07-14-2005, 05:40 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Leaky, my friend, life is full of choices and decisions. I personally try to avoid confrontations and giving offense. Until Sparky learns to avoid other anglers (who might not appreciate his charming qualities), you really should choose your fishing spots carefully, and do your best to watch that he does not get too "friendly" with others. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Legally, they cannot force you to do anything. But, they are perfectly within their rights to "bark at you" for allowing an unleashed and animated animal to infringe upon their own peace and tranquility. They were there first, and enjoying their own brand of fishing. I suppose I might be inclined to be miffed if an uncontrolled animal showed up and splashed through my fishing hole too. It doesn't matter that he really did nothing to affect their fishing. They continued catching their bluegills without any letup, in spite of Sparky coming ashore to make friends with them. The point is that their perception was that he was spoiling their private little spot, whether he did or not.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The trouble is that there ain't many places you can go and take Sparky without the risk of some people being offended by having him either in the water or checking out their location. He is naturally curious and likes to play. Not all folks appreciate that and most will tell you what to do with your dog. You can get a lot of free advice that way.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Nope. Some people might not mind, but a lot of people simply do not appreciate unleashed dogs. There are more than a few people who are actually afraid of dogs...even friendly Sparkies. Those are all things you have to consider and then make your own decisions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The final thing to think about...and it is REAL. There are more and more "sportsmen" who now go armed everywhere they go. Some of them are real nut cases who shoot first and ask questions later. It is just possible that Sparky could encounter one of them and get into trouble that you couldn't help him with. Might even get into trouble yourself. Better to not risk that kinda thing. Sad state of affairs, but that is the world we live in today.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Legally, they cannot force you to do anything. But, they are perfectly within their rights to "bark at you" for allowing an unleashed and animated animal to infringe upon their own peace and tranquility. They were there first, and enjoying their own brand of fishing. I suppose I might be inclined to be miffed if an uncontrolled animal showed up and splashed through my fishing hole too. It doesn't matter that he really did nothing to affect their fishing. They continued catching their bluegills without any letup, in spite of Sparky coming ashore to make friends with them. The point is that their perception was that he was spoiling their private little spot, whether he did or not.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The trouble is that there ain't many places you can go and take Sparky without the risk of some people being offended by having him either in the water or checking out their location. He is naturally curious and likes to play. Not all folks appreciate that and most will tell you what to do with your dog. You can get a lot of free advice that way.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Nope. Some people might not mind, but a lot of people simply do not appreciate unleashed dogs. There are more than a few people who are actually afraid of dogs...even friendly Sparkies. Those are all things you have to consider and then make your own decisions.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The final thing to think about...and it is REAL. There are more and more "sportsmen" who now go armed everywhere they go. Some of them are real nut cases who shoot first and ask questions later. It is just possible that Sparky could encounter one of them and get into trouble that you couldn't help him with. Might even get into trouble yourself. Better to not risk that kinda thing. Sad state of affairs, but that is the world we live in today.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck.[/#0000ff]
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