So Thursday morning(*4 days ago but who’s counting?*), I went for my morning run. I ran my usual route which includes a loop in the back of my neighborhood. That’s my favorite part of my route because they’re in the process of developing so there’s still some greenery and hardly any people.
Well, that morning there was a guy who was attempting to train his FULL GROWN GERMAN SHEPHERD. This dog, who was not on a leash, saw me running and started coming at me. The owner tried to stop him, but wasn’t much help as the dog had already had it in his mind that I was going to attack his owner and therefore he needed to attack me first.
I stopped and tried to crouch dog on the dog’s level (ngl I just thought it wanted to play). The dog came at me multiple times on my thigh and once on my booty as I tried to turn away. As you can see(sorry for the graphic imagery...I just want y’all to be aware of the dangers out there), the bite on my thigh needed stitches.
The man did feel bad, but we didn’t think it was that bad and I honestly felt bad for him. His wife had just died so someone gave him this German Shepherd to distract him, but the man had bites all over his arm as well from trying to train him. I told the man not to worry.
I thought I was fine and actually continued running as I still had 2 miles back to my apartment. However, I quickly realized I wouldn’t be able to make it. Thankfully, I called my friend and she was there within minutes. My amazing friend forced me to go to the hospital where I had to get stitches, shots, antibiotics, and pain meds. They are required to report animal bites and the dog will probably be quarantined for 10 days😬(I don’t want that to happen, I just want the owner to have help training the dog and for him to reimburse me for the medical bills...).
I’m not writing all of this for you all to feel bad for me, but rather for y’all to just be more aware of what’s out there. I never thought this would happen to me, but I’m now having to take time off of work and an unknown amount of time off of running. Runners, PLEASE be cautious of your surroundings. Animal owners, PLEASE keep your animals on a leash and be wary of those around you.
My friends and family have been more amazing than I ever could have asked and I am honestly so overwhelmed at the love and support I’ve received. [I went to therapy Friday because this really has shaken me up and they were so sweet and the front desk lady gave me a coloring book with butterflies, because their our thing, to keep me occupied- how freaking sweet?!?] The meds have really been messing with me so I’ve just been taking lots of nice lil naps and eating lots of yummy soup!
So yeah, sorry I’ve been MIA but I’ll be back in action hopefully soon. Trust me y’all, this is killing me but honestly I’m learning so much about myself and the art of REST. 🙌🏻
