Sometimes, something happens when I’m walking Flossie that really makes my day.
Flossie is an anxious dog. It’s a long story. She didn’t have the best start in life and she was bitten on her face by another dog shortly after she came to live with me.
She’s a work in progress and wears a neon yellow “I need space” sleeve on her lead because she doesn’t like dogs approaching her.
Most people are understanding, although a few seem to want to advise me on dog training, having analysed Flossie’s situation in the 10 seconds they’ve encountered her.
We walk in quiet places where I can give Flossie space. It works well, although, inevitably, we do meet the occasional off-lead dog.
If we can’t give them a wide berth, I ask the owner to put their dog on a lead just as we pass. Most do, but others say (unhelpful) things like, “My dog’s fine with other dogs.”
Their dog isn’t the issue though. Mine is.
So, now I say, “My dog doesn’t like other dogs.” It’s the quickest thing I can say that will motivate them to act on my request before Flossie starts barking.
Not everyone is helpful, but when they are, I am so grateful.
Last week, we were walking down a quiet farm track when I saw a man with a labrador approaching. I called out to him that my dog doesn’t like dogs.
“That must be difficult”, he said.
“Yes! It really can be.,” I replied.
He considerately clipped his dog onto a lead and stood to one side so that Flossie and I could pass calmly.
It took a few seconds, there was no fuss, and it was so completely refreshing.
From a distance, I explained that she’d been bitten when young.
He was sympathetic and kind.
I expressed my appreciation and we went on our way.
It was so easy.
This man responded perfectly and it absolutely made my day.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 22 August 2024
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
