How I Yearn for My Lost Innocence-and that Backup Eye

Today found me talking to someone after approaching her adorable four month old puppy. Eventually she said she was taking her little innocently soft puppy to the dog park for socialization.

Here’s the thing, I used to think dog parks were cool and a carefree environment. You know, dogs in their natural setting with their peer group. Except, I’d been warned by knowledgeable dog people that dog parks were dangerous-“You really don’t know what kind of criminal dogs are out there running around loose,” was their basic message.

I knew this to be a real danger and was watching out for these types of dogs. Yet still, less than a foot away from me (ME! even-with my reflexes, vigilance, and dog knowledge) a dog got to Mouse after several determined tries (that I defended against quite nicely (n – 1) times, thank you very much) and ruined his eye. It isn’t totally lost-I

At the time this picture was taken we'd just started the Karen Pryor Academy. Our first training assignment was licking-notice how Mouse is sticking his tongue out, knowing that that trick is on the table these days. — At the time this picture was taken we’d just started the Karen Pryor Academy. Our first training assignment was licking-notice how Mouse is sticking his tongue out, knowing that that trick is on the table these days.

mean the eyeball is still there and everything, but it doesn’t work much outside of purely aesthetic purposes anymore.

Anyway, this is why I recommend against dog parks. I mean I still go but, hey, it’s me; you know, with my quick reflexes, vigilance, and all-around dog knowledge.

This side is a clearer view of the damaged eye. Head's up Mouse!!! No more Emergency/Extraneous Backup nor Eye. — This side is a clearer view of the damaged eye. Head’s up Mouse!!! No more Extraneous Backup Eye!!!