Ever make a decision you wish you could take back?  Ruminating on all the things that wouldn’t have happened if you just had made a different, more correct choice? I made a poor decision today that shook me to my core.

Pongo accompanied me on an outing to Alaska Mill and Feed this afternoon.  I had him belted up in the front seat of the truck to give him a change of scenery.  I arrived at Alaska Mill and Feed and found the parking lot full, so I parked on the far side of the street, across from the store.  I knew I wasn’t going to take him inside, especially on a busy Saturday, so I unhooked his seatbelt allowing him to move freely in the truck while I was shopping.  This decision was based on the fact that Pongo is notorious for getting himself tangled up in his seatbelt; I wanted him to be comfortable.

Decision #1 = BAD CHOICE!

I had Pongo sit in the passenger seat and told him to “stay” while I got out of the truck.  The moment I opened the door and one foot hit the ground, Pongo bolted past me.  My heart leapt to my throat as I screamed out a “Pongo!  Here!”  I watched him run across the street and beeline for two dogs walking, on leash, with their owner toward the store.  I ran across the street and screaming at him, hoping and praying he doesn’t start a fight with these two dogs.  He sees me coming toward him and takes off down the sidewalk.  I give the owner a very lame “I am so sorry” as I pursue Pongo.  A very stern “Pongo! Here!” comes out of me, which is not the tone of voice you want to use when you’re trying to get a very stubborn dog to come to you.  But fortunately, it stopped him in his tracks and I was able to grab his harness.  I carted him over to the truck and got him in his kennel.

My first inclination was to get in the truck and go home, as I was really shaken up but knew that would be a waste of time and gas.  I walked into the store knowing I should seek out the woman and her two dogs to give her a genuine apology.  I am ashamed to say…I didn’t.

Decision #2 = BAD CHOICE!

I was mortified by my dog’s behavior and also reeling from the fact that I put Pongo in a potentially life-threatening situation, just because I wanted him to be comfortable.  I wish with all of my heart that I hadn’t been such a chicken sh**, and had the decency to go and inquire about her dogs’ well-being and apologize.  I know if I ever see her and her dogs again, I will do what I should have done in the first place and give her that courtesy she deserves.

Pongo is OK.  I, on the other hand, am trying to forgive myself on so many levels.