So Garand Gal relayed a story that I highly suggest you go and read. Seriously, go read it, I’ll still be here when you’re done.
Did you read it? Good. Now there are some serious take aways from this incident. First it is another data point in my philosophy of “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” Second, absorb and retain her first four bullet points. Most especially paying attention to what the dog is telling you.
That dog knew there was a problem and was quite aware of it, long before the owner did. This isn’t as much to say the owner wasn’t paying attention, but animals have a serious knack for picking up on ques that you or I might miss. If you have a pet and they start acting funny, listen and pay attention, odds are they’re telling you something. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be with regard to self-defense. Our cats let us know one of our toilet tanks was leaking and also informed us of our mouse problem. If we hadn’t paid attention we’d have bigger problems than we currently do.
As for what she did, that was about the best possible outcome. In that case how can you tell who the good guy and who the bad guy is? I will say that anyone who gets out of the safety of their car and then starts shooting at another one probably needs an immediate shot of lead to their center of mass. Especially if the vehicle they’re shooting at isn’t trying to run them over. Remember, if you’re in a road rage incident, stay in your vehicle, which honestly this could have easily been mistaken for a case of road rage. If someone starts shooting at you while you’re in a vehicle… you’re in a 3,000 lbs weapon, use it! A note about the guy following in the Jeep, I applaud your initiative, but next time, call 911 first and be ready because criminals don’t like people interrupting them most certainly those who try to stop them.
I’m not sure what Garand Gal could have done differently other than engaging, except she had no clear cut defining line of who was friend or foe. The fact one fled on foot certainly also helps color who was in the right and who was in the wrong, but we are still playing the game of hindsight. As it all went down she kept something between her and the questionable parties. When she finally did pay attention to the dog, her attention went to where it needed to be.
My big crux is read her story and learn what you can from it. You don’t get second chances in these types of incidents and getting a solid write up of an experience like that helps you learn what to look for and most importantly can crush false misconceptions you might have.
TMM is the owner, editor, and principal author at The Minuteman, a competitive shooter, and staff member for Boomershoot. Even in his free time he’s merging his love and knowledge of computers and technology with his love of firearms.
Many know his private name and information however due to the current political climate, many are distancing themselves due to the abandonment of Due Process.