11/07/2025
Last week, we had three teenage girls bitten by dogs, in three unrelated incidents. All three of these incidents were 100% preventable by way of responsible dog ownership.
This makes us unhappy.
When a 13-year old recalls a ‘no dogs’ sign at the gate of a soccer field and wonders why the dog owner didn’t see the same sign…
When a 14-year old ponders why a dog would be running around with a leash attached [to it] and its owner, present, but not holding the other end of it…
When a 16-year old decides to trade her bicycle for the school bus, because a dog walker was too distracted by his cell phone to control the dog he was being paid to walk...
…it bears the revisiting statements [though this time by three teenagers]--“dog owners can be irresponsible”, “adults with dogs don’t always read nor think rules apply to them”.
This too, makes us unhappy.
Friday afternoon, we visited with one of the three young girls who was bitten last week. We chatted about the incident, and
how we, ourselves, can exercise our own awareness, even when those with dogs are failing at their responsibilities.
We gave her this paw print bracelet to wear while her wounds heal, and as a thank you for taking the time to talk with us about the incident.
For all of the dog owners and dog walkers who are responsible and law abiding, thank you! For the others, please do better!
