I started to comment on (au)(z)(z)(z)'s "controversial" post on dogs, but decided it was too long for it to just be qualified as a comment, that I just decided to create my own post on the subject.

I use quotes around controversial because I don't think the post is controversial at all. People are entitled to their fears. I happen to have an irrational fear of spiders, and I'm sure the death statistics for spiders fall significantly short from the death statistics for dogs. And if someone one were to have a spider crawl on me like it is no big deal they'd get a punch to the face. What IS controversial about her post though, is the fact that she had to post a disclaimer about her fear of dogs as though dogs should have special shielding rights from people hating them for fear that crazy dog lovers everywhere would write hate mail.

I happen to LOVE dogs...but I have to admit that there are some dogs that scare me. Especially this Great Dane that goes to the same dog park as Xhosa. This dog standing on four legs is almost as tall as I am and it goes around dominating and bullying other smaller dogs with heads in its mouth as the owner stands by and laughs at how "cute" it is.

The truth is, people are crazy when it comes to their dogs! Irrational to the fact that some dogs are inherently dangerous. Yes, their precious dogs may be well trained and friendly....but dogs are still animals who are motivated by instinct. And if the dog is big and vicious and aggressive in nature, who knows what could happen in a given setting.

It's ridiculous the way some people put their dogs on a pedestal. Like a dog should have more rights than a person. Don't get me wrong. I loathe people who treat animals cruelly. People who mistreat animals, leave them locked in cars in the summer, abuse them, don't care for them properly and give them enough attention should not be allowed the privilege to own a pet. I have also been known to lavish an excess of attention and love on my own dog. I absolutely adore her to pieces, and talk about her to whoever will listen. I also miss her when I'm at work or on vacation, and will leave messages on the answering machine for her....(okay, too much info)

Nevertheless...I try to be sensitive to those who are uncomfortable with my dog. Though she is not physically dangerous, sometimes people just don't like to be licked, scratched or have their pants ruined.

Owning a dog has opened a whole world of dog-crazies. Some people need to realize that being a responsible dog owner means knowing how to discipline their dog and minimizing situations that are dangerous or uncomfortable for others. If this means that your pit-bull needs to wear a muzzle, then so be it. Deal with it...you chose to own an aggressive dog.

As for the bothersome but non-aggressive small dogs....if a person recoils in fear upon seeing a cute fluffy little dog, just keep them away!