Dog Bites Man, Man Nearly Gets in Fight For First Time in Adult Life
I am keeping it together. Really, I am. I am taking care of my wife, I am taking care of my kids, my lawn is green and neatly mown.
But — and this was a surprise to me — I evidently have a little bit of anger, too. Anger that isn’t choosy about its target.
First, though, let’s talk about what I’ve learned about Susan.
Busted
When the doctor came over to our house yesterday, he took one look at Susan and said he’d bet money her collarbone was broken.
Later that day, after the portable X-Ray had been here — a kind of cool machine, really, mounted on its own hand truck, the camera arm pivots out and locks with a single spring-loaded pin — the doctor was shown right. Susan’s collarbone was weakened from the inside by cancer metastases; just lifting her arm while she rolled over was enough to finish the job.
The doctor says he’ll call back today and we’ll start talking about options.
After which I got Susan doped up on morphine, then went to my desk, ostensibly to get some work done.
half an hour later, I IM’d my boss and told him I needed to take the rest of the day off work. I was useless.
MTB Rage
So I went on a mountain bike ride. Which I thought would help, but wound up realizing — as I started the return descent down Hog Hollow toward home — that I couldn’t remember any details whatsoever of the ride.
Then — on the wide jeep road descent — I passed a couple with their dogs, walking in the other direction. I nodded as I went by.
And then one of their dogs bit me. Right calf.
I stopped, mostly out of surprise. It hadn’t hurt much. I looked at my calf. Slobber, but no blood.
But still, someone’s dog had bitten me! While the owner was right there.
Standing astride my frame, I pivoted around and looked at the man. He met my gaze, and did not say a word.
“Did your dog just bite me?” I asked, rhetorically, and frankly boggled that he wasn’t apologizing to me and disciplining his dog.
“Yeah,” he replied. No apology in his voice.
“And?”
He said nothing. Just kept looking at me.
“Just ‘yeah?’” I said.
I swung my leg over and started walking to him. I did not have a plan for what I would do once I got there. All I had wanted was an apology. But instead I was getting this casual arrogance. I was not going to tolerate it.
The woman he was with — wife, I’m guessing — intercepted me and gave me the apology I wanted, checking my calf to see if I had been hurt. I hadn’t, not really.
I turned back to my bike and went on my way.
And that’s when I told myself, “Something is wrong with me.” I’m not the guy who gets angry, certainly not over a dog nip — probably a playful one — that didn’t even break the skin. I’m the guy who would have turned around and yelled at the guy that he needed to get his dog’s teeth sharpened, because they’re clearly ineffectual.
Or at least, that’s the guy I want to be, and usually am. Right now, though, I’m the angry guy other people quietly say to each other “What is his problem?” about.
It’s short-term. I will cool down.
But I can’t help but wonder in what ways this is permanently changing me.
Fight Cancer, Meet Famous People, Go to Fancy Big Budget Movie Premiere
My interaction with famous people is limited to the fact that people keep telling me I look like Stanley Tucci.
Separated at birth? You decide.
My sister Jodi over at Pistols and Popcorn, on the other hand, knows famous people. And her friend Michelle Williams recently finished a film called “Shutter Island,” directed by Martin Scorsese. The cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, and Max Von Sydow. And me!
Except for the “and me!” part.
Anyway, Michelle’s giving Jodi a couple passes to the to the Red Carpet Premier of “Shutter Island“, to take place in New York, in September/October of 2009. And Jodi’s going to use those passes to raise money to fight cancer. The winner — you, I hope — will get to hang out with Michelle, and probably other people. I’d say more about what your night will be like, but it’s simply too unimaginably fabulous for me to comprehend.
I could not be prouder of Jodi for putting this together. I’m trying, but I just can’t.
Go over to Jodi’s blog to learn the details, and enter. Oh, and promise me that you will wear a “Team Fatty” jersey to the premiere.
I understand everyone will be wearing one.
Comment by Steve Courtright | 06.3.2009 | 10:47 am
Fatty: The same anger thing happened to me after my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I had my car in for an oil change, the oil service light had come on. The service mgr. said my vehicle warranty was probably void because I waited too long to get the oil change. I lost it and they nearly called the police to calm me down. The deal is that you are feelings are normal to a person with a really stressful life. Sure, the outside stuff looks like you have it all under control. The stuff you can’t control is what is messing you up. Time to call someone – I did, and it helped a lot.
