This Makes Me So Mad

[Lou]

A few years ago our mailman opened the screen door to our neighbor's house and accidentally let out his boxer. That dog was as friendly and playful as the day is long and began jumping around wanting to play. The mailman dropped his bag and took off running which encouraged the boxer to chase him. Eventually the boxer grabbed the mailman's arm and wouldn't let go until the owner caught up with them and ordered it. The bite caused nerve damage but the homeowners insurance covered it. Then the neighbor got notice from the insurance company to either get rid of the dog or lose their coverage. It was so sad because any dog person would have recognized this dog's playfulness and react accordingly. Fortunately the dog was very popular with our neighbor's friends and found a great home where they could visit him.


When the mailman came back to work he was obviously terrified of dogs. He would approach our house like it was about to explode because he knew we had Ivan, our big ol dufus GSD, that would bark when he approached. The mailman was traumatized and from that point on I suspect he would do anything to keep any dog away from him. I don't think it is fair to suggest he move to a different field since there are pension benefits he would forfeit but I do think the postal service should provide more training to their carriers about approaching dogs and recognizing behaviors. It would benefit them so much to be able to interpret body language of dogs.


The situation in this thread just upsets me so much! That poor little thing didn't deserve to be treated in that manner. Especially since the mailman knew the dog lived there and had never, I assume, had a problem with it.
He over-reacted and should be held accountable. I'm so sorry for the owners.

[Jewel25]

Why would your mail person open to door to someone's house? I don't know where everyone lives but our mailwoman wouldn't even get out of the car. Drive up to the mailbox and drop.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by Jewel25

It is not a reason to kill


I can't believe people are sticking up for this man.

Not sticking up for the fact that he killed the dog whether he felt it was in actual self defense or he just overreacted. I'm not afraid of dogs never have been but I'm ridiculously afraid of snakes. If I were to run across one I can't guarantee how I'd react but I know I wouldn't be calm.

[Jewel25]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

Not sticking up for the fact that he killed the dog whether he felt it was in actual self defense or he just overreacted. I'm not afraid of dogs never have been but I'm ridiculously afraid of snakes. If I were to run across one I can't guarantee how I'd react but I know I wouldn't be calm.

I don't like other people's dogs or trust them but that doesn't mean I would kill them. Also a snake is not someone's pet. I know people who own snakes and have them in their home, would you think about killing them just because you are scared? I don't think you would because you are a reasonable thinking person and would think, hey if I would kill this snake how would the owners feel.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by Jewel25

I don't like other people's dogs or trust them but that doesn't mean I would kill them. Also a snake is not someone's pet. I know people who own snakes and have them in their home, would you think about killing them just because you are scared? I don't think you would because you are a reasonable thinking person and would think, hey if I would kill this snake how would the owners feel.

If it were someone's home and the snake was contained of course I wouldn't kill it. But if it somehow became loose and I even thought it was in a threatening pose towards me or my child all bets are off. If I was deathly scared and I felt myself or my family was in danger my last thought would be "how the owner would feel". Btw lots of people have pet snakes my husband's fraternity brother for one. Which is why I won't go to his home for events. But that is a social gathering going to his home isn't going to effect my paycheck like in the mail carriers situation.

[sganow]

Personally, I think the guy should lose his job and be prosecuted for animal cruelty! A full grown man doesn't need to smash a little 10 lb dog in the head with a big rock! He could have resorted to something much less violent. Now if it was a large dog and it was actually attacking him, then I could see that reaction. Not for a little 10 lb dog that runs up to you though. Totally unnecessary! He should pay for being a cruel jerk!

And yes, I know the dog should have been contained to it's own yard, but 2 wrongs don't make it right!!!

[Jewel25]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

If it were someone's home and the snake was contained of course I wouldn't kill it. But if it somehow became loose and I even thought it was in a threatening pose towards me or my child all bets are off. If I was deathly scared and I felt myself or my family was in danger my last thought would be "how the owner would feel". Btw lots of people have pet snakes my husband's fraternity brother for one. Which is why I won't go to his home for events. But that is a social gathering going to his home isn't going to effect my paycheck like in the mail carriers situation.

