Originally posted by Karen
I always ask the owner if he or she is present. If there's no owner present, I pet the dog anyway. I always have, though some dogs I approach cautiously if they are giving "unfriendly" signals. But I convince them I'm okay, then pet them anyway!


I understand not everyone can, or should, approach strange dogs.

P.S. I have always talked to strangers, too. Probably drove my mother crazy when I was little, but I always have! And never gotten in trouble for it, either!
Karen, we are kindred spirits!!! I guess we knew that, huh? I do the same thing!!!