Tak'em or leav'em??

[Stefrobrts]

People can be so crazy. I think taking the dogs along is more my problem than theirs. They are fine in the car, in the trailer, even with crowds of people around. I'M THE ONE who worries and fusses and doesn't have a good time sometimes. If you can be relaxed and just enjoy the trip and see how it goes, I'll bet you'll all have a fun time at the rally. Your dogs look like such sweeties

For us, we've decided to leave the pooches home for both of the big rallys we're going to this summer. I don't think they care about polishing demonstrations very much anyway. We'll take some other trips this summer so they can get in their 'beach time'.

[KIMILI]

Great choice! Take them and have lots of fun!!

We take our babies everywhere even canoeing! They just love it!

I've read this thread thoroughly and once again I'm amazed by "some" dog owners's mentality and most "non" owners.

Let dogs be dogs!

We call them kids and treat them with more love and respect than many parents have for their human kids but we don't let ourselves forget that they are dogs and therefore love to do doggie stuff: run (off leash of course all the rest just ain't running), bark (that's talking, not shouting! Read Stanley Coren's book and learn how to speak Dog), socialize (YES dogs have a social life! let them live theirs not YOURS), play (even without you), eat, explore (sniff around), have fun etc.

I don't want anyone to get this the wrong way, what I'm trying to explain is that there should be more tollerance and respect for who the dog really is and NOT what WE want him/her to be!

It's a long and complicated issue and there are various opinions out there. I'm not pointing the finger at anyone here, just venting my frustration with certain attitudes I see.

Having owned different dogs all my life, I can only speak from what I have experienced and seen in the different necks of the woods I have lived in and travelled to.

There are places where people are not so scared of being sued or not being in control, and there, dogs walk by their owners without having ever even known what a leash is. They meet other dogs - yes even big and feisty ones - exchange their looks and various socializing moves and get on with their day.

Sure once in a while there's a bite but less than the other places. Why? Tollerance. People see free dogs and don't panic, they're used to it. Dogs are used to taking the subway, going on a bus, dining at a restaurant and walking in and out of fancy stores in the city center. They cross their daily life with us humans and co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.

All my previous dogs grew up and lived happy healthy lifes like that. Unfortunately my two babies here live in a much less free environment, surrounded by people who will scream and shriek just at their sight. They're a Husky and a shepard/husky mix, both loving, affectionate and harmless.

ie our substitute mail woman calls our older pup "perro lobo" and has tried to pepper spray him just because when fully under control - in a sit position and held on a short leash 10 feet away from her, he gave one bark when he saw her open our mail box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As with human kids I believe we should teach our pet kids to be respectful of others (humans and dogs alike) without denying them who they are. After all there are some annoying people out there just as there are some annoying dogs but that's just the way life is. We simply need to be more understanding and respect all - animals included.

[05ModPod]

Originally Posted by KIMILI

Great choice! Take them and have lots of fun!!

We take our babies everywhere even canoeing! They just love it!

I've read this thread thoroughly and once again I'm amazed by "some" dog owners's mentality and most "non" owners.

Let dogs be dogs!

....and so on....

I just love your post I've never understand those who are so fearful of a dog., Even as an owner for many many years - there has been some pretty scary dogs out there but I have never shown any fear - just stand your ground and don't eyeball them - let them come to you and leave your hands still by your sides!!!!!!!! They will either come and have a sniff or just be on their way - And any screamers out there that happen to read this - if you are bucking for a nice dog bite - practice your screaming skills daily

On a more appropriate note: Here is a cute little diddy.......

HOW MANY DOGS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?


Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our
whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned
out bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up
to code.

Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

Rottweiler: Make me.

Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can
I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please,
please!

German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the
dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more
perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the
situation.

Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the
walls and furniture.

Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light
bulb?

Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the
dark.

Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

Pointer: I see it, I see it, there it is, there it is, right there..

Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By
the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.


The Cat's Answer:

"Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the
real question is: How long will it be before I can expect some light,
some dinner, and a massage?"

[silver suz]

That was great- I really needed a good laugh and that was certainly a charmer!!!! Thanks, silver suz : ) : )

[KIMILI]

[05ModPod]

What is a Cat?

- Cats do what they want.

- They rarely listen to you.

- They're totally unpredictable.

- When you want to play, they want to be alone.

