One of our practical challenges is when and where to use the bathroom. One day at a local Head Start center, we were at the end of a very busy morning of hosting 6 consecutive read aloud story times. I guess I had a little too much coffee that day because I was in urgent need of a restroom and went inside for some relief. It just so happened that on the same day, the police were visiting the center with one of their dogs, a German Shepard, to show the kids. So, there I was, minding my own business in the men's room of the center, when the door opens and in walks the officer and the dog.
I didn’t think too much of it, until I heard a growl, and felt the muzzle of the dog between my legs. The officer says, “Stay calm. Don’t move.”
“Don’t worry officer, I’m not going anywhere," I respond, stomach firmly in throat.
The officer says to the dog, (I hope), “No! Out! Down!” The dog growls, apparently not wanting to give it up. The officer says to me. “Just lift up your hands real slow where the dog can see them, and then turn around.”
“Is it ok if I zip up first?” I ask.
“Don’t make any sudden moves,” says the officer, so softly I can barely hear him above sound of my heart pounding in my ears.
“Officer, maybe you should put a leash on your dog before I do anything." My voice is a submissive whine.
“He won’t bite you,” replies the officer. "He would've already if that's what he intended."
“You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t take your word on that. I’m feeling a little vulnerable here,” I say.
The officer finally managed to control his dog and apologized. “I don’t know what got into Rex,” he said, “ I guess you looked like a criminal standing there facing the wall like that.”
I think Rex just has something against Bookmobile guys.
