Dutch was not happy about any of this. "Excuse me," I said. "My dog doesn't like strangers."

They kept trying. "Can I ask, are you religious at all?"

What is wrong with men? How do three teenaged boys think it is okay for them to pursue an old woman who has crossed the street to get away from them and brushed off their attempts at conversation? And why aren't they afraid of a dog who is telling them, as clearly as possible, to back off?