D
espite working as a veterinary nurse
for more than 10 years, it wasn’t
until Bethaney Brant, from Chester,
Cheshire, became a puppy owner herself
that she realised just how inconsiderate
some people can be around dogs.
In fact, as a direct result of strangers’
well-meaning but thoughtless actions,
Bethaney has abandoned plans to train her
14-month-old Cocker Spaniel, Harington,
as a therapy dog, because a number of
negative experiences have resulted in him
being anxious around strangers.
“’Harington is my i rst dog and it has really
opened my eyes to the owner’s point of
view,” explained 31-year-old Bethaney, who
added that people’s insistence (all adults)
on approaching her sensitive young dog,
and squealing, kissing, hugging, and even
— in one case — picking him up while he
was on his lead, have contributed towards
unnerving him further.
“I called it ‘puppy-induced hysteria’,”Ask To Pet
@AskToPet Be a responsible dogloverAsk To Pet
Dogs visiting the vets might be
scared, worried, unwell and in
pain.They may not appreciate being
fussed by strangers.
Our team will always
ask before petting,
and we kindly ask that
our clients do the
same to help our
patients.A campaign, urging the public to be
more considerate towards owners and
their dogs, is gathering momentum.
Joanne Bednall reports.
too much
A touch
Hands thrust into faces or
on top of heads can make
dogs feel uncomfortable.Harington has always
been a sensitive dog.