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Fussing
Dogs
Jackie Drakeford |
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I met some friends
with various dogs, some of which had recently been rescued and were
gently being introduced to a normal life. One household had
recently undergone a massive change from one person living in rural
seclusion on a smallholding with a selection of working dogs to the
addition of a new partner and stepchildren.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the new arrangement, not least a charming lass od about 10 who had gone from a life empty of animals to a plethora of furry friends. The resident dogs were coping heroically with the cuddles and being pulled on to her lap, but nobody explained to her that dogs endure this kind of treatment rather than enjoy it. There was absolutely no harm intended, but a great potential for an accident.
The visiting rescue dogs were polite too, even the one that came from a very unhappy beginning, but after a while the cracks began to show in this particular animal. Having been punished for warning in her previous life, this terrier had learned to react instead, and I could see the approaching storm brewing.
The dog ran up to me, the only person in the room she could trust not to fuss her, and leaped onto my lap. The child followed and knelt beside me, her face level with the dog's, and tried, in all innocence, to fuss her again, I waited for parent, step-parent or the dog's owner to correct her, but nothing was said and it was left to me to explain as gently as possible that the terrier should be left alone for now. The child was disappointed, and I think I was the only person in the room who realised exactly what had not taken place as a result of my interference.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the new arrangement, not least a charming lass od about 10 who had gone from a life empty of animals to a plethora of furry friends. The resident dogs were coping heroically with the cuddles and being pulled on to her lap, but nobody explained to her that dogs endure this kind of treatment rather than enjoy it. There was absolutely no harm intended, but a great potential for an accident.
The visiting rescue dogs were polite too, even the one that came from a very unhappy beginning, but after a while the cracks began to show in this particular animal. Having been punished for warning in her previous life, this terrier had learned to react instead, and I could see the approaching storm brewing.
The dog ran up to me, the only person in the room she could trust not to fuss her, and leaped onto my lap. The child followed and knelt beside me, her face level with the dog's, and tried, in all innocence, to fuss her again, I waited for parent, step-parent or the dog's owner to correct her, but nothing was said and it was left to me to explain as gently as possible that the terrier should be left alone for now. The child was disappointed, and I think I was the only person in the room who realised exactly what had not taken place as a result of my interference.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair
Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.