I got some unexpected exercise this afternoon. Just when my husband was about to go to work he opened the door and we both saw a scruffy little dog running loose on the other side of the street. I just hate seeing a stray dog in my neighborhood. I always worry that the dog is going to end up getting hit by a car since the street I live on is fairly busy.
I decided to try to catch the dog if I could. Usually when I’ve seen a dog on the loose in the past the owner isn’t too far behind. So I put on my coat and grabbed one of my dogs leashes and off I went in the direction that I’d last seen the dog run in. As I walked down the street I caught sight of the dog running across the street in front of a car. I cringed – but luckily it made it safely across.
It took me a few blocks, but I managed to start to catch up to the little dog. Naturally just as I did it turned down a side street and went off towards some Housing for seniors. That was actually better because it was a quieter street so it was safer for the dog if it started to run across the road again.
I did manage to get close to the dog. Not close enough to pet it or to put a leash on it. I think I would have gained it’s trust but it’s owners finally appeared and the dog ran to them. They were nice and they thanked me for trying to help their dog. They said their dog slipped out when they opened the door to get the paper. Hopefully that doesn’t happen too often!
Do you ever worry when you see loose dogs running around your neighborhood? Do you try to go out and help them like I did?
we have a strict leash law here in the apts. and we’re right on the edge of town, so don’t get many dogs on the loose..except for the mustang farmer(he has old mustang car’s and parts on his land)and his are usually kept in a fenced area, but they do get out and we round them up and toss them back over the fence..they think it’s a game..I don’t mind except Dexter runs free and they’ve treed him more than once.
Hey Jacque Sue Yes we have strict leash laws here in Toronto too. We don’t see very many loose dogs (tons of loose cats though!).
There’s actually very big fines if you get caught with your dog off leash in an area where you have to have your dog leashed which is probably 99% of all public outside areas in Toronto. There are some off leash park areas and at least one off leash beach.
Your Dexter sounds like quite a character. I enjoy reading about him on FB. 😉
All cities should have lease laws of some kind. Too many cars on the road not to. I have been late to work a few times because of strays. The last one was a nice little Shih Tzu who managed to get out of the side gate. His owners didn’t even realize he was gone when my wife called them.
I am a resident of one of the Denver CO real estate properties, and I occasionally see some stray pets outside my unit. I am afraid that they’ll be end up hitting by cars passing by outside. However, the issue of stray pets is being resolved. Good thing I haven’t seen any stray pets outside my unit lately.
I never forget when my mother lost my dachshund when she decided to bring him in the car when she went shopping. When she opened the car door the dog scooted out and she never saw him. My mother was beyond hysterical, even more than me! Luckily within a few hours someone called and said they found the dog.
I live in the country now so stray dogs are not so common as I used to see in the city. Every once in a while someones dog gets loose out here but someone always gets hold of them and posts a notice at the local store. I do remember seeing a small dog get hit in the city by a car once – very sad to say he didn’t make it.
Maybe I should consider that exercise too. In my case, I worry when our pet runs in our neighborhood.