Sunday, July 8, 2007

Buddha's Joy


My sister, brother and I were returning from a 4th of July trip to Afton Wyoming this weekend when we encountered some rather rude Californians. We were moving along nicely in our 81' beater truck when they started flashing their lights and waving a cell phone at us hysterically. We pulled over to find out what the issue was and the lady in the passenger seat sprung out and threatened to call the **#*$$*% police if we didn't put the **#*$(#( dog in the cab. Her husband was echoing her every word from the driver's seat of their white SUV.

Buddha, our pet dog of six years was up on top of all the camping stuff with his nose to the wind. From inside the cab we were taking pictures of him because he looked pretty comical with his ears flapping in the wind. In some ways, it was Buddha at his best. He was taking in the sights, sounds and smells with a lively curiosity. He was happy surfing the rain clean air of Star Valley. Enter crazy animal rights activists.

We were incredulous at first. We couldn't understand why they were so upset. We assured them that the dog would be fine and kept driving. Much to their chagrin. I can only imagine what conversation they had with the local police but at some point they must have realized that they weren't getting any help. So they decided to follow us and for the next 150 miles they repeatedly passed us and then fell behind as the woman in the passenger seat took pictures. We smiled and waved--being both amused and annoyed by such eccentric behavior. I can only imagine how useless those pictures will be to her when she files her complaint with the ESPCA.

So, Mr. and Mrs. Supersensitive to Dog Rights, if you ever read this, please remember that in most cases people should get at least as much respect as animals. And rest assured that Buddha is safely and happily home.