How would you handle this?

[Jennifer and Jack]

Today at the dog park for small dog time, I brought Jack and Molly myself because my mom had something to do.

Molly is a very submissive dog and backs down to everyone. Jack does not. He is not a bully but he isn't going to be pushed around, Jack has been going there for a whole now on and off and never any problems...

This morning there was about forty small dogs there which is normal for this time. They were all playing, I was talking to a group of people and Jack and another dog got in a little scuffel over something I don't know what or who started it, I scooped Jack up immediately and corrected him.

The other older man who is known not to obey the rules, giving dogs treats, when no treats are allowed etc is the owner of the dog Jack grumbled with. He doesn't talk to any one there and in the past I have talked to him a bit. Jack never liked this man, he has always barked at him until he gave Jack a treat.

Anyway, as soon as the scuffel which lasted exactly five seconds was over the man, came across the dog park yelling at me that I have a bad dog that is out of control and doesn't play well with others. I asked him what happen because I didn't even know the dog was his. He was very rude and when I told him not to speak to me that way, he said that I didn't deserve respect and he walked away.


So trying not to cry the other ladies told me to ignore him and that he is a jerk. I didnt leave the park because I wanted to not be run off.

I came home now granted I am upset and overly emotional about it because like my mother said, it was just the straw the broke me.....I am dealing with a ton of stufff the past few days.


So my question is, how do I handle it? This is my moms dog park in a 55 and over community and I don't want my mom to be uncomfortable here. I also will be spending a lot of time here so I am not sure just not taking Jack back is a good idea?

How would you handle this situation ?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I would share it on DK and stomp around at home and maybe throw something(carefully, not to hurt anyone -it just feels good when I am upset).  Having let off some steam, I would try as hard as I could to do what the other ladies said.  Just ignore him, he is a jerk and should take up any space in my mind.  He is probably cranky about everything.  Just be glad you don't have to live with him.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Perfect advice!

[Jennifer and Jack]

That made me giggle, that is true! Thank God I don't have to live with him ... Laughing always makes me feel better!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good ideas!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yep.

[Christine & Shelby]

I agree... vent, brush it off and take Jack back to the park.  You now know the man and his dog.... just maybe try to really watch if Jack and the dog begin to interact.  Don't let him run you off... Sounds like an unhappy person who finds joy in lashing out at others!   Good for you not leaving right away....  If you need to cry, let it out... and then don't give the man the time of day to take up any more of your time or energy!   Big hug!

[Jennifer and Jack]

I did my poor mom I walked in the door and burst into tears....she was so confused and then she got so mad that I was upset she kept coming up with the funniest mean things she could think of, she wasn't trying to be funny which made it funny even more!

Thanks for letting me vent, sometimes you just need to call someone a jerk and have someone agree with you, right or wrong!!!

Thanks for the back up in calling him a jerk. I am sure he is just cranky and I feel bad because life is so short to be so mean!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'd be very tempted to take him aside next time you see him and tell him he's a cranky, nasty, mean minded man.  On the other hand you could do nothing and just steer clear.  These sort of people are generally miserable unhappy sorts and  nothing good will come to him for behaving in this way.  What goes around comes around (I think that's the saying?)

[Christine & Camus]

Cranky man is right!  It sounds as though his behavior was far worse than the scuffle with the dogs and he should know better than to speak to anyone the way he spoke to you.  Ignore him and try to keep Jack away from his dog.

[Leigh & Allie]

I dealt with a very cranky man in my business. He was a very good customer of the bank I work for. He would single me out and always complain about where I parked. Where I parked? Are you serious? I work there. He does NOT! I took it for several conversations. I usually just apologized but I continued to park where I wanted to. His point was......I was parking in the restaurants next door's parking space. Really it wasn't but it kind of looked like it. He said he was a business owner ( a little too haughty for me) and he really did not like it when people parked in his business's parking spaces when they were not his customers. I was very young (a LONG time ago) and I really think he saw me as an easy target. It was not until I stood up to him that he quit bothering me. I told him after he threatened to tell the owner of the bank on me and I quote "really? Well I have spoken with the restaurant's manager next door and they have NO problem with me parking there. In fact they told me I am their best customer and I can park ANYWHERE I want to". it was not until I stood up to him did he stop harassing me.seriously it was harassment.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sounds like he is the one who can't play nice-brush it off and kudos for you for staying!

[F, Calla & Luca]

You have gotten lots of good advice. Ignore the old grump!