Without judgement or fear

It was Heritage Day in South Africa yesterday and as Jason and I walked on the beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air, we were grateful for the flowing stream in front of us. We have had quite a bit of rain this winter and when the water flows from the stream into the ocean, you know that the dam must be full. As a Capetonian, having experienced a terrible drought, you learn to appreciate every little drop of water!

As we were absorbing the beauty of the day our attention was drawn to 3 dogs playing ball with their owner in the surf. Suddenly one of the dogs started chasing its tail. Now if you have ever been lucky enough to see it, it can be quite amusing! This dog was barking running in circles. Then it started yapping at it its front knee, whilst still barking and running in circles. Our next thought was that something must be biting it and as much as the owner tried to get close, this poor animal was just getting further and further away from her, in what was now turning into a mad frenzy. As we watched a passer by tried to draw the dogs’ attention and calm it down, but to no avail. I could hear the distress in the owner’s voice as she tried to “talk it down”, whilst trying now to keep her other dogs away from this poor dog running in circles.

(Photo credit to Zak Bentley from Pexels)

Eventually I said to Jason, that he just has to help her. He stood for a few seconds contemplating what to do and finally he slowly approached the dog, talking to it softly, getting down to its level. I assured the poor lady that Jason is quite experienced with dogs. This seemed to calm her down. I helped her with one of the other dogs whilst my husband got close enough to put its lead on a now somewhat subdued animal. Turns out that this poor dog has been rescued from an abusive home and every now and again something sets it off and it has these episodes. Dog “secured” and others in tow, off the lady went with her poor Stella.

We were then approached by an onlooker whom came rushing over as the lady walked towards the dunes, wanting to know if everything was okay. He had a knife if we needed it, as his thoughts were that its leg must have gotten stuck in rope or something, so it was trying to bite it off. We explained the situation and as we looked at the sight now in the distance, we reflected on the trauma this poor Stella must have experienced for her still to be triggered like this.

As we made our way down the beach again, Jason commented on how at first he did not want to get involved. My response to him was, but how could you not? My thoughts went to how often do we hear about people being in distress and instead of helping, people just pass on by, not wanting to “get involved”. When did the human race become so unconcerned by other people’s trauma? It was a small thing we did on the beach but I can assure you to Stella’s owner, it meant the world.

We are all so quick to make assumptions about situations, without knowing the facts. Stella’s “mother” should be applauded for taking in a rescue, loving and nurturing it unconditionally, “warts and all”. Instead there were many people standing by in judgement “not wanting to get involved”. As I looked at the calming ocean, all I could silently pray for is that if ever I got myself into a situation whereby I needed help, that this moment would be “paid forward” without judgement or fear.

Until next time.

Light, love and positive thoughts

Ophelia