Comment by DOLPH74 | 06.3.2009 | 10:58 am
remember when a dog is chasing you pretend you are in the film american flyers in the scene where they are being chased by buster(?) the dog and make like Grahame Obree (cycling genius and original thinker).Love the blog. Kep on pushing on brother.
Comment by gargoyle | 06.3.2009 | 11:00 am
Fatty: The couple with the dogs were, at best, a couple of putzes. If *YOUR* dog, leashed or not, bite/nips/snaps at someone and it does/does not break the skin, AT A MINIMUM, you need to apologize and ask if the person is OK. The guy’s reply of “Yeah” implies he’s an arse, at, at a minimum, deserves a slap upside the head for being a jerk. Sorry it happened to you.
That said, yeah, Steve’s right. Talking to someone is something you should do. It’ll help keep you from cracking.
Comment by Debbie | 06.3.2009 | 11:00 am
I completely understand the anger. When my brother was dying of liver cancer, I lost it in a restaurant just becuase my burger wasn’t cooked the way I wanted it. I used words I didn’t even know I knew – and, trust me, that isn’t like me. At all. I was just so angry that life was going on around me like things were normal and it wasn’t normal at all. And, I hate to tell you this, but it will change you. You won’t be the same, how could you be? But you’ll be different in a good way, if you let it. I determined I wouldn’t miss the lessons of my brother’s illness. You’re a good person, you’ll make it through. People you don’t even know are praying for you and your family. Hang in.
Comment by curtis | 06.3.2009 | 11:08 am
Fatty – it will probably be years before you realize just how this fight has changed you. My friend’s (now wife) father was diagnosed in April 2000 with colon cancer. It’s been a battle ever since either in his colon, liver, lungs, lympnodes – you name it. Then to top it off, her brother/father’s son/my would have been brother-in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006 at the age of 26 and lost his battle in only 8 months. It changes you forever, the way you look at things, the way you react to things. Cycling helps get your mind off of it, but then when the ride is over you’re right back at it. Hang in there, what you’re doing with Team Fatty and LIVESTRONG is simply amazing. I’m involved with ACS’s Relay For Life as well as LAF – I’ve never seen 1 person make as big a difference as you have. WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 06.3.2009 | 11:12 am
As the others here have said, your experience of anger in the face of these hard things you can’t control is normal. Talking to trusted friends, a counselor, exercising, even blogging about it are all good ways to let off the steam productively. It’s OK to be where you’re at. You’ll make it.
My prayers are with you, Susan and your family. And your fundraising page just gained a few more bucks. After everything you’ve been going through these past few days, I just had to do some small tangible thing, that I hope will give you some encouragement.
WIN!
Comment by Rantwick | 06.3.2009 | 11:16 am
The day I will believe that Susan’s fight and the stresses associated with will turn someone as positive as you into an angry, negative person for any length of time is the day… well, there is no such day. Hang tough, man, and cut yourself a little slack.
Comment by Rantwick | 06.3.2009 | 11:19 am
PS – Seperated at birth, for sure.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 06.3.2009 | 11:20 am
Same advice Talking is good. Talk. Stay strong.
Good luck to Susan with the collar bone.
As to Stanley Tucci, I’d say he looks more like you than you like him, but then, who am I to say? ;o)
Comment by GrannyGear | 06.3.2009 | 11:23 am
Any chance your boss and the anonymous pharmacist are related? Stay strong and Win Susan.
Comment by Trail Dog Craigers | 06.3.2009 | 11:26 am
I understand that your mental state is taking a real beating right now Fatty, but honestly, I think there is more wrong with the dog owners than there is with you.
Comment by Fletch | 06.3.2009 | 11:35 am
Understand the need to vent.
As long as you keep it directed at people who deserve it, no problem (Idiot dog man). The answer is not to take it to the next level – keep it verbal and not physical.
All the best to your Family,
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Pat in Oak Ridge | 06.3.2009 | 11:40 am
Fatty,
My 2 cents worth. Maybe you should take off from work for an extended time and spend time with Susan. You are an amazing man, and your anger is understandable. She needs you right now. There will be time to ride and work later. Is she in hospice care? I will be praying for your family.
