So I popped up to Epsom for a sneaky fly this evening. Set up in the usually dog-free part, but the wind was crap so after 15 minutes or so I landed and started to wind up the lines. As I'm most of the way to the kite bounding over comes a slathering bull-terrier of some kind and it decides to stick it's stupid foot straight through the sail of my Gem. It then rushes off to it's owners who are 200 yards away and walking away. I wander over and ask them if they realise what just happened. Met with a mixture of ignorance and indifference, I'm then given the explanation to end all explanations - "dogs are allowed to run free - it's the Downs".
WTF!
Anyhow, I figured a decent description might be useful so I got the camera out and took a few photos. Of course, they didn't really like that very much and started spouting a load of horseshit about harassment. So here we have John (he's the shy one), Suzanne (she's the fat one) and their delightful twat-bull terrier Lulu.
If you ever run into this couple at the Downs, I suggest you keep your kites in the air, and the safety off.
On the way home I was busy trying to change the CD in the stereo when I heard a strange thump from under the bonnet. Nothing seemed amiss but at the next set of lights I woman banged on my window and explained that I'd just run over her daughter. I explained that I hadn't noticed but that, since I held a valid driving license, I was allowed to drive on the road. She accepted my explanation and I went on my way. I expect she probably called an ambulance or something.
BTW, that last bit was not true, just an analogy to highlight the stupidity of the situation with dogs. I'd fully expect if the last bit was true to be currently helping police with their enquiries. However, if my dog had just torn the face of a small child, I suppose I might lose the dog! Go figure...