You talkin to me?

I used to look forward to my walks every morning. Something about getting out in nature, taking photographs, having the dog with me. Since my knee replacement I dread it somewhat. Yet I go, and Hogan knows about the time we usually head out. He sits on the other side of the door keeping an eye on me.

Instead of the usual trail, I started on the other side of Big Woods lake today. New smells for Hogan and he was very excited. At the point where we would turn to go back to the car, I heard someone yelling. There is a dog further down the path romping our way. It wasn't on a leash and I didnt see any one following behind it. Great, Hogan is not the most socialized dog. He gets really excited but I don't trust if it would lead to more aggressive behavior or not. Instead, I avoid any confrontation. The dog got around Hogan and did the greet and sniff from the back. I didn't hesitate and kept walking hoping the owner would be coming soon. Finally up ahead, there she was, sitting on a bench. As I got closer I asked if that was her dog and she nodded. My concern was that Hogan (big chow with thick dense fur) couldn't be trusted and I would hate to have anything happen. She kind of scowled a response about it being a good way to teach her dog a lesson. I said, "No, I'm serious." So she got up and started yelling at the dog to get over to her, which only got mine excited and he in turn decided he wanted to get to her dog before she did. Finally she gets a hold of its halter and under her breath she mumbled 'bitch' as she went to sit back down.

Excuse me? Who is a bitch? Hogan? He is a male. Well, an it, but he aint no bitch. So I'm guessin she was referring to me!

I was stunned. I mean I hear rudeness all the time from customers in stores, at restaurants, from tenants- but this shocked me. There is a sign posted saying all dogs must be on a leash 6' or shorter. Hogan could have made breakfast out of that thing. (I doubt he would but I did not want to find out)

I continued on without responding thinking maybe she was there to think through some things. Maybe she lost her job, maybe she had to move back in with her parents. Or what if her bf broke up with her, or she was being evicted from her apt? It was too beautiful of a place to be so rude just because one is rude.

There are rare moments when I meet someone that is noticeably polite. When I do it is very refreshing. I showed the apt yesterday to a very young gal who was very well mannered. And she wasn't pretending just to impress me just so she had a better chance at the apt.
I wanted to rent to her on the spot.

I have been called the 'b' word before. Many times in fact but, be assured, I am only when need be. Usually, I aint no bitch.