(from Hsin-Yi, Honey’s human)
Thank you so much everyone for your wonderful responses and support.
I went to the police station today to report the incident – unfortunately, though, because we hadn’t managed to get the man’s licence number or dog registration tag, there was no way of identifying him. The police said it was pointless writing out a report where all the blank spaces were simply filled by “young Caucasian male, brown hair, light eyes (blue?), 6ft, wearing cap and dark green jacket…with a Jack Russell Terrier: all white except for brown patches over ears and eyes…driving a light brown sedan…” – and they would not just make a record of the incident for their files. (I have written down a detailed account of everything that happened and so will have that should I ever need it.)
The police did say, however, that the physical assault on Paul was a serious offence and this man would have been arrested if the police had been called there in time. After a short stint in jail and an initial hearing in court, he would have been given the privilege of conditional bail but warned that if he came anywhere near us, he would be re-arrested and put straight in jail until his trial hearing…which could be months away. Which means he could be in jail for months before he is even tried for the crime.
They weren’t very understanding about my fears of retaliation – which I think are real and justified – they felt that in most cases, the person knows that he is already in so much trouble, it is not in his interest to bring any more on himself (although of course, that is how sensible people think – but unstable nutters do not follow normal rules of logic otherwise he wouldn’t have behaved as he did, would he?). Any trouble he could make for us, they said, the police could make 10 times worse for him (still, that’s cold comfort when you’re the one in hospital or grieving for your poisoned dog following a revenge attack!)
Anyway, it’s all a moot point since I have no way of ID’ing him at the moment and so can’t file a complaint and the police can’t track him down anyway.
The police did say however, that if I saw the man again and he approached me, I should call the police immediately as I could report him for intimidation (even if he hadn’t laid a hand on me) and also because there is already a history of a past assault.
Sadly, what I should have done was called the police immediately on Monday when he started getting aggressive and abusive towards me but I guess I wasn’t thinking straight…you just don’t expect people to act like that and so you’re still following the normal rules of trying to reason with them rather than overreacting and calling the police immediately…
The police weren’t very helpful on advice for the future: their best piece of advice to me was to never walk in the Domain ever again!! OK, I’m certainly going to avoid it for the next few weeks but it’s ridiculous to expect me to never go back there, especially when I have done nothing wrong! I have a right to walk my dog through the park – why should I be banned from enjoying the park just because of another man’s criminal behaviour? Yes, there ARE other places we can walk Honey and we certainly don’t walk her in the Domain every day – we’re not one of those people who only walk their dogs in the same places every day – on average, Honey goes to five different parks or walks over the course of a normal week – but the Domain is very convenient for us and yes, while there are lots of other parks in Auckland, trying to drive around to them in the afternoon rush hour is not a good option. So there are lots of reasons why I want to continue walking in the Domain. You can’t spend your life scurrying away like a rabbit, avoiding every place where something nasty happened…you’d end up in a black hole underground, too scared to go anywhere!
Anyway, just wanted to give you all an update. Thank you so much again for your support. I just wish I was more level-headed when it had happened and had the presence of mind to take his licence number or speak to a witness…I’m really angry with myself now for not reacting better – maybe I should have screamed more and made a bigger fuss, drawn more attention to us (I didn’t coz I kept thinking the calmer we all remained, the less it would aggravate him…also, I didn’t want Honey to get more worked up than she already was as she might attack him and then been seized by Animal Control – even though it was in our defence and provoked, the dog laws are very unfair and very unforgiving here regarding any dog attacking a human...) and yes, I should have called the police as soon as he started thrusting his dog into my face and being abusive…but I was so shell-shocked, all I wanted to do was to get away from him with the minimal injury to me, Paul or Honey.
Oh well, lesson learned. Hope I’ll never have to use it – but at least if something similar happens in future – I’ll hopefully behave more usefully and be able to think more clearly.
Sorry to have marred Honey’s blog with so much unpleasantness – I had planned to post a totally different story all about Honey’s busy time last weekend but then this happened! Will get back on track soon.
******
And just to end on a happier note – I forgot to mention that when we were walking back across the sports field, I was actually carrying an injured seagull that we’d found by the duckpond. It was just sitting by the side of the road, not even responding when Honey walked up to it – obviously the sign of an unwell wild animal!
Well, we brought it home and on the advice of the Auckland SPCA, kept it in a box in a warm place overnight, as there were no obvious injuries and they thought he was probably in shock after being hit by a car driving through the Domain. If he was not better by morning, an SPCA Inspector would come and take him to a vet…but after just a few hours in the warmth, he revived and started getting really fiesty! Pecking at the bars and flapping about, trying to get out. All good signs though.
So the next morning, on the way to work, we made a detour and stopped in the Domain by the duckpond – and released him.
It was a lovely moment, watching him fly off in the sunshine. What was amazing was that as soon as we got there, all the other seagulls scuttled over to us. I hate anthropomorphising things but it did feel like they were coming to welcome hiim back! 
