Dogs in the square
 

TednRobin:doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie:H ow much is that doggie in the window:D It must be entertaining. Good luck with pooch:smiley:

Ready for my two cents worth? I thought not but here goes anyway. I am a former dog owner. I like well mannered dogs. It is a sign of a well mannered owner. Well mannered dogs are welcome anywhere I am.
Banning dogs at the square would be unfair to those who are responsible dog owners. I will tolerate the irresponsible although I feel sorry for their dogs.
Banning dogs would have to be a joint effort between the VCCD and Lady Lake or Sumter County. The streets are public. Inside the square is not.
Banning dogs would send a very negative message to potential buyers. Not only to dog owners but it would say to me that if they can ban dogs there is no telling what other mischief they can cause. Ban cats, kids, in-laws or anything that walks flies or swims? Nope. Won't work. Bad idea. If dogs were banned I am afraid The Villages would become a ghost town.
BTW, as far as I know there is no cure for irresponsibility.

I see this is a ever losing battle,people don't matter.....

:1rotfl::a20: Thank you for my evening laugh, Bogie Shooter! :a20:

:doggie: :smiley:

Dear Josephine,
 

I wasn't going to stick my two cents in, but changed my mind, wanting to add to this great partial quote below: Thanks Irish!

[QUOTE=Irish Rover;
If you really want to complain about something, sit behind or near a lady or guy in the theatres after they have dipped themselves in some obnoxious scent. Tha's as bad as stepping in dog do, maybe even worse.
Just my humble opinion.
Irish:D[/QUOTE]

I love well mannered, well kept doggies of any kind. Same with children and adults. If I am hemmed in by ANY obnoxious intrusion, or feel unsafe in an area, rather than sit there disgruntled and spoil my outing by being ticked off, or sit there tolerating something I can't stand (while my stomach turns) I finally learned do something nice for myself and move to a more suitable spot.
Yep, I might have to give up an ideal view, so what. I consider moving away from the offending whatever, a gift to myself that I have control over. And I get over the rest and enjoy my outing.
You can't 'enlighten' anyone who doesn't want to be enlightened, or who walks this earth unconscious. It's the old 'pounding the square peg in the round hole' trick.
As far as poop is concerned, I just watch carefully where I place my feetsies.... keeps me out of holes, too. :D

As I said previously, I'm not in favor of banning dogs from the squares BUT... don't you think that the above statement is an extreme case of hyperbole? I really don't think the vast majority of people decide to come to TV just because they can bring their pooches to the squares... or did they? http://www.en.kolobok.us/content_ima...one-s_head.gif

Video please! http://www.timelessgaming.com/timele...20popcorm1.gif

What exactly are ya’ll referring to when you say the “town squares”? Do you mean mainly the music/dancing area, or do you mean the entire “town” area, including the streets and the shopping/dining/park areas? Please forgive my ignorance...I’ve only visited TV once.

And once was enough. We came home and put our house on the market and are anxiously waiting for the day that we will be Villagers.

I have two small friendly dogs. I realize that some people are afraid of dogs, don’t like them, have allergies, etc. I never let my dogs approach someone unless that person expresses an interest in meeting them. I don’t let them walk on other people’s property and I always immediately pick up their poop, even if it’s in my own yard.

I would leave them home if I were going to an event that was really crowded, but in general, being able to take my dogs (just about) everywhere is one of the main reasons I want to move to TV. I know it may sound silly to some folks, but being with my dogs is among my greatest joys. And going out in public with me seems to make them pretty darned happy too. If dogs were banned from public areas, I would not be nearly as enamored with TV.

Ditto. I love taking my dogs to some of the restaurants that allow pets on the patio for outdoor dining. The dogs love the entertainment of people watching. And, it seems, most people like to see our dogs.

People do matter, Josephine. People with dogs and people without dogs matter. People who like dogs and people who dislike dogs matter. They all matter but finding a solution that will fit all sizes make it appear some may not matter.
Like you, I wish dog owners would train their dogs to deposit on their own property. It can be done as I have done it. I have had to tell a neighbor twice to not let his dogs do their thing on my property. He now lets them do it on another neighbor's property. I have another neighbor whose dogs start barking as soon as I step out my front door. I feel sorry for some of the dogs I see at the squares. I don't believe banning them is practical and, as I said in an earlier post, you can't cure irresponsibility.
I understand your frustration but there are some things we can't change. Sometimes we just grin and bear it.
BTW, I see you are a relatively new poster. Don't let this foray into our midst discourage you.

I love dogs. But why do other dog lovers put their beloved pets through misery? I challenge anyone to walk around barefoot on the hot cement/blacktop that surrounds the squares. Dogs and other animals feet can withstand the cold but when the sun has been beating down all day on the pavement and these people bring a dog to an event that the dog really doesn't have any interest in, they may be in pain! Be nice to your pets, let them stay at home where it is cooler, people don't trample them and they can get a much needed nap!

