FLEXI / RETRACTABLE LEASHES...

The 9th Annual Mardi Growl in downtown Knoxville TN. Once again, another great fundraiser for an awesome shelter. Thanks to the city of Knoxville and the Young Williams Animal Center for their valued support to the community and pet community as well.

As with any event I attend, it never leaves me baffled with all the irresponsible actions of pet owners. I'm not sure if its that they don't know, or if they just don't care. Maybe its a lack of respect for others. Maybe they are just niave enough to think that nothing will happen. BUT, to all the people who use FLEXI-leashes or any variance of retractable leashes, please understand the dangers of these tools.

I'm not completely against these FLEXI/RETRACTABLE leashes. But what I am against is pet owners who use them and don't pay attention to where their pet is. When in a crowded space, its safe to say that we as pet owners would like to keep our pets close by and out of the way of others. While I walk these events, I encounter a lot of pets stretched out on their leash, and the owner is just talking away and not paying any attention. A lot of times, I find myself reaching for my knife and cutting these lines. I cut them, for they've infringed on my space and the owner didn't have respect for me and my personal space. Yes, even in public, you are entitled to your space. When a pet owner is 6+ feet away from its pet, the owner has no control over what the pet does. This is not the pets problem, but the owners. And when I am trying to enjoy my time out in public and hoping for an enjoyable day, then I get hit by somebody's leash all because the owner wasn't paying attention. Yes, I could step out of the way. Yes I could speak up and say something. But its hit home, when I see the same people out with the dogs and these leashes are stretched out to the end.

Please, if you use these tools as a leash, please know the dangers and hazards of them. Please respect others around you. For you never know when I may be enjoying my day and next thing you know, your dog is loose and you were smacked in the hand or face with the whip action of the retractable leash and hearing me say, "...your dog is loose..."