So today I am out with the big girl, not the dog in my avatar but a mastiff. When I say big, I don't have to bend at all to stroke her back.
I suddenly realise we are not alone. We have been joined by a small, orange ball of fluff - owner way behind. Not a peep from the owner, no attempt to recall.
Not an aggressive little thing, jumping round her legs in a playful way, and the big girl didn't mind, she would have been happy to play but mindful of the striking difference in size, I thought better of it. (one misplaced paw would have flattened it)
I could have continued with the orange fluff ball in tow but, out of politeness, I waited for the owner to finally reach us and retrieve her dog.
Guess what she said.
Yep, "He just wants to play".
I gave her a strained smile and said "You are lucky my dog is friendly, he will do it to the wrong dog one day".
Orange fluff's owner replied "I keep telling him but he doesn't listen".
Give me strength.
Poor OH had to then listen to 5 minutes of me muttering to myself "I keep telling him but he doesn't listen"