I would like to first apologize for the way we met. It wasn't pleasant for a number of reasons. Regardless, I think you and I walked away from that experience with two different perceptions....
Now, I'm going to assume that you do not own dogs, nor have you ever had extended contact with them. Before anyone gets after me for making assumptions, I'll explain why I think this.
1. You screamed at the sight of a puppy.
My dog was about 4 months old when you met her. She weighed about ten pounds,and was (and still is most of the time) a rambunctious little peanut who translates screaming as "hey let's play!"
She also LOOOOOOVES little kids. This is a great thing for dogs, and most of the time for kids. She doesn't bite, and while she was still learning to work on her manners when you met, doesn't mean to jump on or trample anyone. In fact, she is great friends with the 6 year old neighbor. She's even learned to lie down when the girl comes over to visit.
2. You accused me of ruining your daughter's love for puppies.
I get it. Being chased by a fur-ball is terrifying for a toddler. ESPECIALLY when that toddler hasn't been around animals. But PLEASE for the love of everything that is holy, do not tell me that I am the reason your daughter won't like dogs. My dog didn't bite, jump on, or growl at your daughter. She approached your daughter (rather excitedly *I know those wiggly tails are really scary*) and your daughter tripped after your husband chased her away from the dog. My dog didn't start chasing her until the grown adult did.
3. You assumed that I was walking the 4 month old puppy without a leash.
I know there are irresponsible dog owners out there, and I think they are mostly to blame for this.
My dog escaped through the back door, and I was in the process of catching her when she saw your family, and heard you scream at her. She gets excited, and freedom from the kitchen is her only goal when she's at home.
To be fair, if you haven't been around animals, you may not understand where I'm at. So, imagine for a moment, your daughter was playing at the park. You were watching her, but let's be honest, kids will be kids. She sees one of her favorite toys is open and starts running towards it. Now imagine your three year old is wriggly and fast, doesn't understand a word you say, and sees you chasing her as a game....are you getting where I'm coming from? She takes off, and you honestly have NO control over what she is about to do. She's headed for the toy, when she sees another little kid with some candy. She veers out of your reach just as you are about to grab her, and lunges towards the kid with the bag of sweets. She wants to say hi, and possible get some of the candy from him....his mom takes off after him, and he trips when he realizes his mom is freaking out over this girl coming up to him. She then proceeds to ignore your apology and accuse you of ruining her son's love of the park, before storming off in a rage.
It seems a little far fetched, doesn't it? Thinking that one experience would ruin a child for the rest of their life?
Well that's kind of how that one day in the parking lot went. Granted, you have a human child, and I have a puppy, but the idea is the same. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that this one experience doesn't have to ruin your daughter forever. Take her to see other dogs, and let them lick her hands, and nuzzle her. Let them come up to her and greet her the way puppies do, and please try to refrain from screeching. The puppies aren't trying to hurt anyone, but they can pick up on stress in any given situation. They will react in the way you allow them to. Let your daughter experience dogs in a safe environment, and I promise my puppy won't have ruined her forever.
And I guess if she has ruined her, you really should be thanking me. I just saved you hours of her begging you for a dog, and hundreds of dollars you would end up spending on said dog. You're Welcome.
Have a blessed day,
The barefoot (and bra-less) dog lady
p.s. Phenix says she's sorry.
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