Pat
Comment by Kt | 06.3.2009 | 11:42 am
It’s at times like these that one of the best remedies is to scream at the top of your lungs. Pick the mid point of your ride to do it– get off your bike, set it carefully aside, and holler your lungs out. Or, pick a great downhill and scream down it. Literally, of course.
Anger is a response to the stress you’re feeling. Use it for good, not evil. And yes, talking to someone about it is a good thing.
Re: Stanley and you: definitely separated at birth. :)
Susan– broken collarbone sucks!!! Keep your chin up and your attitude positive. We’re pulling for you!
WIN!!!
Comment by mark | 06.3.2009 | 11:51 am
Dude, I wouldn’t have kept it together nearly as well as you did, and I don’t have near the stress you do. I’d have grabbed the dog by the collar and hauled it back to my house and called animal control. Had the owner tried to do anything about it other than apologize profusely and leash the dog immediately, I’d have likely grabbed him by the ears and, well, let’s just say it’s a good thing you were riding alone.
Comment by Mike | 06.3.2009 | 11:53 am
You guys are twins—no question.
By the way, Fatty, I don’t have nearly as much stuff going on in my life, and I still caught myself nearly starting a fight with a guy who road-raged on me a month ago. Yeah, his wife broke that one up as well. Don’t let it sink in, eh?
Best wishes to Susan.
Comment by Angie G | 06.3.2009 | 12:03 pm
Fatty- As others have said, your feelings of anger and frustration are totally normal. Cycling and blogging about it provides some level of releif, but you are a “doer”, not a guy who stands by and watches. Your work with LAF is your “doing”. But we can all see you’d rather be in Susan’s body fighting.
But You are. Everyday, with every smile, every touch and every word of encouragement. You are in her helping her with her battle!!
Steve is right, if these feelings are manifesting themselves in ways you are not comfortable with, you really should see someone. A great therapist can do wonders.
Finally, we are the sum of our experiences, Both good and bad. Regardless of your well directed outburst at the irresponsible dog owners, I think your an Amazing, father, husband, friend, blogger and person.
Looking at your following I would say that I am not alone.
Win Susan!!!
Comment by Charisa | 06.3.2009 | 12:31 pm
Hang in there! You are fighting cancer for more than just Susan! And you are winning!!
Comment by Big Shorty | 06.3.2009 | 12:33 pm
Fatty,
Talking is good, yelling is better and screaming while breaking things is the best. Just don’t do it in front of others or where you can be seen. After the adreneline stops pumping and the heart rate slows things seem much clearer, if not, repeat until things clear out mentally.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Philly Jen | 06.3.2009 | 12:34 pm
Be gentle with yourself, Big Guy. You’ve been doing great and amazing things — and you’re allowed to feel completly sh*tty and p*ssed off and all sorts of other horrible, unpleasant emotions. You’re still a fantastic person. And you’re still doing great and amazing things every single day.
♥WIN SUSAN!♥
Comment by BillG | 06.3.2009 | 12:49 pm
Fatty,
Many others have said it but let it out. Probably in the solitude that your area offers is the best but if a willing participant lends an easy hand then bite it, figuratively, not literally :)
Stress is a demon and you need to fight that demon off and stay strong for Susan and the kids!
I wanted to blow up at something much simpler than the battle you have going on right now – I pictured the whole scenario screaming into the garage, throwing my bike down, bashing my helmet (unattached to me of course) against the brick until it shattered. I wanted the helmet shattering to be my stress shattering out of my life. Never did it though so I don’t know if it would work. But if you want to trademark it for yourself – have at it!
WIN SUSAN
Prayers to you and the family.
Comment by Kathy | 06.3.2009 | 12:50 pm
You are an amazing person. I only hope, if ever faced with similar circumstances, I could handle the situation with half the grace, faith, and strength you show daily.
Comment by CORoadRage | 06.3.2009 | 12:57 pm
You and Stanely Tucci look EXACTLY alike, except maybe for the eyes and probably the nose and the eyebrows aren’t quite the same…but the bald head (‘cept for his pointier than yours)and the suit, yeah that’s it the suit – ya’ll must have the same tailor. ;)
EXACTLY alike
My prayers and hope for better days.
