In defense of large dogs

I just finished reading the story about the attack on Ginger, the Pomeranian. I feel for her owners and understand the angst and fear they now experience each time they walk their dog in their neighborhood. I had a childhood poodle that was attacked by a Great Dane. I have been there.

I in no way excuse what's happened to Ginger, nor is this letter in any way defending Blue.

I'm writing to show that there is another side to this issue, one I experience daily.

I now own two large dogs, and now I see this problem through different eyes. My experience is that most often it is the small dogs who are the aggressors.

On my walks, small dogs lunge, bark, hop and snarl at us when we walk by. Just yesterday while I was walking one of my dogs, a small, white fluff was straining, barking, dancing at the end of her leash at my dog.

Her owner said, "Oh, she says, 'Look at me,'" and laughed.

What the dog was likely saying is "I want a piece of you," or "If I was off this leash I would kill you." Most small-dog owners don't understand that inside their cute, white, fluffy "doll" is a wild wolf who doesn't understand that he's not the same size as every other dog and has the same territory and dominance issues as the large dogs do.

When these confrontations occur, who gets into trouble and is blamed? The big dog, which in my case is simply responding to the aggressive behavior directed at him.

I'm truly tired of people who own small dogs, who have no comprehension of the dynamic that their dog is unleashing by its behavior.

It's not fair to us large-dog owners who work very hard at keeping our beloved pet within the proper social boundaries.

Watch your little dog the next time he passes a large dog. Who "speaks" first, who lunges first, who barks first, while behind a fence? In my experience, it's the small dog. Just because the dog is small and cute, he's not always the victim. His barking is a challenge to other dogs, all other dogs. It is difficult for any dog to ignore such a challenge, big or small.

Let's be fair and honest when we talk about this problem. Let's all take responsibility and educate ourselves and help our canine friends deal with this most important social issue.
Roxanne Hill
Westlake Village