MUGGING IN CITY PARK

It was the prelude to a sultry day. The quickly vanishing coolness was soon to give way to sweat drenching, hard to breathe,suffocating heat. The park still held promise for shade and beauty, only because it was still early. Over 100 degrees predicted again for the day. Time and cool were slipping away. He had to hurry.

The victim looked ahead at the vast expanses of sidewalks, trees and streams. He was consumed by the assault on his senses. The scent of game and a previous passersby filled the air. Dutifully, he staked his claim on every thing at least 6 inches high. It was a daunting task but he was up to it. The pain from his surgery slowed him but could not stop him. More smells to smell, more territory to claim, so little time. He eagerly limped ahead.

By the time he had finished the first portion of the journey, fatigue was setting in. The game knee was feeling its longest workout since the surgery and he was tiring. He stopped by a bench in the shade to catch his breath and rest the joint. Harmless people walked past and spoke to him. He did not understand their language but the tone was unmistakable. They thought he was cute. He could only nod in agreement.

Refreshed, he started off again. The limp had become more exaggerated and his pace slower but he pushed on. The mugger came from behind, quietly without warning. There he was, suddenly at his shoulder and challenging him. The stiff legged strut was unmistakable. The mugger was begging for a fight and wanted to cause him harm.

Then with lightning speed the assailant threw his body against his side, forcing his shoulders to the ground and then had the audacity to stand on him. The gimpy leg had betrayed him and the mugger stole the advantage. Shame filled him for normally, he could have taken the upstart with no problem. That knowledge doesn't help when your face is in the dirt. It just made the defeat more bitter.

That is when Mom came to the rescue and pulled the victim high in the air away from the vicious bully. The mugger was also raised from its feet by its Mom.

This is a mug shot of the mugger and Mom. Obviously a shady pair. Sorry I couldn't get pictures of the mugging ,I was a bit busy.

OK that isn't exactly what happened but really close. I was walking Mighty Dog in the park for therapy when he was attacked by a fierce 3 pound,free roaming, bad natured Miniature Pinscher. It was half his size, 1/4 his weight and to make matters worse, he discovered the mugger was a female, an old female to boot.

Fifi (actual name) had humiliated my boy. She must have sensed his weakness.

The owners were very apologetic and swore Fifi had never done that before. Yeah, right. She had "born to fight" oozing out every pore and off the tips of each raised hair. This was a feisty one that didn't understand she was tiny.

We did get a good chuckle out of it as nothing was really hurt except for Mighty's pride. I fear our laughing added insult to injury for the Mighty One though. Indignation rankled in his belly.

Fifi may have upped her bragging rights in the neighborhood that morning but Mighty and I knew there would be a rematch someday, soon. Then Mighty will put her face in the dirt and once again be able to hold his head high. Till then he will build his strength with serious exercise. Determination creased his whiskers as we walked on.

Fifi beware!!! You will go down.