Dogs have been a main topic of discussion in most TV discussions and newspapers of late. Stray dogs have been scaring people with their loud barks and snarls. I personally had an experience of being bitten by a dog.
It was, I should admit, due to ignorance and not the innocence of a ten year old. We were then in Tuticorin where my father worked as the assistant director of fisheries. We played outside our houses with the children of our neighbourhood after coming back from school. We were allowed to play only till dusk. After that, it was study time and an early dinner.
On that particular day, I was standing in front of my neighbour’s house, waiting for my friend to come out to play. I saw her dog sitting lazily in her front yard; it did not even seem to notice me.
I made a growling noise just to get its attention. It was obvious that the dog did not like it because it raised its ears and growled back. I should have understood that. But I did not stop with that. I growled back again. This time the dog decided to show that it was irritated by giving out a louder growl which was enough for any sensible person to move away to a safe place.
Being playful and a little stupid, I did not stop with that. When I did it again, the dog leapt straight ahead and with its front paws, pounced on me. I turned back to run. But it was too late. The dog already had a taste of my hip. With blood oozing out, I ran to my mother.
Our friends from nearby houses came running to our house. Each one gave their own opinion as to what first aid should be given. I could see my mother crying and looking helpless.
Just then my father came in his office jeep. He had gone away on a week’s tour and was just getting back after a long journey. He was shocked to see a small crowd in front of our house. My father immediately took me to the hospital where I was given an injection and asked to come back after a few days. We were to check if the dog that bit me had any changes in behaviour!
Then started days of real hell. My father appointed a person just to watch the dog. Every day felt long. For my part, I enjoyed all the pampering and attention showered on me, not really knowing the danger of the situation. After three weeks, the house became normal again.
The dog was safe, so was I. From that day onwards, I have great fear of dogs. I avoid them wherever I can. Childhood experiences make a deep impact on our lives. We may forget recent incidents. But some childhood happenings stay in our memory card forever.