[aimee]

Hm. Overprotective is my middle name. I think most of us are with our Yorkies. I get critisized a lot (not here) for my policy with my children and the dogs (no unsupervised contact, absolutely no holding) -- but my motto, with everything, is better safe than sorry.

It was hard for me to get used to telling people "no" when I first got Sandy. She's a rescue and iffy around people she doesn't know if they get up in her face. She's never bitten anyone (that I know of) but I can tell when she gets uncomfortable. In the cart at Petsmart she tries to burrow into my chest when she doesn't like something, or she starts shaking and whimpering.

I think it's good that we are all responsible dog owners here. Everyone has the animal and other peoples' best interest at heart. With Tia, I let people know that she is very squirmy so it's best if they don't hold her. That seems to get a good reaction from everyone.

What consistantly floors me is the way people let their children run up to strange dogs in all places. My children know better than that. (no, I'm not a perfect mother by any means) We had one kid (about 6?) run up to Sandy in Petsmart and the Mom was busy chatting with someone else. I had to tell him, pretty sternly, not to get into Sandy's face. I felt bad, but it was the best thing to do in the situation, I think.