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Where I grew up, harrassing meant the racial slurs were being tossed at the very least, usually gunshots were fired, lol....but yeah, people in general can be so annoying/immature.  Not that I needed another reason to avoid Denny's *barf*.  Like you, we're moving to a house with a yard in August (albeit in a not so great neighborhood, but at least people will keep to their own yards).  Can't wait...

I hear ya....I walk  Molly a lot and I try to get her into places where she'll be exposed to people walking/biking, etc.
She's gotten really good about staying focused on me rather than what's going on around her (wish I could get her to stop looking behind us).
One day we walked past a woman and 2 men....the woman walked right by us and Molly didn't pay attention, 1st man walked right by us and again Molly didn't pay attention; for some reason the dolt walking behind them had to stare at Molly - directly into her eyes and she was staring back. Of course she reacted - unfavorable. I wanted to slap the dolt up side his head.
Why can't they just keep walking?

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it is pretty harsh to say "i hate people" and then not expect a response.

ORIGINAL: cyclefiend2000

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Strangers, teenagers or not, taking my picture several times without my consent and continuing to do so as I attempted to leave the situation would certainly aggrivate me.

And it doesn't sound to me like she's requesting sympathy...just venting. We all say "I hate so-and-so".

What is WITH everyone? RELAX.

I think if the teenagers harrassing you had been an isolated event, you probably would have shrugged it off as some rude kids trying to bother you and well...being rude. But in tandem with the other things that happened to you, it probably built up and culminated in this. No harm in that. I feel your pain and I hope these experiences don't keep happening to you! 

ORIGINAL: cyclefiend2000

teenagers pushing your buttons warrants sympathy? 

 
As a woman I understand Tamara's  nerves.  It's never fun to be alone and having someone (no matter what the age) following you.  Especially if there is more than one.  It's very unnerving.
 
You are definately attracking some loonies.  I remember that Dennie's story, Yuck!

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*previously deleted content* but they were following me and basically harassing me.

Strangers, teenagers or not, taking my picture several times without my consent and continuing to do so as I attempted to leave the situation would certainly aggrivate me.

it might aggrevate me too, but why involve the police?

Sounds like teens being teens.  At least they left when you said something. 
 
As far as the lunging man, well, maybe he doesn't know how to react around dogs, especially small dogs.
 
I think we've all been there a time or two though.  Sorry you're having a rough time.

Wow Tamara! Those kids definitely need to find hobbies, and grow up. I too would have been really frustrated and uncomfortable in that situation, it feels invasive if someone purposefully takes a pic of you/with you in it just to be stupid........and that guy who aimed for Fudge, what is up with that? I just got back from walking Riley and an 8yr/o boy ASKED nicely, "Can I pet your dog?. Maybe the nice 8yr/o can teach that guy a thing or two about manners, and um, normality!
 
Again, sorry you had to go through this, and that Denny's thing (that is sooo terrible and sick). I hope you enjoy your walks with your hubby and the boys!

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 I assumed that people would realize this was a vent, and not that I literally hate all people. [&o] So I'll edit the title.

Marynh- That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. What is WRONG with people??

Liesje- That sounds awful. []

Ark3- Thank you. Where I come from, someone following me and harassing me is not "okay". Yes, sympathy was the wrong word. It's ridiculous how people are waiting to pick apart every word. I should have said thanks for "understanding". Yay! Much better! [&o]

Animal Lover- That's definitely it. Thank you for getting it. []

Oops, a couple of people were posting when I was. Thank you to those who understood my frustration and that I was venting.

ORIGINAL: cyclefiend2000

And it doesn't sound to me like she's requesting sympathy...just venting.

see post 10

*content removed* but they were following me and basically harassing me.

Strangers, teenagers or not, taking my picture several times without my consent and continuing to do so as I attempted to leave the situation would certainly aggrivate me.

it might aggrevate me too, but why involve the police?

 

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It's her business if she wants to involve the police. If  they followed her and she felt uncomfortable she has every right to call the police. FYI: Calling the police does not mean that it has to be a dire emergency. The police are there to provide protection and safety to citizens. I'd might err on the siade of caution too.

*previously removed content* I assumed that people would realize this was a vent, and not that I literally hate all people. So I'll edit the title.

i am not looking for a fight, just trying to point out that maybe you are being a little... overly cautious.

they were just kids for craps sake.

One option no one has considered, try being nice to the kids.  Kids will target folks if it gets a reaction.  Kids will be oppositional for the fun of it on ocassion.  If an individual is riled or flustered by someone, there is a chance that reaction will positively reinforce the behavior.
 
Sure the kids could do with some better hobbies, however maybe they would be good at photography.  What about asking them to actually take photos of your dogs?
 
The toughest kids in the book will often respond to geniune interest and conversation.  If you want kids to change their behavior, it is far more efficient to change your own first.
 
And readers,  I do this (working with kids who have issues) for a living, it works.

I am not sure why being in the background of a picture upset you so much.  It sounds like they followed you because you were giving them dirty looks.  They should not have followed you.  What does this have to do with dogs?

The story about a guy lunging at your dog does not make sense.  The conversation you had shows that he was being friendly not lunging or being aggressive.  It sounds more like he wanted to pet your dog.  He should know better then to do that without asking though.  Your dog was probably reacting to your nervousness as much as the person approaching. 

for some reason the dolt walking behind them had to stare at Molly - directly into her eyes and she was staring back. Of course she reacted - unfavorable. I wanted to slap the dolt up side his head.

I am not sure what the unfavorable reation was.  If your dog is aggressive towards people who look at her then you should avoid taking her out in public until you can correct this behavior.  We can not expect others to know about dogs.  It is the dog owners repsonsibility not to put their dog in a situation that could cause a problem.