Wonderful... :(

[RusTy/SE]

On my way home from work...same route every day...things go into slow motion...except for the not quite mature German Shephard (Baleaux - pr. baloo - as I would find out) running full speed from the driveway between two houses followed by a small boy with no chance of catching the trailing leash.

My passenger side back end going updown...and I just knew...looked back as I slowed down to see the boy cradling a lifeless family member. Weird...rush hour but a large enough break in the traffic for me to u-turn and go back.

No apparent broken bones, no blood, but we knew. By this time other family members are there; a small girl, parents. I helped carry Baleaux to in front of their house just down the side street...no sign of life. They were all saddened but assured me it wasn't my fault...thanked me for coming back..my folks raised me to be accountable but today's lesson is that accountability will depend on the circumstances. The mother carried Baleaux to the backyard as we all dispersed...I walk back to my truck...no damage but I could tell where the impact was...

Man.......crud.....

I haven't been signed on much lately for so many reasons, but because of the members this place seemed better for posting than fb. Catharsis I guess

I'll say a prayer tonight for a small family member I never knew but give your's a few words 

 

[spamtank]

Rusty,

Sorry to hear about that tragedy.  I'm most thankful it wasn't the child. 

Will be thinking about that family, and you as well.

Here's to a Happy 2012 in any case.   

[hpe600rt]

that just sucks

[challengermaniac]

Same thing happened to me in rual America where the family dogs run free.  Problem is, those darn dogs didn't attend crosswalk school.  We both feel bad about what happened to the poor pups, but I can't help but think the owners should have been more responsible.

[jimynick]

It sounds like you're a caring man, who was, indeed, brought up right and you did the right thing. It's a sad thing, but if it'd been the child, it'd be a tragedy. Let's hope the Buddists are right and he'll come back as something better. Lousy way to end a year and hope the new one is better for you. Ian

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Very sorry to hear that, sometimes there just isn't a thing you can do about it.   

[Topcat]

Sorry to hear that Russ. Nothing you could've done.
Were here to cheer you up whenever you need.

[4Cruizn]

Yeah . . Not happy stuff there.   

[Road_Runner]

I'm very glad it wasn't the boy too, but that doesn't change the heartache everyone involved is feeling.  Our animals are always part of the family and having lost my 15 year old Australian Shepherd this year to liver disease I can so relate to the family's loss.  I can tell you're good people or you wouldn't be taking it so hard.  Take care and know you couldn't have done anything differently.

Later, Jim 

[Super Blue 72]

Like the others have said, glad the little boy didn't get hurt.  You did the right thing by going back. 

You think bringing the little boy to a animal shelter and let him pick out a puppy/dog might help?  Just a thought...

[Chryco Psycho]

Just unfortunate timing I am glad almost everyone is OK , too bad for the puppy 

[72rtchallenger]

yea that sucks,glad you turned around,that's what most of us would do, I have done it myself when I hit a neighbors dog,it was more comfort to the heart to do the right thing,,I try to miss   hitting any animal but sometimes you cant,,as they don't know what a car or truck can do,,its sad but we are only be human,,any decent person mourns the loss of a friend or a pet,,I miss many pets and friends but know they will greet us when we life hits us as the main Shephard will greet us all one day and all will be right in the world

[RusTy/SE]

Thanks for responses everyone , I posted that less than half an hour after it happened so it was a bit difficult to get coherent words down, the emotions still somewhat fresh. The picture in my mind's eye of that boy kneeling cradling his friend's head will be with me for a while. Thinking back i'll be a better person for knowing how i reacted and I believe the family will take a positive note knowing despite no shortage of sad news in the world, there are still folks who help just because.

You guys are the best

Rusty,

I'm most thankful it wasn't the child. 

Here's to a Happy 2012 in any case.   

I definitely agree

[torredcuda]

That sucks.I just had a small young dog walk in front of my truck the other day but luckily I was far enough away to slow down in time.I saw the dog go into someones yard so I turned around and was going to try and catch it so it didn`t get run over but another car had also stopped and the women looked to be bringing the dog back home so all was good.

[brads70]

Aww sorry to hear about that, tough one for sure.   Wasen't your fault though! You did the right/honourable thing by stopping.