I was very much afraid of dogs in my early childhood. I hated them and always avoided to be on their side. I found them cruel towards other animals and never understood why dogs should run after other animals, catch and even kill them for the wellfare of their masters. 

I was about eight then when I found myself one day on my path. No companion indeed on my side. The road was so quiet and peaceful that I enjoyed engaging myself to make more steps towards bush's parts remained undiscovered to me. The bird's songs excited me. I started running desperately after them in hope to catch one of this small flying animals. How happy should I be whether I could have it in my hands! My hunt made me forgetting the distance left behind me. I was progressing and progressing. Suddenly my desire to catch a bird turned to a real fear when furtively a big dog appeared in front of me. Only 5 meters separated me from this hated animal. I couldn't run. I shouldn't even try. I've been told before that any attempt to run from a dog will excite its anger and will be vain. See how fast this animal can run. What to do in such a context of mine? Only one option: to negotiate with this ferous animal. The right sign of negotiating when you find yourself in a defavourite position is to kneel. So I did. Meanwhile, the dog started growling: "grouhhhh...whooh, whooh..." It's done for me, I said to myself. No way to avoid this animal's ferocity. No tree to climb on. The last solution to try is to take wisely and carrefully the opposite side of the road, moving while keeping ckecking the dog. At the same time, the best took the other opposite side crossing my direction. One meter was enough for both the dog and myself to start a fast running when we came to cross each other. I suddenly understood that the dog was also afraid of me! and found growling as a self-defense to oppose to my kneeling gesture!

Patience Lukeso