Went to the park today to walk just a mile with my dog.

[LuckyCharms]

That's twice around the walking path. I used to walk much farther, but it was hot out, dog is getting old, and he was sick for a good part of the week. I didn't want to stress him...just figured it be nice to get a walk in.

1) It was freaking PACKED. All the pavilions were filled with people having parties. Parked cars lined the roadways. The only mask to be found was MY OWN.

2) People on bikes riding toward me on walking trail. They had plenty of room to move away from me, but they made no attempt to. So for the second day I have tried to walk in this park, I had to drag my pup to the grass infield area to get away from them. Same with people walking toward me. The trail is only a few feet wide. If one or both of you don't move, you're going to brush shoulders.

3) Some charmer drove by me on the road adjacent to the trail. Park speed limit is 10 MPH. He was doing 40-50 MPH. He shot me a grin and a mocking look as he drove by.

4) Only walked 1/2 mile. Said fuck it and went home. That's what I get for daring to leave the house. I can't walk in my neighborhood anymore because my neighbors have un-neutered large aggressive dog that they don't control, and he's always managing to bolt out of the house and down the street several times a day. My dog isn't even 30 pounds and I don't want him to get hurt.

I'm getting a little cranky. I'm a prisoner in my home. Fucking sucks. This shit is sucking all of the joy out of me. I ain't happy.

[FarPoint]

1. Just because the many are being ignorant does not make things safe.

Stand fast...you are correct....continue covid-19 precautions...

[LuckyCharms]

4. I really worry about people on bikes...

They are sucking wind pretty good sometimes because a lot of them are trying to get a workout in. I don't want to be anywhere near a maskless bike rider.

[FarPoint]

12. I'm not overly concerned about outside open air breathing..

It's if one is around any group or crowd without a mask the does increase the odds of infection....Deep inhalation...I agree that does increase risk...

[MOMFUDSKI]

2. maskless morons

is my biggest pet peeve. But their leader says DO IT. Will be returning to Florida next Saturday and the guv just opened the WHOLE DAMNED STATE few days ago. Where are you located? You said it was hot today.

[LuckyCharms]

3. New York State. It was only in the low 80's

but it seemed hotter. One of those kind of days. Had a sweat going after a short time.

[wnylib]

32. You can't control the anti maskers

but you might be able to report your neighbor's inability to control his dog. If it is aggressive and frequently breaks loose, that is a public safety issue.

[Niagara]

5. Sorry to hear about the inconsiderate maskholes.

I know it sucks for you and your dog, but try to avoid public parks on super nice days during the weekend. I would suggest going early in the mornings on both weekdays and weekends, or later in the evening during the weekdays.



People are acting like this is over and it's far from over. Be safe out there, LC.

[LuckyCharms]

8. All good ideas.

Thanks, Niagara.

[ChazII]

6. Lucky Charms, I am sad to hear about your experience.

Here in some parks the pavilions still have the caution tape around them and the tables are upside down. No parties. People walking dogs have a mask around our neck but when we get close we put them around our nose and mouth. The one difference is that the park that I go to walk my dogs is not packed.

[LuckyCharms]

11. Yes, I was surprised by the amount of people there.

It's usually not crowded, even on the weekends. Something must have been going on there because the pavilions are normally completely empty.

I'll do the same thing with my mask...if people are far away, I'll just let it hang from one ear. I kept it on the whole time today though.

[Blue_true]

7. Walk in your neighborhood. Take a can of high pressure pepper spray or bear spray with you.

If the aggressive neighbor dog come toward you and your dog, nail it with the spray. Don’t feel bad about what happens.

I used to run several miles on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There was one house that had an unleashed dog and if it noticed me, it came snarling. It seemed that some kids were coaxing it on. One morning I came prepared, it came running out toward me and instead of nervously running on, I stopped and nailed it with a rock. It yelped a pained yelp and blew back toward it’s owners’ home. Long story short, the family put the dog in a pen in the backyard and it never bothered me again.

If you are on a public thoroughfare, you are totally within your rights to nail an aggressive dog that threatens you and your pet, even if you nail it before it leaves the owner’s yard, as long as you don’t go on the property after it.

[LuckyCharms]

13. Good idea. I think that it is going to take those types of actions.

I love my neighborhood, and I miss walking in it.

[Blue_true]

16. Inconsiderate dog owners are awful.

They violate leash laws and allow their pets to endanger. You are totally within your rights to protect your pet on public property if it is obvious that if you didn’t, your pet would be harmed.

[yankeepants]

18. I have a dog board and train facility (also in upstate NY) I suggest

"Halt" it is the pepper spray that mail carriers pack. I have it on hand here and have only had to use it once in 12 years but it stops all aggressive action instantly. It is a shame that you feel you and your dog can't feel safe in your hood.

