Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

A group of us take our dogs to a city park where we let them off the leash. One day, a friend of mine saw a pile on the field and she picked it up even though it did not come from her dog. She said she did this because she wanted "poop karma." Please explain.

Mindy

Dear Mindy,

Your friend sounds like the wise monk in the mutt world. To those who do not keep dogs, this phrase may sound grossly scatological. Dog people, however, are not offended because they are constantly on guard for their pet's bodily functions.

"Poop karma" is what comes back to you in the form of good will and clean shoes. Poop karma makes the world safe for dogs and clean for humans.


Dear Dog Lady,

I am hoping you can provide some timely advice. I have dear friends who have been abroad for 1.5 years. In the time they have been gone they've had a baby who is now 1. When they went overseas they left their beloved rescue dog with friends who had a long-standing relationship with him.

Unfortunately "Fred" the beloved dog is not particularly well trained. He loves his owners and they adore him. However, he is not obedient, nor are they particularly strong-minded masters. Of greatest concern is that "Fred" has bitten several human strangers and has shown a tendency of impulsive aggression. This became such an issue that the friends who were watching him asked that he be placed elsewhere. Fred has since been with one of the owner's parents out West. Apparently there have been no further biting incidents but he has been aggressive with other dogs.

I am REALLY worried about my friends' child. The dog only encountered her once on a visit and seemed confused by her presence. My friends are planning on returning home in a month and plan to retrieve Fred and bring him home. I've expressed my concern but I don't think I can convince them otherwise. The child will be at prime face level, doing all the things a toddler does and I'm almost certain there will be a potentially tragic accident given the dog's track record.

Is there anything else I can do to help them avert potential tragedy?

Scared Dog Love

Dear Scared Dog Love,

Ooh, this is tough. Your question is long, thoughtful and very difficult. The best you can do is warn your friends again. If you know their veterinarian, you could ask her or him to intervene as well. Yes, this situation is very dangerous. "Fred" has been displaced and handed-off, which is always unsettling for a dog. When he returns from the West, he will go through another upheaval. For a skittish, aggressive, distrustful dog, the scenario is a powder keg.

Please ask them to leave Fred with family out West, at least until they are resettled. You have not specified what your relationship is to them but you sound caring and responsible. If they don't listen to you and heed your warning? Well, it may sound cold but, really, there is nothing more you can do.

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