Under siege

I am under siege.  Every day (well, I've only been here for two days, so for like two days).  On my way to work in the morning, en route home from my hike in the evening, as I trundle off to the general store---you name a time, I can confirm an act of aggression.

The sadistic perps?  WILD DOGS.  There are unleashed dogs everywhere here.  For some reason, folks up here just let their dogs run free and everyone on the block cares for/tolerates/is terrorized by them.  And I'm not talking little dogs--although there is an adorable spaniel thingy next door--pple here seem to be really into breeding huskies and shepherds, and then setting them free.  FML.

Sure enough, as I set out for work today, a german shepherd mixie/ferocious beige thing beelined over and started growl-nipping at my bag.  Swing in step aborted.  I looked around anxiously in the futile hope that the dog's attentive owner was just a few paces down the lane.....NOT.  Quailing, I averted my eyes from the dog (it makes ill-behaved kids go away....) and raised my bag up out of its clandestine reach.  Not the best idea, she seemed to say (ferociously) as she demonstrated her impressive jumping skills.

Ultimately, I had to be rescued by a passerby who hung out the window of his truck and screamed profanities at it....at least I'm pretty sure he was talking to her...  Too relieved to be embarrassed, I hustle into the hospital.  Obviously, an anti-dog rant sesh ensues immediately, and I learn that the beige mixie is well known to be diabolical, biting innocent Torontonians on the regular.  Apparently her owners are unfazed by this.

Earnestly, a colleague offers the following advice, "Throw some bricks at it every time you see it.  Or just walk with a big stick."  Oh um no problem, I'll just dip into my personal brick collection, problem solved.  Another local suggests I simply kick it every time it comes near to show it who's boss.  WHAT A GREAT IDEA!  SERIOUSLY?!  Soothingly, he assures me that there is no rabies on the island, so if I do get bitten, it wouldn't be that serious.  FUCK THAT.

Starting tomorrow, I roll with a broomstick.  I can see the headlines now, "Black Witch Prowls Streets of Moose Factory, Scares All The Locals.  Dogs Attack."