I am not a dog person
Photo: Mark Watson on Flickr
I’ve never been a dog person, but I’m trying really hard to let my kid have a healthy appreciation for “man’s best friend”. I really am. I would like to think my son is a normal, healthy, well-adjusted person, but the truth is… he’s 3 and has yet to be really exposed to a lot of dogs.
He does get nervous around them.
Today after work I took him down to Harbourside in North Vancouver to the Spirit Trail – a great little paved seawall-type spot down past the North Shore auto-mall. I’ve only been using this space sporadically, but I really like it as a place I can take a 3 year old so he can ride a tricycle or a scooter without traffic risks – something that isn’t allowed on the West Vancouver seawall where I like to run.
So we got there today and within about 2 minutes he falls into the grass at the side of the trail… I have taught him that if he’s going to fall it’s better to do it on the grass. Well, unless there’s a pile of dog poop there, that is.
Great. He didn’t know what it was right away and decided to pick up a piece. Awesome. Anything to clean him up with?! Of course not. I’m sure you can imagine the horror of a germophobe like myself at the thought of my 3 year old picking up a piece of excrement… I just thank God it was old and dry and didn’t REALLY stick to him… much. EW.
All I could do was have him carry on promising not to touch ANYTHING other than his handlebars. Nothing. So up the path another 30 feet and there’s half a dozen small rat dogs running around with a couple of big dogs. Couldn’t tell you what kind – not a dog person. So mini-man is a little apprehensive and I’m trying to ensure him they’re just loud and won’t hurt him… they’re not going to bother him he should just choose his line and scoot on through. Well… great… big black poodle-like dog runs right up to him and sticks his face right in mini-man’s face. He let’s out a squeal while running into me for safety.
At this point I’m pretty pissed that the owner of the dog didn’t even remotely try and call her dog or control it in any way. None. But I didn’t want my son to see I was bothered so I didn’t say anything to her and just brushed it off reassuring him, “It’s okay, he just wants to meet you.” We finally get to the end of the little stretch of path we wanted to use and turned around. On our way back through the pack of dogs and women owners, one of the little rat-dogs – sort of chihuahua-ish – came running right over to mini-man. At this point I was losing it and sort of barked, “Get your rats off the road!”
Photo: nrtphotos on Flickr
So then I get all these insane dog-loving women (the ones who will compare their having a dog to my having a child… like they know my life that way – those of you who are parents know the kind I’m talking about) yelling, “It’s a DOG PARK!” Um… what?! I am quite certain my City of North Vancouver taxes would not go to pay specifically for a dog-only park, so I’m relatively certain it’s for general use. “I’m sorry, what? It was created for dogs? Is this specifically a DOG park?” I replied.
So we got into it. They seemed to believe it was created for them when all the posted CNV bylaw signs clearly say:
- Dogs on leash only
- Owners must pick up after their dogs
- Bikes must stay on the path
Now here’s the thing… I really don’t have a problem with dog owners wanting somewhere to take their dogs to run around. But firstly, there’s a GIANT empty lot across the street from the lovely cement path that was CLEARLY not created for dogs (what do they need with the concrete?) Secondly, if bikes have the right to be on the path, that includes 3 year olds who have not been introduced to many dogs. And they have every right not to be violated by an aggressive pooch; nor should they run the risk of landing in a pile of filth. Thirdly, why not let the dogs run on the grass and encourage them to stay off the concrete path… then everyone can enjoy the park. Lastly, as a taxpayer I have every right to enjoy the dog park without being threatened or tripped up by a dirty rat-mutt. Besides, even in an off-leash park you’re supposed to be responsible for controlling your dog. If you can’t control it, it shouldn’t be off leash anywhere… even in an off-lease park.
I don’t care if it’s ‘generally accepted’ that people bring their dogs to Harbourside to let them run off leash. It’s against the North Van City bylaws so tie ‘em up.
Across the street from our house there is a toddler playground attached to two large playing fields. On all sides there are signs reminding dog owners to leash and clean up after their pet. Yet the two fields become de facto dog parks in the summer months, with off-leash dogs playing.
I am reasonably OK with the dogs as long as (1) they stay in the field and well away from the playground and (2) owners call and leash them if any children decide to use the field. However, those two things rarely happen. People bring their off-leash dogs through the playground. People send their 10-year-old and the big dog to the park, without even a leash on hand. My 4-year-old has been jumped on multiple times. If I hear, “Oh, he’s really nice, don’t worry,” one more time I may just scream.
Dogs need a place to go to play, I get it. But when in doubt the kids come first. Period.
HAHA! I can’t believe he picked up a piece of poop!
I am NOT an animal person. I don’t go to the parks much, but if I did, I’d feel exactly the same way as you.
Sadly, in Vancouver, dogs come before people quite frequently.
P.S. Full Disclaimer: I’m very allergic to animals so that is part of the reason
Sorry to hear about that experience.
My dogs have been attacked on the street by an off-leash dog. I’ve seen it happen to another dog in an off-leash park – a german shepherd attacking a teacup yorkie. It’s frustrating for those of us who are responsible owners.
The best thing to do is to teach your guy all the rules of dog engagement, and if he’s really little, always pick him up when larger dogs are around. It’s unfortunate, but the reality.
Thanks for sharing your story, hopefully it helps open some eyes.