It happened too fast.
My little dog Beatrice—BB—was ahead of me, doing what she always does in the park: sniffing, patrolling, trotting just slightly too far, like she’s got her own errands to run. I was trailing behind, letting her be her scrappy, independent self.
Then I heard it. A scream. High, sharp, unmistakable.
It was BB.
I ran. Not thinking, not planning. Just running. The kind of sprint your body invents when you hear someone you love in pain.
Two larger dogs had gotten her. I don’t know what set them off. I only know they backed off when they saw me barreling toward them. And their owner? Said nothing. Did nothing.
No apology. No concern.
Just… silence.
I had to yell—really yell—to get her to leash her dogs and put them in her car so we could have a “chat.” And we did. I let her know, in no uncertain terms, that what happened was not just unacceptable—it was burned-into-my-memory unforgivable. The owner is older than I by about 10 years. I’m not proud of what I said, but it could have worse. “You’re too old to be this dumb! YOU are responsible for your dogs behavior. What the fuck is the matter with you”. I felt like throwing a rock through her window.
Let’s just say: I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again. If I do, it won’t be a quiet reunion.
This is the second time BB has been attacked recently. And Bella—my other dog—was hit by a pit bull a few months back. So yeah, I’m thinking about carrying bear spray now. Not because I want to use it. But because I don’t want to be helpless again. And, as bad as it sounds, I believe in retribution.
BB is moving gingerly today, a little slower, a little sore—but she’s here. Still wagging her tail. Still showing more grace than I’m capable of.
Dogs are like that.
They forgive faster than we deserve.
