Oh the things I've learned to be thankful for

Since I've had Charlie, I have seen him react protectively of me in three situations. In all three situations, the people he was trying to "protect" me from were high. It's kind of incredible, but this dog can honestly pick up on that, and does not like it one bit. Which brings me to tonight.

I strolled out with Charlie around 7pm to say hello to my neighbor Jen. As we were chatting, I saw a man running along the walkway and up to the fence that connects the back of our property to another property. Charlie immediately made it clear that he did not like him. He ran over to the gate, barked incessantly, and scratched his nails against the concrete in warning to the unknown visitor. I hurried over and scooped Charlie up, warning the man not to pet him because I could tell he was not happy. The man nodded, and then proceeded to wander around our property. Jen and I continued to chat hoping that he would go away. He did not. Instead, he planted himself on Jen's patio and asked her for a lighter. At this point I picked up on what Charlie already knew-- the guy was tweaked out of his mind and gave off some incredibly scary energy. Still sort of hoping he would leave, Jen and I continued to chat and ignored him for the most part. My neighbor Chuck then came around the corner. "Do any of you guys know why there are cop cars out front?" He asked, and we told him we had no idea. The wheels were turning in my head as I put together the possibilities of who this guy could be, taking into consideration the fact that the next complex over houses a fairly volatile couple who I think are also probably dealers. I calmly said to Jen, "I'm going to go ask Lee something, I'll be right back." I told Charlie to stay with her, and made my way to the front apartment. The cops had already left, but I quickly told Lee the situation and had her call the police and ask them to come back. I then strolled back to Jen (who was scolding the stranger for bringing his muddy boots on her patio), and we sat and chatted with the tweaking man until the cops came. Jen and I sat in my apartment as they searched him, questioned him, and then took him away. I have no idea what they he had going on and I don't really care, but anyone who disturbs my dog like that is not welcome near my home. This is a dog who responds to 99.9% of people with insecure, delightful curiosity. So yes, I trust his judgment that much.

I'm glad that the situation turned out ok, and for once, I am truly thankful that my dog knows how to bite.