Anyone who has ever owned a four-legged friend will know just how protective they can get over them.
And this was exactly the case for one woman who was left beyond furious after a man hit and kicked her dog who was 'looking for a pat'.
The woman, 32-year-old Aimee Pitman from Syndey, Australia, was outraged after the fellow park-goer hit her precious pup and kicked him right in the face.
Advert
Aimee was walking Prince, her two-and-a-half-year-old French bulldog, in a popular off-lead park, Crown Park in Waterloo, when the situation unfolded.
Prince had approached an elderly man who was parked up on a park bench late last month, and was allegedly simply looking for some strokes and affection.
The dog put his two front paws up on the bench the man was sitting on when things went south.
Advert
"Yesterday my dog was hit and kicked by an old man at the dog park," she wrote on Facebook.
"I turned and called him, to see an old man hit him in the face and kick him," she wrote on Facebook.
Aimee added she had to 'control' herself after witnessing the situation.
She did, however, reassure fellow animal lovers that little Prince is well and dandy, writing: "He is OK, just got a big shock and yelped when it happened.
Advert
"I know people pat him all the time, so he assumes everyone will be the same."
The dog mum continued, issuing a warning to those who may enjoy an al-fresco spot of lunch at the park.
"If you are at a dog park, I think you should be aware that if you are eating food, that this may happen," she explained.
Advert
"There are plenty of other places to go and eat where no dogs bother you, but by no means does it give you the right to physically abuse an animal."
Many supported Aimee with one Facebook user offering: "That behaviour is uncalled for. We understand not everyone likes a dog but no need for such aggression from a human."
A second penned: "This makes me so mad. I am so sorry."
"Dog friendly parks are for exactly that. Dogs and dog friendly people," pointed out a third.
Advert
Others, however, weren't so supportive.
"Perhaps it may be time keep your poor dog on a lead?" suggested one Facebook user. "Maybe the old man didn't want your dog to say hello?"
Another added: "End of the day, the dogs are your responsibility as pet owners, regardless of being on leash or off leash.
"Sounds like we are all having to be more mindful when out with our dogs in the park etc. Not everyone is a dog fan like we are and the park is for everyone to enjoy."
What do you make of it?
Rhiannon Ingle