Let Quiet Dogs Lie April 30, 2024 330 words

I have always loved animals, but they don’t all go for me. I have found that as I have less sight, some dogs and cats take advantage of the situation.
My daughter’s cat, Leo, has know me for 11 years. He delights walking just outside my reach. He will flick his tail to thwart my attempts to pet him. Only when he has been alone for several days, will he allow me to hold him on my lap. He demands attention by loud meows.
My nephew brought a new dog to Brian’s 4th of July party.It was hot. The dog was brought to my dad’s quieter place to keep him in air conditioning. I was talking to him. I reached out to give his head a rub. John quickly pulled me back as the dog’s hairs bristled. Later, this dog bit my brother Mike, as he was attaching a leash to walk him.
But the strangest encounter was on a walk in Athens West Virginia on a rural road.
I was walking with my older brother Bob on one side and my younger brother Brian on the other. Sandwiched between them, I felt secure. We avoided barking , growling dogs in front yards. Staying out of their territory.
Rounding a curve in the road, I noticed a small silent dog coming fast from our left side. He raced behind us. Choosing the smallest of our trio, he bit me on both calves before disappearing around the corner of a dilapidated ruins of a barn. There were no houses to ask about the animal. Why he chose to target me is a mystery. I learned that a quiet dog can be as dangerous as a barking one.
Now, I use my cane to ward off aggressive animals. Dogs and cats, you have been warned!

Barking Dogs

Barks and Growls, warn you away.
He does not want to play.
Tail wagging can be approached.
A quiet dog running, can danger pose.

Carolaspot@aol.