Unfortunately, the weekend did not end the way it began.
Sunday morning, we got up early. We had to get back to Pittsburgh early enough to deliver Mia to a youth group event in the afternoon and allow Chris to catch his flight to Houston. Our Mass options were limited. We decided on an 8:30 AM Mass at Holy Trinity in Gainesville, VA. The drive to the church put us 20 minutes closer to home and allowed my brother and family to attend Mass with us. At the last minute, we realized that we would have to leave Alfred in the car during Mass but did not see that as a problem because it was early morning and chilly out--48 degrees when we got to the church. He likes being in the car with the windows open and usually naps.
Arriving at the church, we put our plan in place. As we were walking into the vestibule, a dark haired woman approached Chris, "Are you the ones who left your dog in the car?." He told her "Yes, but the windows are down and the temperature is low. He is fine." She responded, "Well, I'm not comfortable with that." Then added, "I am going to call the police." Chris, generally calm under pressure, responded kindly, "Please don't call the police. There's no need for that." She was unconvinced and walked off.
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| Alfred at the Christmas tree farm 2015 |
We had a dilemma. Chris proposed that he attend Mass in the vestibule, half keeping an eye on the van in case she did call the police. I on the other hand could not participate in Mass while wondering if someone in the church had called the police to come break into our van and rescue our very happy, well-loved dog. So I left the church full of what I can only describe as impotent anger. I put Alfred's harness on him and we went for a walk. I had to run a bit to warm up because my light sweatshirt was not enough that morning.
Happily, our little walk-run calmed me down and I arrived back at the van with enough time to make a breakfast run. As I was about to back out, I saw a policeman stopped behind me looking at me with a kind of questioning confusion. I debated ignoring him and continuing on my way. After all, we had done nothing wrong and I didn't owe him an explanation. But, I got out of the van. Yes, he was there about the dog. He'd gotten an anonymous call. He was very nice but told me that in Prince William County people are serious about dogs and call on owners often. I wanted to say, "Wow, you must love your job!" but refrained. I wonder how much time he spends writing up reports on anonymous calls about dogs in cars. And how much that costs the county. And whether this is what he dreamt life would be like as a policeman.
Some of you reading may be thinking--you should never have left your dog in the car. I would have called too. Others of you, like me, understand that life is full of choices between two or more less than ideal options. Sure, we could have left Alfred at my brother's but we would not have been able to get Mia back to her important event. We could have skipped Mass but that goes against our personal beliefs. I could have offered to go to Mass later and stay with Alfred as I ended up doing but I thought that going together as a family was important. We made the decision we thought best in the situation and it in no way would have jeopardized our dog's health or well-being. If Alfred had been consulted, I'm sure he would have told the woman that. He is a very sensible dog.
In fact, that woman may have a love for dogs in general but we love our dog. I have written several times about how special Alfred is. He is part of the family and jumps in the car anytime we go anywhere whether he is invited or not. Because we love him and also because we own him, it is our right to decide what is best for him, not a crusading stranger.
For me, the worst part of the incident was that it happened at church. If there's any place we should be able to expect respect and concern--and not to have the police called on us!--it is church.
Rather than call the police, the concerned woman could have asked us why we had our dog at church. She might have suggested a compromise like checking on Alfred half way through Mass. Even better, she could have offered to do it. The interesting thing is that she had no idea who we were. Holy Trinity is a very large parish and we could have been fellow parishioners.
Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh published an article last week titled "Encourage Each Other". In it he said,
We can-and must-show in all we do how much we care for strangers, care about evil and social injustice. But if we forget our neighbor, if we forget about those kneeling beside us in our churches, if we are not building up and encouraging them, we will accomplish nothing.
I was angry, hurt, and humiliated Sunday morning by someone who should have been my neighbor. Of course, that is a perfect reason to strive to be a better neighbor myself. To reach out with love and compassion and not judgment when I find myself in the place of the concerned church woman.
Still--if you live in Prince William County--you might want to consider a cat.
