[MR] Yeah, dogs again

[Beverly Robinson-Curry]

Liamhain wrote:

> I do wish as a loving dog mommy, that if people do not
> like dogs that they would actually say so.

(sigh)  I don't hate dogs.  I actually like dogs, have owned 2 dogs and 
currently have a couple of dog friends.  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 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