Animal Control is out to get me

One of the facets of life in Glastonbury is that no one will hesitate to send the animal control officer after you. While my wife and I have had two previous encounters with the department, due to the ill-meaning behavior of our Golden Retriever, W, today's episode takes the cake.

I was instructed to obtain a few items from the local grocery store. Trying to kill several birds with one stone, I also made a trip to the Library, and a trip to CVS to get some diapers on sale. Sometimes, life as Connecticut Dad is simply too exciting! After an uneventful stop at the library, the trip to CVS headed south because I forgot my Rewards Card. Determined to press on, I visited the Wholefoods. My dog W was with us, on his leash, and behaving remarkably well. In to Wholefoods I went with W tied up outside in his usually spot near the bike rack. Exactly 12 minutes later, I returned to corral W and head back home with my Olive Oil and Ciabatta bread when I notice a woman hovering over him. I approached her, and she mutters some sort of obscenities about not taking care of my dog. W appeared to be fine to me, if not happy to see me as the woman appeared rather freakish. While I roll my eyes as she huffs away, up rolls the Animal Control van. Apparently, trying to get groceries with your children in a stroller in Wholefoods for 12 minutes is not acceptable. This woman had called 911 because W was "Sick and overheated" Are you F^*@#! kidding me?, I was in the store for 12 freakin' minutes!!!! Needless to say, the female officer was very nice, and suggested that next time, I try to place him in the shade. She inspected him to make sure he wasn't sick.

Next time, I'll find him some shade, some shade in our basement, as that is the last time I ever try to walk my dog in downtown Glastonbury for fear of the Animal Gestapo having me sent to the Hartford Lockup.