[Cagdu] the public

[Ken Volonte]

I feel that I must explain my real attitude about my dog and the public. 
The only time I get that acerbic is in the situation outlined in which a 
person is trying to pet my dog while we are crossing a street.  If I'm not 
in a hurry, chances are that I will always stop and let people pet my dog. 
It depends on your temperament and on the dog. For example, if I had a dog 
that got so excited that it would take me a minute or so to calm him after 
being fussed over, then I would probably have a sign: "don't touch me.  I'm 
working".  I hesitated getting one of those signs when I first heard of them 
because they sounded cold and would act as a barrier to the public; and I 
really don't mind if my dog gets petted.  Feeding is another matter, which 
is why I'm so against the food rewards program, but that's a story for 
another day.  Happy trails.  Ken