Amazingly Animal Story - 36
Today, Moose saw a man minding his business and said “Not on my watch.”
A new internet company has been working in the ditch outside our house for hours installing lines. Since our yard isn’t fully fenced, I didn’t feel comfortable letting the dogs out freely, so I took them one by one on a leash.
The first two were normal...
Out. Pee. Back inside. No drama.
Then it was Moose’s turn.
At first, he was calm. Sniffed around. Found his spot. Peed. I let him wander a bit longer just in case.
And ignorantly… I allowed myself to believe we might get through this without an incident.
As I was coaxing him back inside, one of the workers walked past in the street - not even in our yard, a good 50 feet away.
Moose locked eyes with him.
No barking.
No growling.
Just silent… which might be worse.
Before I could react, he launched with full force.
I went down immediately & dropped the leash.
For reference: I was wearing loose pajama pants, one of my husband’s oversized shirts, no bra, and Crocs. So before I could even attempt a rescue, I had to quickly confirm there was no nip slip. Last thing I need is multiple public indecency violations.
By the time I got up, they were already halfway down the street.
I tried to follow too, but running while in crocs & no bra equals uncomfortable + body parts bouncing in ways they aren’t supposed to.
All I could think to do is yell out “HE’S NOT AGGRESSIVE, HE WON’T BITE YOU! HE’S JUST AN IDIOT!”
Which, in hindsight, probably wasn’t reassuring to a man actively being chased by a large German Shepherd.
Eventually Moose turns around & casually begins walking back towards our house - completely satisfied with himself. If he had hands, he’d be smiling and waving at the neighbors as he passed their houses.. That’s how proud he looked.
Five other workers stood by their truck watching the entire thing unfold like it was live entertainment.
I grabbed the leash - this time wrapping it securely around my wrist - and we waited for the man to return so Moose could apologize for his imbecilic behavior. Truthfully I wasn’t too sure he’d want to come near us ever again..
Thankfully, he did.
He met Moose. Accepted the apology. And chose not to press charges, which was generous.
Moose, of course, learned nothing.
We don’t have many internet options out here, and I was excited to switch…
But Moose has apparently taken it upon himself to ensure we never experience reliable Wi-Fi again.
I’m ONE incident away from pretending I don’t own him.
