Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Foremost in my mind lately has been how do I protect my dogs. Here is the letter I sent:

July 28, 2009

Mr. BC

Shortly after 6:00 A.M., on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, I was walking my dog (Jack Russell Terrier - 18 pounds) along the common area of 13XXX. I could see one German Shepherd, Ruger, at the end of his chain which is so long that the dog goes into the other end unit’s area and extends halfway into the common area. I did not see the new German Shepherd which had aggressively barked at us the previous morning. I heard the dog owner (Renter in Unit 114) call Ruger’s name and then I heard her calling another dog. I turned to see a second GS (not restrained in any way) charging my dog and me. I protect my dog by getting him behind me as the GS reaches us and repeatedly tries to attack my dog. As he kept lunging at my dog, I used my fist and voice to prevent him from biting my dog. I have had German Shepherds myself and know how to handle them. The person continued to call the dog, but the dog did not respond. She did not attempt to take control of the dog other than to call him. Due to my defensive responses, the dog finally backed off. The owner then walked into the end unit without a word or a backward glance. The dog was not reprimanded in any way nor was any apology offered.

I have had previous conflicts with this renter. To avoid this, I no longer use the common area. I would suspect that a renter is expected to follow all association rules.

I have noticed that dog feces are not picked up immediately. The dog barks almost daily at approximately 5:00 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. when he is chained outside unattended. He is, on a daily basis, left outside unattended. Imagine my shock early one dark morning, late winter /early spring, when I walked in the usual safe zone only to be rushed and surprised by Ruger coming at us. I first thought he was loose. The tie was changed from a shorter length to the extended cable currently used.

The common area used to be an area frequented by several owners to let their dog socialize and for us to talk to and get to know our neighbors. I previously had checked with and received consent from the owners of both the end units regarding practicing dog agility in this area. When this renter moved in, the practice sessions soon came to an end and the neighbors do not get a chance to socialize as they used to.

My understanding of the Association’s rules is that dogs are not to be chained or staked out at all, not to be left unattended, feces is to be picked up immediately and common areas are for all to use.

In speaking with neighbors warning them of this second dog, I found out that one neighbor and his son were skateboarding and the first dog came charging them – the dog was not restrained. How many more unreported incidents are there? I have called the Police and a Community Officer will be sending a letter and arranging to speak with this renter.

My Jack Russell Terrier, Wyatt, has been through intensive obedience training and has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification which says a lot about his temperament and obedience. I have a lot of time and money invested in this dog, not to mention my love. I find that he is now apprehensive outdoors and I too have been very jumpy since this incident. It is disappointing and very frustrating that it will take my dog or I to be injured for this matter to be resolved by the Association or the Police. I will greatly appreciate anything you can do to prevent another incident.


Very truly,