Dear Other Dog Owners

Summary

The author, Jonathan, expresses frustration over other dog owners not respecting social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, even after clear communication and attempts to avoid close interaction.

Abstract

In an open letter to fellow dog owners, Jonathan conveys his concern about the potential transmission of COVID-19 between dogs and humans. He points out that despite the lack of definitive evidence, the possibility exists, as demonstrated by a tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for the virus. Jonathan is particularly irked by the failure of other dog owners to maintain appropriate social distance, despite his efforts to keep away, such as crossing the street or jogging away. He notes the irony of another owner's persistence in trying to have their dogs interact, despite wearing a mask which should acknowledge the severity of the situation. Jonathan's plea for understanding is met with dismissive responses, and he emphasizes his fear of becoming the first person to contract COVID-19 from their dog due to another's negligence.

Opinions

The author believes that social distancing should apply to dogs as well as humans during the pandemic.
He is concerned that other dog owners are not taking the threat of virus transmission through pets seriously enough.
Jonathan feels that his personal space is being invaded by other dog owners who fail to respect social distancing guidelines.
He is annoyed by the lack of response to his social cues and verbal communication about his concerns.
The author is worried about the potential for dogs to spread the virus, given their behavior and the fact that a tiger in captivity has contracted it.
He is frustrated by the assumption that his dog's desire to play overrides his own anxiety and the need for safety during the pandemic.
Jonathan is puzzled by the contradictory behavior of another owner who wears a mask but does not adhere to social distancing with dogs.
He feels that the other owner's dismissive "Don't be like that" response shows a lack of understanding and empathy for his concerns.

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.

I get that it seems like my dog wants to play with yours, but that’s because I have drastically reduced my dog’s screen time and he doesn’t really get what is happening. It’s for his own good. And mine. I have enough anxiety about what’s out there without having to placate his feelings all day long.

I wonder if my hood, headphones, and lack of acknowledgment that you were even there gave off the correct vibes. Because it seemed like you took that, and my dog’s tail wagging, as an invitation to interact closely in a time where none of us should be close.

I thought the act of me saying out loud, “I am just too worried about the virus to have our dogs play,” would have engendered understanding, but instead you countered with, “Don’t be like that.” Now, this is a conundrum. Especially since you were wearing a mask, acknowledging the severity of the situation we are all in.

I just don’t want to be the first person to find out that their dog gave them COVID-19 because you allowed your dog to have several interludes that violated the human social distancing protocol in place in our state.

I hope you understand. And please stop walking toward me. I am deliberately walking the other way for a reason. I know my dog keeps looking back and that part may appear sad, but as I said, he isn’t up-to-date on this whole thing. I am, however. And I am too scared to acquiesce to your dog’s longing.

Stay safe (you and your dog),

Jonathan

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