Doggie Manners and a Yuppie Neighborhood

Last night, I took Sebastian for a long stroll around our yuppie neighborhood. No, I didn't take time to apply lipstick or anything other than yoga pants and my fleece before venturing out...but that is standard for me, and I am okay with it. Anyway, there is a certain house/apartment that we pass on every walk. We can't help but pass it, as it is RIGHT ON OUR STREET. Since the weather has been crazy and crappy (see previous blog), it was pleasant but chilly last night and we were enjoying it and minding our own business.

Now, each time we pass this certain house with the elderly couple in question, their two dogs decide to flip out and try to attack us, whether they are behind the glass of the windows or in the yard. To remind those of you that might not know me very well, my dog weighs 85 pounds. He likes other dogs, he really does. But, when we are accosted by dogs who carry the "little man syndrome", my dog sometimes acts aggressively (as I would if barraged by a short man with a loud voice). Last night was different though, and many of yesterday's events led up to my meloncholy mood in the evening. I had been thinking quite a bit about my mom and brother and their passing, wishing to God that just one more time I would be able to pick up the phone and call my mom and hear her voice...so, during our walk, I vowed to try to be nice and frienldy to each person that I came across, with or without dog attached. I don't know why I bother...

Let me just say this...living in a neighborhood that makes me feel like I have to spend an hour getting ready to take Sebastian out drives me completely WACKY. I come from the school of "treat others as you'd like to be treated", and therefore am generally a good soul that exudes friendliness. Huh. Not acceptable in this neighborhood. Some of the very same people that I see on a weekend evening, when I am showered with hair and makeup complete--they are friendly and nice at these times--look right past me when I sport my au natural look with a bun (Come on people, Pentecostals look like this every day of their lives and you don't judge them, do you???) *Please note, I am Christian, kind of Catholic, and enjoy makeup, cutting my hair, drinking alcohol, and wearing pants...I am not Pentecostal in any form.*

Back to the story--As I vowed to be nice, I thought about many things, and all of the reasons that I might become uptight as I pass this house that might not have anything to do with their ill-behaved shih tzus. So, I was going to be nice. I really, really was. As I approached, I saw the couple cuddling together on their couch and thought...wow...they are just people, too, and they are so cute; what is wrong with me? Then, out of NOWHERE.....we were attacked by their unsupervised dogs without any fair warning. I, of course, flipped out and caused my own dog to probably act more stressed than he really was (we both lost a year of our lives during this incident). And then, this cute and relaxed couple...the elderly and cute little old lady...tried to attack me!!! Seriously? She came out of her house with a BROOM...what was she going to do, HIT ME WITH IT???  Disgusted. Frustrated. Angry...dogs or not, cute cuddly old couple or not...not acceptable AT ALL. End of Story.

A note to all of you dog owners who inhabit city areas...watch your animals ALL OF THE TIME. Pretend they are kids who need training and discipline and GOOD MANNERS. Their actions reflect on you, you damn yuppies. Take a plastic bag with you on EVERY walk. You should know by now that nature will call whenever your dog needs to GO, and its common courtesy to pick up their poop--I don't want to step in it, nor do I want my dog to stick his nose in it. Next time you leave it in the vicinity of my house, I am going to pick it up and generously deposit it on your doorstep, or maybe next to your car so you step in it while wearing your $600 shoes. (Don't get me wrong, I have some shoes of that caliber as well and understand the need for their purchase.) Dogs need exercise. The City of Chicago has several dog friendly areas. You didn't know that? Well, you would have if you took your dog to the vet once in awhile, because they actually issue a tag that you put on your dog's collar so you dont get ticketed in these dog park areas. You can't get this tag without current vaccinations, etc. And, every vet in this city will give you a pamphlet and a lecture about how important doggie exercise is.

Morons. Just because you can live in Yuppieville and afford its perks doesn't mean that you're actually intelligent. Didn't your parents teach you any manners? You should be ashamed of yourselves for your ill-behaved pets and children.

Pick up the dog poop. Be friendly. Would it really be difficult for you to smile and be nice?