[MR] Yeah, dogs again

[Gin Driscoll]

> However, I have fought dog fear most of my life and 
> was severely mauled by a close friend's dog several 
> years ago, which exacerbated the problem.  Not every
> dog (nor certain breed) triggers the fear, so I
can't > always tell when it will arise.  I can pretty 
> much guarantee that if I'm standing near one and it
> begins acting aggressive, barking or growling, even 
> at something else, I'm going to have that
involuntary > reaction.

I suffer from a very similar condition, not that the
attack on me was severe.  I was very luck that the
very strong chain held and that I was just at the edge
of range.

I also suffer from panic attacks, which amplifies the
problem when it occurs.

I'm also allergic to dogs, which means that I try to
keep myself and my belongings away from them (I'm also
 allergic to cats, dust, trees, grass, and weeds).  I
don't HATE any of these things (except Lavendar as it
could possibly kill me).

I just would like to know that I will not be forced to
be exposed to anything that I try to keep away from. 
And I try very hard to keep my anxiety issues under
control. 

I know I'm not saying, "Ban all dogs."  But I guess
I'm saying, "Be very aware of your behavior and those
you are responsible for.  Be very aware of the
reactions of others and do not cause discomfort or
harm."


I apologize for taking up bandwidth, but I really felt
that I need to comment on this.

Signora Simona dell'Amore
Barony of Caer Mear
> 
> I have repeatedly told people I was uncomfortable
> with their dogs only to be 
> told "oh, he won't hurt you" and push the dog even
> closer in to me.  It has 
> been my experience that telling someone you are
> uncomfortable only makes 
> them insistent to prove to you that _their_ dog is
> the perfect dog.  He may 
> very well be, but it doesn't change the fact that
> they've just triggered my 
> fear reaction, and the dog often reacts to that.
> 
> The issue I have with people not paying attention is
> when they are blocking 
> the only pathway (like hanging out chatting at
> troll) and leave no exit for 
> an uncomfortable person.  Having had this issue all
> my life, I am quite 
> adept at not placing myself in locations where I
> might be uncomfortable.  I 
> am also pretty good at assessing whether or not I
> think I can be around a 
> certain dog for the day.  But those are decisions
> _I_ get to make.  I don't 
> think it's fair for other people to make them for
> me.
> 
> Rhiannon 
> 
> 
> 
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> End of Atlantia Digest, Vol 44, Issue 46
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