Do The Right Thing

How many times have you walked away from a situation because you couldn’t be bothered? I’m sure I have more times than I can remember. I’m not talking about situations where you see crazy coming and you walk the other way.  There are those situations where you choose not to get caught up in the drama and others where your heart is telling you to help.  Sometimes doing the right thing is an inconvenience and causes undue stress.  This would be the case when I tried to help my neighbor dog.

It was a snowy day and I thought I’d be nice and shovel our driveway before the snow got too deep. This is a job I typically leave for my husband, but I was already out and thought I would help.  I was meeting some friends in an hour and was looking forward to a nice relaxing lunch.  My dog was outside with me and out of the blue another neighbor dog decided to join us.  I knew exactly who this little fur ball was because she gets out all the time, and I’ve had to return her to her home on other occasions.  I’m not sure what goes on in this house that no one realizes the dog is missing.

I was on a mission to get the driveway done before I had to clean up to leave so I continued to shovel secretly hoping the dog would move on.  After a few minutes the guilt set in and I caught her long enough to get the number on her tag.  I called and there was no answer so I left a message explaining I would be here a few more minutes, but had to leave shortly.  Time was ticking and “ain’t nobody got time for this” so I decided the driveway would have to go unfinished.  I grabbed the dog and put her in my car once again secretly hoping she wouldn’t let me catch her.

I drove over to the all too familiar house and there was no answer. At this point I had about 25 minutes to take a shower and be ready to leave. I tried some other neighbors with fences around their house, but no one was home. The house the dog belonged to had a fence, but I couldn’t leave her there knowing no one was home. My irritation level was at its peak point and the whole time I kept thinking this is the thanks I get for trying to be nice and do the right thing.

I came to the realization it wasn’t the dog’s fault she has irresponsible owners, but I was also determined not to let the dog owners ruin my lunch.  I came home put the dog in my garage and decided it would be okay there for a few hours. I took a speedy shower and with hair half-dried was ready to go in time.  A family member arrived in time before I left and picked up the dog. I have no idea why this person didn’t emerge earlier when I rang the doorbell.

It all worked out in the end and my husband even helped me out by doing a few things I didn’t get to, as well finishing the driveway.  I wish I hadn’t let my emotions get the best of me, but Italian blood runs deep in my family.

Choosing to do the right thing isn’t always easy, but there are rewards in the end. We are all given little tests during our lifetime where we can look the other way or do the right thing. I hope I pass more tests than I fail.