We’re Pawsitive She Doth Protest Too Much

I am walking down the sidewalk when I see a small dog, possibly a cocker spaniel mix or some type of puppy, bolting toward me, the leash still attached to his harness flying along behind like a kite. A couple are jogging along more than a block away, and the man, seeming completely out of breath, calls out:

Man: “Can you grab him?!”

As this furry bundle of energy reaches me, I use my happy puppy voice to say:

Me: “Hi there, little one! Are you out for the most exciting walk ever?!”

He responds by doing one giant tail wag followed by leaping onto his side and skidding toward me, ending in front of me on his back, his whole body being wagged furiously by his tail. As I step on his leash and reach down to rub his belly, he is still wagging so hard he is starting to spin around on his back like a breakdancer.

The man calls out, nearer now but no less breathy:

Man: “It’s okay; he’s friendly!”

Obviously, but it’s also a little late for this reassurance if I needed it. This dog, clearly enjoying all that life has to offer, has started to tilt his head this way and that, even whining a little in his effort to express all the joy. As the couple draws close, they slow to a walk.

Woman: *In a scolding tone* “He won’t hurt you. He’s fine; he doesn’t bite.”

Man: *Still huffing* “Sorry, he got away from us in the driveway.”

Me: *Cheerily* “It’s okay!”

They finish the last few steps, and the man stoops down to grab the leash. I take my foot off once he has the end.

Me: “He’s so cute!”

The lady scoops the dog up, snapping:

Woman: “He’s not vicious or anything like that! He’d never bite!”

As she turned to start marching off, the man looked down at me and softly said, “Sorry,” and walked after her. The dog in her arms was gleefully squirming to get down, or maybe up to kiss her face.

I thought he was a very friendly dog, but now I’m wondering if he’s secretly very vicious…