Robert Hruzek’s writing challenge this month is What I Learned From Bloopers, Mistakes, and Embarrassing Moments. No problem. I can do that. 😉
The incident that comes to mind is when I almost strangled a dog…accidentally, of course. I was working with Penny in the outside kennel area and had to go inside for a minute or two. I decided to let her stay outside in the fresh air, but she was an escape artist, easily climbing over 6- or 7-foot chain link fences. So I tied her leash to a convenient spot in one of the kennels and went inside.
Fortunately I did come back right away, because when I did Penny was dangling by her neck from the top of the fence. The leash had been long enough for her to reach the top and get over it, but not long enough for her to reach the ground. She understandably was frantic and I was none too calm myself. So I ran over to support her weight and undid the leash. When I put her on the ground she made a beeline over to the door to the indoor kennel area. And when I opened that door she ran straight into her kennel and made it clear she was staying there where it was safe. No more thoughts of exploring that day!
I don’t know if she learned a long-term lesson about climbing over fences, but I sure learned a lot about dealing with dogs like her. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. 😉
What About You?
What kind of painful/scary learning experiences have you had?
I think I am far too embarrassed to tell you! 😀
Grannymars last blog post..Creating a Consortium
Sounds like Penny had the same reaction a human would: if it were possible to die from embarrassment – they would!
Actually, it sounds a lot like my experience at a certain ski resort year ago…
Glad she (and you!) survived to tell the tale, though!
Tip o’ the hat, Jean, for the WILF entry!
The most scary one? Has to be the time that in an emergency once, I got into the car to drive to a nursing home. I was wearing the flip flop slippers that I normally wear at home. At a crowded lane, one of the straps of the flip flops broke and my right foot got entangled between the brake and the clutch and it was by some deft maneuvering that I was able to get the car to come to a halt without an accident or damage. Those few moments were the scariest ever for me. Since then, I never, ever, get into a car with just slippers on, even as a passenger, as you never know when you may have to drive.
rummusers last blog post..Why Toilet Paper Belongs To America.
Grannymar,
That sounds intriguing. 😉
Robert,
Yes, I remember your story about the ski resort. 🙂
rummuser,
Wow! That must have been scary.
My daughter was telling me something very embarrassing in a big voice as we went into The Lodge which was quiet, so empty we thought. We were passing the main room which we noticed, was full of parents at the Boy Scout Eagle Badge ceremony.
My daughter doubled up in laughter, which she does when embarrassed, which didn’t help matters any.
bikehikebabe,
Oops! It probably is better to laugh in a case like that.
I had a boss once who loved to talk about ‘giving me enough rope…’ Your story seems like the perfect visual for that concept. Glad the pup was OK.
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Fred,
Thanks for making that connection. I hadn’t heard that phrase in years, and you’re right, the incident was a perfect example of it.
Yes, I too was grateful she was okay. Poor baby. I never will forget the frantic look on her face. 🙂