Each dog and owner have their own personalities. Dog and owner are either well trained or ill-trained. Only the OWNER knows if FIDO can handle crowds. Only the OWNER can know if FIDO needs to poop 3 times before coming to the square so that FIDO doesn't poop inappropriately because his balls, excuse me, his BOWELS were moved by the excitement when meeting a Fidoette! Personally we take our Fido in the golf cart and keep him from all these large, looming adults that might step on him. Mine would get too nervous and probably poop a fourth time due to the excitement. And, I don't like cleaning steamy poop up in a plastic baggy. In otherwords, it's a case by case situation. IMHO! People get so turned on by holding their Fidoette while dancing with them. Why take that little bit of joy from the owner? Now..actually, I think a dance with a huge German Shephard would be quite interesting???? :D

Well said...:BigApplause:

This is true. So many times I have seen people walking dogs on black asphalt in the middle of summer. As politely as possible (in my shock and dismay), I approach those folks and ask them to try the pavement out on their own feet before they ask their dog to do so. Sometimes, these dogs are yanking on the leash, trying to get to a spot of grass, and the people are getting angry at the poor pup cause he's not walking nicely as usual. THINK, PEOPLE!

Hmmm.....
 

I do like seeing dogs at the square but as I said above, some can be intimidating.

Several people here tell the starter of this thread that people do matter ("more than animals" is what I think josephine has tried to say), but it's not very convincing.

Why is it that children and young adults--even up to age 30--can be banned from using the adult pools and sport pools because of annoyance and disruption to adults enjoying those pools and decks, but yet the idea of banning dogs from the squares' seating/dancing area is met with such anger and condescension toward the person who started this thread?

Maybe I'm missing something.....but I haven't read anything that smacks of anger or condescension. Just people expressing, very kindly and nicely, a different point of view.

Hmmmm.

Skybo, it doesn't sound silly to me at all that being with your dogs is among your greatest joys. A lot of us feel the same way. (And I agree that dogs have no place at crowded events).

We purchased in The Villages because it is an extremely pet-friendly community, and we love animals. I agree that the vast majority of people probably don't decide to come to TV because they can bring their dogs to the Squares. But I'll bet a lot of people bought in TV because they were seeking a pet-friendly environment.

And there are some of us that feel dogs are an integral part of our family.

I have never, ever seen anyone force their dog onto other people. But I have seen people flocking around dogs to ask questions and pat them. Many retirees don't have pets anymore but just love to see and touch them.

Dog owners who force their dogs onto other people? When I take my large dog, Lolli Pop, to the Square, I can guarantee that at least 30 people will approach me and ask for perrmission to pat her. She is friendly and loves attention; and those who ask to pat her are delighted with her affection.

Stepping in manure at the Squares? In four years I've never seen manure at either of the Squares. But I have stepped in ice cream cones dropped by kids.

We have two little Yorkshire Terriers Sammy and Lilly. They are high strung little creatures when they are around crowds. We would not bring them to the squares because Lilly would pee her brains out and usually on me.

But I love seeing the dogs at the squares and I have never stepped in manure or encountered a rude dog or dog owner. Thats what I find intriguing about the TV is the textures of people and their pets.

I don't want to live in a complete sterile environment. Before deciding on the TV, we did some extensive research on planned 55+ communities. Many of the communities we researched were so riddled with rules, I could feel the coldness. I want rules, but not hard core rigid rules that suppress people from from being free to express themselves.

Some people want rules for everything, they feel more secure with rules. The thing that attracted me about TV is the joy for living. God knows we are in our last stages of life and let's live it up, let's pet a dog, pet a cat or even pet the ex husband, not really.

Im in favor of having dogs in the squares as long as the owner is reponsible for their care.

It's not going to stop me from dancing, clapping or singing out of tune. I'm going to let go and just be darn grateful we found a community that loves living as much as I do.

There's a saying- Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all about our perception. Get out there and enjoy your day, I know I am.:thumbup:

:MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:Jhooman -- you just put me in a GREAT mood! Thanks

Jhooman, what a refreshing and sunny post. You have a great attitude.:thumbup: You're right ... we don't have time in our Golden years to sweat the small stuff!

Me too!!!!!:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

Yes we have no time to waste we have to enjoy our golden years so please leave your dogs home when we are trying to enjoy ourseleves at the square so we don't have to worry about stepping on a dog's paw or moving out of the way because some of us might be afraid of big dogs think about oithers and not of yourselves.. give me a break people did you ever ask your dog if he or she wants to go to the square and dance ..I know that I have no chance of winning with all of you that own dogs this is my chocie to speak out...and I did....Have a great day in the Villages.....

Thanks for joining in the conversation Josephine71. Most everyone here likes to hear from folks with a variety of opinions. I look forward to reading your posts about other subjects in the future.:smiley:

LOL.. 62 posts and going.

I love dogs, love 'em to death. I don't really think the square is a good place for them. Just my opinion.

I am a full time resident and spend several evenings a month at Lake Sumter Landing. Personally, I love seeing the dogs there. I have not seen dog poop anywhere there, have not seen aggressive dogs there, nor have I seen people acting afraid of the dogs.

