One Person’S Pet May Be Another’S Peeve

When you think your dog is tucked away in your yard and all is safe, think again.

Recently, we have been reading and hearing about Valley dogs that have been getting themselves and their owners into big trouble.

First, we build homes and then we build fences. I once heard that good fences make good neighbors. In fact, fences serve many purposes - not the least of which is to keep what is ours separated from what is not.

A secure fence is an absolute necessity for the owner of pets, especially dogs.

It makes the owner feel safe that his or her animal is where it belongs - in their yard. It makes passersby feel safe that the dog will stay in that yard.

Recently, this plan did not work. A young Valley girl was badly bitten because of an open gate. The community felt pain, anger, sympathy and regret for what happened that day.

A child suffered and a pet owner suffered.

It use to be that we heard about occasional dog bites when the mailman delivered the mail or the meter man read the meter. But now our mail is delivered by vehicle and our meters are read with telescopic instruments that permit a safe distance from enclosed danger.

Many joggers carry sprays for protection from threatening dogs. Regular walkers know which streets to avoid.

Still, we all see dogs on the streets. Not long ago a large yellow lab came into our front yard, lowered himself into our pond and swam around. My boys thought this was great fun.

Having never before seen this animal, my first thought was that it must be lost.

Even from a distance I could see that it had a collar and a tag. This usually means that there is an owner who cares about their pet and that it has just gotten away and someone will be looking to bring it back home.

I called to it, but instead of coming to me the dog fled out the fence and down the sidewalk.

Often, I can close the gate and call the owner.

This not only reunites pet and owner, but also keeps the dog from being hurt or taken to the pound.

We really never know what we are dealing with when it comes to animals. Of course, we are not looking for trouble. But there is always that chance.

It greatly worries me when I see children approach a fence to pet or make friends with a dog on the other side of the fence.

Children who have dogs at home automatically think that all dogs are friendly and harmless.

But animals aren’t so predictable. Some are friendly. But others have been abused, or are acting in a protective manner, or are simply not used to children. They might bark, snarl or worse when the child approaches.

Warning signs on fences and gates work only if everyone can read them. Small children can not.

What can we do to keep our pets and our children safe?

Pet owners must look at their individual situations and think safety first.

Parents and others must make children aware of situations involving animals that could lead to danger. With knowledge and a few reasonable precautions, perhaps we can live in harmony.