Dog owners!

Let me make it clear from the outset, it’s not that I don’t like dogs, it’s just that they aren’t something that I want to have. And if I did decide to have one, I wouldn’t refer to it as my fur baby!

And thinking on a little more about it - it’s not the dogs that I have a particular issue with its those fecking fur parents.

It’s a stretch - but the closest I’ve been to being a fur parent is being an actual parent to toddlers - and as it happens it’s not a bad way of making my point. Our charges are probably as smart as each other, aren’t the best at making sensible decisions, and require supervision to keep them out of trouble.

When we had young children we ensured the following;

• We kept them under control. We didn’t use a lead, but we made sure that they wouldn’t run up to total strangers and (God forbid) jump up on them

• We cleaned up after them - ensuring that they didn’t poo on the street. We disposed of their nappies appropriately

• We controlled the noise they’d make, cognisant of others, not leaving them crying, or over loud when playing

• We supervised them when they met friends, so that they didn’t get in the way of others

• We didn’t expect every one else in the world to love our babies

Why is it then, that in the last week I encountered all the following;

• Dogs off the lead running around without appropriate control or supervision. OK, they weren’t dangerous or threatening - but they weren’t prevented from getting into my space.

• Dog poo on the path - so much so, I’m having to keep my eye on the path and where I place my feet rather than what’s going on around me.

• Dogs barking - either at each other, or because they are over excited

• Two sets of fur parents standing on either side of the path watching the dogs greet each other - no space awareness and blocking my way along the path

• Expectation that I also wanted to say hello to the said dogs, as mentioned they aren’t for me and I’m allowed that choice.

It’s not difficult fur parents! Simply behave like a real parent.