Happy Birthday!

Well, it's my birthday once again. Actually, this was the best birthday I've had in many years (at least 10, probably more like 15 or 18). We did all the routine stuff (cleaned house, laundry, orthodontist appointment, dentist appointment, etc.), but the whole family went to dinner together, thanks to some wonderful friend's (thank you Kelly and Eric!) Christmas gift to us (dinner!). Then we went out to a movie (Knowing), which we all enjoyed greatly, and came home to open cards and gifts. The BEST gift, from all 3 of my men, was a "dog chaser." This is an electronic device that makes a sound dogs can't stand and makes them run away.

I LOVE this gift because I like to walk, but had all but stopped over the past couple of years, for several reasons, not the least of which was misbehaved dogs. There is something about ME that dogs don't like, even though I generally like animals (including dogs). I've been bitten, I've been chased, I've had a German Shepard break through it's electronic fence and drag it's owner down the street (really) coming after me. I have learned over the years to stay away from dogs I don't know and to respect them! I have a walk route in our neighborhood that is my "no dog" route - that is, I only pass by dogs I know and trust (a schnauzer, a labrodoodle, a mastiff, a german shepherd mix). I have my alternate route that includes a border collie (hey Rudie!), but ONLY if a particular house has their beige whatever (loud) dog inside. I also have a "no dog" route nearby, but it's really short.

I stopped walking in our local park this past year, which has a leash rule (in a township with a leash law), due to all the dogs running loose. I tried contacting the parks commission, as this park was funded in large part by a wildlife grant to help promote a wetlands habitat, and honestly, no wetlands birds are going to nest where dogs are chasing them. There is a dog park a couple of miles away - there is no reason to NOT leash a dog in this park (Rozelle) other than pure selfishness and disregard for both the habitat and other people. Even so, the parks commission did nothing.

Well, now I feel like I might be able actually walk where I feel like walking! We'll see how it works. It promises to not hurt the dogs, just make a sound they dislike and will actively try to get away from. If it seems like it's painful or if it doesn't work, I guess I'll be imprisoned back into my "no dog" zone. I find it very irritating that dogs have more freedom than I do!!

Anyway, a great birthday. Hopefully this bodes well for the coming year!