I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but just a little story about Codys...
I took my mother to the one in Ocala.... we ate.. we sat.. it was okay!
When we got home my wife asked where did we eat because we smelled of grease!
Mediocre is a good word.

I'm sorry, but I have seen unleashed dogs at Spanish Springs more than once. I have seen a dog snarl at an innocent passer-by. A woman allowed (encouraged) her dog to come up behind me and put its wet nose on the back of my leg. It was unwelcome on my part. She thought it was hysterical. The very first week we were here, six years ago, an elderly woman tripped over a long leash and my friend and I caught her as she headed face first for the ground. The dog owner never uttered a word, just huffed away.

Dogs are animals and they are your pets, not mine. I don't have pets for a reason. I really don't care to have your pets sharing my eating area or dancing area.

I was at the square at SS in December and a very large dog attacked a very small poodle right next to the bar just across from Katie Belle's. The employee came out of the door and grabbed the big dog and tried to pull it away and was having all he could handle. He finally went to the ground and rolled over with the big dog in a bear hold to get them apart.

Talk Host, SAD - VERY SAD:sad:

According to the National Center for Disease Control:

• Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people annually.
• Almost 800,000 bites per year -- one out of every 6 -- are serious enough to require medical attention.
  
• The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim's family or a friend.
  
• Dogs that are licensed with an identifiable owner are implicated in the vast majority of dog bites
  
• Dog attacks account for one-third of all liability claims on homeowners' insurance policies

... and I so love statistics, but they can't be your friend and pal - giver of unconditional love and true loyalty. To know those things is to have really lived. To fear those things must be horrible. Statistics are nice, but they won't greet you at the door:)

Well it all comes down to common sense........ and there is less and less of that in this world.

Take care that the dog you love so dearly doesn't infringe on the others who do not appreciate them. Make sure your grandchildren are having a good time but being respectful all the while.....and learn the rules of the road concerning our damnable round-abouts......common sense.

I have to agree with Bare.....people and dogs and kids should all welcome in the squares......the common area of our village.

Oh Beady. As always the voice of reason. And a responsible dog owner, grandparent and friend. I very much agree with what you said and am looking forward to the little puppy you are expecting. You were such a devoted owner to your late little cocker spaniel, Bosun, who I sadly never had the pleasure to meet.

Rock on!!!!!

folks with cats don't have these earth shaking issues or have to walk around picking up poop in baggies.

.

or pee on your new carpet or hump you boss's wife's leg.

To each his own, and your own ends where TH's own begins.

It really doesn't matter if almost everyone present thinks your dog is adorable. If the creature runs loose and approaches anyone who do not want his attention, the dog should be either better trained or left at home. Similarly, if the human cannot accept reasonable behavior by fellow resident and their pets in an environment where such behavior is routinely accepted, then the human should be either better trained or left at home. In neither case would I recommend putting down the offending creature.



`

if only I wasn't allergic to cat hair. They make me sick. But...I do like them from a distance.

Muncle - once again the voice of reason. I would only add that the same be said for children. Allowing them to continually misbehave in public places interferes with others' enjoyment of the squares, restaurants, driving ranges, etc. - and certainly does the children no good either.

doggie doo on square
 

Last Saturday at Spanish Springs, I almost walked into a large pile of doggie doo, obviously from a larger dog. It was at the height of the antque car show. I did not see the offender, nor witness his action, but it was disgusting.

That being said, I love dogs, and would not want to see them banned. It is just amazing the lack of consideration some folks have. They need some lessons from the Responsible Dog Owners Club.

Are you sure it was dog poo and NOT grandkid poo?

NIce try!:a20:

I HAD A CAT ONCE !! .

Fumar

Do a survey and see how many Villagers have pets. Tell those people to not bring their pets to the town squares. Watch all of the Villages pet owners boycot the town squares. I don't think the squares would survive. Prospective home buyers with pets will start looking elsewhere for retirement options. You're not dealing with wild animals here like buffalo, pets are a part of the familly. If there are isolated incidents involving careless pet owners, then they need to be dealt with individually.

Prolly of pooch two!


(How did you get all caps?)

While there are just as many views on this subject as pet and non pet owners, perhaps a good rule of thumb would be to keep one's pet securely affixed to it's leash at all times and under control.........a safe pet is a good pet.

How unfortunate the minority (not race) incidents mark
 

a belief on a subject?
1. Dogs loose in the squares? Been here 5 years...have seen none.
2. Grandchildren/children mis-behaving in the squares? There will always be some and they are the ones remembered (unfortunately).
3. Boistrous loud talking/rude folks. Ditto 2 above.
4. etc
5. etc.

Add up all the minority incidents and the so called dog issue(s) are the least of the problems.....by a whole bunch!!!!!!!!

btk

Thanks BTK that it in a nutshell......

:highfive: I like your perspective.

:sad:

TH ..I understand some people are afraid of dogs..some are allergic,,some just don't like them ..But I wish all the above could experience something only pet owners have .UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.It's the greatest gift you receive when you become a pet owner...Nothing like it!!http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/...otos/WhoMe.jpg

TH ..I understand some people are afraid of dogs..some are allergic,,some just don't like them ..But I wish all the above could experience something only pet owners have .UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.It's the greatest gift you receive when you become a pet owner...Nothing like it!!http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/...otos/WhoMe.jpg[/QUOTE]

:mademyday:

Bosoxfan -you have a beautiful dog
 

If I were to meet up with your dog at the squares or a dog park, she would certainly have my attention. She looks like a gentle giant. Love your picture album.

She reminds me of a past, and very much loved old neighbor. Her name was Shadow and although she didn't belong to us, she was shared with our family and our kids just loved her.

She is the sweetest girl..thank you!!