Dog Park

It is hard to be judged. As I've aged, it becomes easier to let people have their opinions of my choices and keep them in perspective. I remember being in my 20's and accidentally blocking someone's driveway. I returned to a keyed up car and I felt terrible for days about what I had done to the owner of the blocked driveway. I couldn't even muster up indignation at the damage to my car. I felt I pretty much deserved it for not paying closer attention. It was an accident but someone out there thought I did it on purpose and that just ate at me.

Today I came out of the store to find this on my windshield. 

I quickly double checked. Did I flake!?

No all the windows WERE cracked.

I'm trying really hard not to be defensive. It seems silly to defend myself against an anonymous note but it is a small town and it kills me to think that anyone would believe that I put Molly jeopardy. It is especially frustrating as I planned my whole day (and life) around the care and comfort of this little, allergy ridden, rescue dog. This trip in particular I planned so that I could take her for her outting before the temperature rose into the high 60's and the sun was high. I checked my car thermometer before I ran into the store, 61. I cracked ALL the windows and ran my errand (15 minutes).  

So if it was you that wrote the note, thank you for worrying about dogs in cars and caring about my dog. I worry about dogs in cars too. People don't realize that even in the 60's cars can heat up. I do. I wish you had waited for me or signed your name so I could show you the windows were cracked and we could both agree it was a misunderstanding. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so bad. I wonder (and I mean it sincerely not with spite) how you feel? Are you mad at me? Did you note my car and my dog? Will you roll your eyes when you see me at the dog park?

I want to change your mind about all of it but I can't.

So now I just have to sit here with it and I really wish I didn't.

Comments

[Donna]

This is beautiful and it makes me sad because I understand it so well.

[Sheila Cameron]

My sister made a good point. If one dog or child is saved from me blogging about this than the whole thing was worth it. I'll take that. I still hope the person who wrote it reads this and sees she/he was mistaken...not wrong...just mistaken...

[Michelle O'Connor]

Sounds like an episode of Portlandia! You did nothing wrong! Your windows were cracked and you were only gone 15 minutes! This anonymous note-leaver is plain dumb to leave that note when your windows were clearly cracked. He/She needs to get some perspective and not be so quick to judge or at least do a little investigating before leaving an ignorant note!If they are so concerned, they should put their energy where it matters and not go around leaving self righteous anonymous ( & cowardly) notes for people! It was probably a know-it-all 16 year old. No worries!

[Geoff]

Some people consider themselves more important than they really are and sometimes they just need to STFU and mind their own business.

Especially when they go out of their way to waste a portion of a tree to leave a note demonstrating how much they care, but how little they pay attention.