Coworker Buzz got bit by a dog a little over a week ago. Apparently, he was just walking along in a park when a rando dog - that was on a leash with its owner - suddenly decided to try to take a chunk out of Buzz's arm.
While the incident ruined Buzz's shirt, it didn't really break the skin, but left a decent bruise. And Buzz seemed pretty shaken up about the whole thing. Such a surprising, unprovoked response from a dog who's "never done that before!"
I commiserated with him with my own dog bite story when I learned of his ordeal a few days after the fact. The surprise of it, the confusion as to how to react. I won't rehash it, but I did (of course) blog about it [HERE].
And it really just grew out of swappin' stories, but that's when I realized that Buzz was pretty shaken up by it, emotionally. Later, as our shift together ended, he thanked me for sharing and talking it through with him. Said it was helpful to talk with someone who understands.
In my case, I chalked it up as a "weird" incident. I went home and cleaned up and that was that. In hindsight, I should've at least gotten a tetanus shot.
In Buzz's case, Buzz called Boss because he didn't feel "stable" enough to drive himself. Boss drove him to urgent care. At urgent care, Buzz wasn't sure how to get his VA coverage, so he called Sarge - our other veteran coworker - who got him set. He was inspected and tetanused and sent home.
All this to say, don't judge a book...
Buzz is about 40 years old, single, lives with a roommate. He's a military veteran with a large percentage of veteran disability. I don't know the extent of his disability other than he's got a bad back, but I think a good chunk of it is mental.
On the surface, he seems pretty resilient. Stocky build, likes to joke around, does martial arts. But deep down, he's kinda vulnerable. And based on the way he discusses things, I get the feeling he regularly goes to therapy.
In other news, I'm still enjoying this little break between spring and summer semesters. Summer session starts next week, and I know nothing of the tutoring load yet to come. I've been using the break to take care of some to-do list things that have been back burnered for a while and do a few extra shifts in the testing center.
Yesterday, Boss received some batteries he'd ordered. He showed us the underside of the box they were packaged in, so I figured I would share:
In case you ever need to say 'this is my bottom' in French.
It's nice you were there and able to share your dog bite story with him! Sounds like it helped. That bottom of the package is funny! I would say good to know but I really don't think I will ever need to know how to say that in French!
ReplyDeleteI think Buzz was also conflicted because he didn't want the dog to get "in trouble" and felt bad that he had somehow set the dog off. He seemed better after I told him about our dog Merlin, who is unpredictable with strangers, so we always avoid close contact with others when out and about. Rescue dogs can have baggage.
DeleteGreat sign! I like the 'do not instal backwards' bit too. I never know with batteries.
ReplyDeleteNo, we don't know what goes on in other people's heads mostly. I'm glad you were able to share time and stories with him.
I was glad - and a little surprised - that Buzz opened up so much about the dog ordeal.
DeleteNow that box is a damn hoot! As for Buzz, yes something is off. Could be PTSD from the attack of the dog. Who knows but you handled it well with him.
ReplyDeleteWe had a good laugh at the box. I'm sure if I tried to speak French, much would be lost in translation!
DeleteI think Buzz might have some PTSD from his time in the army, plus he loves dogs, so the whole thing messed with him.
thank you, that is most helpful - French speaking comes in handy...when in France. Sometimes a bitey dog senses a vibe...an illness, unknown to the bitten. Dogs just know stuff.
ReplyDelete