I have played this scene many times in my mind, mostly when Ben and I are walking in the park. Ben and I suddenly found ourselves surrounded by dogs. Many dogs. Ben, being the fearless protector of his dad would bark. All the dogs would bark and moved closer. The house was too far away. Ben and I would not make it. I dragged him up the slide in the playground. And there, I defended ourselves from the dogs.
It never happened. The closest for that to happen was when two dogs who dashed passed us as if to make fun of us. There was also the other time I was not paying attention and found a pack of dogs about 10 meters away from us – and at that moment Ben’s collar came off! I had to kept him calm, slid the collar back and take him home before he issued a challenge to the dogs. Yet, another time. I spotted a pack of dogs afar. I kept Ben quiet and circled the futsal court, making sure the dogs did not see us (and Ben did not see them). I hugged the futsal court and took Ben home.
Of course, there was the time on Malaysia Day last year when a mad old man purposely came near Ben to startle him. He barked naturally. The man took this as an excuse to want to hit Ben. I dragged Ben home. The man followed me home and threatened me.
And just a few days ago, in a attempt to allay a good friend’s fear of a certain creature, I told her my fear of meeting a pack of dogs in the park, together with Ben.
I do not fear for myself. There are hospitals and clinics I can ask Jesse to send me to. But which vet can I send Ben too early in the morning of after office hours?
This morning. I took Ben out as usual. It’s been a while since we get to walk 2 complete circles. So, today, I deliberately walked more. I saw a man walking towards us along the jogger’s path. I steered to the left. He moved to our side too. Ben, to his credit, did not so much as looked at the man, enjoying his walk. I wanted to complete the round and bring Ben to the car to send him to my mother’s place.
Now, I should have been more alert. Normal people do not go near a dog in the park on purpose. I was so careless I let this slipped. While I was walking towards the car, I sense something not right. Then I felt I was being followed. I don’t remember if I turned. I think I did. I saw the man trying to attack Ben with a tree branch. My natural instinct is to cover Ben with my body (this is another scenario that has played many times in my mind). And, once again, at this critical time, Ben’s shoulder harness (I have switched to the shoulder harness because the collar can slip out too easily and I do not want to make it too tight) came off his 2 front paws!
With the man shouting and threatening to beat Ben, I did not think twice. Now, I must tell you Ben is not used to being carried. I was worried Ben would run into the road. I was afraid the man would hit him. So, I carried him in my arms, and went straight home, open the latch, brought him in, latched the gate behind me, put him down, tried to calm him, yelled at Jesse (it’s his birthday today, God bless him!) to come out, and then had time to check on my right hand where Ben bit in panic.
There are three wounds. Not deep. Not much bleeding.
Looking through our walls, we could see the man still on a rampage. A home helper with a German Shepherd was shocked when she came to the side of my house. She was wondering why the man threw stones at them. I told him the man did not like dog and advised her to not go to the park today. She left for home. In the park, several people scolded the man. He was defiant and shouted back.
I did not have time for all that. I made sure Ben was calm. I cleaned the wound, plastered them and sent Ben to my mother’s house.
My family, my CG members, my community friends asked me to go take a jab. I was bitten by Ben twice last year. No jab. No problem. I did not want to take the jab. Then, my writing team writers would not take no for an answer. I took the jab. Not as painful as I thought it would be.
Through it all, I was upset. I was angry. But there was a peace in me. When I have Jesus in my life, I am not easily shaken. I now needs three plasters on my right hand. The three wounds are scattered. But I am fine. the left abdomen felt a bit funny. I hope I don’t have to be hospitalized. A pain in the lower left abdomen has seen me in the hospital twice. No reason found. But the pain was excruciating and throbbing and non-stop. I don’t want it now. Not free.
I hope Ben is not traumatized. I remember once when a pack of dogs approached Ben and me, the line dance group help shoo them away. I am thankful for their kindness. After this incident, my community discussed and suggested ways to stop this act of violence. My friends cared.
When the boat rocks. When the earth shakes. If you have Jesus in your life, you will not be shaken. I thank God I have Him in my life.
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