you want your dog to get exercise but it bites- put on a damn muzzle.

The amount of cursing and yelling that came from me probably would make a sailor blush, but really what would you do if your only companions you love and care for were attacked by animals of negligent owners ?

I was frustrated and upset that these two women were so unbothered by the fact their dogs are basically assholes, and they had assaulted mine.

It’s the responsibility of the owner to socialize the pet.

It’s the responsibility of the owner to get training or a muzzle as some type of deterrent and protection.

Other people should not have to be in fear of your animal because you are to lazy of a human to train them, get them help, educate yourself, or muzzle them.

What if they had bitten me? What if they had killed my little, sweet dog? What if I had to go to extreme measures to protect myself and my pets?

I had to check over both of my dogs for bites or tears, still fuming as these owners tried to play it off like it was no big deal. I had to deal with the guy who had the German Shepherd coming over and inserting himself into the situation and verbally fighting with him.

He called me a Karen. It was a great time. I screamed they needed to train their dogs and read the park rules. It states no aggressive dogs allowed.

What is wrong with people? I got no apology from either of them. Nothing.

They couldn’t have told me when walking up to the park their dogs were not friendly ? They couldn’t have yelled to not come in?

They didn’t say anything.

I had to go to these gross women asking if their dogs are up to date on their vaccines and they said they were, but we all know people lie. They obviously aren’t updated on training so…

Luckily neither of my furry companions seemed to have open bites or severe injuries, just shaken up, but I just can’t understand why people can be not only so stupid, but so unapologetic and dismissive of their own actions and the actions of animals they’re responsible for.

What if I was carrying a weapon or dog spray? (Something I did look up on Amazon for, and ordered for me and my pets protection.)

But do people not receive consequences for their actions ? Why should I have to buy additional items for my pets because of their animals actions?

I know you may be thinking “they’re dogs- not children, you’re overreacting” but that’s not the point. They are animals and pets we care for and build a bond with and grow to love so why shouldn’t I be angry ? Why do they get to walk away without issuing an apology. If that makes me a basic white girl then so be it.

I gave my doggies all the pets and treats when I got back to my apartment. I also let my apartment manager know it’s ridiculous I pay a house note worth in rent to have to deal with shitty people and their hostile dogs at an apartment complex that boasts a safe, friendly, and fun environment. One of the main reasons I rented here was because of the pet park and the amenities. If that makes me a Karen so freakin’ be it.

Sometimes it’s people like that at the park who make me detest everything and everyone. Now I guess I wait for the dog spray to come in the mail before I walk my dogs around away from my building again. I definitely won’t be using the dog park anytime soon that’s for sure.

Other people can be such a suck.

Kaycee