Comment by costalrider | 06.3.2009 | 1:00 pm
It doesn’t seem that your reaction was too over the top. As a dog owner there is no excuse for letting your dog bite anyone, ever, under any circumstances. The dog owner was wrong not you and you deserved an apology. So maybe you are wound tight right now but who wouldn’t be, don’t beat yourself up over this or your lack of control over Susan’s disease. As a medical professional, I frequently see caregivers suffering greatly and often without the support that is available to patients. Caregivers are really the unsung heroes. Give Susan a big hug (carefully), get hugged back and remember what you do makes a difference to Susan, your kids, and frankly to all of us, too.
Comment by snapper | 06.3.2009 | 1:30 pm
I think you kept it together really well to ride away after the wife apologized and not get into it with the guy. Who sounds like he’s a jerk.
You really are amazing in all that you do. Give some of that goodness to yourself as well as Susan and the kids. You are all in my prayers.
WIN SUSAN
Comment by Janel | 06.3.2009 | 1:31 pm
Elden, sorry to hear about Susan’s collarbone fracture. We are pulling for all of you too. We agree with the comments above, your stress level is certainly the cause of the anger you described in your blog. Glad the dog didn’t break the skin!!
Hang in there, hug Susan for us.
Dad
Comment by Frost | 06.3.2009 | 1:43 pm
Fatty and Susan,
I wish there was more I could say or do to help your family. Since I stumbled across FatCyclist a few months ago, I’ve become an avid reader — and supporter.
You’re doing great work, doing all you can do, and we out here in Internet-land are giving you the biggest two-wheeled salute we possibly can. You are an inspiration.
Win, Susan!
(and that dog owner deserved a swift kick in the pants/crotchal region. I’m glad you have more maturity than me, even with the unbelievable stress you’re under.)
– Whitney
Comment by Mary | 06.3.2009 | 1:59 pm
Ha Elden I have ALWAYS made the Stanley Tucci connection yet was too afraid mention it to you…you do have that wicked temper. I wonder if you share personality traits as well.That would make him awesome, right?
Comment by Rob M. | 06.3.2009 | 2:26 pm
Fatty, there cannot be any doubt that the dog owner was wrong. His wife knew it and she knows him best. And she knows he’s an idiot. And that he’s the type who never makes mistakes and never needs to apologize.
Feel sorry for him. He can change his situation but he won’t. He’s stuck where he is. By choice.
As for you, realize that stress always takes it’s toll. I think you handled it a lot better than I would have, all things being equal. Chapeau, Fatty.
I agree with the posts above but particularly with costalrider.
Comment by Julia | 06.3.2009 | 2:32 pm
Fatty,
been there, done that. That sense of timelessness, and feeling like you are just floating all the time… except when you touch down to be completely angry or distraught… its just the stress. This journey you are taking will change you – but not because you are forever destined to be quick to snap -that goes away after a while, it will change you because you lived a life that where all bets were off, you spent time in the alternate reality of Illness.
In the meantime, be kind to yourself, be kind to your kids and Susan and remember that the only thing taht can be counted on is that things keep changing.
Keep writing.
Comment by Hat | 06.3.2009 | 2:42 pm
I wouldn’t worry about your anger unless you felt driven to bite the dog back, or its owner.
Comment by winner27 | 06.3.2009 | 3:26 pm
Fatty – Don’t be too hard on yourself. You handled the situation remarkably well. As a dog owner I would have been apologizing all over the place if one of my dogs ever bit anyone. The guy was a jerk.
You rock and Susan rocks and your sister Jodi rocks too! And Michelle looks great in her FC jersey!
Comment by MattC | 06.3.2009 | 4:01 pm
As owner of 3 dogs, I would be MORTIFIED if one of mine bit somebody, and would be falling all over myself apologizing. They have big troubles if they have a biting dog..it’s only a matter of time before it hurts someone (bites a child say?) and dog gets put down and people get sued. They REALLY need to take your encounter as a wakeup call and do some work with the dog..(and as mentioned: a swift kick in the, uhm, nether region for dumb-ass dude. I can’t believe that attitude..thats like when someone cuts you off in the car and then flips YOU off. Hang in there…you actually handled it pretty well (actual fisticuffs would have been a bit over the top). We’re all sending good thoughts your way. You have a lot to deal with. But as also mentioned, I don’t know ANYBODY who has done as much good as you. Take a break. You deserve it. Get some guest bloggers for a week and we shall all get by.
