As most people in my world know, I am a HUGE dog lover (and animal lover for that matter). Personally, I have three dogs of my own: Gizmo, Sebastian, and Abbey. All three of my dogs are my world, and I would do anything to keep them safe and healthy. This brings me to my topic for this post, controlling your dog.

Over the years, I have seen dog owners let their precious dogs just run loose around the neighborhoods of Richmond. My friends, this is VERY dangerous for your dog. Yes, you might have a wonderful dog that will eventually come back home; however, while your pooch is running the neighborhood, he or she might be hit by a car or taken by another person. Or worse, if your dog is not spayed or neutered, your male dog could either impregnate a female dog or your female dog can become pregnant. This means that you will become a puppy grandparent! Any of the three consequences to letting your dog run the neighborhood is not good.

For the past few weeks, my family and I have had a visitor that we have affectionately named “Fido.” Fido is a pure Chocolate Lab who seems to be around seven to eight years old. He is extremely friendly and LOVES to be petted. I can tell that Fido is not a stray because he is well-groomed, well fed, and has good house manners. How do I know he has good house manners? You guessed right. I let him in the house. Hey, it was 8 degrees out that night, and I was afraid that he would freeze to death! Anyway, we have had the Richmond Police and the Richmond Dog Catcher out to our house twice to pick up Fido and take him to the Animal Welfare Shelter on Chester Boulevard. He is obviously micro chipped because his owners always come for him. After the last call we made to RPD about Fido, we had not seen him in a couple of weeks, until a few days ago when Fido decided to make another appearance at our door.

My point is this, dear Richmond friends: please keep your dogs on a leash or contained in a fenced in yard. I live on a very busy road near Hunter’s Pointe and Wynfield, and my fear is that Fido is going to dart out in front of a car and be killed. This can happen to anybody’s dog! If you love and care about your precious pooch, please fence them in or walk them on a leash!

Until next time my friends!