…in which I almost get hauled to jail…
Evidently, Atlanta Gas Light *really* wanted to get into our house for something. We hadn’t been home when they’d come calling (really, how many 2 income families have someone home during the day during the week?), and when Richard worked from home today, he called to see what they wanted. Evidently, they wanted to replace our gas meter. We decided we’d call them back after October 15 when my schedule freed up some and I could be home to wait on them.
Imagine my surprise when, around 3:00, there comes a banging on the door. I look outside (dude didn’t give me a chance to actually answer the door), and there’s an Atlanta Gas Light truck outside. Richard went out to talk to him, and he allows that he’s got to get in the house after he installs the new meter to check the gas appliances and re-light them. What would have happened if we weren’t home? He said he’d have gone off with them unlit, and that was our problem.
I was aghast at the “customer service” attitude, and I went out to get his truck number. I had started to call to complain about him, when he came to the door, and opened it.
As usual, Penny was on guard at the door, but when it opened, she went flying out. Without collar or leash on.
I ran past the guy, yelling “You jerk! You let my dog out!” Frankly, as angry as I was, he’s lucky “jerk” was the only thing that came out.
I managed to catch Penny (that extra weight on her has its advantages), and turned to go back to the house, when I see Gas Dude coming toward me, cell phone in hand.
He informs me that I’ve assaulted him; he’s never been talked to like that before; and he’s calling the cops.
I informed him that he’d best get back and finish his job… and oh, by the way, he was on my property without my invitation, and that’s trespassing.
He huffed back to his truck; I went in the house, called Richard to handle Gas Dude, and went in the bedroom with Penny (since obviously I was a threat) and called Atlanta Gas Light and waited for the cops.
At least Atlanta Gas Light was apologetic. I told them I still needed someone to finish the job (Gas Dude was still in his truck in front of the house. I assumed he was waiting to swear out a complaint). They assured me someone would be there to finish it. I promised I wouldn’t hurt his tender feelings anymore. (Yeah, I was a bit snarky.)
A few minutes later, Gas Dude’s boss came and went with him (and Richard) to assure all our appliances were working. Then they both left.
Cops never showed. I sense that this wasn’t the first time Gas Dude has had this problem.
But you don’t mess with my dog.
Baa Baa Knit Stitch 