I have to get out with the dogs before 6:00 am to make sure
I get everything taken care of before I leave. It’s DARK out there and NOBODY
else is out there. I’m not as concerned (or so I thought) because I have Strider
with us and he’s a big dog with a big bark. And I’m pretty sure he could do
some damage should anyone jump out of the woods suddenly. Not to take anything away
from my Tucker- I know he would chew the hell out of an attacker’s ankles.
Anyway, the other morning I was out particularly early
because I had to get to school particularly early and was particularly dark out
there. And it was, of course, on this particular morning that I heard two
noises that I’ve never heard out there before.
Let me tell you that my imagination ran out of control
before I knew what had happened and I was facing some irrational fears right then
and there.
I actually turned around to look behind us. And into the
woods. All the time wondering whether or not I’d be able to run fast enough
while Tucker went for the attacker’s ankles causing him to bend down thus
making it easy for Strider to go for the attacker’s jugular.
Oh, yes. It was going just like that. I was so glad to get
back to the car and go home.
At least I didn’t have the irrational fear that, once we go into
the car, someone was in the back seat waiting on the opportunity to jump
up behind me. Because Strider rides in the back seat. The thought did cross my
mind, only briefly, that someone could be in the trunk.
Remember that Karen Black movie with that little VooDoo type doll that came to life and chopped up her feet and legs with his big
knife?
Yeah, that’s all funny right now in the daylight. But at
night, or the early morning when it’s still dark out, it’s not all that funny.
This is exactly why I don’t watch horror movies anymore.
Now, if I could just stop watching all those Criminal Minds
reruns.
You are a brave woman! I used to walk Koda daily before we changed lifestyles and hubby is not working 40-hour weeks any more, but I rarely had to walk him in the dark alone. The few times I did, it was only in neighborhoods where there was a lot of light and people milling around here and there, leaving for work or coming home from work depending on time of day. Carry a big stick and a can of mace or pepper spray! And a big flashlight. Of course carrying all those things will make your hands full though. Do be safe out there!!
ReplyDeletebetty
I just couldn't do it. I would have ran straight back home. I am such a chicken.
ReplyDeleteI do not go outside in the dark, ever if I can help it.
I know there are things out there that make strange sounds and I know I can't see them but they can see me.
You have woods around you too. Gosh, it just creeps me out the first time you were talking of walking the dogs in the dark.
I think I would invest in a cattle prod. :) I remember walking that there was a pack of dogs. It was so scary. I just got a big stick then.
Keep safe.
betty- There have been a couple of people out there running in the dark but only on two days. And there are people who have moved into the new houses- but there are only 8 new houses and only 3 families have moved in and that's on the other side of the loop from where we walk. So it's really kind of creepy.
ReplyDeleteKim- I've only had one really freak out day. And I'm sure there's an explanation for what I heard. Though I'm not sure I would like it very much. LOL
Even in the house, in the dark, if I'm all alone...there are noises. Yup. I don't watch horror movies either. My imagination can do a very good job all by itself. Have to say that CM writers have a wa-a-y more intense imagination than I have LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is too scary for me. I could never walk in the dark!
ReplyDeleteStephanie- Me too! Those noises are never here when other people are around. And then, when the dogs hear something that I don't---holy crap! LOL
ReplyDeleteDebby- I could just let the dogs wait for Birdie to take them out when she gets up around 7:30 or 8:00 but they look so hurt when I do that. I know, I'm a total sucker. :)
ReplyDeletePam, I think this world has gone crazy. Or maybe I do watch too many things like Criminal Minds. Or the News. I don't know. But, if I were walking dogs at dark, I would be carrying a small container of pepper spray that I could easily get to in an emergency. And I would practice getting to it with both of those leashes in my hand so that I would know I could do it. Would-be attackers tend to choose easier prey. You already have dogs on your side, which is a good thing, but if they think they have a way to "sideline" them with meat or some such distraction, you want to have a back-up plan. Victory favors the person who plans. I say have a Plan B when you are out in the dark, more or less, by yourself. Do you watch NCIS? One of Gibbs' best rules: You might be paranoid, but that doesn't mean that someone isn't out to get you! (Sooner or later...) Upshot, always do the best you can to make yourself safe:) You are *precious.*
ReplyDeleteRobin- First, I've been to your blog enjoying your posts but keep forgetting that you have the word verification thingy and click off too soon. Second, I know what you're talking about. Maybe a concealed baseball bat would be the thing? LOL What I'd really like is a taser gun! Oh how I want one of those! Can't take it to school though. :)
ReplyDeleteThose Criminal Minds reruns scare me to death even during the day. They are scary! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd like walking in the dark either, even with dogs, though I take your point about 2 of them being able to deal with an attacker.
ReplyDeleteBut I think there is probably an explanation for the noises you heard, probably a woodland creature heading off to bed after a night's activities.
Do keep safe.
I'm such a scarty cat! I even get spooked when I let our dog out before daylight, and we have a fenced in yard.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made it back ok. One time several years ago when my son was working for a company in Shreveport, he got in the company van that morning, and looked up to see someone in the rear view mirror. He said he nearly messed his pants trying to get out of there. LOL It was evidently a homeless person as he ran off. Someone had left the doors unlocked the day before.
I wouldn't want to trade places with you, there are too many people/things I wouldn't want to encounter in the dark. Although no matter what my imagination might make up I'm not giving up horror movies.
ReplyDeleteI thought about walking the dogs at 5:30 but we are having wolf and bear issues out here and even if I carry a weapon I just know I'll pee my pants if even an owl would hoot. So I guess that's not going to happen. Be safe when you're out and about.
ReplyDeleteTake care Pam. Blessings!!
You and me girl, I love Criminal Minds, especially the ones with Shemar Moore as the main character....I don't go out at night or early morning anymore because here in the desert there are way too many weirdos at that time, not to count mountain lions etc. DO you have some pepper spray with you? I carry it everywhere I go, just in case. :)
ReplyDeleteBeing out there in the dark would totally creep me out -- and thinking of scary movies while being out on my own ... even scarier!!
ReplyDeleteSaturday morning -- early, early -- I heard the dog whimpering. Since he is one to leave a gift for me at the back door if he has to go, I got up at 4 a.m. and leashed him up. There I go down the street in my pjs for who is going to drive by. Well, of course there did come a car. And it freaked me out. But I guess I lived to tell.
ReplyDeletei always tell people about that movie and how it traumatized me!!!!
ReplyDelete