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been difficult for us to explain to our 17-month-old where all his “doats” have gone.
Raffles may have been a kind, lazy, obedient dog when she was with you or familiar neighbors, but she was none of those things here that day. Nor were those characteristics apparent when she and Fescue were chasing the deer we used to enjoy watching as they grazed in our orchard. Or when the two of them got into our bam and destroyed half a deer hanging there during last fall’s hunting season.
We did not complain to you about these events, thinking, erroneously, that we were being “good neighbors.” And since our properties are separated by a considerable distance, Raffles was not seen here often enough to be considered more than a nuisance. This was our mistake, and one for which we apologize. Had we discussed it with you then perhaps you could have found a way to keep Raffles off our land and away from our animals.
There is a basic fact of dog behavior of which you may not be fully aware: Two dogs together can be a very different quantity than each dog individually; they are a pack and can no longer be trusted to behave in an obedient manner. We speak from experience. Melissas has studied the exotic canids at the National Zoo’s Conservation Center for 12 years. Bobby has worked with all the Center’s mammals, concentrating on the hoofstock, for 14 years. We love animals and do not consider ourselves vengeance-filled pet killers. But our years at the Conservation Center have afforded us ample opportunity to witness the unfortunate results when so-called “pets” get together
One of the fundamental aspects of being a responsible dog owner is teaching your animal its boundaries and keeping it under control. The fact of the matter is, Mrs. Arnold, that you did neither. Your pet came onto our property, found its way into our goat pen, and killed and injured animals who could not escape and did not stand a chance against two dogs.
Bobby’s actions were neither “kneejerk” nor unthinking. He acted as a homeowner who saw a threat to his home and property from animals who had no business being there. In an agricultural community such as this, the killing of livestock simply is not tolerated, pet or no pet, and you can be assured that should the circumstance arise again, the outcome will be the same.
Bobby faced up to his actions. He came to your home that night and explained what happened because he felt it would be morally wrong to just dispose of the body and leave you uncertain of Raffles’ fate. It is time for the letters and bitter accusations to end. Let us put this story to rest and move on.
ROBERT and
MELISSA RODDEN Huntly
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