You know, it's really about respect. Respect enough to ask someone if their dog would like to be petted. And then if they say yes, respect the dog enough to watch its body language.

I regularly take my dog to the dog park. The only dogs I pet are the ones who come running up to me eagerly, obviously wanting the attention. I don't push myself on other types of dogs.

I still remember one time, this little boy came running to pet my cat. She was hanging out with me in my front yard. She immediately dove under a car parked nearby. I told the boy, "She does not want to be petted." He kept going after her, reaching under the car. I told him again, "Stop it, she doesn't want to be petted." He persisted. Then she scratched him.

"She is a bad cat!" he yowled.

"No," I said. "She is a good cat who does not want to be petted. She told you that, but you didn't listen. Maybe now you'll know better."