@Atheist3

No way. I don't want the responsibility of a dog.

No doubt you jest, or you have little awareness of the problem.

@LiterateHiker Fair enough, however the return on your investment will be well rewarded.

@GROG Or a gun!

@GROG

I don't want the mess or responsibility of a dog. I deliberately chose a triplex where pets and smoking are not allowed. Perfect. No constant barking or smelly poop.

While hiking and snowshoeing, I have been attacked and injured by eight unleashed dogs. None of the dog owners apologized or controlled their dogs. It took six months for my knee to heal after one dog attack.

Now I feel terrified of strange dogs. In my hiking group, 2/3 of the women bring their dogs. That's fine with me, as long as the dogs don't go after my lunch. It drives me nuts. All I have to do is take out a plastic bag and the dogs are on me, thinking I will give them treats. Get out of my face! I'm trying to eat!

I grew up with two, well-trained, obedient Labrador Retrievers. Our dog, Lady, won the Michigan State Dog Obedience Championship twice. Two trophies. My mother trained them. As a result, I have high standards for dog behavior.

I feel appalled by dog owners who don't train or control their dogs. None of the women pick up their dog's poop while hiking. Disgusting.

In Kirkland, WA, park officials struggle with 6,000 pounds of dog poop in city parks each day.

[kirklandwa.gov]

@LiterateHiker Kathleen, my remark about jesting was in response to Atheist3's inane suggestion.

@GROG

That was a mean thing to say. I have little awareness of WHAT problem?

@Atheist3

I will never buy a gun.

@LiterateHiker Kathleen, this has become a messy string of comments. When I responded to Atheist3 I was chastising him for being so flippant about sexual predators by suggesting that you get a dog. An inane suggestion just like so many others; get a gun, wear an engagement ring... Stupidity abounds. GROG

@GROG

Agreed. Thank you.

@GROG An astute observation.