It's a Dogs World!
(we just live there)
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This is Lily. you would think by the name that she is like a gentle flower! A docile Labrador with a kind eye and a wagging tail. Actually, 99% of the time, you would be right.
The other 1% of the time. Dead Wrong. Lily is what we call leash aggressive. She is used to being in the wide open fields of Monkton, chasing ground hogs and taking dips in ponds on the surrounding farms. She has a lot of freedom most days. Then, she goes to the beach. In Ocean City, Maryland the lease laws are pretty aggressive and animal control vans patrol the streets like the National Guard. No leash, no dog. God forbid if she ever got loose. She tends to be very territorial when she is hooked to her tether.
As an insurance professional, I always try to err on the side of caution, because I have seen the long, painful recovery of a dog bite and know that, not only is it costly, but, it's a worrisome process with psychological damage that can last a life time.
We took Lily to Sundaes in the Park a few years back and, needless to say, I didn't get my first bite of ice cream before we had to walk her out of the park and away from humanity. She glared at every dog that walked by. She is not allowed ( voluntarily) back to Sunday evenings at the park.
Onto insurance, since that's what we are talking about today.
Carriers often do ask if you own a dog and the breeding of the dog. I have met some great Doberman's and Rottweiler's in my day and can attest to the fact that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Look at Labrador Lily.
But I will tell you that when you own a dog, the insurance carrier will want to know more about it and may ask follow up questions.
Be aware of how your dog will react in certain situations. Be mindful that the animal you think may never bite, or have anger issues, may surprise you. Remember dogs will be dogs, and they don't follow the same social rules that people must follow.
Also, don't be afraid to discuss your dog with us. We understand and love animals. We also have the experience to guide you in breed selection and whether a carrier will ask more questions.
Don't hesitate to give us a ring or shoot us an e mail to discuss your pet!
Happy paws and wagging tails!
Jeff
Jeff Rosenkilde, Sr. CIC is a Certified Insurance Counselor with over thirty years of experience insuring small businesses in the Mid – Atlantic Area. His firm, Rosenkilde and Associates, insures over 4,000 policy holders and specializes in business insurance and risk transfer.