LETTER: Professional dog training a worthwhile investment - Marblehead Reporter

To the editor:

I wanted to share an unfortunate event that occurred a few weeks ago.

I am, and have always been, a dog lover, owning two dogs of my own. Growing up with a Rottweiler, I can recall at 12 years of age being able to walk my dog around the neighborhood, having complete control over him, thanks to the wonderful dog training my father provided.

Two weeks ago, I was walking with my two dogs around my neighborhood to get fresh air and exercise. Luckily, my three young children happened to be in preschool and were not present on the walk, as I usually do take them with me as well.

As we were turning the corner onto Pickwick Road, a Wheaton terrier was charging toward us. At first, we thought it was a puppy walking to say hello, but as it got closer, the woman behind it shouted for us to “look out, it is coming to attack the dogs.” I was shocked and stood in front of my dogs as the dog approached, calling for the woman to get her dog. The Wheaton jumped on top of my dogs, attempting to bite their necks and ears, as they both yelped.

I was trying to pull this dog off, which had a retractable leash that was wrapped around the dogs. A woman stopped her car and got out to help. Three of us were able to separate the dogs, and the dog’s owner told me she was sorry, that she dropped the leash. I told her the dog was dangerous and should have more training, and thanked the bystander for helping us. I was also thankful that my children did not need to witness this.

I asked the owner her name, the dog’s name and address. She hesitated before telling me. When I got home, I called the dog officer with the info, and she told me that there was nothing I could do as the dog technically had a leash on and the dogs were not badly injured. She did inform me that the woman would be responsible for any vet bills.

I filed a complaint against the dog but am not sure what follow up there was, as I never saw the incident in the police blotter, and there were no phone calls to follow. Additionally, I never heard from this woman to offer an apology.

So, if you have a poorly controlled and aggressive dog, please do not use a retractable leash, keep control of your dog at all times and please pay for professional training.

Michelle Doran

Pickwick Road

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