I decided to work in my flowerbed today. I was sitting on the ground, pulling weeds and checking on the progress of the newly planted flowers. I had been out there for about an hour when I heard a soft growl behind me. I turned around to see a large black Newfoundland dog about three feet away from me. His fur was bristled, his teeth bared, his tail down. I have never seen this dog before, but let me tell you, I was NOT very happy to see him now! He was growling at ME. I was minding my own business on my own front lawn, tending to my garden, and someone else’s dog is threatening me!?
I talked softly to the dog, and slowly tried to stand up without causing him any more aggravation. He stood his ground, just growling at me. I slowly backed away from him, talking softly the whole time, and finally made it into the house safely. I called the animal control officer, but by the time he arrived the dog had moved on to someone else’s house.
I hope I never see that dog again! That was very unnerving. I am afraid that I am going to have to buy some kind of dog deterrent spray to keep with me when I go work in my garden in the future. I hate doing that, but I don’t want to be bitten by a Newfie!