Wiggles was attacked tonight while we were out walking on leash. A large part-St. Bernard put a dozen puncture wounds in the left side of his face (just missed getting his left eye) and inside his mouth toward the back is an inch-long cut and bruised place.

 

I am sick and tired of thoughtless bullies letting their dogs run loose, and hurting my sweet, guileless, blind dog!

 

Wiggles is sweet as ever, though kind of 'spotted' looking, due to the punctures.

 

The county sheriff came and took a report, the park maintenance guy came out and commiserated with us and the park manager just left.

 

We've a veterinary appointment, and it looks like another trip to court. At least we've got a good, caring dog warden now!

 

Police issue pepper spray doesn't work; I gave an attacking boxer a faceful of it, but it wasn't even fazed.

 

A walking stick was carried, but trying to hit the offending dog when it attacks 'out of nowhere' is difficult when your own dog is right there, too.

 

The latest suggestion is an electric cattle prod, but again, touching the bad dog and missing the good dog is difficult when there are two dogs in whirling motion 'round one's feet.

 

Sigh ... I try my best to do the best for him, but guess that cannot include walks in the park.

 

Seven attacks by six dogs (all but one here in the park) in less than eight years, and each time, the attacking dog was loose and Wiggles was sedately walking at my side, on leash.

 

The offending breeds? A black Chow -- twice. A black Lab. A boxer. A German Shepherd. A pit bull. A St. Bernard.

 

What do all these offenders have in common, besides being larger than my medium-sized cattle dog?

 

Their "owners" think it's fine to let them run loose.

 

The dogs themselves are opportunists and will go after a well-mannered, quiet, non-aggressive pet that's walking on a leash with its owner.

 

Such malicious acts are perpetrated upon a blind dog. This is the epitome of the word bully, and fits both owners and dogs.

 

What does this have to do with property rights? Our peace of mind and health are our property, and we have the right to walk, unmolested, in the park. We have the right to get outdoor exercise. Those seeking "rights" for their various dog breeds to roam at will, actually want the "right" for attacks to occur, their dogs to be hit and maimed or killed by cars or possibly maimed or killed by other loose dogs or wildlife/predators.

 

How much can someone "love" their dog by letting it run loose? 

 

How much of a "dog lover" can such a person be, knowing that the very real possibility exists that such needless altercations will happen?