THE ALSATIAN DOG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21861, 25 July 1934, Page 15

THE ALSATIAN DOG

Sir, —As J was returning quietlv home from church on a recent Sunday night, down a city street alone, 1 was terrified by a large Alsatian, which rushed at me from behind in the darkness, barking savagely. Had I not been protected by my overcoat, the brute might have bitten me. I dared not proceed; tbe danger was too great to turn my back upon it, so 1 faced the brute and then launched an attack upon it, armed witl) my umbrella. The coward lied across the street into its open gate, barking furiously. Now, my wife is anxious every time I go that way. I avoid it when convenient, and look out for the wild animal whenever I pass that way. These brutes are a positive nuisance and menace to society and should be exterminated. Civis.

Sir, —Regarding Alsatian dogs, there seems to me to be a great deal of the "Satan rebuking sin" attitude by many people. I have personally seen several instances of these dogs being annoyed and teased by people unnecessarily. Here is one example a few weeks back. A handsome Alsatian had been left in charge of a lorry. A youth about 20 years of age came along and started banging on the lorry and hissing at the dog. The animal endeavoured to ignore him at first, but was beginning to lose control when his master appeared and the youth bolted. Personally, I am convinced that there is a lot of human fault through being attacked. Every animal requires special understanding. And the Alsatian is one which we still require to learn how to handle. There are no more dangerous or treacherous animals than the bull, goat, ram and stallion. None of.these animals can be trusted. And each one has to be managed with discretion and tact. Much the same thing applies to a highlystrung animal like the Alsatian undoubtedly is. As time goes on and we learn more about the Alsatian nature his handling will be just as easy as that of any other dog. Rajah Pom.