Chessie Smile

Scary Big Dog

Boy, it's been a long time since I let everyone know what I was up to. Well, the last month has been a good period of adjustment and getting even more comfortable with my Family. I love them all so much. Mama, Dad, and that little guy who comes around sometimes, James. I finally figured out BATHROOM, and I think that made Mama and Dad very, very happy.

We go for WALKS all the time now. Every day after Dad and I come home, we all go for a walk. Usually we go down the street to this big grassy place and Dad throws a ball around for me. On weekends we go for longer walks through the cemetery, which is full of neat smells.

Yesterday's walk, though...hmmm. I went out with Mama. We went a different way and I was nervous because there were more cars than usual and some strange dogs barking. After a while I picked up an old trail of my own smell and then I knew where we were going: the school playground! We got there and Mama threw my ball for me a bunch of times, and every time I brought it back to her I got a treat. Then we left the school and started home.

We were going along the sidewalk when all of a sudden this HUGE black dog came rushing up to me. I have seen this dog before, but only when he's in his fenced yard. He runs up and down the fence while we are on the sidewalk. Now he wasn't in his yard, he was coming right up to me, not wagging his tail or anything! I put my paws up in fear and this dog jumped on me and knocked me over. He snarled and growled and bit at me and I cried and tried to get away. He kept jumping on me even as I went around in circles. I think Mama was completely dumbfounded because she didn't say anything, and the smell of FEAR was thick in the air. Then there was a loud shout and this man came running up and grabbed hold of the big dog's neck and whomped him a couple of times and then booted him back into the house he came from. I was shaking and had my tail tucked under. Mama tried to lead me on and I was very nervous about passing in front of the big dog's house. I just wanted to go home. I made it past the corner and Mama said, "We never have to walk that way ever again." When we finally got home I was so relieved I had a big drink of water and took a big nap. I slept like a rock until Dad got home from his visit with James. Then I had lots of puppy loving. Mama told Dad about my encounter with the Big Black Dog and she said, "I was so surprised, I didn't know what to do. I should have kicked it, or screamed NO, but it just happened so fast."

Poor Mama. Well, when I get bigger, I'll show that mean old black dog a thing or two. He won't be able to pick on little old me much longer.