I touched 5 dogs on my run today! EEeek!

The first two, both black labs/retriever type looking dogs usually just bark from their yard. Then I noticed the gate was open. And they noticed too, and came running up to me. I stopped, they were a little concerned (whether I would be nice to THEM or not!), but I touched both, and continued on.

Next up, a house where I know the people, but haven't met their dogs, except on the road when two came over and got "too friendly" with me.

I was hoping they would not be there. But no luck, and THREE dogs come running out of the yard! Sigh. At least I had touched 2 of them before, and since they have kids in my son's class, the third one should be okay too.

And it was. Another black labs/retriever type dog, plus the two BIG fluffy dogs. I wish I new what breed. They are gorgeous. I petted for a moment, then their people called for them. I started down the road back home, thinking I've had enough dog encounters for the day.

They followed. Their people called. I stopped and told them to go home. They turned back. I continued. I heard people calling. The dogs were following me again. I told them to go home. One actually dropped down and acted submissive to me. Thanks, but go home.

By then, we were back to the first 2 dog's yard. They stayed in their yard this time, but they provided just enough distraction for me to get away from them. I eyed a dog in the next yard who really wanted to be out with the others, but it didn't escape.

Damn! I stopped running my favorite route because of 3 scary encounters with one dog, and now I'm nervous about this one. Even though the dogs are pretty friendly, it's scary. I still have 3 other directions I can run that don't seem to have loose dogs. I'll stick to those for awhile.

DOG OWNERS!! PLEASE DON'T LET YOUR DOGS ROAM FREE!! JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE ON A FARM OR ACREAGE DOESN'T GIVE YOUR DOG THE RIGHT TO HARASS PEOPLE ON THE ROAD!!