Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

so, so many things I could write about here – thankfully it would take some proper digging to recall them all as I’m at a place in life where I don’t spend too much time on should have, could have, and would have. note it and move on. regrets being nothing.

but, there is a very recent one still at the front of my processors…I was out walking in a public area, on a narrow path, when I came across a local man walking his three dogs off the lead. i’ve no issue with dogs, I’m friendly to those that show it and respectful of my distance with those that maybe don’t care for a stroke or interaction.

one of these dogs was german shepherd size and stood in front of me, looking aggressive and barking with the odd snarl. I obviously stopped dead in my tracks – I could hear the owner shouting from round the bend and he sounded a bit panicked which did little to reassure me that this dog wouldn’t have a go if I moved.

he came into sight and started berating me for not just walking past the dog and that my stopping had caused the upset. what the actual fuck?! are you for real you dickhead? you have no control over your animals – they don’t listen to you and shouldn’t be off a lead in any area if that’s the way they behave towards other people. put yourself in my shoes – minding my own business enjoying the nature and calmness when the equivalent of a fucking wolf comes hurtling round the bend, teeth out and tail under daring me to pass….what the fuck do you expect I’d do? pat it on the head as I push it out of the way to pass? I don’t know that it wouldn’t have a go do I?

what did I do? nothing. I just said okay and walked on past whilst I dissected the whole interaction – wasn’t more than 30 seconds from start to finish. looking back I do wish I’d have said something to him, rather than just letting it pass with an internal eye roll.

it’s a shared path you selfish bastard.