Mary Beth Horst
753 posts

Mary Beth Horst retweetledi

Do you ride a bike? Or an e-scooter? Or walk a dog? If so, please take a second to read this.
If you are on a bike or scooter on a shared pathway and approaching someone walking a dog, please be courteous and slow down a little. Especially if coming up from behind. I am a wheelchair user with a dog and we have way too many close calls with fast moving bikes and scooters. People not using a bell and whipping by within inches. If the dog turned it's head or stepped a bit wide, they'd be hit.
I'll happily move as far to one side of the path as possible, and if I've got the younger dog who isn't as experienced around fast moving things, I'll stop at the very side and have him sit in front of me to give everyone as much space as possible. If I don't know you're approaching, I can't do that. So please, for the love of dog, use your bell. Don't wait until you're right behind someone with a dog. Use it while you're still at a distance, and if you aren't sure they noticed it, ring it a few more times. Give them as much time as possible to move to the side and prepare the dog. If it's a puppy or a dog that hasn't had much experience with bikes, being able to get them off the path or give them a little extra distance from the fast moving bike helps prevent them from getting scared.
The vast majority of cyclists are great and really respectful, but there's always a few that aren't. This year the challenge is kids on e-scooters. They are going fast and having fun. Safety isn't at the forefront of their mind. They often don't use a bell or slow down at blind corners, and many don't think about giving the dog any space. I've been startled a few times by them so I can only imagine how the dog felt. This is one of the reasons why I do a lot of desensitization and counter conditioning.
Dog owners-you need to do your part to. If you've got headphones on, make sure you can still hear the bike bell. Make sure to give the cyclist or scooter rider as much space as possible from your dog. And of course, unless you are on a designated off leash trail, keep your dog on a leash.
If you have a puppy or a newly adopted dog that might not be comfortable around bikes, take some kibble or treats and go hang out with them near a multi use path. Let them watch. As the bike or scooter approaches, drop a few treats on the ground. For many dogs, this is all it takes, but if your dog is visibly stressed, fixated on the bike, or reacting, try moving a further from the trail and once they're comfortable at a slightly further distance, try closer again. If they are still stressed or fearful even with more distance, don't force the issue. Instead introduce them to a bike that isn't moving, and gradually work them up from there. If they are struggling, talk to a trainer.
Regardless of if you are holding a leash, riding a bike or scooter, or enjoying a walk outdoors, just be respectful. And of course, be safe.
Thanks,
Admin
🎥 Puppy walk for cuteness
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@anikapanika 😟 Love, hugs and positive healing energies on the way
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Heartbreaking story out of Kansas.
Junction City, KS Police Department is mourning the loss of K-9 Vethos, a Belgian Malinois who joined the department in 2024.
On Monday, Vethos was found unresponsive in a patrol vehicle. Preliminary findings show he died from heat exposure. His handler has been placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
I don't need to wait for the KBI report, this was preventable.

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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our K-9s, Leico, who died yesterday after suffering complications from a seizure.
Leico was 10 years old Belgian Malinois and faithfully served alongside his handler, Officer Sam Carrillo, for the past eight years. Throughout his career, the team assisted Patrol, SWAT, Major Violators, and numerous other specialized units in locating and apprehending dangerous suspects. Together, they were responsible for 93 finds and 9 apprehensions. Leico’s dedication, courage, and relentless work ethic made him an invaluable member of our department.
Beyond his service, Leico was full of energy, had a social personality, and quickly became a favorite wherever he went. He proudly represented our K-9 Unit by participating in demonstrations for fellow officers, local schools, and the Hispanic Citizens Academy, where he helped strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community we serve. One of Leico’s favorite stops was Dispatch, where he never passed up the opportunity to visit and soak up all the love and attention from the dispatchers who adored him.
Whether working alongside fellow officers or engaging with members of our community, Leico left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His loyalty, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality created countless memories that will never be forgotten.
Leico’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the officers he served beside, and the community he helped protect. He will be deeply missed by his handler, Officer Carrillo, our K-9 Unit, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
We are sincerely grateful for the overwhelming support, kind words, and condolences from everyone who has reached out during this difficult time, as well as those who continue to keep Leico and Officer Carrillo in their thoughts.
Rest easy, Leico. Thank you for your faithful service, steadfast loyalty, and the sacrifices you made to keep others safe. Your watch has ended, but your legacy will never be forgotten.



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Upon entering a little country store, a stranger noticed a sign warning, "Beware of dog!" posted on the glass door.
Inside, he noticed a harmless old hound dog sitting in the floor beside the cash register.
"Is that the dog folks are supposed to beware of?" he asked the owner.
"Yep, that's him," came the reply.
The stranger couldn't help but be amused. "That certainly doesn't look like a dangerous dog to me. Why in the world would you post that sign?"
"Because," the owner explained, "Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."

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@2thewilberforce Love 💖, kissyboops 💋 and positive healing energies on the way
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@GlendaleFOP12 😥 May his memory forever be a blessing. And love & healing energies on the way to those injured (both human & canine)
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Our sweet girl Annie (Princess Buttercup Smoochie Face) crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. All the kids were able to be here as we held her close. Losing a fur baby is so hard, heartbreaking and painful. She gave us so many years of love and joy… and we are going to miss her terribly. I love you Annie! Until we meet again baby girl ❤️

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@bertie_lakeland Nite nite sweetheart. Sweet dreams of bimbles and adventures to come 💋💋💋💋💋💋
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