Dangerous Dogs

AT THE END OF EVERY ROAD WE RUN ON, THERE’S AN AUTOMATED GATE…

- Bruce Pinnock

IN THE WIZARD OF OZ Dorothy Gale followed the yellow brick road to the Emerald City; and for her efforts, she was awarded a pair of glitzy slippers.

For runners, an automated gate awaits at the end of every road; and when its owner opens it to drive his or her car out of their garage, it also grants exit rights to the owner’s dog. More often than not, said pooch would be better suited to a leading role in The Hound Of The Baskervilles. With the instinct of an ancestral wolf, he hunts down his fleeing prey with murderous intent.

Reminds me of the time my nephew Gerald and I went for a run. The young buck was deriving great pleasure from reminding me how much of an easy target the aged are.

“Is this pace too fast for you, Uncle Bruce?” he enquired condescendingly.

As if on cue, an automated gate began to open.