Adventures: Loose Dog(s) in the Neighborhood

Let me just say - we let our dogs off of leash in the neighborhood when we know they are focused on where they are going AND no one else is around to make them lose their focus.

• When we are about 1/2 block from our house, we sometimes let them off leash and we all "race" to our porch.
• When Dan runs with Esa (on leash) at the park, I let Zed off leash to chase them.

We always look around when they are off leash, just to make sure no one comes from out of nowhere.

So Wednesday, Dan was walking the pups in the morning and a neighbor let their dog (a bichon ?) off the leash at the part to chase squirrels.  What happens?  The dog "attacks" Zed!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!

Dan said that it was only a few seconds, but the dog did mouth Zed and luckily, it did not draw blood.  Possibly because Dan pulled Zed and grabbed the other dog.  During these few seconds, Esa is growling at the other dog and Dan has to calm her down too!  The owner came over and just kept saying "I'm so sorry - Max was just in the zone.  I always let him chase squirrels around here". 

Dan was PISSED, but kept his calm.  He checked Zed over and said that he did whimper a little and his backlegs went limp!  Zed kind of walked it off, but was definitely shakened (along with Daddy-o). 

Of course the rest of the day, Mama & Daddy-o were worried about the Z Brother.  He just has so many aches and pains that any roughhousing will make him flair up.  However, when I got home from work, he was back to his normal self and zooming around the house ready to go on a walk.

Z is a sensitive little guy.  Physically and emotionally - we realize that he does play it up (any boo-boos) by whining to get the attention.  But you never know since pups can't talk!

Note:  Dan did get the lady's name & number in case Zed was hurt.


Zed focused on Mama after running in the field