[OregonBlue]

42. I moved to a semi-rural neighborhood with lots and lots of big dogs. I have 3 teenie ones

I like to walk and I have had the same problem. Recently I bought a cane. It's amazing how fast a dog will retreat if you just raise the cane in the air. And if they ignore you and come on anyway, just hit them. They will run. Might consider it.

[Baclava]

34. Agreed, get the good stuff, Sabre pepper spray, less than $10 on Amazon, real good for people too!

[NickB79]

47. You're kinder than me

Our neighbors had a large, aggressive dog when they moved it that decided our yard was part of it's territory. Our daughter was a toddler then. It would charge into our yard barking at us. I told my wife I was going to start bringing my .22 outside if this shit didn't stop.

One day I was in the vegetable garden with my daughter when it came running and didn't stop short like usual. I was ready, and cracked that bastard across the muzzle with a garden shovel, double-handed swing. He lost a canine tooth, spun around NEVER entered our yard again.

[Blue_true]

49. I see your point given that your daughter was in danger.

My goal was to teach the dog a lesson that it’s owners apparently didn’t have to sense of decency to.

There are so many thoughtless people in this country. I think of the people that keep very venomous insects, lizards and snakes in their home, a lot of that type live in nicer areas, because those critters are not inexpensive to buy. With climate change getting worse, places that used to be inhospitable to critters become perfect for them, so when they escape, they can live until found. Like you did, if I had a young child, I would never let him or her out of my sight when within the home or outside, at least until the child is old enough to recognize when he or she is in danger.

[Pluvious]

48. A two foot lead pipe works good too n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

9. Get some mace to carry and do your walking very early or late.

Sorry you have to go through all that. I hope your pup is doing well. So hard when the babies are sick.

[LuckyCharms]

14. Thank you.

He got two vaccinations on the same day this week, and it messed him up for a few days. He's a sensitive boy.

[gristy]

10. Geez, I'm sorry you're having such trouble.

The dog issue might be your best bet for finding a solution in the near term. Your city probably has an animal control office. Just give them a call and explain the situation.

[LuckyCharms]

15. 2 neighbors have already threatened to do that.

I'm really hesitant to call. I don't like neighbor wars, but I don't like that their carelessness and disregard for their neighbors is affecting the whole street either.

[Ohiogal]

17. I know the feeling!

It’s a beautiful day and you want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, but it seems like every damn park, trail, or beach, is jam packed with covidiots who won’t wear masks or social distance. The worst are the big outdoor gatherings where there’s not a mask to be found.

Ever been walking on a narrow path and there are two maskless idiots standing there blabbering with each other and you are forced to walk between them? I hold my breath, hoping I don’t breathe in any of their exhalations. Dumbasses.

I avoid these places like the plague (no pun intended) on weekends. It sucks but it’s just too risky.

Hopefully this won’t last forever. But it does suck right now. I’m sorry you had a lousy experience today.

[safeinOhio]

19. I have 2 acres and made a 1/10 mile track.

Did a slow 4 mile jog today. I love it but dread winter. They have a indoor track in town I had been using but not sure if it’ll be open this year. I don’t dare walk or run on the state highway I live on.
I wonder if the malls are open to the walkers.
One dog is too old but game enough to try. Other dog makes it half way around then needs to be carried the rest of way.
If you have room, a treadmill might work for you. I have a tiny house.

[alittlelark]

20. O my Gawds - first thread I clicked on

After getting back from White Mesa. It's an incredible area of bike paths. I was in my prius with my VERY energetic husky X. I have a path I have NEVER seen another car or bike on for 2 years. I keep a steady 16-22 mph and Paxton follows me. It's an awesome 2.3 mile hard run for him.

Today some dickweed just showed up (fully legal) barrelling down the road at 40+ (not legal). I had already pulled over to give Pax water when I saw the dirt clouds behind us. Pax was 50 plus feet from me, so I stepped out in front of my car waving my arms

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 'ALMOST NEVER USED RANCH ROAD' With the passenger door open. This is a Narrow road.

A giant grey pickup was barrelling towards Paxton and I at a 'stupid speed' given the washboard road and MY PRIUS which is literally IN THE MIDDLE of this narrow road. When I realized he either didn't see me or wasn't gonna slow down I turned to Pax - fortunately he was digging up a vole or something.

The grey truck veered around us at 40+ mph flattening 2 Cholas and I did hear a rock hit his undercarriage HARD.

I guess I still need to decompress.

[LuckyCharms]

22. Oh man, I'm so sorry that happened.

I'm glad Pax was distracted! That would have shook me up. I hope you can get it out of your mind and have a better evening.