Comment by Jenny-Jenny | 06.3.2009 | 4:15 pm
Is it really that hard to look someone in the eye and say, “Oh sorry Man. You okay?” I don’t think I would have been so nice and I am the wife.
Comment by The Incredible Woody | 06.3.2009 | 4:37 pm
I really don’t think I would have been as nice to the idiot dog owners. And I’m not under incredible amounts of stress!
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 06.3.2009 | 4:55 pm
Let it out Elden. Go let it out. Give yourself permission. Scream until you’re hoarse, cry until you collapse in exhaustion. Go for it.
Comment by John | 06.3.2009 | 5:22 pm
Honestly, I think you held it together pretty well. Just reading that makes me want to go kick that guy’s ass. Don’t be so hard on yourself, save that for the idiots.
Comment by Sandy | 06.3.2009 | 5:25 pm
Take care of yourself first Fatty, it’s the only way you can take care of others. Win Susan—Win Fatty
Comment by Belinda | 06.3.2009 | 6:04 pm
You have an astounding and inspiring wellspring of patience. A man lets his dog bite you and merely shrugs his shoulders?? Speechless.
Comment by Broopatrol | 06.3.2009 | 6:26 pm
I was with Stanley the other day when someone walked up to him and said, “Aren’t you Fat Cyclist?”.
Comment by anonymous | 06.3.2009 | 6:59 pm
Whoever wins needs to take Michelle a Fatty jersey-and ask her to wear it at the red carpet with theirs!!!
Anger is normal part of the grieving process…..hospice has pre-bereavement counselors to talk to…for FREE!
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 06.3.2009 | 7:05 pm
I am seriously grumpy that Susan has to go through this…grrrr. Not fair.
And as for that loser. Karma’s gonna get him.
Jodi rocks. I’m heading over there now.
Comment by bike girl | 06.3.2009 | 7:49 pm
You deserved that ‘angry outburst.’ I would hardly call it a big one.
The other day I found myself leaning into a man’s passenger side window screaming at the top of my lungs. eee. that may have been overkill
Comment by redfrogs | 06.3.2009 | 7:52 pm
IMHO, anyone bitten by a dog in a public space should be very angry! In fact, you were a model of restraint!
Comment by Jim | 06.3.2009 | 8:18 pm
Anger is in the normal range of human feelings.* Don’t beat yourself up if sometimes you feel it.
*So are sore knuckles. I’d have punched the crap out of that guy. You’re a better man than I, Gunga Din.
Comment by Jamieson | 06.3.2009 | 8:45 pm
I’m really sorry to hear that Susan has a broken collar bone – it has to be incredibly difficult there for her. My father went through similar bone breaks, with his ribs in his fight.
Your anger over his dismissive attitude is completely understandable in your context and in the simple exchange on the trail.
Comment by Don | 06.3.2009 | 9:29 pm
Stanley Tucci, eh? Uncanny, I must say!
See, Don (me) is that guy who would shove my mtb up the nether regions of the guy who’s dog came after me. I WISH I had the level of patience you had in this instance. Seriously. So I really can’t say too much on this subject.
Jodi does rule… You and your entire family amaze me! and above all…
Susan RULES! WIN! Susan, Fatty, the Fatty Family and Team Fatty!!
Comment by Liberty on Bikes!/bob | 06.3.2009 | 9:46 pm
you did good.
weak, if you just kept riding. you have to call BS out when it happens.
people use the ‘what would jesus do’,
when you have kids, then everything has to be a lesson
‘how would I want my kids to handle this?’
‘and how can they learn from this?’
you haven’t turned into the guy from ‘falling down’,
but the lack of sharp teeth comment would have been
awesome. scary thing is bad pet owners eventually make
bad parents….
now i’ve got to see if i can win some tickets & hang with Spike Jonze!!!!
Comment by Miles Archer | 06.3.2009 | 10:13 pm
I’ve had run ins with idiot dog owners who didn’t bite me and my wife doesn’t have cancer. And I’m not usually the angry type either.
By the way, you look better in that suit than Mr. Tucci does.
Comment by CJ :) | 06.3.2009 | 10:30 pm
While I was raising a mentally ill child there were times I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was go into my bedroom, throw things, scream, holler and yell.
Sometimes it actually made me feel a little better.
