Monday evening at the intersection of Giroux Road and Dufferin St., we witnessed a large white SUV hit a dog who looked lost as she wandered into the intersection. The driver of the SUV callously sped on his way, not stopping to see how the severely injured dog was.
What did this driver leave in his wake? If he would have looked back, he would have seen every other car stop; he would have seen people who obviously love animals and who will rush to their aid, get out of their vehicles and run to help.
My husband jumped out of our car, ran into the middle of the intersection, gathered up this beautiful dog in his arms as she yelped in pain, carried her out of traffic to the grassy boulevard and gently laid her down there. I petted her glossy head and spoke softly to her to calm her as she succumbed to her injuries.
Her owners should know that she was surrounded by compassionate and caring people as she breathed her last, and she was not left alone to die in the street. Even in death, she was treated with dignity as someone covered her with a blanket.
Thank you to those “good St. Albert Samaritans” who took the time to care for and comfort this dog as she lay dying.
To the driver of the SUV, slow down on Giroux Road; it is still a city street, not a highway, and you share it with children and animals. I can’t help but wonder if it had been a child that you struck, would you have stopped or continued on your hurried way?
Patricia Drapeau, St. Albert