Here is a short video clip:
I name all the animals I rescue and I have decided to name that seagull ‘Karma’ – although a horrible thing happened to us that day and the man got away unpunished, we also managed to save a bird’s life and release him to freedom again – so perhaps, this seagull will carry our hurt and injustice with him and as he flies around the Domain, perhaps one day, his shadow will fall over this man and he will pass the karma on…what goes around comes around…
Mom is pawing this fur me with leaky eyes!
That was soooo khool and soooo sweet!
Yes: KARMA!
Hug&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom also says things happen fur reasons and that is why woo didn't reakht difFURently during the incident…one day, we'll see why! In the meantime, woo've shared the story with us and made all of us better prepared fur something similar should we have the same rudeness shown to us!
i worried about this all last night--i have been in similar situations, you did the right think by contacting the police, i was so enraged by this story especially where Honey has needed stitches in the past because of smaller agressive dogs. every thing you said to that nutter was made with sound reasoning on your part, and the sad thing is, people like him will never know that, they take it a a personal slight, and he lost his mind… a bigger man would have grabbed his dog and then you could have reasoned with him about your legitamate concerns. we can never change other people's realities though, and he will continue living is narrow minded little life. if ever you encounter him again, indeed take his liscense plate number. i would go back to that park when you are ready--with your head held high..i am not too sure he will be doing the same.
this post deserves an award--the video at the end is outstanding-- a true testomony of your kindness and love of animals. to endure such cruelty and release it free is exactly what you just did. well done brave girl!
No one can ever plan what to do in a case of assault! So sorry you had to go through that! I guess carrying your camera and cell phone with you at all times is in order! Breaking out either or both of these tools will hopefully work wonders should you see this disturbed duo in the future.
I love how you rescued that bird, and named him Karma! I think your way of thinking of that whole day is inspirational! You may not be around to see the Karma work, but what comes around does go around!
Barks at you all!
Luna and Sole'
I am sorry that the police weren't able to be more helpful but at least they have been made aware of the problem. It is hard to know exactly what to do in a situation. I'm glad that you rescued the bird and saved him.
Your friend,
Niamh
What a beautiful video of Karma being released
We are just glad that Paul, Honey & yourself are all OK.
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx
Honey,
I read about Hsin-Yi unexpected unpleasant experience in the park, I think hard about the situation, since there was physical assault on your dad, I think you should report to the police.
My heart goes out for all of you, I imagine myself in that picture, you don't deserve it. I would have had the same reactions: shock, hurt, disbelief, oh I love all of you so much for having a bad day!
I was about to write you this morning after talking to my parents last night on how to help you, even just words then your new post came in, what a happy ending regarding to Karma. Thanks for rescueing Karma, your parents are kind people, now that Karma is back to her community releasing all the troubles, bad lucks into the air, the three of you will be living happily ever after again.
Love y'all
Aww lucky Karma! I'm glad he/she was okay. I loved watching the video. It did almost seem as if they were there for him.
Sorry you couldn't make any progress with the report. I wouldn't have thought to get his license plate number either! Hopefully nothing will happen again and you can just forget about all of it.
we´re sorry that the police din´t give you much help regarding the assault. But at least you know that you tried.
Don´t beat yourself up for not reacting the perfect way, it was so unexpected and all you wanted was to get as far away from the crazy dude as possible.
Next time (hopefully it won´t be a next time..) you´ll be more prepared!
Just glad that you and your family are ok!
Anyway, honey asked me if I was a good guard dog…. eerrrrm.. well, I thing I´m just like you, if there is a bugler in the house I will probably ask him to give me a belly rub.
But on the other night I was a sleep in the living room with Sara, and suddenly Ricardo opened the house door… I wasn’t expecting him and started barking… ups… as soon as I realized it was ricardo I was so happy that I ran to him and licked him… I guess I still have to learn who to bark at!
I started to train the marching legs command! It´s going great!, make a post about it soon ok?
Bye now
Big liks!
Pu
Your reaction was TOTALLY normal. Unless you live in a really bad area, 99% of the population would be as shocked as you at that man's behavior. Don't judge yourself so harshly.
At least, if it does happen again, you'll be able to keep your wits about you.
And thank you for saving Karma! That's a nice deposit in your own karma bank account!
Yes, sometimes when stuff like that happens it is just so strange that you don't think straight. I guess using the phone when it happened would have helped, so now you know.
How nice to find that seagull and nurse him back. I am sure that lifted your spirits a great deal.
Mango Momma
P.S. Mango is doing very well at touching my knees, but he does tend to get his foot hooked on my jacket a lot. He still needs to physically touch so I just unhook him when that happens.
Honey,
I am so glad that you told the police and that they are aware of this man. Hopefully he does not go there again but if he does just try to avoid him and keep your cell handy. You were such a good girl not to act out against that dog or the human threatening mom. Try not to lose your head, your humans know how to take care of you and don't need you to be in trouble.
