Dogs on Duty

Down the street from where I live, a new family moved in a few months ago. I walk my dog by their house every morning, and their little Boston terrier runs along the fence barking until we’re past. I’ve tried to introduce myself and Loki, but so far, he isn’t having it. I must admit, we do look shady.

I understand. I, too, have a dog whose territory extends as far as his keen eyes can see from our front windows. He feels duty-bound to challenge any person, dog, or the occasional rabbit, squirrel or bear who comes into view. It doesn’t help that the neighborhood dog poop station is in the park right in front of our house. We get lots of traffic. Loki gets extra pissed if he sees a dog running off-leash in the Rose Garden. It’s his civic duty. Plus, he’s jealous.

Now, we don’t have a front fence, so Loki is barking from inside our stone house, or from the back yard, so it may not be as apparent to passersby that they have crossed a line.

These dogs are just doing their jobs. That is, after all, why humans and dogs partnered up in the first place. Dogs are good at alerting oblivious humans to intruders. Humans are good for belly rubs and treats. It all works out.

Recently I walked past the house with the dog on duty and noticed a sign attached to their fence, along with a bag of treats

Hmmm, I thought. Strange that Otto races out of the house and lays in ambush if he sees us coming.

Should I put up an explanatory sign for Loki? If I did, what would it say?

I came up with this

Now give some belly rubs to that good pup.