Question J

[Jonetta]

Abby’s pets react to the threat outside her home but she dismisses their behavior. Would that be a normal reaction for you (if you have pets)?

[Sharon]

Not at all. Dogs have great hearing, and mine put me on full alert if they start growling.

I have a little dog but he lets me know when something is going on. I have to admit I did go outside once to investigate, my personal TSTL moment. It wasn't a person, but a rabid racoon. Fortunately, I didn't venture too far from the house and got the dog and me back inside in time. We did call animal control after my neighbor caught him.

[Anita]

We had a dog that went ballistic one night and my husband found a possum with babies under our shed. They know when something isn't right in their territory. Out where Abby lives, with everything going on, I would have paid attention to the animals.

[Jonetta]

I agree, ladies. My pooch was small but he never growled or barked unless something was going on. I paid attention and would wait and see if he persisted or settled down. Dogs don’t react like this for nothing. And her cat was having the same reaction. You just don’t explain away this stuff.

[Lauren]

My dog goes on a rampage every time a stranger enters the neighborhood. Of course, in my neighborhood there are so many dogs, it is like a symphony orchestra.

I never ignore him when he barks like that and always look to see because he knows what's what on his turf!