We are lucky here, the laws are a lot more lenient. I had to defend mom once and didn't have to bite luckily but it got close. I had to give them my toughest barks and growls. I look kinda mean when I am upset so they left.
I am very glad that your humans were able to help Karma. My human mom used to live near seagulls so she is very glad that you helped that one. I hope you got to get some sniffs in though.
I hope that today is better for you. Have fun on your walk.
Kisses, Boxen
Honey…we have an award for you on our blog! Go check it out!
Karma is lovely! I believe in that too and I hope your prediction of Karma getting this man comes true. Sorry there wasn't a more positive result from the police.
I'm glad to hear that you got some sort of resolution, though it sounds more frustrating than anything. That's very unfortunate that the police haven't seemed to be more helpful. On the upside, now you're totally prepared if you see that nut job again! If you even see him at all, I would nab his license number and call it in. Hopefully that was a one time incident and you'll never see him again though!
We're sorry that u guys didnt manage to do anything to nail that guy down… I hope that you guys do not ever have to encounter something so unpleasant ever again…
Great rescue efforts..:) You guys are so kind hearted!
Love,
Camry, Chevro and Cayenne
Such a positive outcome for such a scary and horrible situation. Stay safe!
Wags,
Pruett and Daphne
I'm glad that you felt comfortable enough to go to the police. It's sad that they couldn't help more, but at least you have made them aware of the situation, and you now know what to do if (God forbid) something like this should happen again.
and I agree with Lindsay. If you ever see the guy out and about, grab his license plate number!
wuv,
Gus and Waldo
(and Dog Mom)
We are sorry to hear that the police couldn't do much for you. But, at least, you, and we, now know what to do in case something like this happens in the future.
What an amazingly benevolent person Shin-Yi is! We are proud of you, Shin-Yi. And, the video of Karma is so serene. We feel Karma symbolizes the hope for the future.
We are glad you went ahead and reported to thepolice, even if it doesno good at this time. You learned some valuable information while you were there. One never knows how they will react in instances like this, so don't feel bad about how you reacted. You will be better prepared if (Heaven forbid) it happens again.
That is so wonderful of you to take care of Karma. Maybe he will deposit some a dose of karma on that bad man's head one day.
The boys will be purring for you all and I will be praying that you have no more incidences like this and that the nasty man isnow behaving and taking proper care. We will also include purrs and prayers for his little dog.
Meowm, Junior and Orion
The seagull is so beautiful and Karma is also a beautiful name! We are happy for you, now the situation is under control!
Kisses
Rufus and Indie
Hi Honey,
I loved your video about Karma, but I am sorry that once your humans decided to go to the police that the police were no help as you didn’t have the licence plate number. Did they ask the police what security cameras were operating around the Domain (since you know the time and type of car) as the police, Auckland City Council and private businesses have so many cameras around Auckland (especially around the CBD area including pubilc parks) that even if there weren’t cameras where Paul was assulted, it is quite possible this man’s car would have been recorded leaving one of the entrances?
Take care.
Wuv
Riley
You did the best you could at the moment. I would have been so frightened too. But now if it ever happens again, and I pray it does not, you will have a better reaction. And please don't hesitate to call the police and make all the noise you can to draw attention to his behavior. Also try not to be where you are not around other people. We hope your future walking trips are so much better.
How nice of you to help the seagull. So glad to see the happy ending.
It does not sound like there would have been a bunch of blanks… just a few! Anyway, I am glad you went and got that info because I think you are empowered by knowing what you can do in the future. I think you should carry mace (I know it is unpleasant) and spray him if he even looks at you again so he will know what it feels like to have some one react completely out of line with what the situation calls for since the police said you would be within your rights based on the history!
My Moose was attacked by a pit bull at the park a year or so ago and I faulted myself for not handling it right (getting their names, calling the police etc) so I understand what that feels like, but all you can do is live and learn. I think it was pretty reasonable to think that calmness and not escalating the situation would be the solution. He was a total nutter and doubt he was wearing a shirt that said 'I am a total nutter' so how could you know? (BTW we don't say nutter here in the states but I think it is my favorite new word and will be using it every chance I get). I also think you are still right about retaliation and that the police have an inflated view of their control.
I think you are right to avoid that place for a bit then go back, maybe try to go when it is busiest and just have a plan for what you will do if he approaches you so you won't have to think under stress.
Hope that is the last you see of him and Karma will settle it once and for all.
Moose + Dana
Don't beat you up for what you did or didn't do, or feel you should have differently. No one can predict how they will react when being threatened and abused, and when feeling vulnerable and shock. I think you guys stopped this from escalating into something really violent, where Paul, Honey or you could have been seriously hurt, or as you say, Honey may have tried to protect you and been punished. You did what you thought was right with someone who was clearly unbalanced and unstable, and stopped it escalating. Then at least you did go to the police. I wouldn't have remembered the number plate in that situation either, particularly when caring for Karma and Honey too. I just feel badly that this happened at all, and that you should have your confidence and outings damaged because of this one bad dog owner.
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