[Joinfortmill]

21. Yeah, not the best day today.

[LuckyCharms]

23. How are you doing today?

[Bradshaw3]

24. Same thing for me the past two days

I live in an apartment so the only place to get exercise is the park and the past two days at three different parks dogs were roaming free even though signs saying they must be leashed are abundant. Only one came at us but the owners were across a creek and I had to fend the dog off. Of course no apology, just lots of pets and good words for their dog once he returned to them. Probably like yours, my dog is not a fighter so I am very protective of him which makes it hard to keep my emotions at bay, especially when it keeps happening over and over.

Same kind of experience on the trails with people being inconsiderate, though not as bad as what you describe. I'm just really sick of people who don't give a shit about others or the rules. I know there are good people out there, and I'm lucky to have some of them as my friends. But, sheesh, it seems like the assholes are in the majority. Now, there was my rant. But know that you are not alone.

[LuckyCharms]

25. It has definitely worsened in the past few years...

and I truly believe it's the Trump effect. Good people who have always been polite are even more polite and considerate during the pandemic, but the life long average assholes have turned into super assholes. Entitled fuckers. "I can do what I want". Think they are special. Think they are not responsible to help keep people safe.

There was some video on DU where someone was getting interviewed about not wearing a mask, and his comment was "If I die, I die".

My response to him would be fuck you asshole. It's not about you...it's about everyone.

Sometimes I think people like this have a worm eating through their brain.

I'm sorry that you had to fend off that dog. Don't worry about about keeping your emotions at bay. You should see me when I lose my shit on people LOL.

[Bradshaw3]

40. "Super assholes" Exactly!

The thing is they were always there but as many have pointed out drumpf has emboldened them to be openly racist, embrace conspiracies and have the "I can do whatever I want mentality." I used to talk to people at the dog park and figure well that guy is probably a repub but that was it. Now those open minded feelings are gone and I'm just defensive most of the time. If they are openly MAGAt I don't want me or my dog withing 20 feet of them, and that was before COVID.

For me you can also include among the major factors an economic model that relies on a brand of consumerism that infantalizes people - "I want what I want" as the ad goes. Of course this didn't start with drumpf, but like a good con man he just knows how to tap into it. The problem for our system of government in all of this is that it was based on Rousseau's concept of a social contract; this idea of doing whatever you want without regard to your fellow citizens, or even doing things that will actually harm them (owning the libs) for spiteful enjoyment for example destroys that very concept. Then where does that leave us?

There are assholes everywhere but there are also many places in the world where the type of behavior demonstrated by our special brand of the Ugly American is not the norm. Even if Biden wins, I think more and more abut going to another country, as long as can take my dog of course.

[Ferrets are Cool]

26. I feel your pain.

[LuckyCharms]

27. .

[marlakay]

28. We walked our dog to small neighborhood

Park and back a few miles maybe. But I noticed same thing, zero masks and lots of large gatherings bday parties, sports...its like they don't read our area has more cases. We stayed on paths away from people and just walked through.

I know we are all sick of this but....I read article just yesterday that the winter will be real bad because people will go indoors more and letting guard down more.

[Demonaut]

29. go early, the silence is golden

[calimary]

30. Too bad you're surrounded by such selfishness and rudeness!

And CLUELESSNESS!!!

I guess they follow a trumpified "golden rule" - "do unto others BEFORE they do unto you."

Almost forgot - there's also "what's in it for me?"

[Evolve Dammit]

31. Feel exactly the same. So tired of the anti-maskers, etc. It really is hard to find safe space.

[McKim]

33. They are everywhere but not early or late!

They are everywhere, rude assholes and inconsiderate people. It is like there are no longer laws, customs or standards of behavior anymore. They only way to beat these people is get up really really early or go out late at night. They are the reason I can't travel to Europe anymore, or see our daughter who is a doctor or see our grandchild. They may kill us all in the end! They just can't make a sacrifice for the greater good of all! They force me to isolate a lot and because of them we may never get this thing under control. This country just has too much freeDUMB!!!!

[former9thward]

35. You won't want to hear this but wearing a mask outside is not needed in most situations.

The CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci say that masks are only needed outside when you are going to be within 6 feet of someone FOR 15 MINUTES. Someone going by you, biker or walker, is not a problem. City and state regulations say the same thing.

Covid is spread INDOORS in areas of poor ventilation with large amounts of people. Mainly people with pre-existing conditions. That is why 50% of the deaths have been in nursing homes.

In addition the UV rays from the sun kill the virus. (UV rays move through the clouds also). But if you want to wear a mask thinking you are protecting yourself, that is your choice. When I am outside, biking or running, I feel sorry for the few people I see (mainly very old) that look so miserable with their mask on.

