Mood: incredulous
Topic: "Forest Primeval"(8)
Vision is the slowest of the senses, for it always seems that one observes importance and then registers it on a scale of some sort only after digesting the echoes. Thus were the moments that began with a flash of movement behind the Hobbit, and the scream of pain that followed. One who entrusted his personal safety to the Hobbit was at risk, and in mortal pain.
Frodo's opinion of Pit Bulls has undergone a 180 degree change in recent months. Since the population of the Animal Shelter servicing the Shire consists of more Pit Bulls than any other genetic assemblage, Frodo has found that nearly all of these creatures are sweet, safe, and incredibly gentle to those human and Hobbit who take a few moments in their presence. They are challenged however by the Michael Vicks of the world, and the rental property landlords who seek to avoid any risk to their litigation free status in the general community. That does not take away from the fact that the males are incredibly competitive, and that conflict between them is fearsome.
Today, Frodo was walking a young charge named Cain from his outdoor run into the comparative safety of an internal cage when he noted a flash and a savage guttural assault behind him. Another Pit Bull, in an adjoining cage, took humbrage at what passed in front of him, and he hit the cage door full-speed. Frodo heard the scream as the teeth and incredibly strong maw enveloped the victim at his side, and the battle reached herculean levels between creatures less than two years of age. Frodo grabbed the two rear legs of his charge d'affaire as another Hobbit did the same to the creature at her command. Soon there was a fully stretched envelope of blood and twisted bodies holding on to each other as if they were raptors from ancient times. It was soon a stand-off, with neither participant even considering letting go in order to fight another day.
Frodo's fellow Hobbit took note of the stand-off, and mindlessly acted by probing a personal digit into the butt of the canine. Startled, he let go of his opponent, and Frodo pulled Cain into a cage, and slammed the door between the mortal foes. When queried by the "black shirts," Frodo had to admit that he could not say for sure exactly who or how the conflict was initiated. All he knew was that Cain, lathered in blood, looked up to him, with wounded eyes, seeking help and comfort.
The other dog, whose name Frodo has forgotten, was "put down" this evening. Cain will recover from his wounds, and he will remain among the population acceptable for adoption. At least for now.
Frodo is unsure whether or not Cain was innocent, but he will not soon forget the look in those eyes. The Hobbit will return in days to come, and he will set caution aside to discuss the future with Cain, aptly named.