More on aggressive dogs & neighborhood reaction

I was talking with a neighbor last night who mentioned the woman whose dogs were attacked by the Mastiff is thinking of selling her house. She just went through an extensive renovation of the home and has only recently (September) moved back into it after the remodeling was completed. Yet the attack set her on edge. She runs every day. She's a tall, strong woman and even she's unglued by the recent turn of events (including Lucy's attack). Another neighbor has said the same and would do so if the market was stronger. I think two people wishing to move because of dog attacks is hugely significant.

Moving may be an over reaction, but I understand their anxiety. If you don't feel your dog is safe or you're always anxious walking them, what are the realistic alternatives? Moving was one of the first things that crossed my mind, but there is no guarantee you or your pup will be safer elsewhere. Yes, our neighborhood does border a not so nice 'hood, but bad dog owners live everywhere. None the less, I know for the first time in my life I've considered going "dogless" when Lucy is no longer with us.

Aging

Lucy is aging. But as all dog owners know, watching age hit your favorite hound is hard. Her hearing is definitely waning. When she sleeps, she's out. Laying in the back yard soaking up winter sun rays is a pleasant experience; she doesn't feel the need to wander out of the yard although the gate may be open. Look at that beautiful white muzzle.

Her tripping continues and recently, tripping off her front leg has nearly brought her to the ground. Growing up we had a great old hound named Clem. He was an enthusiastic sneezer and I remember once he sneezed with such gusto, he hit his chin on the sidewalk and broke off a tooth. With Lucy's tripping, I'm afraid this might be a similar fate. It shocks me when it happens. There she is trotting along and all of a sudden, she crumples. She's back up rapidly and continues along. I have to remember that for her, it's merely an inconvenience. For me, it's a sign of something I'd hoped was a long, long way off.

Neighborhood Discussion

Another attack. This time a loose, aggressive Mastiff was the culprit. Is bigger better? This happened to a neighbor who jogs with her leashed dogs tied to a waist belt. She said the dog came out of nowhere, didn't ask questions, but went straight for the closest dog. This time she was jogging with only one of her three dogs and a neighbor's dog. The neighbor's dog was the one hit. Her dog also suffered some injuries, however, the other dog took the brunt of it. Both dogs are okay, but...

The jogger said if it hadn't been for someone driving by on his way to work, she didn't know if she could have beat off the attacker. As it was, the driver got out and helped. He also called Animal Control. We don't think the dog has been picked up.

When something like this happens, we have a phone/email tree to alert the other dog walkers we know in the area to alert them. Granted the last (known) attack was the two pit bulls who hit Lucy last March. None the less, we are all feeling on edge. We walk our dogs twice a day in the neighborhood and if we can't be assured that we/our dogs are safe, what's the impetus to walk? Drive elsewhere? Sure, but in reality with busy schedules, this isn't always possible. Any is anywhere else guaranteed to be safe?

We've talked of having Animal Control come out and let us know what we can do to safeguard ourselves and our pets. The last time I asked this of A.C., their response was honest, if disappointing. The man said there was nothing we could do except be alert and hope for the best. If owners don't assume responsibility for their pet, if they don't train it, care for it, restrain it, you are at their mercy.

My understanding is some cities have a two bite policy (one bite you're warned, the second bite the dog is put down). That policy is also the rule here. Additionally, other locales state that after the first bite, the owner has to post a bond. I don't know what the cost is, but I think that's a good idea. However, if the owner is a scumbag (my words), nothing guarantees they'll manage the dog any better or pay up. If the dog is taken, there is no guarantee the owner won't get another.

I sound fatalistic and am feeling so. At this point I just don't anyway around it.