36. 2:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.

I'm with Ward, who doesn't like other dogs. We're in a public park. He's on a leash. I see a lab approaching and I call to the owners, a couple: "Call your dog, please."

"He's friendly."

I point at Ward. "He's not."

They don't increase their pace. Their dog does. Instantly, I feel the bit rise.

Stay calm. "Call your dog, please!"

They look at each other. In the leash, I feel Ward's silent growl. Their dog submits. I know it won't be enough.

Be polite. "Call your fucking dog! Now!" I feel better.

"Calm down."

"Just call your dog, for fuck's sake."

"Why don't you watch your mouth?"

She speaks for the first time: "She's harmless. This is an offleash park."

"No. The offleash park is over there." I point again.

"What's the problem?"

"The problem is that I don't want to pay the vet bills of morons who don't know anything about dogs."

She: "Get a muzzle if he's so dangerous."

"He's not the problem. You are."

He's finally pulling out his leash.

She: "Put him down if he's so dangerous."

To him: "Maybe you need a leash for your other bitch, too."

"Hey!" He steps forward. I loosen my grasp on the leather strip. Make sure the gesture's visible.

"What are you gonna do about it?"

Nothing. He's going to do nothing. Just like everybody else.

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