Member-only story
Dear Other Dog Owners
My Dog is Practicing Social Distancing Too
Dear Other Dog Owners,
I know we don't have confirmation that coronavirus can be transmitted through our pets, but is it really that hard to fathom at this point? A tiger at Bronx Zoo has it. And that tiger is behind bars, with limited interaction with the real world. Your dog has been scruffily licking every dog hole and fire hydrant they find because they are a dog. And I’m sorry, but my dog is practicing social distancing too.
I don’t think you realize that when you try to have your dog play with my dog, your two-foot lead means you would be two feet from me. On a regular day, with no pandemic and no hysteria, this would not be ok with me. But now? I know your dog is whining and mine is too, but please maintain an appropriate distance. For me, this means stay across the street. There is a reason I crossed to the other side one hundred fifty-three steps in advance of you and your pup.
It’s not you. You seem fine. Actually, I’ve never even thought twice about you and I don’t know your name, which makes it even more puzzling that you are so incessant on having your dog play with my dog even though I just started a gentle jog to get away from you. Please react to my social cues. Running away = an unwillingness to interact.
