Emotional sobriety lacking

Walking through Central Park yesterday morning, I relished the sun's rays on my face and the sight of blooms and light green foliage. My dog ambled along, marking occasionally, and greeting other canines with tail wags and sniffs.

Did you know dogs are allowed off the leash until 9am? So civilized!

Suddenly, I heard a chorus of dog barks. As I got closer to the racket, it dawned on me that these were not the "hey, come over here, I want to meet you" kind of barks, but more the "Danger! Intruder!” variety.

As I rounded the bend, I saw him. He was bearded, tall, wore an oversized backpack, and he was screaming and gesticulating. He charged towards the dogs—Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Doodles, and Poos—and they circled him barking. It was impossible to hear what he was saying from my vantage point, but it became obvious that this was the ravings of another unconscious human.

There are moments in life when getting out of dodge is in order, and this was one of those times. I prayed he did not carry a gun. Humans have been ridiculously violent lately.

After quickly putting my dog on the leash, I took a left at the fork in the path. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed a park ranger pickup approaching and the man marching off.

I’d like to think the dogs got him to move on after conveying the message: “we don't like your vibe. You’re not welcome here." Thank God the dogs didn't bite him. Such an incident could have ruined the park for the rest of us.

I’d say these dogs showed more restraint than humans have been exhibiting recently.