By Fran Jewell
Uh-oh. I have to go out. Everyone is asleep. My insides hurt. Maybe if I drink some water I will feel better.
“OH NO!! I couldn’t hold it any longer! And, again!! Jeez, I am really going to get in trouble when they wake up.
“Now something is happening in my mouth! It tastes horrible! Now it’s on the floor!
“I wish someone would get up and help me, but then I don’t want them to get up because they will be mad.
“Here my mom comes! I’d better hide. But, OH NO! I have to go again! Oh good, she opened the back door. I am trying to hurry to the weeds, but can’t make it.
“I think I am just going to sit on the back step now. It feels better out here. At least I don’t have to smell the poop and stuff that came out of my mouth.
“Now we are going in the car. I wonder where? OH NO! It’s to the vet! I REALLY don’t want to go in there! They put my leash on so I have to go. I can’t even hide in the car.
“The door is opening and there is a big dog staring right at me, wagging his tail madly! I don’t feel like playing, dog!
“Oh jeez, he jumped on me. I feel horrible. Now he is grabbing my ear. Doesn’t he understand I am sick? I don’t want to play! He jumps on me again! His owner is standing there, on his phone! Please call your dog!!! I don’t feel good!”
“ARRRRR ROOFFF!”
“LEAVE ME ALONE, you dumb dog! I DON’T FEEL GOOD!”
“He just wants to say ‘hello’ to your dog. Why is your dog so mean? You should have your dog in a muzzle,” the big dog’s owner screams at my mom.
My mom replies, “This is a vet’s office, where sick dogs come. It is not a dog park or social club. Your dog was an obnoxious greeter and you were not considerate of my dog being sick. Instead, your phone was more important than making sure your own dog was safe.”
“You tell them, Mom! I feel horrible!”
Every day, dogs go to the vet because they are sick. And every day, loose dogs off leash ascend upon them, forcing them to resort to growling and nipping to protect themselves. When you take your dog to the vet, even if it is for daycare, remember that other dogs are there because they are sick, and are not there to play. Be kind. Be thoughtful. And, most of all, help your dog learn to respect other dogs.
Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit www.positivepuppy.com or call (208) 578-1565.