First up was the Doberman Pinscher that may or may not be outside, roaming free. When I walked by his house, would I have to deal with him? Running towards me? Barking and frothing? If they really could smell fear, I was screwed.
Assuming I survived that obstacle, about a block or so further were the Chow dogs. A family bred them, and sometimes the mates were inside a fence, sometimes not. They too would come after whomever should dare walk down the street passed their lair, black tongues a-flapping.
I don't know how many times I had to deal with these dogs. And obviously, I survived. In fact, as far as I know, they never actually attacked anyone other than with barking and scare tactics. Still, when I was a kid, I was afraid of dogs. All dogs.
I'm not sure why I had The Fear. Maybe it was a result of our town's lax leash laws, but I just didn't like dogs at all. Why would people want to have one or more living with them?
Somewhere, that all changed. I can't put my finger on a specific time or event. It just happened. Maybe I just outgrew it like an allergy.
Now, I love dogs. Their loyalty, their unconditional love, their expressiveness.
We lost sweet, playful Domino a few short years ago. I still miss him dearly. China isn't getting any younger either. Still pretty active and healthy for an old lady, but we always have to include that "for an old lady" part.
Now, I can't imagine NOT having a pooch around. So, I'd like to say to the Doberman and the Chow Chows...
Sorry I hated you when I was a kid. Thank you for not mauling.
For Mama Kat's Writing Prompt:
3.) Something that scared you when you were young...are you still afraid?
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20 comments:
Losing our 17 year old Lucky three years ago would STILL be tearing me up if we hadn't had Beau to rescue from cruelty. We are again, a PACK that travels together.
Ugh! We had to pass a number of dogs in our neighborhood too! They could really be terrifying!! Cheers to surviving!
Yay! You conquered your fear! That's pretty awesome. I'm still scared of mine.
P.S. I love the title of your blog!
Your fear of dogs reminds me of a story... which will possibly show up on my blog...
I remember being afraid of cows when I was a kid. My uncle was a farmer. I was afraid to go in his barn. Those cows were SO big and I heard they could kick pretty good if they were so inclined! I never got kicked, so I'm not sure why I carried the fear.
You three are a pack. Beau's got it good, and I know he gives as good as he gets!
Yeah, sometimes it felt like they'd been waiting for me to walk by just so they could do their terrifying act... because someday, I might have a blog and write about them!
Thanks, and the fear somehow turned the corner. Now I have to stay away from the shelters and adoption fairs or I'll fer sure bring something home!
Cows ARE big. Much bigger than they look in the movies! I vividly remember my failed cow tipping experience. Good thing there was beer.
Oh do tell the reminded story!
I remember being afraid of certain dogs, but not all dogs. I've seen young kids of friends be absolutely terrified of dogs, no matter how friendly they were.
I'm happy you got over your fear of dogs. I'm sure China and Domino are too. If you ever remember what triggered your sudden change of heart, do tell!
Socks was the big yellow dog with the white paws. He'd bark big, then get up and approach from across the street -- yikes!
Pidgeon was the oddly-named mutt with the floppied ear that would actually ankle nip, also from clear across the street. He smelled the fear.
Both were on the way to/from Sunday school -- and were a main reason for not liking it!
But I really liked most other dogs -- especially Fred, my buddy's little black mutt. He's a Good Doggie!
I guess I never had a true phobia of dogs. We just had more scary ones around than not, which made me dislike dogs in general. All it took was to meet some good ones and I was cured!
I admit that even I liked Fred. And Charky too.
Socks is also burned into my memory, as is Pidgeon, but I didn't remember his name until now :).
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." on the way to Sunday school...
I grew up around lots of dogs, mainly rescued ones, so I soon learnt to be wary but not totally scared of them. There were a few other dogs that I was cautious of - a huge Boxer that was just playful, and a couple of big Golden Labradors that were never walked so they were a bit nutty. We had quite a few street dogs who were let out in the morning and went home at night. These tended to be very friendly, more interested in finding the nice smelling female that was not far away...
Look carefully again at picture # 1 and picture # 2. That's why you had The Fear.
Now look at the happy faces on picture # 3. :)
...Okay, so the first two dogs can't help their menacing look. Somebody loves them, too.
I got attacked by a dog in middle school and it took me awhile to not flinch every time I saw a big one. I still do, sometimes.
I'm terrified of dogs, always have been. Apparently as a child a relative had a dog that constantly attacked me and that must have stayed with me. I do think they are cute... from a distance.
Sounds like you were healthily socialized!
There's someone for every dog, yes.
Actually attacked?! Sorry. Maybe that helps explain your blog moniker and subsequent profile pic?
I think our animal opinions are impressed upon us from our first encounters. I could see you with a dog - a fluffy lap dog or a pit bull.
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