Now that the better weather is here, why not take a leisurely stroll in the countryside around you and fully appreciate everything that this wonderful season has to offer? But, please leave your mobile phone at home or in your pocket.
We all know that, when using our mobile phone, our attention is distracted in relation to what is happening around us. When walking a dog, we must always keep safety uppermost in our minds. Quite often our dog is some way away from us, often on an extending lead.
Everything seems fine. But recently, I witnessed what could have been a very dangerous accident – just because the dog’s owner was talking on their phone and not paying attention. And it all happened so quickly.
A car was passing by, and inside were two excited dogs (heading for their normal walk). These dogs saw the dog on the pavement and they both barked loudly. This unnerved the dog on the pavement, who lunged into the road, ready to ‘attack’ the dogs in the car. This happened in a split second. The dog on the pavement was on an extending lead and the owner’s attention was on her phone call. She was unable to ‘rein in’ her dog to regain full control and they were both dragged into the road.
Meanwhile, the driver of the car, being a dog-lover himself, braked hard and swerved to avoid hitting them both. But when the car swerved into the middle of the road, it just missed colliding with another car – and possibly injuring even more people. By sheer good fortune, this did not happen.
We must always remember that cars, guns, and dogs (any breed) are all possible lethal weapons under certain circumstances. As responsible dog owners, it is therefore doubly important that we always exercise every possible caution.
So please take extra care when using your mobile phone whilst out walking with your dog – and avoid this happening to you. Enjoy the wonderful Portuguese countryside, the spectacular sea views, and the sunshine. And, happy, safe, dog walking – without using your phone – please.
Adopt me!
Cosmo
I came to the shelter in February 2024 as a new puppy. All my siblings have been adopted. I am now on my own, maybe because I am black, like my Mum.
I am very friendly, know how to walk on a leash, and love people and other dogs. I need a family to help me, because I am very curious.
