Dear Editor:
How many times have you seen a child being dragged along by an enthusiastic canine companion with no adult in sight? These children are set loose to walk the family dog, with little or no ability to subdue or redirect the animal should problems arise.
On Thursday evening around 5:30 p.m. I was privy to yet another display of parental irresponsibility which could have resulted in tragedy. I was walking my two leashed dogs down the creek pathway parallel to Riverside Place when I encountered two girls, probably 10 or 12, walking the family german shepherd. Not only was the trail incredibly icy, offering little purchase to anyone, but the flimsy flexi-type lead allowed the young owner no control whatsoever over their lunging animal. The struggling girls tried to drag the aggressive dog to the side of the trail and I attempted to give them as wide a berth as possible.
The shepherd easily broke free of the girls, jumped one of my dogs, grabbed him by the neck and tore several chunks of fur out of him before I was able to separate the animals. Luckily, I was not injured in the process, and had my dog not been wearing a winter coat, the outcome for him may have been considerably worse.
The girls were traumatized, I was extremely upset and, for being attacked a third time by another out of control canine, my dogs were terrified.
Although I was very angry and told the girls never to walk the dog on that kind of leash again, I assured them it was not their fault, it was the fault of their parents.
These girls could have been severely injured in this melee had they tried to get between their dog-aggressive shepherd and my little corgi.
Parents, don’t send your child out alone with the family dog unless the child is fully mature enough for the responsibility and is physically and mentally able to ensure that no one, especially themselves, will be put at risk as a result of your actions.
The safety of your child and your dog is your responsibility and yours alone.
Laurie Rossiter
