Today’s article isn’t on a “new” topic. What I’m writing about happened over Easter weekend so chances are you may have heard about it, but I brought it up to some friends the other night who had no idea what I was talking about, so hey! Maybe I’m bringing it to you for the first time.
Let me set the scene…
Actress Angie Harmon was at home with her daughters when they decided to order food from InstaCart.
Their food arrives. The driver gets out of the car. He comes to the door, delivers the food, then on his way back to the car, shoots and kills the Harmon family dog.
Now! Before we go any further there are a couple of things that you should know, that may (or may not) help you navigate this predicament.
Please keep in mind the food was delivered. So no problem with the dog, arose PRIOR to the food being handed off at the door. I wonder why?
Before you ask, the dog was a German Shepherd / Beagle mix. Heavy on the beagle; he wasn’t built like a German Shepherd to me. (Here’s a pic of the dog.)
Angie commented that “our Ring camera was charging in the house, which he saw and then noticed he wasn’t being recorded.” 🤔 hmmm
There was no tears in his pants, flesh or anything that showed he had been attacked.
But here’s the weirdest thing of all for me…
He was shopping under a woman’s identity, named Merle. His name, he told police, is Christopher Reid. What the heck? Who is Merle? Why is InstaCart not addressing this in any way?
I’ve heard different sides of this by people; some believe it’s awful and she should sue them until it’s called InstaHarmon. Others, though, believe it is up to us - the receivers of the goods - to put out animals away, whether they are vicious or not.
I’m just not sure where I fall on this.
Personally I have run into an issue with a particular Door Dash driver who has twice now, when delivering my Walmart groceries, said she can’t get out of her car because she’s afraid of our dog. His name is Nashville. He is a 12 year old Golden Retriever. He has arthritis and can barely get off the porch. When he does, he certainly isn’t expending the energy to BARK. He’s as docile as they come. Of course, I know that - she doesn’t.
But does that mean I now walk to her car and get out the groceries and carry them up to my house when that is part of the service I am paying for?
Where do you stand on this?
What would you do?
Am I wrong to think she’s possibly in the wrong line of work? Maybe. But maybe not. I’ve never been anything but kind and helpful and sent Rocco out to help her…even if it’s not our responsibility.
Or is it? Should we - as receivers - put our dogs away? What say you?
Angie Harmon said that after the shooting he repeated over and over to her and her and her girls, “I killed your dog. I sure did. I killed him. Yeah, I did.” (I’m gonna be totally honest but I’m not sure we’re dealing with a full stack here, if you know what I’m saying.)
Although no visible injuries were sustained and police saw zero evidence, the case has been closed and police have decided not to purse charges because the man claimed “self defense.” Insta cart said Reid has been suspended. And they offer their condolences.
So, in other words: “Thoughts and prayers. Thoughts and prayers.” 🙄
I’d love to hear your thoughts, but in the mean time let’s take a poll…
Love you all,
Melissa
P.S.
Because this is my newsletter and y’all can’t tell me what to do, here is a picture of Dr. Derek Shepherd (Shep). He is the world’s most beautiful cocker spaniel. Of anything happens to him, I will dig a hole and put myself in it. Ain’t no Chikfila meal worth it!!
I'm sorry, I can't vote either way. I DO NOT AGREE with the driver but I do think you should put your dog away as I always do with our dog to protect her as much as anything else. She gets excited when people come to the door. She's friendly; not aggressive but I don't want her hurt. What the driver did was inexcusable but could have been avoided by bringing the dog in.
The driver that shot the dog is obviously deranged and should have mandatory psychological evaluation but and this is a big but…delivery people should have an expectation of safety delivering to your front porch. The dog should be in the house or a fenced backyard if a delivery is expected. I love my animals to the moon and back as well but if someone is terrified of dogs then they should not have to confront a dog to drop off on someone’s porch.