[Displaced Flames fan]

Well, I share the same job so maybe I can shed a little more light on this.

We encounter animals constantly. The main worry is dogs. Personally, I give most dogs the benefit of the doubt. I've used my dog spray 3 times in 3 years...and I work in a BAD neighborhood. Pit bulls around every corner.

I have come across a few cats in my time that worried me. I had one attack me through a mail slot. She was declawed so it kind of tickled, but she was one pissed off cat. Fortunately she didn't decide to bite. We have had carriers bitten by cats in the time I've been carrying mail. Again, that's 3 years so it can't be THAT rare. We cut off their mail until they did away with the slot and put up a regular mail box.

I'd be curious to know if this guy has a mail slot because in my experience, this is where the cats get a little testy. I did encounter one cat that made me nervous as I approached the box but it didn't do anything.

It's not the cakewalk most people think it is though, being a mailman. Right Josef?

I think there are some letter carriers who are too eager to:

A. Use animals as an excuse not to do their job
B. Whip out the weapons and inflict some pain on the animals.

So I would tend to believe the owner here, but I wouldn't say it is out of the realm of possibility either.

I've been bitten by dogs twice myself and it's not much fun. Some would argue that me giving the benefit of the doubt is why I was bitten. I disagree.