Hitting A Pet Makes Lasting Impression

Some of the drivers who accidentally hit dogs and cats in traffic happen to be pet lovers.

It’s not irony so much as it’s an inescapable statistic. Thousands of pets get hit by cars every year. And there’s always a percentage of motorists involved who are animal lovers.

For these people, such incidents can be haunting.

It’s not something that gets talked about much. After all, who wants to invite “roadkill” humor from lunkheads tragically lacking souls?

But vivid recollections of these accidents can linger for decades.

You can squeeze your eyelids shut and try to erase the tape in your memory. But it’s no use. The scene plays back over and over.

Typically, these accidents happen in a flash.

One moment you’re driving along in a world of daydreams. Or maybe you’re talking to someone in the passenger’s seat. Then there’s a blurry darting from the side of the road and, in virtually the same instant, the sound of impact.

It happens so fast. Often there isn’t even time to shout “No!”

But in our memories, the quick-as-a-blink scene gets replayed in slow-motion and freeze-frame.

The clarity with which it all comes back can almost seem like cruel self-abuse. But it probably has more to do with simply trying to make sense of the moment.

Should I have seen that dog?

Could I have stopped in time if I had been paying more attention?

Can dead animals hear you say you’re sorry?

Of course, the aftermath of these collisions varies.

Some stories include a mad dash to the vet’s office and a happy ending.

Others are all about tears.

Though tempting, it’s too simple to just blame the pet owners for letting their animals run free. Some people with good hearts don’t think.

Besides, it’s not unheard of for animals to get loose without permission.

And when you are kneeling next to a mortally wounded pet in the middle of a road, anger is irrelevant.

Soft, soothing words are spoken, silent prayers said.

Sometimes the animal’s owners will come running and take over the scene.

But other times it’s just you and the downed pet. And in those moments, it can be impossible to avoid seeing the animal in terms of relationships you can only imagine.

Maybe this sweet-faced old dog is a 3-year-old boy’s best friend.

Perhaps this bleeding cat is the one creature in this world that shows love to some elderly woman.

You never know.

Accidents happen. They’re a part of life.

So is remembering.