So...about dogs...

[Bike Chick]

We have had many, many, many issues with dogs. I love dogs but hate the owners that let them run lose. It's not the dog's fault--they are just doing what dog's do--it's the owner's fault for not keeping them on a leash or putting up an fence--real or invisible.

We had a dog issue a couple years ago that required law enforcement intervention and have a good friend that was laid up 6 months because of a busted knee from hitting a dog on her bike. I go out of my way to avoid the houses that have dogs and am hesitant to commute because of 3 houses with misbehaving dogs along my 9 mile route. I hate dogs as much or more than cars.

[kermit]

It's amazing how the nice quiet country roads have the most dogs. I have a great route around my house in Georgia. There are also several farm dogs that love the chase. I have stopped in the road and wound up making friends. This one big pit mix followed my husband and I for two miles, took a swim in the river and then ran back with us. Most of these dogs have their parameters and a good "NO or STAY" usually does the trick. There is this one little poodle mix, he's a bastard!

[zoom-zoom]

Kermit, I see FAR more loose dogs the further we get from town, too. All farm country. There are county leash laws, but I have a feeling that most farm families overlook those laws, since many of these dogs are working dogs and there aren't a lot of people coming and going near their property. Sometimes I wonder if these canines are trying to herd me.