In a recent incident that left a pet owner bewildered, tensions arose between a parkgoer and a disgruntled resident. The incident occurred during a routine walk at a local park, known for its welcoming environment for pets and families alike. The fur parent, a lifelong resident of the area, felt compelled to share the encounter and seek public opinion on the matter, particularly from the PJ community.

While walking her poodle, the fur parent encountered a sudden outburst from an elderly man, who vehemently protested the presence of dogs in the vicinity. The man's voice reverberated through the park, accusing the fur parent of allowing her dog to defecate in front of his house. The fur parent, who diligently cleans up after her canine companion, was taken aback by the allegation.

She clarified that they were situated in the park's grassy area, away from any private property. Despite this, the man continued berating her, even resorting to derogatory name-calling. Frustrated, the fur parent confronted the man, questioning his choice of words and the lack of civility in their exchange.

The conversation quickly escalated into an argument, with the fur parent asserting that they had done nothing wrong as a responsible pet owner. She highlighted the fact that other dog owners frequented the park, including those with larger dog breeds, without facing similar scrutiny. Seeking validation, she reached out to fellow parkgoers, who affirmed their support as long as the dog's waste was properly handled.

Despite attempts to defuse the situation, the elderly man persisted in his verbal assault, even insulting her partner when he intervened calmly. 

Expressing their frustration, the fur parent emphasized that she had promptly cleaned up after their dog, leaving no traces of waste behind. The couple then urged the elderly man to focus on his own affairs rather than unnecessarily burdening strangers. This encounter, which left her upset, marked an unprecedented level of animosity with an unfamiliar person.

The OP seeks public opinion on whether they acted appropriately as a responsible pet owner. They pondered whether they should have anticipated the elderly man's presence and diverted their dog's attention elsewhere to avoid any offence. Seeking guidance and resolution, they emphasized the incident's impact on their well-deserved post-work routine and their desire to enjoy the park peacefully.

We at Goody, have also recently conducted a survey conducted among Malaysians, the majority responded positively, stating that they have no concerns with fur parents walking their dogs in neighbourhood parks and responsibly cleaning up after them.

So what do you think? Are you okay with that or is that a no-no? Why?