When a dog is reacting because he is frightened, he can express this in an agressive snarl or nip. He feels threatened and might not want to hurt anyone. He istrying to defend himself, andhe's using the only meanshe has. We respond, understandingly, with our own set of fears. As primates, we have a visceral reaction to something coming at us with teeth bared, as well we should. Nothing like a set of white teeth for getting a rise out of your limbic system, even if we notice the dog's facial expression of fear.

We would be wise to see the world thru the dog's eyes, at least to acknowledge that fear is one component of dog's behavior. It is a sad irony that one of the things we share with dogs is the tendency to become aggressive when we're frightened.

Rolo is a large breed dog. He reacted to a fear-induced situation. "I don't know who you are and I am nervous about that. For all I know you might be dangerous. If you stay there and don't move forward, I'll stay here. But if you move FAST or reach your hand towards me, I'll be forced to protect myself. I am uncomfortable, on guard and perfectly willing to protect myself".

If a fast move and loud scream triggered Rolo's reaction, it is obvious it was based on fear. If Rolo was aggressive or wanted to hurt this person, he had done so when he had the chance.

Too often dog's become victims in a society who lacks true understanding on canine behavior. They are led by their own fears and misinterpret the dog's actions. It is time that people open up their minds and are more willing to learn how to overcome this. A nip like Rolo's is not the reaction of a truly dangerous, aggressive dog. The conditions of anxious/fearful dogs that also have social-interaction problems can be cured or substantially improved.

Rolo's life is being compromised amongst judgements that are not based on facts about real dogs and their behavior. Dogs offer a complex web of emotions, that sometimes bind, sometimes damage our relationship with them. But it is up to us, to be willing to learn and understand them better, instead of being led by our own fear and judge and condemn, when it is really us, who do not understand them. Rolo is not a dangerous dog, nor did he cause serious harm. He responded to a sudden sound, a fast move, and reacted protective. He didn't know this woman who grabbed this child, acting hysteric, was the mother! It is unfortunate the facts are twisted for the sake of money.

Animals are sentient beings and to kill a dog like Rolo, incarcerate him in a unfamiliarplace away from home, to call him aggressive and dangerous,leads once again to the question:

Do we really understand our companion dogs? Do we judge Rolo or are we willing to learn more about man's best friend?