Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SnowWa I'm not sure it's our job to tell other people how to care for their pets -- unless, of course, there is clear-cut abuse taking place.
First of all - he is taking his dog for walks (a good thing) - second -he is seeing that it is safe everytime a car goes by (another good thing) - and, it seems to be working for them.
As far as picking it up that way, some dogs don't like it and other dogs don't mind it at all. If I were watching the man and his dog, I could quickly tell whether or not the little dog hates or doesn't mind being picked up this way. I would suspect that his dog is used to it and doesn't mind it at all.
I know we all have our own personal strong opinions about how everyone else should care for their dogs -- but I think some situations are best left alone.
You could stop and visit with the man - and tell him that you are amazed that his little dog doesn't mind being lifted that way -- (mine wouldn't like it - mainly because he's not used to it). After a short, friendly conversation you may find yourself more accepting of the way he cares for his dog - also, this may give you an opportunity to express your concerns in a very friendly, conversational, nonjudgemental way. And - in the end -- this is the only way, we will ever be able to change anyone else's behavior anyway.....
Good luck! Carol Jean |
I agree with this but I also have 2 points of view.
#1 It looks like I pick up Chloe by her front legs. In actually I don't... Since she was 3 months old and she is a leaper. When she wants to get to me she always leaped, fearing she would fall mid-leap, I started holding her under one of her front legs and say "UP". I am not actually holding her leg, rather supporting her as she leaps to my lap. A friend mentioned to me I shouldn't "pick" her up that way, I explained that it may look that way but I wasn't picking her up. BUT this was a friend that mentioned it to me... IF his dog has been picked up this way since babyhood, he may feel very comfortable with it.
#2 I read the newpaper story in the forum about the lady in Canada, (FastEdie, Auust 9, 2006 Kathy McDonald) the one that "was" on a leash and the 2 pit bulls knocked her over and took her yorkie and it showed the surgery site and the drainage tube.
I can't stop thinking of that poor baby. I would PRINT that story and more importantly the picture and perhaps send it unknown to his mailbox. Let him see first hand what could happen even with a yorkie ON a leash..... He will then know the danger and that it is bothering s"someone" that sees him walk leashless. OR what about the Hawks!!!