Rachel Lucas

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Christ Almighty! My neighborhood is like the Wild Kingdom. (Rachel Lucas)

Christ Almighty! My neighborhood is like the Wild Kingdom.

This is just too rich. I almost titled this post DO YOU WANT YOUR DOG TO DIE??? Because I learned last night that not only are some of the cat people in my neighborhood fucking idiots, but so, OF COURSE, are some of the dog people. Not that there was any doubt, but at least now I have a story to illustrate it.
Okay, as you know, Sunny is a 92-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback (a breed, for your edification, that was used in Africa in the 18th century to help hunt lions because Ridgebacks are strong, agile, smart, and brave). I've often said that Sunny's dumb and lazy, but I'm just giving her a hard time; it's been obvious since she was a puppy playing with Digger that she's pretty tough and smart when she needs to be.
She almost always completely ignores strangers (dog and human) but once in a while she determines that a certain person or dog is a threat, and she turns into a seriously bad-ass bitch. It's really something to see - she'll lock eyes on some shifty-looking character, freeze in place, suddenly seem to grow about six inches taller, and the subtle ridge on her back turns into a pronounced ridge from between her ears all the way through her tail. When that happens, I zzzztttt her (just like Cesar Milan) and sometimes jab her in the neck to get her attention, and she gets over it pretty quick and we move on.
Aaaanyway. Back to the asshole dog owners down the street.
So Sunny and I are prancing along on our walk this evening - yes, prancing, that's what we're all about - and part of our path took us down a sidewalk that runs along backyard fences (the solid wooden kind that you can't see through). As we approached a certain yard, Sunny took on that persona I just described, all ridge-y and growl-y. I had no idea why; there weren't any barking dogs that I could hear, which is usually what gives her that attitude. We got to a certain point along the fence, though, and all hell broke loose: at LEAST three dogs were on the other side, and they started barking suddenly just as we walked by, which in turn sent Sunny into a rage. As usual when that happens, I didn't even break stride but just yanked her leash a little, shushed her, and kept moving. I am the boss of her and she knows it, y'all.
But before we got two more steps, and I couldn't make this up if I tried, guess what came flying over the six-foot privacy fence? A FUCKING PIT BULL. A large, fence-jumping, snarling, foaming-at-the-mouth gray pit bull. WHICH LANDED ON SUNNY.
I shit you not. She was a few feet behind me, resisting the moving-on that I was enforcing, and that psycho pit bull came down right on her hind end. I wish I could truly convey to you the unholy terror I felt for about two seconds. I've never seen such a thing in my life and it was incredibly startling and genuinely scary. Pit bulls are not my favorite dogs. I don't like the way they look, and waaaaayyyy too many lazy fuckers own them and don't have even a sliver of the gonads to know how to handle them, so they get a bad reputation as killing machines. Which may or may not be fair; all I know is that a crazed snarling pit bull leaping over a fence and landing on your dog is extremely frightening.
But I have to tell you the truth: I am fantastically pleased that it happened, in retrospect, because I learned something about my sweet baby Sunny that I'd never had the chance to know before: That bitch is bad to the bone.
As soon as the pit bull landed on her hindquarters, she immediately spun around and the two of them were suddenly facing each other - Sunny's butt to me and the pit bull facing me. I walk her on a short leash, which was yanked out of my hands as soon as this happened. They were doing that posturing/threatening thing to each other - cheek to cheek and all growls. And here's what scared the living crap out of me: that pit bull was staring ME in the eyes. And growling in a very aggressive way.

How to be safely with a dog in hotels

Traveling with a dog can be a lot of fun, but it also requires some preparation. Here are some tips to help make your trip go smoothly. First, make sure your dog is comfortable traveling in a car. If he or she is not used to it, take a few practice trips before your trip. Next, be sure to pack everything your dog will need, including food, water, bowls, toys, and a bed or crate. If you'll be staying in a hotel, ask if they are pet-friendly and if they have any rules or restrictions. When you're on the road, take regular breaks to let your dog stretch his or her legs and use the bathroom. And be sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times, especially when near roads or other dangers.

Traveling with a dog can be a lot of fun, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are my top ten tips for traveling with your furry friend.  Make sure your dog is comfortable in a car. Some dogs love car rides, while others get carsick. If your dog isn't used to being in a car, start taking them on short rides around the neighborhood to get them used to it.  Bring a crate or carrier for your dog. This will help keep them safe in the car and make sure they don't take up too much space. Make sure your dog is well-behaved and knows basic commands. This will make traveling with them much easier and less stressful for everyone. Pack plenty of food, water, and bowls for your dog. You don't want them to run out of food or water while you're on the road. Bring a leash, collar, and ID tags for your dog. You never know when you'll need them, and it's better to be safe than sorry.  Bring a dog bed or blanket for your dog to sleep on. This will make them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.  Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations and deworming. This will help keep both him and other travelers safe. If you're flying with your dog, make sure you contact the airline ahead of time. Each airline has different rules and regulations for traveling with pets. Plan ahead and make sure you have everything your dog will need while you're away. This includes food, water, toys, a bed, and any other necessary supplies. Have a great trip! Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be prepared. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to a safe and enjoyable trip.

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. If you're not prepared, your trip can quickly turn into a mess. That's why it's important to do your research and find the best places to stay with your dog. There are a lot of different dog hotels out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some are much better than others. Here are some of the best dog hotels around the country. The Dog House in Seattle, Washington is a great place to stay with your dog. They have a ton of different room options, and they're always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. The Dog's Inn in Asheville, North Carolina is another great option. They have a huge backyard where your dog can run and play, and they also offer homemade dog treats. If you're traveling to California, be sure to check out The Doggy Inn in Santa Barbara. They have a heated pool and a large play area, and they're always happy to accommodate special requests. No matter where you're traveling, there's a great dog hotel waiting for you and your furry friend. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead. That way, you can both enjoy your trip to the fullest.

When traveling with a pet, one of the main concerns people have is how to keep their pet safe in a hotel. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make your pet feel comfortable and safe in this new environment. The first step is to always call the hotel in advance and ask if they allow pets. Some hotels have a no-pet policy, so it's important to find out ahead of time. If the hotel does allow pets, ask what the policy is for bringing them in. Some hotels may require that your pet be crated or that you keep them on a leash at all times. When you arrive at the hotel, take a few minutes to get your pet acquainted with the room. Show them where their food and water bowls are, and put their bed in a quiet corner. If your pet is used to being crated, you can put the crate in the room as well. If your pet is allowed to roam free in the room, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times. There are many things in a hotel room that could be dangerous for them, such as electrical cords, poisonous plants, and sharp objects. If you're going to be leaving your pet alone in the room, be sure to put them in a safe place where they can't get into trouble. This may mean crating them or putting them in a locked room. Finally, always clean up after your pet. Leaving pet waste in a hotel room can be unsanitary and dangerous for other guests. Make sure to dispose of it in a trash can and disinfect the area where your pet was playing. By following these tips, you can help make your pet's stay at a hotel as comfortable and safe as possible.