One of the joys in life is going for a walk. With ideal conditions, I prefer to take mine in the early morning, around five, when the neighborhood is sound asleep. No one to bother me. Just a walk...not even with earbuds producing either music or a Podcast. I do have a friend who accompanies me a few times a week. A few weekends ago, we were not alone.

    As we headed east, with the sun finally breaking through the horizon, a woman was out with her two dogs; pretty typical. The woman must not had realized the power of her white dog. It was not big, nor did it tug at her, but it was fierce. To allow us to pass, the woman remained on the sidewalk, hunched over, attempting to tuck both dogs. This tuck failed. The white one bursted onto my right knee, causing me to lose my balance as we passed. Since I was the one closest to Cujio and its owner, my hand teetered directly into its mouth, which he took ahold with a mighty grip. Upon release, my ring and pinky fingers ached. “That dog bit me,” I told my friend, who then said, “We should tell her” and then demanded us to say something as blood dripped from my finger. So we stopped as the dogs dragged the woman closer.

    “Your dog bit my friend.”

    “No...nope...she went to pet my dog.”

    This was not possible. I avoid dogs whenever I can. Due to previous encounters, I keep them at bay, and pray that the owner is responsible enough to know the capabilities of his or her dog. Not the case here.

    “Yes, ma’m. Your dog did bite me,” I said wondering if the woman would stop walking forward. She did not, providing a second opportunity for the white beats to jump on my left leg. With now two bruises and two bitten fingers in tow, I snapped a picture and walked home.

    At home, I look pictures of my hand and legs, and went to the police department to file a complaint. Within a few hours, the officer found the woman and spoke to her. I didn’t know if she was given a citation, but at least she told the officer that her snow beast had its rabies shot recently. Was anyone at fault? Or was this just plain, dumb circumstance?