- When you want to be alone, they want to play.

- They expect you to cater to their every whim.

- They're moody.

- They leave hair everywhere.

CONCLUSION: They're tiny women in little fur coats.

[05ModPod]

Now since all you men had such a great chuckle - and a few thought to yourself - hmm GT69 finally knows her place

What is a Dog?

- Dogs spend all day sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture
in the house.

- They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but don't
hear you when you're in the same room.

- They can look dumb and lovable all at the same time.

- They growl when they are not happy.

- When you want to play, they want to play.

- When you want to be alone, they want to play.

- They leave their toys everywhere.

- They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a
kiss.

- They go right for your crotch as soon as they meet you.

CONCLUSION: They're tiny men in little fur coats.

[Big Dee]

Originally Posted by KIMILI

we don't let ourselves forget that they are dogs and therefore love to do doggie stuff: run (off leash of course all the rest just ain't running), bark (that's talking, not shouting! Read Stanley Coren's book and learn how to speak Dog), socialize (YES dogs have a social life! let them live theirs not YOURS), play (even without you), eat, explore (sniff around), have fun etc. As with human kids I believe we should teach our pet kids to be respectful of others (humans and dogs alike) without denying them who they are. After all there are some annoying people out there just as there are some annoying dogs but that's just the way life is. We simply need to be more understanding and respect all - animals included.

Well said! My philosophy exactly. I feel real sorry for the majority of dogs who are denied the above. I can't tell you how many dogs I have heard in the neighborhood but NEVER see. These dogs never get out of the backyard. NEVER! It's so sad.

But not my guys. I tell you they have the life! I get jealous!

And very funny jokes above!

[Stefrobrts]

I agree, dogs who never get out are so sad. One house in our neighborhood built a big metal chain link dog run out in their field, put a dog house in one corner, and stuck their black lab out in it. Everytime we drive by he's just sitting there staring at their house. Makes me want to cry.

Ours on the other hand go everywhere, and do everything they can possibly get away with. We bought three acres so they would have room to run and play and chase rabbits. Unfortunately they also like to eat bunny poop, field mice, and clumps of old grass - all of which may make a later appearance on the living room rug! But we've also had dog parties with our friends here, and seeing a herd of dalmatians running around playing, splashing through the stream, is quite a sight! We owners mostly stand around and try to figure out which one is which! Then they come in and lay on the couches and sleep on the bed. Happy dogs.

It is a lot of fun to take them places with us, but I wish there were more places where they are welcome. I wish there were more dog parks to play off leash at. I wish they could go into restaurants with us and sit quietly by the table like service dogs are allowed to do. When the AKC announced it's Canine Good Citizen program, I was hoping dogs who earned it would be allowed more freedom in public, at parks, etc, but I don't know if they're even doing it anymore. It would have been a great idea.

[Big Dee]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I wish there were more dog parks to play off leash at.

AMEN, Stephanie. There is a park in Santa Cruz, Lighthouse Fields, that allows dogs off-leash in the morning and late afternoon. Oh man, is it sight. At least a hundred dogs from all over, all shapes and sizes! All running around off-leash sniffing, peeing, having a BLAST! No fences, just wild fields next to the ocean. And there are no dog fights. I guess when they all are off leash and in neutral territory, everyone gets along. People come all over for many miles. Very cool place BUT, alas, very rare. And the non-dog people people are fighting to get rid of it like they did in Fort Funtston in San Francisco.

[05ModPod]

Originally Posted by Big Dee

And the non-dog people people are fighting to get rid of it like they did in Fort Funtston in San Francisco.

What is with these non-Dog people anyway? Don't they have enough parks for themselves and their kids.

If they don't have dogs then why would they be concerned about a "Dog Park".

We don't have kids and we don't worry about the Kid Parks, or go in them and no we don't even play on all the toys.

Come to think of it we don't sit on any "Kid banning" committees nor do we submit any citations to close Kid parks, for that matter we don't complain about paying all the school and education taxes for children we never had over the past 20+ years!!!

But what I think really needs to happen is more Dog Owners need to stand up for their dogs!!! Attend the council meetings, challenge the by-laws and challenge those people trying to restrict the lives of those who are responsible owners.

As we know ALL the rules have been made because of only a few irresponsible dog owners.

Why I bet there are more children biting children in those parks than there is dog bites.

