Countless dog owners have said this to me, usually with an apologetic tone as the animal is making an approach. Maybe it’s because they see a residual hint of fear in my eyes. (I’ve been bitten.) Or maybe it’s because almost all dog owners say this. I’ve said it myself.
But, if we have to say it, we’re doing something wrong. No one should have to be assured that an animal running at them is friendly. It’s a clear violation of the right to personal space afforded to us all — not by statute, but by common courtesy. As hard as it may be for some of us to believe, dogs are not loved by all.
The town animal control ordinance allows for dogs to be off leash if they are under their owner’s control, which “means that the dog is within 100 yards of its owner or that the owner can demonstrate command of the dog to an enforcement officer if requested.” During the 30 seconds it takes the average person to cover that distance, a dog could be doing any number of things: jumping up, barking or worse. It took about three seconds for my recent bite to occur.
I assume no one likes to be approached by a dog, large or small, friendly or mean. Therefore, when I see people on a trail, in a field or on a beach, I call my dog and leash him. Walk by, say hello. If they ask, allow them to pat the little guy, then, after a safe distance, unleash him.
The town of Harpswell and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust have the most lenient dog rules around. It would be a shame to see them change because of a lack of common sense (and not on account of the dogs).
Matt Newberg, Harpswell
