[Dailydrool] Training question

[Susan Hurt]

I really would appreciate advice from someone who has dealt successfully with neighbors' complaints of dog barking.  Surely we would all like to see how such a situation might be resolved successfully.

One thought that occurs to me is to investigate local ordinances regarding dog "nuisance" behavior and to refer neighbors to local authorities.  Is this approach the wrong one to take?  Probably, it sounds far too simple...

As a "student of history" (I enjoy reading history) I find it "interesting" how we humans have become so isolated from animals in general.  I enjoy studying the Middle Ages in particular, when it was not uncommon for peasants (about 97% of the population) to have dwelling WITHIN their cottages pigs, cows, dogs, cats, etc.

I digress a bit, but yesterday I was walking my senior basset hound, the very sweet Mr. Jake, rescued via GABR, around my nice but apparently snooty/snotty neighborhood.  One of the said neighbors was having a big (informal) party for a "worthy charity" and one of her guests, very friendly, walked out and was thrilled to pet Jake.  "Come and bring him inside!" he said, "a basset is sure to be a big hit and light up the party!"  Well, the nice man was wrong.  The guests were extremely aloof and completely ignored my Mr. Jake.  When the hostess, my neighbor, saw him, I said weakly "I was asked to bring him inside."  She replied, "Well, you better take him right out again" and turned away from us.

My escort (the nice man) then confessed that all the party guests were of a peculiar disposition (he put both thumbs in the air).  I admit, I haven't seen this gesture before.  He seemed to feel a bit badly and told me to wait by the door while he got Jake a cookie.  I asked him to please get him one without chocolate.  The man returned and Jake ate the cookie in pure rapture.

OK, I am trained as a psychiatrist (I no longer practice due to medical problems) but please tell me:  why are there so many rotten people in the world?  Why, why do I have to deal with them?  And why do they harbor such animosity towards my pets?  I am disgusted.

I tell you, I am fed up.


Susan Hurt
toodlessm at me.com