No question - just sharing/venting/warning.

Had a showing this evening with a woman and her 2, knee-high dogs. All was well except one jumped up & put paws on a windowsill. Then up on a kitchen cabinet. When she stood up again with her front paws on the cabinet, and woman didn't seem to notice, I stopped talking, took a step back (dog was right next to me & looked at her (the dog).

The dog growled, lunged, paw(s) on my thighs, teeth through my shirt & grabbing my jeans underneath. In an INSTANT - no warning! She was leashed & owner got her right down. Owner didn't seem alarmed or apologetic - said we are working on that, with strangers, - some such thing. I said " keep working on it!" LOL

Told her that being attacked by her dog is a no-go. Everyone is allowed to apply, but I recommend you don't waste your money.

She still asked for links to the apps : o !

I now have photos & super documentation of the events, in case she tries to apply then say I discriminated for some other reason. Such as, I don't know yet the source of all her income (section 8 is protected here).

There are teeth holes in my shirt, pulled threads on my jeans & 2 superficial claw scratches on my thigh(didn't break the skin). All photographed with day/time stamp. Boy, am I glad I just happened to be wearing the heaviest denim jeans I own!

BTW: She kept also referring to her fiancé, who wasn't listed as an occupant on the pre-qual form & didn't come to the showing - but was clearly going to live there. There was a man in a red pickup outside when we left - I guess that was him?

Ai, Yai, Yai!

So, my warning is: wear thick denim! Ha! Just be careful out there, folks. And remember to count your blessings, when it could have ended a lot worse.

Yikes! I'm afraid I wouldn't have been as calm & collected.

Glad you are ok.

I REQUIRE them to bring their dogs to the showing. It's just my thing, and I think it works well.

I always say "If they aren't allowed in your car, they sure aren't allowed in my house!".

A dog needs to obey basic obedience commands & have generally good behavior.

I absolutely love my pets......but if one would do that - there would be one less pet.

This requiring them to bring the dog to showing.... hmmm.... I think I might want to borrow that idea. I am a bit scared of big dogs, and sometimes a dog reacts to my fear.

My husband laughs at this though, as when I see a doggy in trouble, I zip in to help. Gave a big, big pitty a ride to domestic animal control after seeing a woman trying to hit it with her car. Not my brightest move, but doggy appreciated it.

DJ, glad you were wearing the denim. Cowboy boots could go well with that outfit-great for kicking!

I have dogs come to showings so I can evaluate them. Or at a minimum they must come to the rental before the lease is signed.

DJ,

Great story! I love your idea of them bringing the animal.

I was waiting for you to say the dog scratched to cabinets or sill.

Another reason for lockbox showings. IF their app passes screening we see just the one or two animals at their home, not MY home, and not random animals walking in to my open house forcing ME to protect myself.

Yes, report the dog attack for the sake of the next victim.