Logical explanations aside

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We were not back in the U.S. for more than a few hours than we found ourselves in trouble with the law. Our killer dog, Wriggly, was staying at a kennel. We always have our dog groomed when we kennel our dog for an extended period of time. It is just a convenient way to make certain that his hair is not too long and he is more comfortable on hot summer days.

I have included a picture of the dog (above) so you can judge the true danger he presents. Anyway, Wriggly is kind of arrogant and aloof and not one of those dogs who assumes his masters can do no wrong. He seems to think he is the master and the rest of us are around to amuse him. We were using a different, but very nice kennel because we were staying in Wisconsin before we left for a three-week trip to Russia. A very, very nice place (the kennel, not all of Russia). Their procedure for grooming begins with a bath – kind of a doggie spa approach. Evidently, Wriggle was not a fan of the soap and water treatment and freaked out. He bit the handler on the thumb. You can see just what kind of damage he might do.

My experiences with tick bites earlier in the summer seemed kind of similar. The bite on my foot seemed to lead to some inflammation so I checked with the doctor for a treatment. Evidently, dog bites, unlike tick bites, are a public health issue and doctors are required to report such injuries to the Department of Public Health. The department then sends a registered letter to the owner of the dog threatening jail time and euthanasia of the animal if the dog is not taken to a vet and cleared of rabies and other deadly diseases. Of course, we were initially out of the country and as it turned out, in peril of a six month stint in jail. Within 10 days, you must report to a vet three times with the last visit on the 10th day and have the vet certify that the dog is showing no sign of rabies. We will make two visits in Wisconsin and one in North Dakota. We walk in for our initial visit and the vet begins laughing. “Do you think I will be safe”, was his initial comment.

I understand the need to protect the public and the need to establish rules that apply to all, but this was not exactly a case in which a mad dog was roaming the neighborhood. Throw me into a soapy swimming pool without explanation and I might react too.

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