[Debles]

Yesterday on our drive home from the mountains, we stopped at a rest area on the interstate. We always park by the pet exercise area far away from other cars. I took the boys on their leashes to potty (the pet area had warning signs every few feet for RATTLE SNAKES! so the boys and I stayed in the picnic area but far from any other people.) Out of the blue a rat terrier comes rushing up to us barking his head off. No owner in sight! Gunner , who dislikes strange dogs, started to growl.

I was so scared Gunner could tear into that terrier and kill him in one jerk if he wanted. I yelled "Get your dog" over and over while also yelling and kicking at the terrier to "get out of here!" I told Gunner and Selka both to stay and told Gunner he was a good boy when he wasn't growling.

Finally from a hundred yards a way, I see a guy and a kid coming with another terrier on a leash. They must have been calling the terrier by us because he then took off towards them. The wind was so bad you could hardly hear anything.

I then moved my boys back to the car away from the the terriers. I have no idea why the terrier was loose but I gave Gunner and Selka both treats for being good boys. It took awhile for my adrenaline to slow down and I am extra sore today from holding the boys back before I came to my senses and told them to stay. I feel very lucky today that nothing bad happened.

 

[cubbysan]

I think sometimes the collars made for smaller dogs are more decoration than of any substance.

Last week I saw a Bichon get loose from its owner in a busy Petsmart parking lot. There were like 20 people trying to stop traffic as she ran through all the rows. The owner was holding the leash with the broken collar.

Glad that you were able to handle your dogs.

 

[Alohaimee]

Geesh! I am glad the dogs were so good though! That has to make you a proud momma!

 

[Debles]

Yes,I was very proud of Gunnie for being a good boy since he gets so anxious with strange dogs and this one was barking his head off at us! Selka is always a good boy.. I take it for granted. Poor baby!

 

[Elisabeth Kazup]

Wow...it took me a long time to get past the "rattlesnake" signs every few feet.

So glad you're boys cooperated with you and were good boys. I love the little terriers but they can be from another planet sometimes!

 

[Oaklys Dad]

Yikes, Glad all is well. Those rest areas always scare me. The boys and I have our "own" rest areas here in Maine along the roads we travel. Most have a lake, river or stream and no chain link fencing. We are out of our element when we have to travel the divided highways. :doh:

 

[BeauShel]

Way to go Boys, you have made your Mom proud. For a minute I was thought you were going to say that litle terrier was barking at a rattlesnake to warn you. No it was just being a brat.

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

Good boy Gunnie. I never cease to be amazed at the lack of forethought and caring people have. Loose dogs at a rest stop.... that's really bright. Thank goodness you and the boys are ok and that the little yapster is too. So much could have gone so wrong.

 

[Lucky's mom]

Good boy Gunner!!!! I bet you were so proud that you had "some" dog. He really did good in a difficult situation!

 

[beargroomer]

Good boy Gunner for holding his stay while the yappy dog charged him! Terriers and other small dog breeds have great, fun personalities, and are so smart, but owners tend not to see the need to train them. It's sad. When their little dog barks and growls charging another dog, they act like it's cute or something. And OF COURSE, it's totally OK to let little dogs off leash anywhere, right?
Anyway, glad everyone is OK!