Something I’ve observed since adopting my baby Odie (GSD X Staffordshire Bull Terrier), is that people seem to perceive those who have dogs as ”friendly” or ”approachable”, especially by children. Anyway, I was walking Od’s the other day and two girls wanted to stop and say hello to him- obviously I’d rather not interact with them but it’s no problem I suppose. If I were to guess I’d say they were between 6-9 years old.

Anyway, I was walking him again today and literally outside my house I just happened upon one of the same girls from before and a boy, who I imagine was her brother. She must have recognised Odie from the previous day so I asked if they wanted to say hello to him again, which they did obviously. The conversation went kind of like this:

Boy: Do you know her? (Referring to his sister)

Me: Yeah we saw eachother the other day

Boy: You don’t know me though…

Me: Feeling awkward now and wanting this interaction to be over

Umm no I don’t think I do.

They continued to pet Odie and then I said I was going indoors because I had to go out. The boy then strangely asked:

“Can I come into your house?”

Me: Flabbergasted

Me: No, I’m a strange lady, why would you want to come into my house…

The two children proceed to open the gate to my house and step in BEFORE ME. The young boy stands next to the front door and it seems as though he may be about to open it so I said “No” abruptly about 4 times. He then started saying “Can I take him?” “Can I walk him?” Referring to Odie, and then proceeded to try to grab his lead and take him off of me.

For obvious reasons, this has made me feel entirely uncomfortable and also made me question why he wanted to take my dog so much. Don’t breeders teach children about stranger danger these days? Why the fuck would he try to come in? Why would he try to take Odie? Where the fuck are their parents?

Edit: Odie is chipped of course!