BlaringSmelly

This year’s Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk was held under weather less than ideal. But look how high spirit Mango is!

This is our 2nd year in a row participating the event. It was great to be part of it – dogs big and small walking side by side with their human companions. The walk was surprisingly calm and relaxing considering the cheer amount of people and dogs gathered at one place.

Mango was a walking machine once his state of mind is set on the walk mode. Other than stopping for a short pee break after the 1 mile mark, he finished the walk without stopping or sniffing at other dogs.

This morning Mango spent a long time at this puddle of water – tapping on the water surface and starring at the ripples. I had to call him so we can continue with our walk. I wish my life is full of intriguing moments like his.

Posted via email from Smelly’s Snapshots

May 29th was Mango’s birthday. We’ve been treating him with his most favorite food Chicken breasts mixed with rice the entire week. It was no exception on his birthday. He knew what’s coming and waited patiently for his meal.

Mango is now 1 year old. How time flies!

Wonderful weather today to be out about. After work, it was still warm and sunny outside. I decided to take Mango to Sculpture Park for a test run. See if he can be one of those dogs run with their humans.

First 3 minutes he was ahead of me as if it’s a race to the death. Then he slowed down to my pace. After half mile or so, he started dragging, just barely keeping up with me. At least we were on the move most of the time.

Whenever there’s an upcoming dog, Mango would come to a complete halt, put on his play face, waited until the upcoming dog gets closer. This time was no exception. We had to stop every time when there’s a dog walk by. And there were lots of dog at Sculpture Park.

On the account this was his first run, I shouldn’t be too hard on him. We had a good time being out in the sun. With some practice, I think Mango will become a good running partner.

Mango and I were returning home from his noon walk as we approached the elevator. The elevator door opened and 2 unleashed dogs ran out, charging straight at Mango. We were advised until Mango receives all his vaccines, to keep Mango away from public grassy area and other dogs. I tried to put myself between Mango and the other dogs to prevent them from having any contact.

The owner called her dogs in her half-ass attempt to get them back to her. One retrieved but the other dog continued to circle around us, completely ignoring her calls. The dogs’ owner didn’t seem to realize how obnoxious her dog was acting. Out of frustration and also because she was so far away from the scene, I yelled at her “my dog doesn’t have all the shots yet!”

It felt like eternity until the unleashed dog left us alone. The entire incident happened so fast, I hardly had time to think. Afterward, I emailed Diane Rich of Spokes Dog for advice. She replied: “…if situation allows, try to get in front of the other dog and tell it to go home and try to back away without alarming my dog.”

I was right to get between the other dog and Mango. But in the midst of chaos, I think I was tugging Mangos’ leash pretty hard to get him away from the harasser. That might have alarmed Mango that something was wrong.

All these could have being avoided if the 2 dogs were on leash.

Have your dogs on leash you irresponsible pet owners out there! It’s the law so obey it. I was not surprised to find others that share the same bitterness toward irresponsible dog owners.

Unleashed dogs are disasters waiting to happen, not only to other people and animal, but also to the safety of the unleashed dogs themselves. After reading an online article “Path of leash resistance”, I’m considering getting a pepper spray or something equivalent to protect Mango and myself from unwelcome off-leash dogs and their owners if it comes down to that.