gdcollectables

Can anybody save me from becoming a dog walker stalker?

We are renting near to a park and I keep seeing people taking their dogs for a walk, leash in one hand and stick in the other!

What IS the STICK FOR?

Is it to beat the dog?
Beat other dogs?
Prod the poo and sling it in the bushes?
Poke someone in the eyes?

I know I should get out more, if only to follow the dog owners and find out the answer!

JackTheLad

To throw for the dog to chase?

How big a stick is it?

JTL

gdcollectables

Normally the length of a walking stick, sometimes longer!

JackTheLad

Maybe it IS a walking stick,

JTL

Bordy

Its to fight off the snakes thats all.

gdcollectables

They're definitely not used as walking aids!

Snakes, nooooo, we don't have snakes here!

My vote's on the poo flinger!

MrsDagboy

I thought it was to poke at them before you say "cor blimey look at this one" .

TheColebecks

Try this for references as to why Aussies carry sticks ....

http://www.hartill.net/Aus/Adams.html

JackTheLad

Excellent, loved that article. A good few laughs before bedtime, thanks,

JTL

Jacqui

My mum always carried a big stick, for self-defence against dog attacks. I've heard some people carry pepper spray - probably more effective!

Pollyana

Pricelss bit on that link - wheres Wombat42?

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"Strangely, it tends to be the second class of animals (the Odd) that are more dangerous. The creature that kills the most people each year is the common Wombat. It is nearly as ridiculous as its name, and spends its life digging holes in the ground, in which it hides. During the night it comes out to eat worms and grubs. The wombat kills people in two ways:

First, the animal is indestructible. Digging holes in the hard Australian clay builds muscles that outclass Olympic weightlifters. At night, they often wander the roads. Semi-trailers (Road Trains) have hit them at high speed, with all 9 wheels on one side, and this merely makes them very annoyed. They express this by snorting, glaring, and walking away. Alas, to smaller cars, the wombat becomes an asymmetrical launching pad, with results that can be imagined, but not adequately described.
The second way the wombat kills people relates to its burrowing behaviour. If a person happens to put their hand down a Wombat hole, the Wombat will feel the disturbance and think "Ho! My hole is collapsing!" at which it will brace its muscled legs and push up against the roof of its burrow with incredible force, to prevent its collapse. Any unfortunate hand will be crushed, and attempts to withdraw will cause the Wombat to simply bear down harder. The unfortunate will then bleed to death through their crushed hand as the wombat prevents him from seeking assistance. This is considered the third most embarrassing known way to die, and Australians don't talk about it much."

gdcollectables

Thank you Colebecks!

Now I know - it's a Survival Aid!

Tips to Surviving Australia:

Don't ever put your hand down a hole for any reason whatsoever. We mean it. The beer is stronger than you think, regardless of how strong you think it is. Always carry a stick. Air-conditioning. Do not attempt to use Australian slang, unless you are a trained linguist and good in a fistfight. Thick socks. Take good maps. Stopping to ask directions only works when there are people nearby. If you leave the urban areas, carry several litres of water with you at all times, or you will die. Even in the most embellished stories told by Australians, there is always a core of truth that it is unwise to ignore.