Sunday, May 29, 2011

unreported dog bites


My husband works for a power company. This is the giant tub of dog treats kept in the back of the office. Servicemen, meter readers, and linemen (anyone who may need to enter customers' yards with no notice) fill their pockets before heading out for the day. Those with experience say it helps a lot in avoiding dog bites, but not in eliminating them. I was told that the meter readers still get bitten "a lot".

But, my husband says, you have to understand that most of my co-workers have a rural upbringing. They have certain views on dogs and dog ownership. One of the meter readers would probably be disappointed if she entered someone's yard uninvited and their dog didn't try to bite her. That's what a dog's supposed to do in that situation.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

my story from today in which no one died

You know that nonchalant way a loose dog has of walking along the side of a busy road, sniffing here and there, unconcerned as a few feet away cars whiz by at 50 miles an hour?

Perhaps the only time the image of a happy, relaxed dog can send spikes of cortisol and adrenaline through the blood.

The front office window has a lovely view of the four lane highway located right outside. Interesting fact: it only takes about 5 seconds to run from the office to the center lane of the highway if you're properly motivated.

Another interesting fact: the highway that is usually full of speeding, swerving, tailgating assholes (especially during the lunch rush) will suddenly be occupied by conscientious drivers totally willing to stop for a arm-waving mad woman and confused dog. Go humanity?

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Buddy got adopted!

Hooray! His new family will driving four hours (!) to come here and pick him up next week (even though we offered to arrange transport).

I'll miss the big galoot.





...but I'm definitely taking a fostering break after this. Three dogs in this apartment is too much. If I had a yard to throw them in once in a while it would be much more manageable.

It's funny how quickly your perspective can change. It'll be such a relief to only have two medium-sized high energy dogs in this apartment.