Cross-Street Standoff - Local Dog Owner, Missing Entire Point of Your Polite Panic

Skye Waverley | Social Reporter | Sutherland Shire Gazette

14 September 2025

BURRANEER — What began as a peaceful morning walk for local resident Claudia Menzies and her grumpy rescue terrier, Clive, quickly turned into a passive-aggressive standoff after Claudia attempted to cross the road to avoid a head-on canine confrontation,  only to be met with that familiar cry from across the street: “It’s okay! He’s friendly!”

Claudia, clutching Clive like a grenade with fur, responded clearly: “Mine’s not.” But her warning was met with an offended scoff and a second shout of reassurance - “But mine is!” - as if that somehow neutralised Clive’s festering distrust of golden retrievers and emotional intimacy.

“It’s not a vibes-based exchange,” Claudia later told The Sutherland Shire Gazette. “I’m not rejecting your dog. I’m avoiding creating a potential crime scene.”

According to researchers at the Gymea Institute of Social Dog Dynamics, 86% of owners who shout “he’s friendly!” have absolutely no idea what their dog will do next. “It’s like yelling ‘he’s fine!’ as your toddler sprints toward a blender,” said behavioural expert Dr Darren Woof. “It’s not helpful. It’s denial wrapped in optimism.”

The real tension lies in the guilt-trip stare that follows. “You can see it in their eyes,” said Claudia. “Like I’ve just insulted their dog’s moral character. But I’m not here for a social hour, I’m here to stop Clive from reliving his trauma involving a schnauzer and a rogue leaf blower.”

Local rangers urge residents to remember: It’s not about your dog. It’s about the other dog not mauling it.

Because in the Shire, courtesy is optional -  but territorial rage is never on a lead.