MY PET WORLD

Good reasons to restrain your dog

Dear Cathy: While walking on a trail, we came upon a large dog off leash. The owner told us not to worry that her dog was welltrained. Her dog came over though, and before we knew it, her dog was attacking mine. My husband finally fell on top of the big dog and stopped it.

When we tried to talk to the woman, she burst out in a huge fake crying spell. My Sofie was bleeding from the abdomen, so we quickly took her to the vet for a $300 visit. Since then, we have talked with people about their offleash dogs, but I find many of them arrogantin attitude. — Barbara, Tucson, AZ

Dear Barbara: What a horrible experience for you. There is no way to know if an approaching dog is a friend or foe, regardless of what the owner says. Dogs can react to a variety of things, so if a big dog approaches, leashed or not, get in the habit of picking up your small dog until you pass safely by the other dog.

Keep dogs leashed. It’s the law, and it’s the safe and neighborly thing to do.

Dear Cathy: You asked for stories about keeping a Christmas tree upright when animals are present.

I am a retired art teacher, but many years ago I also had some private students. One of my students was extremely talented, so I got permission to take her on a field trip to a local art gallery owned by a friend of mine. When I arrived at her home, her stepmom invited me in. I noticed that the Christmas tree had a chain wrapped around the trunk and firmly attached to a large eye-bolt that screwed into the wall. I asked, “What’s up with the chain?” She replied, “Six kids, five dogs, three cats, what do you think?” — Nancy, Gurnee, IL

Dear Nancy: Your letter made me laugh as I imagined the mayhem in that household. I love the family’s industrial strategy for keeping their tree upright. Thanks for sharing.