Maggie got hit by a car... :(

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Yeah, I guess you're right. I just went down stairs, and talked to my dad about it, and I got really upset. I can't STAND the way he thinks about my babies. He said that its a waste of time, and I told him that Autumn and Maggie were my whole life, and I loved them so much. I'm so upset right now (not at any of you guys) but at my parents, for not treating this the way that they should. I wish they saw our pets the way we see them. Maggie and Autumn are like my children, and my parents just see them as "pets".

I know just how you feel! Growing up I lived in the country, and my dad feels the same way as your parents. My parents are now divorced, but when I was 12, I convinced my parents to let me get a dog. I did everything with him, and took him to classes, he was a very good dog. But he had to live outside, and my dad is very sensitive to noise and couldn't stand when he made the slightest bark, he made me get rid of him. That was one of the saddest days in my life, when I had give up my dog that I spent so much time with. Luckily he went to a great family (where he got to be an indoor dog) and I got to visit him every once and a while until they moved away. I guess I'm just trying to say that I understand that most of this is out of your control, and I know how you feel. I'm glad that you are doing what you can, that's great. Good luck convincing your parents.

[shihtzulover850]

You shouldn't feel bad tying her up!! If she is going to be running around outside near a highway then I would definetly tie her up!! I hope she is ok!!! Good luck talking to your parents!! I am sorry they only see her as a pet!!

[IRescue452]

You really should think of crates when you are not home. Don't ever feel bad for getting tie outs when you are aware that your dogs are car chasers. I don't know what type of area you live in but I would never leave a dog outside when nobody is home. That's how they get stolen or how some teenagers have their fun kicking them- or worse. You got lucky this time.

[critter crazy]

you realy need to do something!! tying up is not a horrible thing if it is what keeps them safe!! even indoor dogs have risks! no sence in making that risk greater by just letting them run around at large!! We had an unfortunate accident with a dog we used to own 2 years ago. Missy was an inside dog, a beautiful yellow lab puppy of six months when, my then 4 year old son accidentally let her out while i was in the shower and my husband was working in the yard, And she got struck by a car!! right in front of my son!! she just ran out of the house and went straight for the road! It was a horrible thing for my son to whitness!! he has never been the same since. he is very cautious with our dogs, and constantly worries. Thankfully she was killed instantly and we didnt have to see her suffer! but no one should have to go through that!! you got very lucky that your dog did not get hurt! you wont be so lucky the next time!! if you tie your dogs up or at least crate them you will be saving their lives!!

[zoomer]

OMG...

That must've been extremely scarey... I am soooooooo glad she is all right, my heart was beating like I'd been running for hours when I saw this board!

She is sooo lucky... soo glad she didn't get hurt....

[My Peanuts]

So Scary! I'm glad Maggie is ok.

[Miss Z]

OMG! I'm so glad Maggie is OK, and you too! What a scare!

[Lori Jordan]

I lost my baby boy RB Bandit to a tragic car accident,and i feel so bad for what has happend to him,he had to be tied he was not good off lead,The night he was killed i was taking him out for his last washroom break i had him out on the leash walking him around he started to pull i tripped and up and over the ditch he went,and within seconds....i rushed him to the vet he was bleeding internally and had broken legs i will never for get that day i had to make the worst decision in my life "To Let him Go" I'm so glad Maggie is ok and good luck on trying to get a fence!!!!!they really do save lives!

[dab_20]

I'd also have to agree that if a fence is an option for you, then I would build one instead of tying them up. But if it isn't, then tying them up seems the best way to go.

[bckrazy]

I'm very sorry about Maggie. That must have been so, so scary! For your family and for her.

I feel very bad for you... I also know people who used to have a farmers mentality - dogs will stay on their property, or they'll be killed. Well, honestly, it isn't 1945 anymore! There are lots of cars, lots of hazards, people are less respectful of other people's animals, and for the most part nowhere in our country is loose-dog friendly. My sister's aunt and uncle have Australian Cattle Dogs working on their huge cattle ranch, they're extremely obedient and loyal dogs, and very friendly to people they know. However, after 3 of them chased and bit (not severely at all, but enough for lawsuits and fines!) passerby's they started to reconsider fencing in the front of their property. Before they got that up, their favorite girl, who mothered 2 amazing litters, was killed very painfully by a truck. She didn't chase it, she was just on the roadside hanging out. Now, they're adament about keeping their beloved pets/working dogs either in a secure pen or indoors when no one is with them, AND they fenced in their property. These are farming people who are very "oldschool", but they totally changed their ways after realizing the world is not a nice place for roaming animals. It really sucks that some people think it's cruel to keep dogs inside or in a secure kennel, but they think it isn't cruel to subject them to cars, cruel people, cold/hot weather, etc etc!

Since you have a fence-jumper, I recommend a pen like this because it can fit both dogs happily inside, and it's secure. They need to be in a secure area while they're alone outside, period. I kind of get miffed when people say "...well, that's just what everyone does in my town." But how many dogs have died from being hit by cars, or have run away, in your town? I know you know better, but definitely stay strong and keep nagging your parents! If you save up money to pay for the kennel, will they really deny you of that? You say that your pups just lay around when no one's home... meaning, they really aren't utlizing that 150 acres. So, what's the difference if you're keeping them in a large safe area where they can hang out safely while you're gone?

[BOBS DAD]

Greetings,

I am just catching this thread now. I have seen you post before and if you don't mind, How Olds Are You?

If you are a juvenile (catching bus), then I guess you are just stuck with living by Mom and Dad's rules. But if you are 18 years (or around) old, maybe you can convince your parents to give you a chance to show that you can make them good house dogs. Maybe a summer job to show additional responsibility on your part. I don't know... just something to make them think about giving you more freedom to decide what's in your dogs best interests!!! Good luck!

[trayi52]

I agree, Bobs Dad! Good point!

Willie

[cyber-sibes]

Since you have a fence-jumper, I recommend a pen like this because it can fit both dogs happily inside, and it's secure.

...and economical! The kennel you posted is really modestly priced. You could point this out to your parents, too. The kennel we use is quite a bit more $. To compare, you could show them these: http://www.petproproducts.com Maybe a summer job (if you are old enough) would allow you to help pay for them?

[Jadapit]

Omg, how awful that must have been. I'm so glad Maggie is ok!!!

[jesse_3]

That is sooo scary! I am so glad that she is okay. I remember when my RB Jewel was run over, she died right in my arms on the way to the vet.

Could you make a deal with your parents, so that you can get a fence or a kennel?

Well, I wish you luck, and everyone here is SO happy that Maggie is okay!

Steph, Jes, and Jemi'