Dog People

“Rufus! Behave!” This after a dog, clearly part Rottweiler, has bounded across the park to prop himself against me. His muddy front paws and head are at the level of my chest. His pink tongue lolls from his mouth. He looks up hungrily at my jugular.
     I push Rufus down. There’s drool on my shirt. He takes affront at my unwelcoming behaviour and barks.
     His owner arrives at last. She’s pretty. “Don’t worry,” she says amiably. “He loves people.” Rufus snarls now, showing his teeth. He is just a short lunge from my goolies.
     “No problem,” I say, grinning manfully.