A Slighty Scary Situation

Gizmo and I ran into a bit of a scary situation today on our walk. We came across a house that had three kids, two dogs, and a cat playing in the yard. They were across the street, and I saw one of the dogs (anchored to the tree), the kids, and the cat from a good ways off. Nothing seemed too worrysome, so I kept on my way.

I didn't see the second dog, an unsecured Rottweiler, until I was already in front of the house and she was heading towards us, ears alert and body tense. Her posture wasn't aggressive or menacing, but it wasn't that of a friendly dog, either.

Now, let me be clear, I'm not afraid of Rottweilers--every single one I've known is a sweetheart. What concerned me is that I was dealing with a guardian-breed dog that was outside with kids in it's yard, and no adult in sight. A dog like that has something to protect, and many dogs see Gizmo as a threat.

She crossed the street and kept pace with me and Gizmo as we kept walking (Gizmo had responded to her crossing by climbing up into my arms and peeing on me). At that point, the kids started to call "Lucy" back, but she ignored them, preferring to focus on me.

Luckily, at that point dad reappeared, and called Lucy back. She hesitated for a long moment, then turned and went. I know she was just doing her job and protecting the kids like any good watchdog should, but it definitely was a scary few moments while she was sizing us up.

(Of course, I got to enjoy the rest of my walk reeking of fox pee.)

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Picture Taken On: August 24, 2009