Any dog can bite

Dear Editor,

Dog owners often tell our carriers their dog won’t bite, however, what they may not realize is their dog is trying to protect them; they see a uniformed carrier as someone who is invading their territory and their protective instincts kick in.

The truth is any dog can bite and all attacks are preventable through responsible pet ownership.

Although no McCook carriers have been bitten recently, we’re very concerned about the many close calls with dogs our carriers face on a daily basis. Summer is almost here and with temperatures rising and children out of school, postal carriers tend to see more dogs running loose. We’re asking pet owners to restrain their dogs and allow their carriers to deliver the mail safely. We take the safety of our employees very seriously. We will not wait until a carrier is bitten before taking preventative action. A dog that runs loose not only affects the delivery of the dog owner’s mail, but often the delivery of their neighbors’ mail as well.

Nationwide last year 6,755 postal employees were attacked by dogs – 40 in Nebraska.

Here are some critical points to remember:

* If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors.

* Parents should remind their children and other family members not to take mail directly from letter carriers in the presence of the family pet, as the dog may view the carrier handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.

Thank you for your help with this very important issue.

Sincerely,

Kelly Lacey

Postmaster

McCook NE 69001