 |
| Mean Chow |
There wasn't any particular "dog incident", I can trace it back to, I just know that all dogs scared me, probably as a result of the above listed reasons. In fact, I don't really remember seeing many people out lawfully walking their dogs on leashes, and there were no official dog parks. Dogs just roamed and sowed their oats, and the world was their toilet.
This meant that any kid out playing or walking home from school or walking to a friend's house was fair game. I often did such activities in that fear that dogs can allegedly smell.
At some point, however, that changed. I somehow progressed from "scared of 'em!" to "I don't like 'em" to "I guess some are okay" to "what a great animal!"
Part of my conversion was probably due to one of my friends' dogs, a lovable Basset Hound named Sugar Bear. Another neighbor kid had a lovable little mutt named Fred. Since then, I've met and befriended many a nice pooch, including two dogs of our own - Domino, may he rest in peace, and our lovable old lady, China.
 |
| Sweeties! |
I still encounter random off-leash dogs once in a while. And the fear that gripped me as a child is for the most part, gone, but I don't naturally trust strange roaming dogs.
Even Fang, the little dog that tried to murder me, was on a leash and clearly didn't like me being around.
On a side note, I have not seen Fang or his gang since, and have deduced that they were visiting from some faraway place that is unaccustomed to our friendly ways.
When Chaco and I were hiking on Pikes Peak a few weeks ago, we "leap frogged" our way up the mountain with about three other groups. One of those groups consisted of three young guys and two darling pooches - smallish Boxers - one brindle and one fawn. Wonderful trail companions.
I've thought about those dogs often since meeting them, even studied up a bit on Boxers
I know those two were a nice mix of energy and friendliness. It seemed clear that they had hiked the long trail often and were enjoying themselves while being very well-behaved, seemingly working as trail guides. When the group reached the summit, they left one guy to ride down, and the other two guys and dogs headed back down on foot for the round trip. The dogs still seemed fresh as daisies.
When I was a kid, I was annoyingly afraid of dogs. Now I'm afraid to go visit the animal shelter, because I'll end up bringing one home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linking up with MamaKat again for the prompt:
1. Something that scared you when you were young…are you still afraid?
18 comments:
I'm scared of dogs, I was as a child and I still am. I think some of them are cute as long as they are a long way away from me. :D
I find myself more anxious around small dogs than large ones.
i believe it's some well known dog trainer who says, 'there's not bad dogs; just bad owners." (meaning those who don't either control their animals or train them how to be polite company.)
I was the same as a kid. No incident but I wouldn't go near a dog unless I really knew the owner. I'm better now but still follow the same rule.
I was bitten in the face by a friend's dog, but it never made me fearful of dogs. I'm only afraid of them if I'm running and one comes running up to me. I'm usually more fearful they'll trip me up than attack me.
I don't know much about boxers. What did you find in your studies?
They smell your fear! Well, maybe not from far away.
If you look up dog ratings for viciousness, it's the little ones that take the top spots every time!
I think that's very true. It bothers me when people let their out-of-control dogs just run rampant. And they shout, "It's okay, he's friendly! He just wants to say 'hi'!" as the dog is jumping on you.
Knowing the owner is a big plus. Sometimes *because* I know the owner, I know to stay away from their dog!
Geez, in the face?! Yes, there are some that see you running and just want to join in... or chase you down and eat you.
I learned that boxers are friendly and like lots of exercise, which is what makes them such good hiking companions. They also don't tolerate heat very well and have high rates of cancer :(
Love the boxer photo :D I put some thought on your prompt question. I was afraid of crazy people (and crazy dogs) as a child, and I'm still afraid of them.
Oh, I hate dogs. ;)
I grew up with big dogs, so I've always enjoyed them. Though I had a distaste for the small ones. Working at the shelter has made me warm up to some smaller ones, but it has not made me want to take any home (except a foster, temporarily.)
"Crazy people" casts a wide net. There are more among us than we realize!
I've not typically been a fan of the little ones either. But they all have their own personalities, like your little foster freak.
We had some nasty mean dogs in my neighborhood growing up too...I think that's why I tend to lean towards small dogs. Even if they're mean, they can't exactly kill you. I CAN TAKE'EM DOWN!
Yup!
My sister used to look at Joe and I oddly when we'd say "We've got to get home. The boy is expecting us." and she'd say "It's just a DOG."
When she finally decided to "give a dog a try", we got ready to take him, since we knew she'd never bond with "just a dog".
After one day with her boy, she called me and said "I had no idea they could steal your heart!" I said "But it's just a DOG."
Revenge is sweet. LOL
when i was little the neighbour in front of me had this huge dog in his compound. the evil bastard always barked at me whenever i walked or cycled past, without fail. sometimes to ire the creature i would run along the fence and back just to see the dog running and barking his heart out.
one day as i was walking by, the gate of the compound was opened... and the dog ran out to meet me. he stopped a couple of steps away, barked and then ran back into the compound.
lucky dog, as i was ready to kill if he ever touch me.
i dont hate dogs as a rule. i even let strays sit on my porch when i was away.
(this made the neighbourhood a bit perplexed).
Post a Comment