Dear Look: I agree that vehicles today are huge with a decreased field of vision. Your excellent warning to watch out for the family pet begs the further question of why is the dog even in the driveway.

Many times owners will include driveway access within a fenced area. I would recommend that the driveway always be off limits to the dog whether the fence is invisible or physical. The other solution is to put the dog inside the house or in an outdoor kennel when you are not home, away from harm’s way.

But your question did get me thinking about dogs that get run over in the street which seems to be a bigger risk. 

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

While looking up statistics on dogs getting run over, I found website about stopping urban legends through e-mail forwarding.

It was interesting as the letter (read it at: http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/dogmug.html) talked about carjackers with guns using a run-over dog as a ploy to get a motorist to stop. The website warns that while this type of crime has never been substantiated, the real harm to forwarding such e-mails is that it just might give a criminal an idea. Please, show me a criminal savvy enough to train a dog in a down stay at the side of the road and look injured.

Could this warning cause people not to stop for run-over dogs in distress? 

Dogs and Guns

Many years ago I came upon a Golden Retriever lying on the side of a rural road. As I slowed down I could clearly see the dog was still breathing despite a large pool of blood forming around its head. By the time I knelt down to inspect the dog, a tall silhouette appeared across the road.

“Did you see the car that hit the dog?” I yelled.

The man remained silent and steadfast not straying from the sandy shoulder.

“Is this your dog?” I was beginning to panic as the dog could still be saved, but only if I acted quickly.

The man took a few steps forward not yet crossing the center yellow line.

“I just shot the dog,” he said.

I immediately stood my eyes darting his figure to locate the gun. Negative.

“What? Did he attack you?” I took a step back. He took a step forward.

“I couldn’t get to my mailbox.”

“So, you shot the dog?” I said with a higher inflection.

“This has been going on for a long time.”

It was at this moment I felt our conversation was in danger of “going on for a long time” and I wanted to end it. Without turning my gaze away from the “alleged assassin” I sensed the dog’s last breath on earth.

“The damn dog terrorized me everyday when I go to get my mail.”

“You’ll take care of the dog?” Of course, he already took care of the dog.

“Do you need any help?” I offered hoping he’s say no.

As he shook his head, I got my wish and gingerly got into my car and away from the crime scene. I drove immediately to the police station and made a report.

A few days later the state dog warden came to my office and took my statement. The dog’s owners weren’t going to press charges. The dog was on a public road and not under their control and the neighbor had a gun permit. Case closed.

Ever since that day whenever I drive past a dog downed on the side of the road – and there have been several – I scan the horizon, looking for gunmen first, owners second and wondering if a car has really hit the dog before I stop.

Never did I think a criminal was using a dog as bait. Once bitten twice shy. 

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Reach her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.