What if it had been YOUR dog?
“Blood is thicker than water.” Most agree with this axiom that rationalizes and informs many family/society conflicts. But what would you do in this case, involving a dog, a street, and well, you’ll see.
We were motoring home, Christmas tree atop the truck and groceries inside. The driver in front of us swerved to avoid a Lab that was digging, panting, and looking generally confused alongside our rural road. Karen asked if we should stop, but I was already unbuckling the seatbelt. The dog stopped her digging, tongue lolling as she eagerly came to my call.
The owner’s phone number was on the collar, and I was dialing as Karen found a leash in the truck. The owner answered on the second ring. She was 130 miles away. Apparently, a fence had been breached, rope bitten through or housesitter had dropped the ball … maybe all three, she suggested. I asked where she lived; only a mile or so away. Upon description of her place, I knew it immediately. The domicile of an arch political enemy I’d battled at county commission meetings, planning workshops and other venues when they’d tried to back-door a major commercial development in our rural neighborhood.
Now what? Turn the dog loose to fend for herself in traffic, among the coyotes? Tell the owner who I was, to stuff it, and “good luck?” Hold the pooch for ransom? Or remember this was about the dog’s safety and welfare and turn the other cheek, so to speak.
When we left, Jazz was safely back in her garage-kennel and all gates were secure. Maybe it was the Christmas tree, working it’s magic already. Or canine blood being thicker than bad blood.
I wonder if the tree had an ameliorating affect
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Well done, Scott. No matter how much you may dislike a person, you were not mad at the dog-he did nothing to you but end up in your path. And it was right to call the owner-unless there were signs of neglect or abuse, that is all we can do.
Hi Scott
You and Karen did the right thing for sure. On the practical side, these types of actions may even open up new lines of communications.
Merry Christmas!
Jesse
You’re right, though I doubt I want to communicate with those people I will still take care of their dog if needed!
You did it right Scott the dogs back home and safe. Have a Merry Christmas.
Whew!
Right call Scott as you well know. I am always surprised how people view dogs, even how I react to a foes pet. The fact that you are a bird dog owner already shows how big your heart is.
Thanks.
When hunting dogs die ,I want to go where they do!
Scott!! You know as well as all of us there was one answer and only one answer, The dogs best interest was at the helm, You or anyone else could not or would not do this dog or any other dog harm at this time of year or any other time of year. The dog has no political venue or stance,it’s a dog .Please sir I think I know you better than this,. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND NOW HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Oh yeah, I know.