Sorry to hear about your brother and his girlfriend! I can't believe they would be so close minded... One accident and instantly banned from being around them forever... I mean really, s**t happens! I hope they don't ever plan on having children...they have more accidents than just one. But as far as the "Rat on Stilts" from your uncle, at least she is the cutest rat he will ever see. (I'm a bit sarcastic when someone talks about my Chloe, so I know how you feel when he makes these comments)

I know what you mean! Chloe catches it all the time. I get comments from my neighbors about my "puny little rat catcher" as they call her all the time...but that's ok I follow with a smart reply and go about my business.

Thanks! I just hate them being like this towards her, she is my precious baby and they think I'm too soft and over sensitive with her - I can't help these 'motherley' instincts! ;) She is cuter than rats anyway :D xXx

I am one of those people who scoop up their dogs...Nash, our male Maltese. thinks he is a Rottie and will not back down from any other dog! We were at a flea market a few months ago and a man was walking his Great Pyrenese (sp?) without a leash and the dog took one look at Nash and rushed up to him. Nash stiffened and started to go for him when I picked him up. The man seemed offended, saying his dog was gentle and sweet.

I'm sorry, but my elderly Maltese is a rescue and was in tough shape when we got him: has almost no teeth and he was never well socialized to other dogs (I also think he was neutered late). He is pretty much ok with small dogs like himself, but is recklessly aggressive with big ones! I know this about him, so I am very careful with him around other dogs, and will pick him up to prevent incidents. He's an old man and unlikely to change, I just accommodate him.

I appreciate it when others keep their dogs leashed and would never dream of allowing my dog to approach another without restraint. It will be no different for Puddin' when she gets bigger. So why do other people take such offence?

So far I have not had to deal with any kind of derogatory remarks regarding my dogs...everyone who has met Puddin' is captivated by her, and Maltese are so common around here that people don't even look twice at them.

But if someone did have the bad manners to make cutting remarks like I've seen reported on this thread, I can tell you exactly what I would say. I am of the opinion that if someone is deliberately rude to me, they have released me from the social obligation to deal with them politely. I would simply look them square in the eye and ask them "Now, why would you want to say such a discourteous thing to a complete stranger? Are you always this rude? Or are you simply having an off day?"

Just what I was thinking!!!!!!

But why don't people put their dogs on a leash!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad:

Suzi would be in my arms too... A large dog coming straight ahead of A yorkie? Of course your going to pick her up! I would not give too much thought into what someone is saying. No matter how nice a big dog is, never take a chance. Things happen in an instant, and I am one not to take the chance .
People can remark and say anything they want... I don't let it bother me. Suzi is the too important to me and i love her so much that nobody could say anything to change that. I'd just shrug it off. :thumbup:

They should keep their dogs on leads - not just for our furbabies' safety (and other dogs of course) but for their own dog's safety - yeah a huge dog walking without a leash could seem a threat even though really it is a gentle giant, but what if another aggressive dog decides to jump in for the attack? You won't have a leg to stand on if both dogs run off attacking each other, whereas if one is one the lead at least you will have some form of control. xxx

I'm SURE her husband was talking about HER looking like a wet rat and he just couldn't say it to her face! :p Beyotch.

That infuriates me too! we have yorkie playdates on weekdays and one of the mommies from the play date walks her yorkie 4 lbs and her friends yorkie 3 lbs without leashes. how in the world can they be protected from danger???? to me that is irresponsible furbaby care!!:mad:

But thats just me I guess....grrrrr

Sounds like that guy was just an inconciderate jerk. I definatly would have pick my dog up if I saw that big galoop af a dog coming at them. Also some people don't know how to keep their big fat traps shut. Why would someone say something so insulting. Don't be offended by idiots!!! they are just ignorant, don't let them ruin your day. They unfortunatly will never know the love and joy that we (yorkie) owners feel. How terrible for them.