Comment by Wild Dingo | 06.3.2009 | 10:43 pm
Fatty: Dog bite, UNACCEPTABLE. As a dog owner, who is rehabilitating a “naughty” dog, I WOULD NEVER let an unreliable dog off leash. period. and an aggressive one at that. if it ever happens again, politely ask their name and THEN tell them you will report them to the county animal control. they will investigate and get cited. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES is this allowed. even with an appology. I got bit on an MTB ride by a ridiculous herding dog. they came runnign at me, owner behind them. dog bit my finger. at the time, i had my “naughty” dog (who was at hom) who was “handler” aggressive (he is no longer aggressive) and even tho he was termed this, he would have NEVER bitten me or anyone else in that capacity, because I would NEVER allow it to happen. I could not believe the owner did NOTHING to help my bleeding finger. i lost the nail on it. she appologized, but i should have reported her trashy ass. Neighbors later said they have trouble with her and her dog(s) and i should have reported it. It’s “fine” to have a “naughty” dog… but it’s NOT fine not to have it under complete control (on a GAWDDAMN LEASH) 100% of the time. Lazy people think that yelling at the dog will get it to stop. it doesn’t. makes me mad, being a responsible owner who’s taken her naughty dog and rehabilitated it.
love the tucci photo look alike. and so sorry about susan’s collerbone!
Comment by donbiker | 06.3.2009 | 11:44 pm
Wow! what you are handling.
I have been helped immeasurably by counseling twice in my life. Thirty years ago I had become dysfunctional and just a few visits with a clinical psychologist really unwrapped many tangles in my psyche and returned me to a full life.
later when my mother was dying from Alzheimer’s, counselors helped me manage.
Peace
Don Burnett
Comment by Anonymous | 06.4.2009 | 12:41 am
Jenny-Jenny: WHAAHT?!?! For me, that’s really not okay. I’m sorry that’s yours.
Susan, Fatty – Sometimes, ya just hafta growl. Now would be good. Very sad to learn of Susan’s new injury. Continued prayers and light coming your way.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 06.4.2009 | 2:05 am
When I read the title of today’s entry I was sure that the story would involve a lower-leg mauling with plenty of blood and would end with you, having given the dog in question a royal lashing with your all-metal frame pump, advancing on the owner with a view to doing the same to him.
Sadly not, but that’s precisely what happened to me last year when ambushed by a vile mutt and its equally vile and (initially) unapologetic owner.
Sorry, maybe I’m too angry for this game. Hope Susan is able to get comfortable.
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by dido | 06.4.2009 | 5:22 am
So sorry to hear about Susan’s broken collar bone. And your “angry” response, if we can even call it that, is certainly understandable given the stress of having a very ill family member.
We had a run-in with an unremorseful owner of a biting dog several years ago when my daughter was selling girl scout cookies. The incident was reported to animal control, and the owner was cited. Not a single apology from the owner during the whole ordeal, and my daughter still hates big black dogs.
Anyway, we’re all still praying for Susan down here in Tampa. WIN!!
Comment by Ray | 06.4.2009 | 5:48 am
I’ve had the same dog issue. The anger is a fairly normal response to a situation were an inconsiderate person is flagrantly at fault and is indifferent to any conditions or harm they have created.
PS It’s always a good practice to file a sheriff/police report for these issues. Next time this dog may bite a child instead of an adult.
Comment by Beth | 06.4.2009 | 5:58 am
Fatty; you can’t teach stupid…the guy is obviously beyond clueless and will spend the rest of his life being rescued by an obviously more intelligent wife.
There is a shocking similarity to Stanley and I have to say he is a lucky guy in that he looks so much like you. I have had a crush on him since “Big Night.”….not saying I have a crush on you; but alot of admiration for your grace under an inordinate amount of pressure. As I tell my friends; day at a time ;)
Comment by A | 06.4.2009 | 6:48 am
you know, with as good as you are about making things, someone could take a “Fatty sweater/jacket” to Michelle to wear. make a slit up the front, attach a zipper making sure to fix the ends just like the ipod holder—-then she can quickly slip it on and not mess up her hair, yet still be warm and FATTY!
Sorry to hear of the new news–I am sure that is painful. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Comment by Trapperdan | 06.4.2009 | 8:42 am
You did well Elden. If this happened to me and they acted like that, I would be in jail right now.
Comment by PennyPue | 06.4.2009 | 9:15 am
You were far kinder than I would have been with the Bad Dog Man.
And you’re far better looking than Stanley.
