Nearly Throttled By My Own Scarf

[Smowball]

I do dog walking/pet sitting as well as my main job and a lady rang me and said would I like to walk her dog twice a week. I said I'd need to take him out for a trial walk (having learned the hard way before). So I go and meet this very energetic little black bulldog. Off we go to the park - so far so good. He's happily sniffing twigs and grass etc. Then out of nowhere he leaps up and grabs the ends of my scarf, which I had in a loop around my neck. He starts pulling really hard and backing away from me - just like when dogs play with those long rope toys. The scarf is getting tighter and tighter and he's still pulling. I can't even get my hand underneath to loosen it. I'm starting to panic now as there's nobody in sight to help me. Am now having visions of being strangled by my own scarf when thank god he lets go of one of the ends and i manage to untangle myself. Heart thumping out of my chest I get the dog back to its owner. Did it go well she says? Erm, not quite........safe to say I won't be taking this dog on. Have bright red mark all around neck. And it's only Monday.....

[EDDIE51]

As an aside, In am astounded by the demand for dog walking. There are now at least 5 'professional dog walkers' in my small home town.
They all drive around in new vans with the advertising logos.
Less than 5 years ago I don't think there was even one.
As a teenager I used to walk dogs for two pensioners but never considered charging for it. What has changed?

[Arksided]

Good to know you lived to tell the tale Smowball and without sounding callous be thankful it was you and not an unsuspecting member of the public.

[hereIam]

The dog was obviously only playing, you could just have made sure your scarf ends weren't easily accessible in the future ...