A letter to my neighbor.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:35am

Howdy, Neighbor –

I’m the person you cut off and almost ran off the road when you went tearing out of the neighborhood this morning at about 75 miles per hour. I wanted to give you a quick update, just in case you were wondering what happened.

That dog you hit after you passed me (while you were on the phone and eating your Pop-Tart)? Well, he didn’t die, even though he was pretty badly hurt. Surprisingly, even though I was shaking and crying so much, I was able to get him to the closest vet – listening to him gasp for breath the entire way. Unfortunately, he couldn’t be saved, but fortunately, the kind doctor was able to attend to him quickly and humanely.

The dog’s name was Buster. We know this because he had a tag on, which also had the address of where he lived printed on it. Thankfully, I’ve been able to let them know, so they wouldn’t have to always wonder what happened to their friend. Just so you know, I was also able to give them your name and address, because I knew who you were and what happened. You might be hearing from them.

On a personal note, I’d just like to say that it is not the world’s problem if you are late in the morning, and the rest of us certainly don’t deserve to be put in danger because you’re too stupid/lazy/apathetic to manage your life. There’s a part of me that does hope that you managed to get where you were going without killing anything else – like a child, for instance. But honestly, there’s another part of me that hopes you don’t ever get to read this because you took a turn too quickly and went right into a light-post.

As my partner likes to say sometimes to those he feels deserve it (even though he’s usually a very nice man) – HAVE A F*CKED DAY!

[RobbO]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:38am

dgrant, that's horrible. i'm glad you're okay and thank you for taking care of the dog. you're a prince.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:43am

Oh my God, that's awful! Your neighbour, not your letter... I hate people sometimes. The letter is wonderful.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:44am

D, first the newborn bird and the neighbors hungry cat and now the dog killing death machine on wheels. Sadly, it's not a lovely day in the neighborhool. Good for you for writing the letter and good for you for being the humane soul that you are.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:45am

What kind of dog was it?

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:45am

God almighty, D, what a horrible way to start your day. Thanks for being a good Samaritan.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:51am

That is dreadful! How much is a rush can you be to hurt a dog??!

I'll remember this if ever I rush somewhere!

How kind of you to help him.

Your kindness will hold you in great stead at some other time!

I love dogs, in fact, give me a black lab over almost anyone! - I'll be happy!

[mominator]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:53am

DG I love you, souds like your neighbor has a brother that lives down the street from me. A great big hug to oone of the kindest posters that is on the board. (Someday I have to give you a hug in person!!)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:55am

Boobs - he was a 'true American' - a mutt (mostly terrier, I would think.) But he was a beautiful brown, hence the name. The family was not very happy, of course (he'd been with them for about 10 years) but they were pleased to know that someone took care of him under the circumstances.

And they were happy to get the name and address of 'the killer'.

It really WASN'T the best way to start a day, but it could have been worse.

As for the baby dove, he's actually has been flying more each day - and he likes to sit quietly in the courtyard and rest because he knows it's safe
Updated On: 8/26/05 at 11:55 AM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:04pm

Do you actually know which neighbor it was? Are you planning on actually delivering the letter?

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:14pm

*big bear hugs for DG*

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:14pm

The letter is already taped to her door.

And the kind words about me are very sweet, but I think most people would have done the same thing - at least, I'd like to think so. In fact, I'm certain almost ANYBODY else would have handled it more gracefully than I did - you would have thought I was the one who got hit

[yodamarie78]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:19pm

You are a wonderful person for taking care of that dog. I find it so hard to believe that someone would hit a dog and just keep going. You are my hero for that and for delivering that letter.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:21pm

Good for you. If she doesn't respond, I hope you will circulate the letter to your neighbors.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:28pm

Well, I obviously have a copy of it, and the thought had occurred to me. I'm going to wait and see what happens with the interaction between her and this family. They have 2 children who basically grew up with Buster, and they plan on having her explain things to them. That might be enough of a lesson right there.

If, however, she chooses to confront me about it, we may have a different scenario on our hands.

The SADDEST thing to me is that I KNOW she knew what happened. She swerved, and then slowed down down the street, and I could see her looking behind her. But at that point, I became focussed on Buster and she disappeared.

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:33pm

I have so little faith in people when someone like her crosses my path... that dog belonged to someone. It could have been MY dog.

But thank God there are always kind people like yourself that restore that faith.

[shira467]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:48pm

Poor doggy -- thanks for taking care of him, DG. I hope everyone will act the way you do!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:50pm

Unbelievable that she didn't know she hit an animal....the owners should contact the police. It's still considered a hit and run I'm sure.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:52pm

Unfortunately, the dog was unleashed and unattended.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:55pm

So if i child ran out of their back yard and was hit by a maniac they would say..Oh well....he was unattended..so too bad?

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:00pm

Beaver...I think if they unleased the 2 of us together California would be experiencing the worst eathquake ever !!!

[beacon1]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:03pm

DG...Thank goodness you were there when that poor dog needed you and could help him. Blessings have been added to your bucket, I'm sure!

As for the driver, I bet she'll deny it.

[shira467]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:05pm

How can people be so cruel?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:08pm

SOMMS is unfortunately correct. When I went by the family's house, we called the police to see what reality was - and it's just like he said.

Beac - even if she denies it, she'll know herself what the truth is, and that's what she'll think about when she tries to go to sleep.

I know this is perfectly evil to think, but I kind of hope the kids have a complete breakdown when she's forced to confront them. THAT'S something that would be hard to get around.

And if she ultimately just REALLY doesn't care, then I'm back to hoping she hits a pole. Talk about evil!
Updated On: 8/26/05 at 01:08 PM

[shira467]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:09pm

It's a bit evil. But she needs to have some serious remorse for her actions.