Dog owners should be considerate

I have lately become more concerned about people walking what appear to be ominous looking dogs. Some dogs can't help but look ominous in my eyes. Maybe that's my fault. But I know that as I approach someone with my own 40-pound dog, I don't feel a need to tighten my hold on his leash, other than to keep him from uninvited sniffing and playful jumping.

I am not walking a loaded shotgun with a mind of its own, with the strength of my arm or a closed yard gate the neighborhood children's only insurance.

Love thy neighbor as thyself. That is a fine credo to live by. But don't you love yourself more than your neighbor if for the sake of your own security or enjoyment, you harbor an animal that you know is a threat to neighborhood children and pets should your dog somehow escape from you?

One reason to own a dog is for its deterrent value - a deterrent from others who might be cruising for opportunities. But for a dog to be an effective deterrent, one which keeps you or your home from becoming such an opportunity, do you really need a dog with a temperament that is easily provoked, one that looks more like its stalking than walking?

If you have to wave people away from you who merely want to pet your dog, if you have to cross the street or tighten your grip for fear, your fear, that your animal will break away and hurt someone, then find another dog.

One way or another over the years, your dog will escape from you, or a child will climb your fence to retrieve a lost ball. And just one time may be too many times. If you feel this way too, then see if the police or military have an interest in your dog, and get a different one, possibly of the same breed, but one that can make a good pet and is not a deterrent to the desire of your neighbors to live unintimidated.

Gerry Shacter

Buffalo Grove