Scary Situation

[Gloria]

My darling Suzie Q growls, barks and makes mock runs at strangers. Her hair on the back of her neck all the way down to her tail is up. She stops a few feet away from the person and doesn't make any attempt to bite. I know that she is doing this from fear... they don't, so I make sure that when I let her have a run, there is no one she doesn't know around.

Today, actually just a few minutes ago, a neighbor in another building came home with his girlfriend while we were out in the field next to our house. I didn't bother calling her back because there is no way she could have reached them if she'd wanted to, their entryway and patio is enclosed, as is everyone's. She didn't bark and never got closer the 3 or 4 feet to the their entryway, but I know she startled the woman. They scooted inside before I could think to apologize.

We continued our little walk and a minute or two later, I heard a whistle, much like the one I make to call Suzie to me. Since we were close together and on our way back to the apt., she ignored it. As we passed my neighbor's apt. the whistle came again. I saw my neighbor standing at the rail with what looked like a leash in his hand. Dumb me, I thought, "Oh, he's gotten a dog!" When he saw me, I waved and smiled...he turned and went back inside. See... I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box!

Only then did it occur to me that he was either trying to steal Suzie or hurt her. I'm not sure which. I guess he didn't realize that I never let Suzie out of my sight when she's off lead.

While I realize there is nothing I can do but take elsewhere for her runs, now I'm concerned that if he was going to hurt Suzie, he may try to poison her by throwing something out she can grab. The field is next to my apt and I often take her there for her late night/early morning potty breaks.

Let me say in closing, I'm just really venting my fear. I know that Suzie can no longer use that field and her runs will have to be taken elsewhere. Thanks for letting me vent!