Lost in Translation

NIP, BIT, HERD, HURT…..

I was doing laundry and Charley was waiting in the hallway while I quickly darted back into my apartment for another quarter for the wash (I forgot it went up to $1.00) when I suddenly i thought I heard a “HEY!!!!! YOUR dog just bit me.” I came running out and said,” she just bit you?” I was extremely concerned. This would be a first.

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He shook his head. “No, no, no, she just nipped me. She always likes to come up behind and then nips me. I don’t like anything coming up behind me.” He always has one or two black eyes when I see him.

Oohhhh. Ok…that’s it???? Thank goodness. It sounds like she could’ve been shot if it was more than nipping.

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I said, kinda giggling, also kinda hoping it would alleviate any dark feelings, “Oh no. She just wants to HERD you.”

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He smiled. (Great!) and replied, “oh well that’s not too cool. But, no, she didn’t hurt me, because that would have been the last of that, I tell you.” Ugh. You’re so lucky Charley.

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It was then that I suddenly realized this happened before, only it was with a small child, and 2 others in their early teens, and their mom, I believe. I only saw the small one wobbling in front of the family pack. Charley had jumped into action, sounding an”ATTENTION” bark, telling everyone to straighten up and get it together. The small one’s whole body jerked, eyelids fluttering from shock, gearing up for the huge wail, and the others instinctually jumping in front, while the mother grabbed her up. If looks could melt. I had hurriedly tried to say, “No, no! She just wants to herd the children! Like sheep!!!” As soon as herd came out of my mouth, I could tell she thought I said hurt. And I may have. I was so flustered.

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That day I wasn’t able to explain because they hastily left the scene. I wasn’t about to chase them down. Charley would’ve been in front.

I relayed that story, in which he ended up laughing and told me, “It’s all good.”

I was relieved it was all good. It sounded at first that Charley escaped a fate undesired if she’d taken a chunk from his ankle.

There’s all good twice. How gross.

Funny little thing. Charley nipper-skipper…