[redwitch]

Don't you love how all of us non-dog owners are ignoring your request and responding anyway? I'm a dog walker, which means that I've walked all types and sizes of dogs in many different villages here. My favorite dog to walk was a French bull mastiff (think Hooch of Turner & Hooch). She was such a sweet girl. I'd even take her for rides in the Miata. People consistently wanted to say hi to her and she loved the attention.

I've met two grumps -- one just truly afraid of all dogs and the other just naturally a grump. Otherwise, people come and say hi to the dog if they know it; give it a treat if that's their thing to do with that particular dog; pull their dog inside because their dog doesn't like big/little/other dogs. All in all, walking a dog in The Villages is fun!

There is the issue that dog urine can yellow a lawn and it is nice if the dog is gutter/street trained. I usually walk a dog around its home first and then go for a walk. This takes care of most issues most of the time but not always. I once had an incident walking a collie where I was talking to someone I knew who wanted to meet the dog and the dog very sweetly lifted his leg on my acquaintance. To say I was embarassed was putting it mildly. He laughed. Some homeowners do mind if a dog does its business on their lawn. I've found that a simple apology and a promise to try to keep the dog off their lawn works quite well. Keep the baggies visible and that helps a lot in letting others know you will be a responsible dog owner/walker/lover.

So, don't let the threads here worry you that much. Come on down and you'll see that dogs of all shapes and sizes are generally adored here.