Dear Labby,
On the weekends, I go for hikes with my sister and her dog, a beautiful Pit Bull/Dalmatian mix. Occasionally we come across horse poop, which Dixie likes to eat. My sister tells her “no!” but many times it’s too late and Dixie has already begun snacking. If we then encounter passers-by on the trail who kneel down for a pet and a kiss from Dixie, I take it upon myself to let them know where her mouth’s been. My sister objects, arguing that the information will lead to anti-Dixie sentiment. Am I in the wrong here?
Signed:
Sister Eschews Warning Everyone of Repulsive Licking, Instead Prefers Silence
My questions to you: Does your sister also object to teaching the command “leave it” or was she simply raised in a septic tank? I don’t know which is more offensive–manure mouth or silent sis–but I do know that resolving the issue, whether it be training the dog or protecting unsuspecting strangers, is the human’s responsibility.
If Dixie’s partaken of the poop, you absolutely owe complete disclosure to anyone coming in for a full facial greeting–at least for the remainder of the hike. Doggie breath is one thing, S.E.W.E.R. L.I.P.S., and some people don’t mind that. But I don’t know of anyone who appreciates horse-poop laden smooches (no matter how lovely the pooch is!).
It’s encouraging to hear of a Pit mix attracting so much affection–Dixie should be allowed to enjoy it–but that doesn’t mean well-intentioned innocents should endure a toxic tongue. If you can convince your sis to train her dog to “leave it” when cued, everybody wins. And no one comes off as a horse’s you-know-what.
