[MR] Pets At Events

[Made For Willow]

Greetings to all, 
 
I have read the many missives regarding pets at events and I would like to speak regarding my own experience. I am the happy owner of 3 Scottie Terriers. I have attended events with 2 of them, including War of the Wings, day trips and  camped with them. Before each event I contact the autocrat to be sure they are welcome, I clean up after them, I keep them on a leash at all times with the exception of in camp or under my day-shade. I use a pet play pen for THEIR safety. I adore my pets and when I can bring them to an event, that means that I can not go to feast, I can not go into buildings to see A&S, unless my husband is off the field. These dogs are MY responsibility, and as a pet owner and animal rescue supporter, I make sure that my dogs have all their shots, wear all their tags, and are licensed. That is MY responsibility...I have never had any issue with them barking too much, and if anyone said anything about it, I have done my best to be sure to
 correct this. 
 
I appreciate having the opportunity to have my dogs with me, it IS period, and in period, they would have been in the building, in the bed and in the market place. I appreciate the autocrats that respond to my emails, and reassure me that I am responsible to pick up after them and keep them under control at all times..I am HAPPY to know that I don't have to board them if I want to attend a weekend event.
 
But, has anyone, every given the same rules regarding children. I have been to many events where children where not under control and where they where not being attended to, picked up after or managed at all. I have been in situations where I moved my entire day-shade and camp, because of the noise and mess of unattended children. Please....all of you, know that MOST pet owners love their pets like children, and as a pet owner, I take care of my pets...I would like the same rules to apply to everyone...To take the pleasure out of an event for me, is to not be able to bring my "children" or pets...so, imagine if events where no longer "child" friendly....think about it..how would you feel.
 
I am not trying to put wood on the fire, nor am I saying that all parents do not watch their children, nor do I say that all pet owners are good and responsible pet owners. I am simply saying how I feel, and know that I love my dogs and if I bring them to an event, please be sure to come say Hello, please be sure that you tell your little ones that dogs are not nice to everyone, and that everyone is not welcome by every dog...much like not everyone is child friendly, and if you bring your children to an event...be prepared to care for them, pick up after them and keep them safe...safe from harm..just like I do when I bring my "children" to an event.
 
And please, please, please...don't take this wrong, and don't bully me and call me names, I respond here to simply be heard..because the SCA is my home and yours. And YOUR children's safety and my children's safety is important to me..
 
In service, 
Baroness Willow faye Dunne