The year of the stray


Being charged by dogs has become a bit more common on my daily walks. This is yet another sign of life after Hurricane Rita.

Just today a total of some five dogs in three separate incidents made a barking run for me. One was outside to pee and probably would have made mincemeat of the skin surrounding my ankles. The other four — left homeless by the storm — were larger and thus were more of an immediate concern. Fortunately I was able to shoo all four off with threatening gestures.

I suppose some circumstances exist why people with pets did not provide shelter for their animals. I just can’t think of any reasons right now. Sharing space with a pet is a big responsibility, or should be approached that way at least. I suppose some erroneously thought they would evacuate and return right after the storm passed. But I think having a pet requires a little foresight to ensure that pet’s security — the same as with any other family member. And I guess some packed their foresight in the same box as flashlight batteries when they ran from the storm.

Perhaps this year is going to be remembered as “the year of the hurricane” in the U.S. Maybe a subtitle will be “the year of the stray.” And it’s unfortunate.

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