**Diary Entry 24th May**
I couldnt believe what was happening. Im taking you to court! Your dog went for my little girl! The womans voice was shrill as she barged into the garden, clutching her weeping daughter. The child had a scratch on her armnothing serious, but the woman acted as though it were life-threatening.
My heart raced. Alfie, our golden retriever, was dozing by the roses, his tail giving the odd lazy thump against the grass. Wed raised him since he was a pupgentle as anything, never so much as growled. Yet here was this stranger, treating him like some monster. Shed already rung the police, insisting he be destroyed.
My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay composed.
Alfie wouldnt harm a soul, I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. He adores kids. Maybe your daughter startled him. Weve got CCTVwould you like to see for yourself?
The officers agreed, and we headed inside. The camera above the door covered the whole garden.
We rewound the footage.
There was Alfie, sprawled in the sunshine, watching a couple of robins hop about. Then the woman and her girl walked in. The child wandered toward him We slowed the playback, and my stomach dropped.
She was clutching somethingsomething small and metallic.
A taser.
The officers exchanged glances. The video showed it plainly: the girl reached out, pressed it against Alfies side*zap*. He yelped, scrambled up, and bolted. The girl tripped and landed hard. The scratch mustve been from the kerb or a thorn bush.
The woman went pale.
This this isnt hers, she stammered, voice cracking.
One of the officers folded his arms. Whered she get a taser?
The woman slumped onto the step. My husband keeps it in the glovebox. She mustve nicked it when we werent looking.
Silence hung heavy. Alfie, bless him, padded inside like he just wanted to put the whole ordeal behind him.
Poor boy. To think what hes subjected to because of careless people.
