Our dogs become cherished members of our families, and the mere thought of someone causing harm to these beloved companions is difficult to fathom. Imagine a devoted and joyful puppy, frolicking with bright eyes and a wagging tail, their world brimming with happiness.
Then, in a split second, a speeding car shatters that idyllic scene, robbing the dog of their vitality and stealing away their future. The ensuing agony is unlike any other, for losing a cherished canine companion strikes deep within one’s soul.
Regrettably, many individuals have experienced this heartbreak, having to bury their beloved dogs due to the recklessness of drivers. The author of this article, too, understands the pain of such a loss.
In response to their own tragic loss, one family decided to take a stand by posting a notice that sent shockwaves through their neighborhood. This sign, positioned on their front lawn, was meant to serve as a stark warning to speeding drivers, though some might perceive it as a threat.
«We buried our dog last week because you won’t slow down,» the sign declared. «If you hit one of my kids, your family may be burying you.»
A photograph of this sign found its way to Reddit, sparking an immediate outpouring of comments and reactions.
«I never understand why people speed through neighborhoods… or parking lots. Seriously… what’s the logic in that?» one user remarked.
The sign also gained attention on Facebook, where the majority of users expressed support for its message.
«Love the sign. People drive way too fast in neighborhoods. More than 20 is too fast. Kids on bikes. Kids playing in their yard and a ball goes into the street, it happens. So why is there this problem? Well, it’s because people are idiots. Plain and simple,» one Facebook user emphasized.
«D**n straight! One of my dogs got away from me, and the woman who ran over him didn’t even slow down. Just ran over him. The same could happen to a child,» another shared.
However, there were also dissenting voices among online users, with some believing that the dog owner was at fault for letting their dog roam freely.
«I don’t feel sorry for them one bit. I have the same problem in my neighborhood. Everyone thinks it’s a free-range country for dogs and cats. My dogs do not leave my property without my permission,» one reader argued.
«Keep your dog on a leash! If you cared about your fur friend, you would take better care of them,» stated another.
«Speeding is bad, but your dog and kids are your responsibility to keep them out of the street,» another added.
Regrettably, this may not be the last time a sign like this appears in our communities. Seven years earlier, Kevin Jackman, a resident of Middletown, New Jersey, had reached a breaking point as he witnessed speeding vehicles passing by his house, knowing that children lived and played nearby. Determined to make a difference, he created a sign designed to capture attention and convey a powerful message.
The sign served as a potent reminder for drivers to slow down and prioritize safety. It bore the message: «Last week, my dog was tragically struck because you chose not to slow down. If you hit a child, your family will be left burying you.»
Kevin Jackman explained that a social media post had inspired him to create his sign, perhaps drawing inspiration from the earlier Reddit post.
When you see such a sign, whose perspective do you find most compelling—the dog owners or those urging greater responsibility? We welcome your thoughts and comments below.