I took the dogs to the river for a swim before it gets too warm . There are regular dog walkers that we meet and also , at this time of year , quite a few holidaymakers with their dogs too . The car park is just accross a lane from the woods and river but I keep the dogs on lead until we cross over , this morning as we crossed the lane , a young terrier type came hurtling over the lane, off lead and began to jump about around Sam and Millie . The owner was just getting out of her car , I didnt recognise her or the dog , she began to follow us and I let our dogs off lead, her youngster was overjoyed to have found playmates, mine werent quite so enthusiastic about this young interloper , tending to ignore it was they raced to the spot where they launch themselves into the water ;D The lady then called out to me , " Well I may as well go back to the car , I`ve got a flask of coffee , Max seems to have taken a shine to your dogs so he will be fine I`m sure " She seemed quite miffed when I responded, telling her that I couldnt be held responsible for Max , and that she had better not just abandon him to my care as I dont know him at all , then with obvious reluctance , she began to walk in our direction, put Max on his lead and take him back to the car park . I cant believe that someone could even think of allowing their dog to tag along with a complete stranger , in a strange place too :
Re: This morning She was seriously suggesting going back to her car then? Not the slightest hint of joking? Cheek! Well, more than cheek really, I'm dumbfounded.
Re: This morning Yes, 100% serious , unfortunately : She seemed to have no concept of the potential danger to her dog , struck me as being an offloader . I`m quite happy walking with other owners and their dogs , its good both people and the dogs too, but be damned taking a strangers youngster for a walk whilst she sits drinking coffee :
Re: This morning Oh Kate,I've said this before ....you meet some right queer folk down your way!!!beggars belief that doesn't it! X
Re: This morning Blimey, I could never do that. Be too worried about her. Sounds as if she can't be bothered about poor old Max. God, wonder if she's got any kids, she might do the same with them. Kate were you at Goliath Falls?
Re: This morning Yes, I was at Golitha Falls , go every day ;D Do you know it ? It staggers me how many people park up, open the doors and let their dogs charge accross the lane from the car park , I know its quiet there but then, surely its setting bad habits ?
Re: This morning Hi Kate, meg and I go to devon for our hols. We stay just outside launceston and I've taken meg there. Thought I recognised your description. It's a beautiful spot. I know it's quiet there but there's no way I'd let meg loose across that lane without her being on lead. Some dog owners are irresponsible. And yes you're right it is setting bad habits.
Re: This morning That's seriously odd behaviour! And to cap it all she then took her dog back to the car so he didn't get a walk at all?!
Re: This morning I thought she was going to be joking as well. : I once acquired two extra Labradors whilst walking my old lab along a local footpath. The labs lived at the top of a track just befor the footpath. Murphy loved them and as I was walking passed the owner shouted to me 'it's alright if the girls come with you isn't it?' The girls were already out and tagged along. They were very well behaved but it meant I had to turn back to take them home rather than do a circuit. I wouldn't dream of leaving my dogs with a stranger . Unbelievable.
Re: This morning I don't think I could ever be as cheeky as some people Unbelievable Kate, but good for you for declining her offer xx
Re: This morning Unbelievable I'm glad you said no!! I would never do that with Harley, she's far to precious to me
Re: This morning Incredible! The whole point of taking your dog out..is err to walk? I do love others company on our walks, but would be a wee bit peeved if that happened to me. Just google Golitha Falls what a beautiful place!
Re: This morning [quote author=Beanwood link=topic=6607.msg88803#msg88803 date=1402936115] Incredible! The whole point of taking your dog out..is err to walk? [/quote] I think lots of owners take dogs out to find other dogs to play with, so their dogs get exercised while they stand and chat. I see it a lot at the common and beach. Drives me a little nuts, as we don't want to play but they are not really watching their dogs (so don't call them away).
Re: This morning Very odd behaviour though you could take it as a complement Kate she must have thought you very trustworthy! I've never had a dog foisted on me but it has happened a few times with children. Alice
Re: This morning As they say round here "There's nowt so queer as folk". We've been to your neck of the woods many times - we were in Fowey last month - but never to Golitha falls. Must remedy that next time - it looks lovely.
Re: This morning Oh yes, you must visit next time you are in this neck of the woods Kate ,yes it is very beautiful , the river is very low at the moment but when its at a normal level , the dogs can swim all the way to the falls , it isnt too " tidy " either, more of a proper old English woodland, loads of wildlife, including otter . I am lucky, its a few mins from where I live and I never tire of it
