Bosco Dog Blog

I live in America and I think I should be covered by freedom of speech (barking). Let me tell you a story. Last week, Joan and I were walking along a trail near our house. Joan was really nice to take me out AND to go on the trail because we had a lot of snow so it was not the easiest walking for her. This trail is only about 10 feet down from the main paved walking and biking paths and it is on a cliff over the Mississippi. As we walked along, we saw a dog coming toward us off-leash (I was on my leash, of course!). This dog approaches cautiously and it was an Australian Shepherd and I like them a lot, so we sniffed and then continued on our respective walks.

A little later, we saw another dog and human coming toward us. All of a sudden, this dog (a white standard poodle) came running at me. I freaked and started barking furiously at him. I mean, I'm at a disadvantage being on a leash and all and I felt VERY vulnerable! So I used my right to BARK and I did. I even showed some teeth! I caught Joan a little off-guard but she understood exactly why I did what I did. Then the poodle's man said to Joan, "Your dog has a problem."

I heard Joan say "My dog's problem is that your dog is off leash and lunged at her."

He said, "My dog gets along with everyone; your dog has the problem."

Joan said, "You don't know dogs very well if you think an off leash dog and a leashed dog will always get along. Putting a leash on a dog puts them in a submissive role and makes them feel vulnerable."

Anyway, we kept on our way while THAT man and poodle went their way. How can he get mad at us when we were minding our own business and minding the LAW. Meanwhile, he was NOT minding the law and also did not have control of his dog!!! Plus, I used my right to bark - FREEDOM OF SPEECH. I might not be courteous or seem nice but I can bark if I want to!