Comment by bikemike | 06.4.2009 | 9:58 am
mr. guy dog owner is an idiot. obviously he doesn’t deserve to be married to the lady that made an effort.
i would’ve carried you off the trail on my back if my dog (i don’t have one) bit you.
in this situation, one must ask one’s self, W.W.D.D…
What Would Dug Do?
God bless Susan.
Comment by spa | 06.4.2009 | 11:04 am
Wearing my Susan bracelet today and thinking of her. And you.
Comment by Bob | 06.4.2009 | 11:39 am
“Don’t let the @ssholes get you down.”
Can’t remember where I heard that, but it’s good advice.
Stress is just one more thing you can’t really control right now. Biking should help. If it builds up too badly inside, find a gym with one of those big weighted bags, put on some gloves, and beat the crap out of it until you can’t lift your arms.
Comment by rookieroadracer | 06.4.2009 | 2:02 pm
Fatty,
Sorry to hear about the hard times. As for the dude with the dog… I’d have slapped him. Ever see NCIS? That was the perfect moment for a “Gibbs slap”. And if he happens to block said slap and strike back, well, fights happen. I realize it’s not your style, but by no means would I consider your reaction over the top. I almost wish the wife didn’t diffuse the situation, it would have been interesting to find out what you would have done. I don’t think you had taking a swing in you, but if you did I wouldn’t say it’d have been uncalled for.
Comment by Nancy Hague | 06.4.2009 | 7:10 pm
As if Susan hasn’t been through enough. Please tell her we are always praying for her.
Comment by Bander | 06.4.2009 | 7:57 pm
This dog guy…he isn’t by any chance a firefighter is he?
Comment by mark | 06.4.2009 | 9:37 pm
I am 51 with stage 4 melenoma, lots of chemo,procedures,radation, If you don’t get angry once in awhile then you need to worry. I still ride alot on a Pugsley and it makes the day alittle better. Remember what Captian Kirk said in Star Trek 5,” I need my anger, it makes me who I am” Not an exact quote, but close enough.
Comment by wing-nut | 06.5.2009 | 8:05 am
I realize this is a late post but what keeps me from jumping off my bike is that I understand I can’t run away in road shoes.
Noble men regret their ignoble moments and are better because of it.
Comment by treknott | 06.6.2009 | 8:45 am
Sorry about idiot dude and dudette with dog. They should not even have a pet rock.
Any aggression to humans is wrong in a dog and immediate action must be taken. They should have at minimum
1) anticipated the nip and prevent it. Know what the triggers your dog
2) if not instantly give the dog a correction (“no, no bad dog”)
3) apologize over and over and over and over again offering to get you the rabies certificate and take the shots FOR you if needed.
4) Keep apologizing
5) Right NOW that dog needs to be seen by a professional trainer, and if it can be saved get to a class for both doggie but mostly the idiot owner.
OMG What if you were a child on the trail? Your calf level would have been a child’s face!!! As Wild Dingo said I’d be mortified if my dog bit a human. She’s a shelter adopted mutt and not real good with other dogs but she looooves bikes and people on them because well that’s just what’s in the living room bedrooms etc.
Of course you were angry, cancer sucks but also you were attacked, you were bitten! Fight or flight? You fought.
Can you report it? The dog needs to be temperment tested and if it can be saved the owners trained.
On behalf of all dogs, my shelter adopted mutt apologizes, wags, sits on your foot and asks for a cookie and ear scritchies. Mostly she wants cookies.
When my Dad was dying of prostate cancer she would bring him a squeaky toy, maybe her favorite pink bear and drop it at his feet as if to say
“Here, I give you my favorite bear. Would this help?”
She sends squeeky toys.
Comment by Bjorn 4Lycra | 06.6.2009 | 9:50 am
This is real late but FC I reckon you had a WIN with this situation. The fact is that you did regain control and you did walk away. Dog owner looked like an arse you looked like a winner.
Of course these things are changing you but you have a worldwide audience that are truly amazed at how you Susan and the Kids are handling everything so much better than most of us would. You are a family of winners. Susan get better asap and Jodi what a fantastic idea and effort.
I wonder W W D D?
Comment by Michael P. | 06.9.2009 | 11:29 am
I know exactly what you are talking about with the anger and I wonder what the permanent effects are too. Thanks for sharing that.
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