Stared Fear in the Eyes
Thursday, November 23rd, 2006Everytime our car pulls up in front of my uncle’s house in Sandakan, my brothers and I will hesitate to get out of the car until we make sure that those massive dogs are safely locked in their cages.
Canines… scientific name for dogs. I am always a dogs-lover (detest cats). To me, dogs are smart, teachable, appreciative, loyal and alright… until they think that you are an enemy.
So I was wandering inside the house as the adults chatted. It is a big house with a lot of nooks and corners and interesting areas. After bored of exploring inside, I came to the back door and saw the trees and orchard.
‘Oh my, let’s go find some mangosteen!’ I thought to myself. I quickly assessed that the dogs were locked in. I slipped on a pair of slippers and slowly hike up nature’s pathway. Slowly and enjoying myself.
About 5 yards upwards from my door of safety, suddenly I heard barkings of a few ferocious dogs, then dang! I saw their full bodies emerging from somewhere below and double dang! They are heading up my way!! They were unleashed and unlocked! I quickly shouted
‘Hey, hey!!! I am still outside!!!!!!!!’ Big puppies charging upwards, barking fierce!
‘BAABEEEEEE !!!!!’ I called my dad. Of course, nobody heard nothing…
In less than 10 seconds, I am surrounded by 3 big ones. My heart was screaming ‘Don’t pound on me or bite me!! Don’t amputate me!!’ I was always okay with dogs. I can coo, make friends and even lead others away from a fierce dog. Not today.
One eye contact set them barking with greater intensity. These dudes ain’t calm! And they were serious about not letting me get away, I saw the bare canines and lethal eyes. I’m deadmeat.
Then my worst worry came true… Here comes the largest one of all, a handsome mastiff. ‘Hey hey, I recognize you… Ding Dong’ It slowly, like a boss, made it’s way towards me.
The ‘fearless’ Alexis finally admit … This is fear factor. My feet were literally shaking with total helplessness as I commanded my body not to make a single move. Not even to loose balance or to breathe deeply. Ding Dong wasn’t barking, which I am truly grateful. But he directed his big head and flabby nose to my legs and feet. Don’t take a bite… Don’t pound on me… I know if Ding Dong stand on it’s hind legs, he’s easily taller than I am.
I raised my hands like a criminal showing that I am hiding nothing. But every single action triggers more barks from the other biggies. ‘No sudden action…’ I told myself. O God… help me. I started to pray… not to be sniffed, not to be bitten and chewed on, not to be attacked nor pounded on… okay, all these I am protected.
I resisted several temptations to just shout for help loudly. I think if I do, this will startle the dogs and I will lose my neck. Ping! Headline tomorrow.
I looked around, in case they wanna have a piece of me, I will climb to that tree nearby. A short movement of head caused the dogs to bark bark bark more. I continued to pray… Lord, have them shut up. The barking slowly diminished. but I still dare not move on my weakened legs, for the canines are still surrounding me, dunno what for!
Okay, Lord. Please get me out of here. Either auntie yells ‘Lunch time, doggies!!’ or the adults realize I’m missing and come to my rescue or anything.
Man, I was standing there for about 5-10 minutes, I have no idea for it seems hours to me. Then, the dogs lost interest in me, and one by one left me alone. I thanked God and moved slowly. 1 step… 2 steps… BARK BARK!! A big one was eyeing me far off. When they weren’t looking, 1 step and at time, I returned indoors to safety.
Gwash, so close to being injured! Imagine school reopens and the news being spread around is ‘Alexis lost an arm, bcame lunch for some big dogs’. I knew I made the right moves. I hope ya all know how to act in the faces of fierce canines…
Mom later told me, a stray dog entered the compound and got ripped apart by these foursome… Yikes! At least I am still in 1 piece, maybe lately because I am watching 1 piece cartoon. Praise the Lord.
