Dogs Bite (But Balloons and Slippers are More Dangerous) by Janis Bradley

Dogs bite. It’s true. But balloons and bedroom slippers are far more dangerous. So goes the title, and the resounding message, of the newest book added to the AARF Library. As Dogs Bite explains, dog bites are among the rarest of all fatal mishaps. For every person who dies as a result of dog bites, five are killed by lightning. That’s right, being struck by lightning—the universal cliché for an extraordinary event—is five times more likely to happen than a fatal dog bite.
Despite these odds, a cultural phobia of dog bites (driven largely by sensationalized media reports and dubious research) continues to compel many cities to enact laws to reduce dog ownership. One point that lawmakers, attorneys, and insurance companies often stress is that more children die from dog bites than adults. Surely we should do everything we can to protect our children. We should, therefore, also ban five-gallon buckets, party balloons, marbles, drapery cords, swing sets and even cows; each of which cause more fatalities to children every year than dogs.
Even when dogs do bite people, the vast majority of injuries require a Band-Aid, if anything, to treat. Think of the last time you stubbed your toe on the couch—an injury comparable to most dog bites. Were you then gripped with fear every time you came near a couch? Dogs Bite encourages us to maintain perspective on the danger of dog bites, and to consider the ways dogs enhance the lives of millions of people. For all the happiness and health benefits that dogs bring us, we owe it to them to protect their reputation.
So, the next time Brutus chews through one of your pink bunny slippers, just remember: That slipper was far more dangerous to you than any dog. Brutus was just looking out for your safety. -Emily Hill