Agoraphobia Support Group

Dear friends,

I was off for one day and I had a terrible experience. It started off as a good day. I had my three cups of tea I allow myself when I'm not working. I got up early and went to the computer to write my book and also enter a short story contest due soon. Well, a few hours later, I get a phone call from a call center in India yelling at me about a bill I paid years ago that the hospital that closed mistakenly sent to collection. She made me angry but I held my own realizing she couldn't tell me anything about my bill because she didn't have any information or my right address.

Just when I was settling down to write, the horrible thing happened. The man who just moved in the back of my house must have dragged his dog to the back, right near my window and beat him with a stick, his fists and kicked him. I couldn't believe I was seeing this and froze. I wanted to yell, to make him stop, and I ran for the phone and called the humane society. By the time I got back, dog was gone, man was gone and I was a wreck. I beat myself up thinking the dog might have been killed by this maniac. Why didn't I yell stop? Was I afraid because of my past traumas that he would beat me too? What could a dog do that wouuld make a human so mad that he would do that. It was a vicious attack and I pray that the dog is still alive. The officer called me and asked for more information today but I was working. The man had a weapon, like a bat and I am just sick about this. I was almost happy to leave my former sancturary and go to work thinking dogs are much better than many humans. Please say a prayer that dog is ok, and that the man will pay for this. and forgive me for not yelling for him to stop. I was simply frozen with fear. I did run for help, but it seems dogs who get beat up are not a big deal in my area. I wish the team at "Rescue Ink" at Nat Geo would come and beat that guy like he beat his dog. Anyway, thanks for listening and know, staying home can be stressful too. There is no escape from life. Love Maya

Maya, that is just horrible! It sickens me to no end when innocent, sweet animals are abused! That man should degini definitely be punished -- what a siclko!!!!!!

People who do not have compassion for animals have no compassion for any living thing, in my opinion!

Dear, please don't feel badly about being frozen in fear. just last week, that happened to me. My employer was leaving the house in a huff, while her 2 1/2 yo s on just wanted a hug! She pushed him away, and he fell to his knees, sobbing. For about 20 seconds, I could not move, either. It was as if I WAS THT CHILD! I know tht there were probably a zillion thoughts going through your mind while feeling numb a t the same time.

Is there a way that you can find outif the dog is OK? That sweet dog needs a loving, forever home! This man sounds like he may hae have many problems! (Sorry, my backspace key is not working tonight).

You did the right thing -- calling the humane society. Sadly, animal abusers are not punished severely enough, and think that they can get away with hurting animals who always love unconditionally.

I still feel sick after reading your story. I'm so sorry you had to witness it firsthand. And, I agree with you. Tht man needs to be punished! What a shameless coward!!! Being cruel to a dog, who is much more helpless than he.

Does this guy have a BIG TIME anger/rage problem? God, I hope the sweet dog is OK< too!! Give yourself lots of TLC, Maya. You did call to try to protect the dog -- you did what needed to be done. I admire you.

so sorry!

Bad things do happen at home.

There are some things I can't do at home, too.

the other day I finally did some cleaning.

Thank you for sharing this.

Anger is hard to watch.

It feels unsafe.

J.

Maya,

You need to forgive yourself. There is no judgement on you, but the one that you put upon yourself. I have learned that evil people exist. They are in the world and often times get away with terrible acts of violence against others, including animals. Sometimes they get what they deserve!

I was watching the news yesterday and a man in Northern California had shot a sea lion in the head with a shotgun. Miraculously, it survived and swam away (good thing he was not a good shot). His companion turned him in and the Dept of Fish and Game raided the guys house. They arrested him for discharge of a firearm...cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor.

Cheryl

Hi friends,

I am fine, my computer had a glitch for awhile.I thank you all for your kind responses to my dilemma. Dog is still alive . I went over and checked and officer says I have to make a report and confront maniac but I don't know if this will be good for my mental healthl. Think I will just call 911 next time.

I agree. Confronting someone is scary and can put you at risk mentally. Do whatever is right for you.

Billi

Maya, what an awful, horrible experience to have to witness. It's so much harder when it's animals who are being hurt because they are so utterly powerless, helpless and completely without a voice. I would have reacted the same way, in silence. I think it's shock. I hope you're feeling a little safer and better now as time has passed. I realize these kinds of atrocities go on every day and I'm only fortunate that I don't have to see it happening. I see things on television all the time though with animals and it really upsets me. People can be so cruel and insensitive in so many ways and don't even appear to know it. Ignorance is cruel. It must have brought up so much for you too as you referred to trauma which makes that kind of shock experienced so much more intense. Animal foundations are my favorite charity. They suffer in too many ways at the hands of human beings.

I hope you are feeling better.