Well, as I predicted, Zelda, the lovely Great Dane/Mastiff cross who lived next door, and was Simba's best friend, is no more. They took her out to their farm on the weekend, and on Friday night she ran out into the highway and was killed. I'm so sad, she was a beautiful dog, gentle and loving and just gorgeous all the way around. Simba and she adored eachother, I feel so bad for him as well as it was SO nice to have a pal for him next door. It really was so unnecessary, that's what hurts most of all.
Oh no, I read your stories about them playing together, but I must have missed the parts where you thought there was a problem. That is so sad. Having been through it recently with a friend's dog, who I loved like an uncle to mine, but who I could see could come to a sad end - when it happened, I was still heartbroken for the unnecessary loss and for both his pain and that of his misinformed and misdirected family. There are no words of consolation at this time. All you can do is smile in memory of the good times and hope against hope that the people whose job it was to protect her learn a lesson from this and make sure it doesn't happen again. RIP Zelda. Simba will miss you x
Sigh. They had a dog when they first moved next to us, a few years ago. He didn't last long either - same thing happened. When they got Zelda I knew it would happen again, they just bought into that idea that dogs will stay close to home and not wander off. Which I will admit foes happen a lot on the farms and acreages around here, but equally as frequent dogs run off never to be seen again, either stolen, run over, or attacked by bears or cougars or coyotes. Once a dog has got old enough and knows better, maybe around three or so, they are more likely to stay close to home and not run off. But young dogs just don't get it. I would never risk my dog that way, and would certainly not have him roam free around my farm or acreage. But it's a different mindset that many people have here. Poor Zelda, she was just so sweet.
That is so awful and so sad Yes, I remember you talking about the likelihood of this happening. I hope they do not get another dog....
Oh no. That is so, so, sad. You could see it so clearly, I wish they could have too. Very sorry that Simba has lost his play mate.
Oh Lisa I am so sad to read about the lovely Zelda, such a waste of life and so easily prevented. I really hope they don't get another dog as they sound very irresponsible owners. Sorry Simba xxx
They really are nice people, and they were trying to do right by Zelda, they were taking her to obedience classes, but they just don't get this part of it. The mom said to me she was "done" with dogs....but we'll see. I won't hold my breath.
What a pity, particularly as you could see what would happen. As you say, some people just do not 'get it'.