[LuckyCharms]

37. I was in a grocery store once.

A guy who was walking by me sneezed onto my lips and into my eyes. Big droplets. Felt like a shower. He got so much sludge in my eyes that it momentarily blurred my vision. I reamed his ass for about 2 minutes like a lunatic at the top of my voice. He just stood there and looked at me. I've also been coughed on many times in my life by dumb fucks who can't understand for some reason that other people were born into this world. I've had my hair blown back by a cough. I was at a high school football game once, in the bleachers, and some guy behind me decided he needed to get rid of some phlegm. so he hawked up a nice juicy loogie and spit. He missed his mark and I ended up with an earful of snot.

The fact that this has happened before tells me it can and probably will happen again. It is the way people are. I have a ton of stories of stupid shit that I have seen people do.

I appreciate the point you are making in your response, but I don't think that Dr. Fauci's advice covers when people hawk up or sneeze out the shit that is in their mouth or lungs directly into your mucus membranes.

My health is such that I'll most likely have a certain death if I get Covid. Every article that I read that lists the pre-existing conditions that put you at risk? I have most of them. I'll continue to wear the mask both inside and outside.

[LuckyCharms]

38. By the way, one of your sentences...

"But if you want to wear a mask thinking you are protecting yourself, that is your choice".

That sentence is pissing me right the fuck off.

[Bradshaw3]

41. Incorrect in several ways

You state opinion as if it is fact, and those opinions are NOT correct according to the CDC. You make it sound like there is no chance of catching it while outside and that wearing a mask outside is not necessary. Both are wrong:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/deciding-to-go-out.html

There is nothing about having to be within six feet for 15 minutes being required to catch it. In fact, recent studies have shown that particles can hang in the air for 20 seconds and be spread as much as 20 feet, including outdoors, by things like a sneeze. And Fauci certainly doesn't have your dismissive attitude toward mask-wearing.

[LuckyCharms]

44. +1. Thank you for taking the time to research and

for posting the link.

[yonder]

36. Cemeteries. Seriously.

I stay off our riverside greenbelt and close-in trail system for the same reasons you describe. Once it gets colder with less use, it becomes more pleasant to get back out onto them.

There's a cemetery close to us which we've taken to walking in. It's shady, quiet and few people (above ground). We hardly see anyone else unless they're visiting a grave site. We can make a loop in about 40 minutes. There are no bikes, strollers or other distractions. No dogs either but that can be good or bad depending whether Fido wants a walk. It is peaceful though and has become an easy way to take a quick stroll.

[LuckyCharms]

43. Excellent. Thank you! n/t

[Rhiannon12866]

39. I visit my Dad at the cemetery every week, I replace the "perpetual light" candle I put in

It's quiet there and sometimes I just feel like telling my Dad about what's going on now - I usually start with "you wouldn't believe it!" And I have noticed a lot more people walking there recently - as well as the usual visitors bringing and watering flowers. I have noticed a lot more people taking walks in general - some with masks and some without - but masks aren't required as long as you're just outside and not in close proximity. But masks are mandatory to enter any business around here - and it's strictly enforced.

Sounds like your dog is about the same size as mine - I have tried taking him for walks since I figured it would be good for both of us, but he'll only go so far and I end up having to carry him home.

[LuckyCharms]

46. :-)

I talk to my parents also at their graves. Have been doing it for years. I think it's nice that you talk to your dad. It's a healthy thing to do.

Concerning having to carry your dog home...I learned a big lesson once, and that is, make sure you walk in a circle. I used to have two different dogs of the same breed that I have now. I was walking them on a path in a different park. We we walking down a long straight-away which ran along the river. I underestimated how far we were actually walking and before I turned around to go back, both of the dogs completely pooped out. They just laid down, and they were so tired that they refused to walk. This was a bad mistake on my part lol. I had to carry them back to the car over a mile...a 30 pound dog under each arm. Thought it was going to kill me! But at least the pups we happy! lol

It reminded me of the time I had to carry a car battery about 2.5 miles. It sounds easy...but it isn't.

[Greybnk48]

45. I have friends in Austin, TX.

Some of the people I know moved there for the weather and because it was known as a liberal bastion of sorts.

One of my friends, who's been there for many years is an avid dog walker, several miles a day. A few months ago, June or July, she was lamenting that she had to curtail her dog walks to just her immediate neighborhood because she began to be attacked verbally and harshly for wearing a mask!!

The attacks were frightening for her, enough to change her behavior even with three dogs in tow!

I can only see how this is happening by pointing to Fox news and social media. This behavior is crazy and has to be the product of brainwashing.