But all we hear are the dog Mualling stories which are very very scary and certainly on par with the level of a horific car accident. But these are the risks we live with. Why guns do more damage to our populations than family pets do - so why don't they ban casual use of gun ownership (another thread).

We are one of the lucky ones and were able to save enough to move out into the country - so we don't have to worry about offending any humans. However we now have the very real threats of nature - poisionous plants, appropriate biting animals defending their territories - like skunks, porccupines and yes even wolves and cyotte - I'm sure a host of others but have not seen any around here.

Well that was just my little morning vent And for all those non - dog owners who like to complain all the time - Get a life - adopt a pet! and do something constructive with your "energy"

[mtpalms]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

It is a lot of fun to take them places with us, but I wish there were more places where they are welcome. I wish there were more dog parks to play off leash at.

I think that's one of the reasons why our dog wasn't happy this trip. He's half golden retriever and half german shepherd, and he needs to bust loose and run at least once a day. Four days was too long to be confined in the trailer or on a leash. In spite of the fact that he was in some pain as well, he was always ecstatic when we took walks, or watched people fish. I only fished one afternoon, the rest of the time the dog and I were out taking pictures:

[silver suz]

Very pretty picture of your dog and the surroundings! Where are the surroundings? They look like alpine lake country-sigh-drool-drool- maybe I'm getting too much like my dogs. Having lived in Santa Cruz county for 10 years- Again I warn about rogue waves, especially at lighthouse park. Every year a 1/2 doz tourists would be swept out to ocean, friends trying to rescue add to the deaths. If your dog gets washed out, stay cool, and call for professional help. It's not just the great mass of water but the pounding against underground rocks. Notice the surfers all stay south- in the water sheltered by lighthouse point. Also I'd advise parents against taking their kids into the great white shark exhibit in the lighthouse in memory of a young man killed by one. The photos, bodysuits, bites out of surfboards with teeth still sticking in. All the evidence of deadly or severely maiming attacks made such an impression on my youngest, that he still doesn't like going into an unlit swimming pool at night. We were there during an el nino time when the water temp went up to 60's from normal 50 degrees and the Great Whites moved their feeding range up the coast too. There were a lot of bite accidents and a few deaths. And sharks are very attracted to the smell of dogs. In the Phillippines, shark fishers would throw a dog in to attract sharks. And great whites will even hit in knee deep water. Locals know this and take precautions. It was always tourists and surfers who took the hit. Do you wonder why my boys call me the "precautioner" ??!!! : ) silver suz

[mtpalms]

Originally Posted by silver suz

Very pretty picture of your dog and the surroundings! Where are the surroundings? They look like alpine lake country-sigh-drool-drool- maybe I'm getting too much like my dogs. silver suz

The picture was taken on 05/08/04 at Weir Pond, just north of South Lake on the South fork of Bishop Creek, near Bishop CA in the Eastern Sierras. The elevation at this point is around 8500ft - definitely Alpine. The leafless trees you see in the picture are aspens. A couple miles downstream they are leafing out. Locals say they are about 3 weeks early this year.

I wanted a picture of his face, but he was too fixated on watching his 'Dad' flyfishing below (that's him, center left in the picture), to pay attention to me.

[Big Dee]

Originally Posted by GT6921

But what I think really needs to happen is more Dog Owners need to stand up for their dogs!!! Attend the council meetings, challenge the by-laws and challenge those people trying to restrict the lives of those who are responsible owners

Boy, do the dog-owners fight back in Santa Cruz! We can't risk losing this place. The dog owners have organized a very strong advocacy group called "Friends of Lighthouse Fields". Someone collected email addresses to get us on a list and now we have a list server. The dog owners are hundreds strong. The group attends council meetings, and when the council is dealing with this issue, the call goes out and a large contingent shows to make sure the council doesn't try something. And it is only because we are organized that we still have the park. But the non-dog owners are strong too and this is Santa Cruz after all, so the fight goes on.

And I totally agree, why can't they just let us have this one park? The non-dog people (I should say DOG HATERS) won't rest til they ban all dogs in public areas.

And sweet picture! I am jealous!

[thenewkid64]

I pity the poor soul that has never been the recipient of the unconditional love that a dog can give.

Maybe that is something that those that want the "dog park" banned have never felt.