Hot Air Balloon = Terrified Dog.

[paraffin]

Thought I'd leave my dogs' final walk until it had cooled slightly. Good idea, I thought.

It was until, too late, I saw it about a mile away: a hot air balloon! Unfortunately for me, my elder dog has spotted it first and she's absolutely terrified of them, no matter how far away they might be!

I actually had my back to it at first, but I realised what it was by a reaction I'd seen in her before. Unfortunately, she bolted before I could grab her and she was gone, through the undergrowth.

She's a rescue dog and obviously had had a bad experience with H.A.B's in her "previous life".

Luckily, I'd guessed right as to where she'd gone and eventually found her still scanning the skies for signs of the dreaded object(s). My younger dog picked up on her behaviour and began acting out of character, so it was a swift back on the leads job, exit stage left and home. Phew!

[jules77]

Not necessarily a bad experience Paraffin. One of mine is frightened of children if she is off the lead, and I know for a fact no child has ever hurt her. She ran home when some children appeared up 'her' woods, fortunately, only crossing two quiet roads and she was followed by a motorist who realised she had bolted and was not a stray. The kind lady held onto her at our front door until I got back, having grabbed the other dogs and run after her. She is never off lead now, as I cant guarantee a child wont appear around the corner. I have no idea why she is like it off lead, as on the lead she is quite a confident little madam.

[paraffin]

Hi jules:

Had a nice little chuckle (not maliciously) at your little tale (or should that be "tail") of woe. It does at least help if they do as yours did, and head home?

Mine hadn't begun to do that before I found her, although she was a naughty girl not long after I got her, chased after some deer on a couple of occasions, was gone a couple of hours and eventually headed for home, negotiating a busy road, whilst muggins was still out searching for her!

Good job they can't talk, isn't it? What adventures they could describe!

[seadogg]

Remarkable doggie phobia paraffin, as they use HAB to view wildlife in Africa so as not to disturb them.

My theory, is that all dogs who have to live with humans go nutty sooner or later, and can you blame 'em.

Mine just loves street cats- and has the scratches to prove it.

[paraffin]

Hi seadogg:

Thanks. Yeah, like I said, who knows how she got that way? And my other mutt, he's for some reason terrified if he hears something like a jet plane whizzing along loudly overhead.

Think I'll need some counselling myself before long! Hee hee.

[seadogg]

Dont ask me. I'm ready for the funny farm myself.

best wishes. SD