The walk started out fine. We've learned which fences to avoid (that have the barking dogs behind them) and the route that gives us the best exercise. Usually, I hold Jenny's leash on the walk and do my best to keep up; my knees aren't what they used to be. We reached a section with an empty lot and Jenny decided it was time for a bathroom break. So Sandy took the leash while I picked up "the package" Jenny had bestowed on the grass. They walked ahead while I did my duty.
I caught up to them but had not yet taken the leash when we spotted a rabbit in the next yard. Both Forrest and Jenny love to chase rabbits. Forrest had no chance with the missing foot. He might take two or three steps, but he was easily reined in. Jenny, however, is 55 lbs of muscle and quickness. The leash was perhaps too long. Perhaps Sandy wasn't fully braced for Jenny's reaction.
Jenny saw the rabbit, paused a moment, and then bolted. Sandy's arm yanked forward. I thought she had tripped. Before I knew it, she was off her feet and landed with a thwack. It's not a sound I ever want my wife's body to make again. In the abrupt motion, the leash fell to the ground and was dragged as Jenny continued to chase the rabbit to the fence.
 |
| A few scrapes |
As sanity slowly returned to the scene, I grabbed the leash and corralled Jenny. I kept asking Sandy if she was ok. She said she was, and she seemed motivated to keep walking. I didn't know then, but her body was flooded with adrenalin, pushing her to keep walking rather than take a break. Her elbow and arm were scratched, and other extremities were sore. We finished the walk without major incident, and no other rabbits chose to show themselves. We cleaned Sandy up and covered the one spot where the skin had peeled back.
Jenny, we love you! The next time you see a rabbit, we're letting the leash go.
No comments:
Post a Comment