I did see a little child, though, cause an injury to a lady who was dancing. The child was running unsupervised in the dance area and during a fast dance, the lady had to step back real quickly to avoid stepping on the child, turned real quick and tore her ACL muscle in the leg.

Never seen that with a dog.

A dog can do the same thing......

Less likely since dogs are required to be on a leash.

.

I have only been to the squares four times in my short stay at TV and I must say that I too love seeing dogs and petting them if I get a chance. However I'd like to ask a few questions of those who have dogs and like to take them to the squares:

1. Tbugs: Have you seen another at the squares using a mobility scooter? Just a yes or no will do.
2. On a scooter, the user needs to backup sometimes and must do so because they are blocked from moving forward. In backing up there is a blind spot area behind them. If the driver of the scooter backs up thinking all's clear and hits and injures a dog, and assuming it's a busy day, is it the scooter operators fault the dog was hit or is it the fault of the dogs owner for bringing the pet into a busy area where the chance of this is greater than when it's not busy?
3. If the dog reacts to the scooter like they sometimes naturally do with autos and winds up biting my leg sending me into months of pain and suffering, (my legs won't heal anywheres near as quick as it would for most people) is it my fault for wanting to enjoy the square like everyone else, or is it the fault of the dogs owner for either bringing the dog into a crowded area or not having it under proper control?
4. Should I deny myself the use of the square just because of the above situations I've stated?

Now there is no need for anyone to answer any of these questions if they don't want to. It's not my intention to put anyone on the spot. (pun unintended) It is my intention to again bring these points to peoples attention and for them to think about how there is more to this issue than just ones right to bring their pets on busy days if they chose to.

One more thing... if you do bring your dog to the squares, busy or not, please make sure to take special percautions if you do see me or anybody else in a mobility scooter or a motorized wheel chair. Also don't let your dog approach someone in one of these vehicles until or unless they have somehow shown you it's ok to approach. After all, most of us in this situation do love your sweety-poos (pun intended) and would like a chance to give them the attention they are usually looking for... unless of course it's Fumar setting up a trap. :a20:

Again, very disciplined, Bare. As I'm sure your dogs are, too.

I am learning from your good example.

..

Josephine.

You posted this earlier.

sephine71
Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 20



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like I said before I will never win because there are to many dog lovers I feel they don't belong in the square and this will be my last remark on dogs ....It makes me think that people love dogs more then they love people and thats alright ....I love dogs but I love people more

Thanks Skyguy for reminding everyone that some people can be seriously injured by the things others don't even notice.

Those who bring dogs to the squares when they are crowded must also be mindful that many people have very sensitive and thin skin that is easily injured. So a fall, or a playful paw on a leg can turn into a very serious flesh wound.

Again, responsible pet ownership is necessary for everyone to enjoy their visit to the squares.

I just went on the website "www.freekibble.com" (which I do daily) because answering their daily question means that they donate kibble to humane societies.

The question today was "How many companies in the US allow employees to bring their dogs to work?". And the answer was "One in five US companies let employees bring dogs to work. Studies show that the humans are happier and more productive".

I'm not saying this is true, or that I think it is a good idea. But obviously times are changing! :024::doggie:

Hmmm...........
 

Can't wait to move there, sounds like this place is going to the dogs! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

In my opinion, times are a changin' for the better!
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2.../lovemydog.jpg

SkyGuy,

I have seen some individuals on powered chairs, etc at both squares. They seem to have a good time. Hope to see you someday at one of the squares.

Have you run over a dog with your chair or scooter in a crowd? I would hate to do that and I bet you were plenty shocked if that happened to you. Dog bites are another matter, too. I have not seen a dog go after a power chair or scooter but it sounds as though it has happened to you. I can understand your apprehension of being around dogs after getting bitten while on your power chair. Hope you healed up and the medical bills were taken care of by the dog's owner.

On that same matter (not the biting), it would be very easy to run a power chair into or over the feet of a child who was running around unsupervised. Can you imagine the reaction of the parent or grandparent to the scooter operator?

A dog at the square will be on a leash and not running around unsupervised. I am not against bringing children to the entertainment - things do go wrong sometimes when the children are not closely supervised.

SkyGuy, hope everything goes good with you and that you will enjoy the squares and the entertainment.

Skyguy, I do understand your concerns, I really do. But I just have to ask a question. You said that in backing up there is a blind spot behind a scooter and you could potentially hit a dog. Is there a potential for also hitting a small child? I'm assuming you have some kind of beeping back-up sound, and that people would make sure they give you a clear space to back up.

Skyguy, if you can't see behind you, lots of things could happen. In fact, you could injure yourself. Why not invest in a rearview mirror for your motorized chair?
http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/...w_attached.jpg

SkyGuy's posts remind me of something we learned when Finley was in Puppy Obedience. The instructor - who has amazing skills with dogs - pointed out to us that doggy behavior can be situational. For example, just because a dog has a perfect response to recall in your house or yard, don't assume the same will happen in a place with more distractions.

She also encouraged us to take our puppies (on a short, loose leash) to places where they would meet people with walkers, in wheel chairs, on Rollerblades etc. This way the puppy would learn not to be afraid and not to misbehave in those situations.