Had an annoying experience today ...
 

I have been posting a lot recently, but something happened today that I just had to come and share here! It was really rather irritating ....

I have just recently taken up bicycle riding as a hobby. I always hated seeing the look on Clyde's face as I would walk out the door to leave to go on rides without him, and so I came up with a solution to the problem until I could afford one of those dog bike trailers (which I will be getting for christmas!)

Anyways! I came up with a solution to leaving Clyde at home by biking with him in a backpack. I would set a pillow at the bottom of the bag for comfort, and let his head come out where the zipper was. I also lined the area that his head would be resting on with soft stuff so that it wasn't chocking him or anything. The moment that Clyde was in the bag I thought he loved it because it is a very similar experience to riding in the car with windows open for dogs (and Clyde loves that).

I was biking through the park on my way to the dog park when I stopped for water. I women with her children approached me to tell me how cute Dexter was (he rides in a small basket in the front of the bike because he is still a puppy). She then noticed Clyde and in the back and said "seriously, you have a dog in your backpack?"


I didn't really know how to respond when she went off on me saying things like: "That is really abusive" "I feel really bad for your dog look at him he is miserable" ... "People shouldn't be allowed to treat animals like that". "I can't believe you would put your dog in an abusive situation for attention" ...

I just stared at her because I was in such disbelief of what she was saying!!! She then picked up her small white dog and said "I LOVE my dog and I would never treat him like that" .... and started to walk away still talking to the people around her about how sad my dog looked and how someone should really "help" him.


I decided it would be better to just ride away and forget about her than to get into a shouting match in the park with a total stranger!


The situation was so ridiculous. Clyde would be more miserable being at him alone while I went to the park. My sister wanted to carry Clyde for awhile to see what it felt like and this is a picture of him riding around in the backpack that I decided to take and share with you guys. I mean sure ... he kinda looks really peculiar and funny like this .... but .....

Honestly, does he look miserable to you?

:aimeeyork

(I posted a picture of Dexter in the basket just for fun, too)

Clyde is also never hesitant about jumping right into the backpack when he sees me bringing my bike out! If he hated I do not think he would be doing that.

he doesnt look like its hurting him or anything. :) i think what u are doing is neat. i wish my baby would ride with me but she is too much of a girly girl! lol dont let what she says get to u..ur dog seems fine. and happy at that

Blow her off. He looks happy and am sure he enjoys every block he gets to cycle along. She's just......one of those!!! If you'd had him on a long lead, a short lead, carryng him in your arms or in a fancy pram with bottled water and satin pillows, she'd probably have a problem with those for one reason or another.

I own a backpack made for dogs... mine love riding or just being carried around in it.

If he jumps in to go he is not miserable. I am sure he would be miserable left a home. It was not an abusive situation, you did not do it for attention but for bonding. Some people assume things and go off on a rant. People have opinions it does not make them right. Don't worry enjoy your rides with your two babies!

He looks happy to me! Some people are just idiots!

I think that woman overreacted, and was rude.

I ride a bike with Tatiana. I use a front-carrying, pet carrier pouch. It's like a backpack, but it hangs on my front. It has a drawstring top (and an inner leash), and Tatiana sticks her head out. She really enjoys bike rides. I like that she's on my front, so I can clearly see her. Sometimes, I rest one hand on her, and steer with the other hand.

Oftentimes, we get pointed at, and smiles from other people, especially kids. :)

He looks like he's enjoying it! Just ignore the B****. She needs to mind her own damn business. It's not like you are dragging him on a lead behind you burning his paws. That would be abuse.

Maybe you should come up with a one liner in case you run into her at the park again.

Which brand do you have? I've been thinking about getting one for Uni. Since she's SO tall, all the baskets are good only if she behaves and sits or lays down. If she stands up, she has a good chance of falling out. Plus the roads around here are TERRIBLE! :thumbdown I think I saw one called Paws Out or something.

I know some people are hard to ignore because they are busy bodies. But try. She doesn't know you, your dogs, or the situation. Forget all about her and keep doing what makes you and your pups happy! :)

He looks happy in the picture and there is NO difference in him riding in a backpack,mine riding in my purse or someone elses riding in one of those front packs.

People are idiots they have nothing better to do than find something to argue about.. Clyde looks like he is having a blast and would rather be with you than at home alone..

When I got sonic, second day we went to petsmart and all he did was lay and sleep while I was pushing him *course he had a little bed* a woman saw him and said he don't look happy, I told her I got him the day before and walked off everyone else was like awwww he is so cute, I even had people asking me what breed he was, I was thinking surely people know what a yorkie is i mean they are popular!

I'm sure he is enjoying himself. It does look a bit uncomfortable for him since it is not a structured backpack but he does look like he appreciates being in the great outdoors.

I do think a backpack made for dogs would be a bit more of a safety factor for the little guy just in case of an accident or something. They also make baskets for dogs that have a wired covering to make sure they don't get hurt if the bike falls for some reason.

I don't know what to say about the woman who berated you for this. It is obviously none of her business and you did not ask her for her opinion.

:thumbup: