Along with many friends and acquaintances, I spend hours per week on the Galloping Goose Trail. People have asked me if I am afraid to walk alone in more remote areas “with the cougars and bears out there.”
Over the course of the last few years, I have been knocked down by a cyclist and needed six weeks to recover from injuries including whiplash. An acquaintance was attacked by a German shepherd, pushed into the ditch and left to walk some distance back to the parking area while suffering from shock and injuries. Another friend was bitten by a German shepherd.
Recently, my gentle dog was attacked by a border collie. The attacker was leashed, but its owner was unable to restrain it. This led to a severe puncture wound just below the throat. The pain and suffering to our otherwise healthy and happy dog is our major concern. The morning spent at the vet’s and the hundreds of dollars paid for the necessary services were no pleasure, either.
In the last two years, I have had two fairly close encounters with black bears and have come away unscathed.
The moral: It is wise to be wary of the wildlife, but bells and whistles will not save you from the far more common hazard of irresponsible dog owners and other inconsiderate humans.
Linda Ford
Victoria
