Labrador dogs are gentle creatures and sweet pets

How unfortunate that a child was bitten and that Padi, a gentle Lab, was on death row. Labs are noted for their sweet dispositions and are generally good with children.

Our family members own a huge blond Lab, Shiloh, that is a wuss. My Shih-tzu/Bichon, Baar, steals Shiloh's bone when he's not looking, then if Shiloh tries to retrieve it he backs off when 12-pound Baar barks and jumps at him.

Anyone who is tending a child where there are dogs should keep close watch that the child does not approach a dog who is trying to get away. That unwanted attention would provoke many dogs.

It is vital that whoever is with a child in such circumstances stops them from confronting the dog. Thank god that Rep. Greg Steube sponsored a bill to change the severe bite law.

Padi is home and free and others are made aware of not only protecting children from dogs, but protecting dogs from children.

Barbara Parkman

Bradenton

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Labrador dogs are gentle creatures and sweet pets ."