I don’t know if I just got lucky or if I am such a mean Mom that I scared my kids into listening, but either way I am grateful and happy that when the need arises they listen. Any parent knows the dangers of running into the street or running from behind a parked car. The babies are both really good about standing next to me while loading/unloading them. They stay on the side walk and very rarely go into the street without first holding my hand. They listen when I tell them to stay away from Grandma’s pool. They listen when I tell them to only ride their bikes in the driveway. They listen when I ask them to hold my hands while walking into stores, the library, or just out for our daily walk. And luckily they listen when I’m freaked out and yell at them to come over to me at once.
The other day we were at our little grassy park area exploring the rocks and flowers when out of nowhere a HUGE black dog come running straight for us. I see him coming and yell to the babies to come over to me. I must have sounded mean and crazy enough because they both came running over. Well, I suppose it could have been this giant dog coming towards us that made them come to me, but whatever. I prefer to think I have Magic Mom abilities and my kids listen to me. =) Big pet peeve…dogs not on leases (Ha, get it? Pet peeve and I’m talking about pets). Do I crack you up as much as I do myself? Probably not.
Anyway. How am I supposed to know if this giant dog is friendly? So I snatch up both kids and start walking quickly (as quickly as I can when holding 50+ pounds of kid) to the wagon where I have my pepper spray. Now, dog lovers, before you get all in a huff that I would spray this poor innocent dog just imagine a GIANT dog running full force at your tiny two year olds. Sorry but the safety of my children come first and the dog will get sprayed in the face every time. Luckily for this dog his owners (two young boys) come running up. I yell to them is the dog safe and they assured me he was. After they catch up to GIANT dog I put the babies down and get ready to head home. Next thing you know two other GIANT dogs (and by giant dogs I mean big dogs, not the little ankle biters) come running up and once again I’m freaking out and yelling at the babies to stay still so I can guard them all the while trying to grab my pepper spray. The three dogs proceed to get into a fight with barking, biting, and whatever else dog fights entail. The babies are scared and I am pissed. It is AGAINST THE LAW to have your pet off of a leash. The dog owner comes over (this time a grown man) and apologizes for scaring the babies and me. I was not gracious and just walked off. Really I just wanted to yell at him to keep his dogs on their leash. How in the world do I know if they are “so friendly and wouldn’t hurt a flea”. At the moment of giant dogs loping towards us all I can think about is all of those children who have gotten bit (some very seriously) and are disfigured or damaged for life. So dog owners, if your dog is off of his leash and running at me and the babies don’t be surprised when I whip out my pink canister of pepper spray and belt your dog. Sorry. Well, not really, but I’ll say sorry so my sister doesn’t yell at me. =)
November 17th, 2008 at 6:55 am
We have 4 big dogs, all of which are very friendly but none of which are allowed off leash except in our house and backyard. I would not be upset at all if one of my dogs was somehow off leash and you sprayed them. There is no need to apologize for protecting you and your babies.
November 17th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I totally agree!
Also, things I am amazed at: (1) Your kids listen to you. Mine are already masters of ’selective hearing.’ (2) They ride bikes in the driveway! (3) They agree (and enjoy) to wear hats! I know I’ve said that one before, but it just blows my mind.
P.S. Which do you like better Lightroom or PhotoShop?
November 17th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
India and Zoe think every dog is nice and are constantly running up to them, it’s worse when the dogs aren’t on a leash and there is no one around to ask if their nice pups.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I’ve had big dogs and I although they were extremely friendly, they were still just animals that follow their instincts. And sometimes those instincts can turn the friendliest dog dangerous. I think you have very good reason to be on the ready to pepper spray any dog, big or small, if they are coming at you. And now I think I need to get myself some of that pepper spray.
November 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I tend to be VERY relaxed around animals. It wouldn’t even dawn on me to react that way, but now that you pointed out that kids have gotten severely hurt by dogs maybe I should be more protective. I don’t think I’ve ever come across one not on a leash/no owner though. Maybe that would worry me.
I don’t want my kids to be scared of anything so I tend to show no fear so that they don’t pick up on it.
And my kids are like Shannon’s. I may as well be talking to a wall.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Crazy animal loving sissie here…
In 100% agreement with dogs needing to be on leashes. It also annoys me when people
assume because my dogs are small they are friendly. Children come running up to my
dogs at the park all the time and their parents don’t stop them.
Another pet peeve, when an unleashed dog comes running up to my dogs and I hear the
owner yell, “don’t worry, he/she’s friendly”. Well, my dog isn’t friendly.
It is also equally important to teach children to respect animals. They are not
play toys and they will defend themselves if necessary. This is something I work
with M on daily.
November 19th, 2008 at 11:47 am
How scary, Lesley! I would have reacted in this very same way. It drives me nuts when people have their dogs loose and we are supposed to just “know” they are friendly. There is someone down the road from us who does this…ugh. Almost 10 years ago my younger cousin was attacked by a dog off of a leash. He was very badly injured and even had to be transferred out of state ot a large Children’s Hospitals. You just never now and it is certainly better to be safe thaan sorry!!