Our visit to the Animal Shelter today, made for interesting dinner conversation with Troy this afternoon.
Carson and I made our weekly pilgrimage to see the cats and dogs as we have for almost two months now. This visit was unlike any other we have experienced to date. It was not unusual to have a frisky puppy or cat. Or to even safely view more exuberant dogs from a safe distance on the other side of the well kept chain link gate. But today, well let's just say we had an a very excited puppy.
His name was Pepper. See pictures above. Pepper was mild enough to start, but he decided he wanted to jump on us. And then lost interest in his toys and decide to chew on us. First a little nip at me, okay, no big deal. Then on my sweatshirt, now that I took a little personal. Then he did what not mother can allow and decided Carson was his next victim.
His bite did not break the skin on Carson's forearm, but it probably didn't hurt that Carson was wearing two shirts. Thank God for that. He did draw blood with small scratch on Carson's stomach. I think Carson's heart was hurt more than anything. He has still been somewhat timid just coming out his shell with animals and he finally met a dog that was a little more aggressive than he could handle. He decided he was more of a cat guy and we went to visit the cats and feed them treats. See pictures.
While we were visiting the cats, Carson overheard someone say there were some cute puppies in the stray dog side. He wanted to go see them and give them treats. We made it through the stray dog side without a scratch, however our next issue came when we ventured into the usually tame adoption dog side. As we were entering we saw someone dropping a stray that looked like a boxer dog to me. Anyway, we were going along our merry way handing out treats, mostly I was handing out treats. Carson still a little leery and really glad there was a gate between him and the dogs.
All of the sudden, Carson says "Mama, that DOG.... it ..." Oh my goodness the dog that had just been brought in jumped, I mean leaped over the fence like you wouldn't believe. He stood between us and the door. Talk about panic. I remained calm for Carson's sake, but inside I was terrified. We didn't have any exposure to this stray dog that had just been brought in. We had no idea how he would react to us.
As calmly as I could, instructed Carson to go for the door and get help. He bolted and the dog went right after him. I got myself between Carson and the dog and told Carson to go. I threw dog treats in the opposite direction and got out the door myself. Talk about scary.
All was well, We opted to end our shift about ten minutes early. We'd had enough for the day. As we are getting in the car, Carson says "I think I am done being a volunteer". I tried to speak words of encouragement and said we'd talk about in a week, when it came time to go back.
My mother never let me quit anything (ballet from 3 years old until 8th grade and violin from 4th until 8th). I don't want to force him and I don't want him to have unnecessary fears of animals either. It seems there is a balance. I am going to pray about it, talk to Troy and to Carson and see where we come out. We have so enjoyed our time there, I'd hate to have it end on the only bad note we've had.
Carson does start back up with his horseback riding lessons next Tuesday, maybe one exposure to animals a week is good enough. We shall see.
3 comments:
Wow. Terrifying. I can see your dilemma. Tough to consider forcing him after that, but it would be sad to end on such a sour note.
I don't know why I used the word "force", because I would not forcibly require him to go back, but I do want him to consider going back perahaps just visiting with the cats next time. I just don't want our last visit to leave a bad taste in his mouth for dogs. He will have opporotunity at the horse farm to visit with not only horses, but with dogs and cats too. We will see how God leads us.
In the horseback world, we always said if you were thrown, to get back on the horse. I think this is true for the animal shelter. Go back with maybe returning to pet the cats and 'look' at the cute doggies. Maybe you need another experience with a butterball type:). This is a great life lesson! People get a little rough and God doesn't give up on us!
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