If you are a lifeguard and you have a traumatizing event, where you are terrified of water do you still continue to be a lifeguard? I know if I was scared and couldn't preform my job to 100% I would find another job. No reason to go to work everyday of my life scared. I would much rather take a pay cut than work in that kind of environment.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by Jewel25

If you are a lifeguard and you have a traumatizing event, where you are terrified of water do you still continue to be a lifeguard? I know if I was scared and couldn't preform my job to 100% I would find another job. No reason to go to work everyday of my life scared. I would much rather take a pay cut than work In in that kind of environment.

I'm not sure what I would do in that situation because I've never been in it. I have the luxury of not having to work l, but if mine was the sole income for my family and there were no other opportunities within my field I'd probably "suck it up" and deal with it until I found something I was better equipped to handle. Providing for family would be priority my fears secondary.

[sganow]

Well if he was SO deathly afraid of dogs, maybe he should have carried a can of mace or pepper spray rather than resorting to a big rock! I have no sympathy for this guy!

[Jewel25]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

I'm not sure what I would do in that situation because I've never been in it. I have the luxury of not having to work l, but if mine was the sole income for my family and there were no other opportunities within my field I'd probably "suck it up" and deal with it until I found something I was better equipped to handle. Providing for family would be priority my fears secondary.

Also, this is the HR person talking in me. If he was that terrified, he should have reported it to his supervisor. A good supervisor would help find a job with equal pay where you wouldn't have exposer to your fear or maybe provide training. And if he was attacked before hand then the postal service should provide counseling. There is always options, esp. having a government job.

I don't have all the facts, but I bet he will be slapped with jail time and/or a fine.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by sganow

Well if he was SO deathly afraid of dogs, maybe he should have carried a can of mace or pepper spray rather than resorting to a big rock! I have no sympathy for this guy!

I agree he should carry mace considering his career (are mail carriers allowed to carry mace btw?). But in the heat of the moment of someone being afraid they tend to overreact and not think clearly. For example I found a lizard in my home. I'm afraid of all reptiles/amphibians so was I overzealous when disposing of it? Definitely. Could I have handled it better? Yep. Would I remember not to freak out if it happened again? Prob not

[deedeebear]

I never let Sophie outside unless my husband or myself are with her. It is not worth taking a chance something will happen.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by Jewel25

Also, this is the HR person talking in me. If he was that terrified, he should have reported it to his supervisor. A good supervisor would help find a job with equal pay where you wouldn't have exposer to your fear or maybe provide training. And if he was attacked before hand then the postal service should provide counseling. There is always options, esp. having a government job.

I don't have all the facts, but I bet he will be slapped with jail time and/or a fine.

True he should have spoken with his supe(but I've actually heard of some having supervisors who tell them to perform the job's requirements or find another job). I don't know about jail time though since the dog was loose. They may put him on leave, desk work, give him a different route(worst possible option), or something like that. In my experience most don't lose their jobs when they shout "self defense" and the animal actually wasn't adequately contained. There really is no type of compensation for the owners but hopefully the mail company will make an attempt to somehow rectify the situation.

[Rachael1983]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

I agree he should carry mace considering his career (are mail carriers allowed to carry mace btw?). But in the heat of the moment of someone being afraid they tend to overreact and not think clearly. For example I found a lizard in my home. I'm afraid of all reptiles/amphibians so was I overzealous when disposing of it? Definitely. Could I have handled it better? Yep. Would I remember not to freak out if it happened again? Prob not

Yup they carry some form of pepper spray. I don't think anyone here condones the extreme nature of the act. However I do think there are other factors here that the media didn't report thus facts we don't know.

I think through the investigation, that the the mail carrier will be provided with some form of re-training, re-assignment, reduced hours, or even let go. There's liability here with the owners, so more than likely they won't be compensated even though I hope they are provided some sort of acknowledgement from the USPS.

[Jewel25]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

True he should have spoken with his supe(but I've actually heard of some having supervisors who tell them to perform the job's requirements or find another job). I don't know about jail time though since the dog was loose. They may put him on leave, desk work, give him a different route(worst possible option), or something like that. In my experience most don't lose their jobs when they shout "self defense" and the animal actually wasn't adequately contained. There really is no type of compensation for the owners but hopefully the mail company will make an attempt to somehow rectify the situation.

It's sad that some people still think that, but it happens more than it should. That is why people should go to HR when a supervisor acts in this short of manner.

Just saying something could have been done to prevent this for happening. It is a terrible situation.