First off, my husband and I love dogs --- for the most part they are one of God's friendliest creatures. But recently we took the time to go outside to look at the moon and stars, reveling in the lovely night sky. We only went to the top of our driveway, then into the middle of the street to get a better view.
By the time we got to the top of our driveway, the neighbor's little yapper was barking. Then the dog across the street started a mournful howling, quickly followed by more barking, baying and more howling around our small neighborhood! The next neighborhood's dogs began joining the racket --- making for an unpleasant experience echoing back and forth across the valley. Hearing the other dogs barking, our neighborhood canines took on a different tone, sounding more vicious, until we had to go back inside. It was just too much --- we couldn't even enjoy a quiet look at the clear sky!
For the most part, I don't like walking in our neighborhood anymore. It stirs up the dogs too much. Even though I've lived in this house for seventeen years, I'm seen as a threat and a stranger to these barking dogs. I'm not doing anything threatening or on their property, but a couple of them would tear my throat out if they could get over their fence!
So we drive somewhere else to take a daily stroll. What a shame too because it's such a beautiful neighborhood in the springtime!
