Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs

I never thought that I would ever complain about dogs as I have a deep appreciation and love for these furry creatures. However, there comes a time where enough is enough and this week was that time. One neighbour had two large Heinz 57 dogs. Quickly there was a litter and seven dogs filled their backyard. They tried to sell these mongrels with little success and kept five. They grew and grew and barked and barked. The final straw was that they learned to open the gate and suddenly these dogs would appear in a rather threatening manner.

Our other neighbour moved in to a four bedroom house across the road and he had an old yellow lab who never barked but roamed loose and did his business on my lawn. Mowing the grass became a dangerous occupation. This good neighbour had a girl friend who moved in with three children and four more dogs. These people let their dogs run loose and suddenly the neighbourhood became upset. All our other neighbours have one small dog each except us, we are dog less at this time.

What proper steps should be taken to correct this situation without being an ogre. As we planned to talk to the neighbours a white truck with a large officer suddenly appeared on the scene . He was forceful and persistent as he arrived two days in a row. He came as one of our other neighbours complained formally. Within 24 hours our neighbourhood returned to a comfort zone. The barking stopped and the dogs are restrained either in a fenced area or on leashes.

For a few weeks we were held hostage by dogs and with a little help it was restored. People who keep dogs have a responsibility to care for them in a reasonable manner. A recent article in the local paper showed a financial breakdown for dog ownership and it was shocking. The costs came to almost as much for two dogs as a child. Pet food companies sell more product than companies sell baby food. Medical attention for pets rival the costs for humans and still mans best friends outnumber children in many areas of the country.

Dogs have always been mans best friend and it probably will always be so as their loyalty and acceptance is unparalleled. Our responsibility is clear and as long as it is carried out there should be no problem with co-existence.