I was going to drop my kid off at school when a dog ran between two cars and my back tire ran over a portion of the dog. I slowed down and stopped not knowing what to do and watched the dog hop up and hobble away into an adjoining back yard. What seemed to be the owner followed the dog into the back yard. I immediately pulled over but had to roll up my windows as my dog was riding along. I waited a few houses away not really knowing how to react and asking my kid what she thought I should do. When the dog quickly wandered off she wasn’t sure how I should act either.
What do I do? My initial hesitancy is tied to the dog quickly walking away into what looked like it’s home and the owner slowly following it away. I’m concerned of getting into the middle of a highly emotional situation if the dog needs to go to the vet. If the dog lay lifeless I would have had no issue with getting out and consoling as needed. Is there a difference? I think also am concerned I’ll get told I’m responsible and need to help cover any vet costs.
I just feel terrible that I hurt a dog and don’t know how to react. I know it wasn’t on purpose but I get sad if I run over a squirrel in the road.
Hit and run is NOT the answer to any question involving vehicles.
The owner hurt the dog by walking it without a leash and not having enough control over it to keep it from running into traffic. It speaks to your good character that you feel guilt over what happened, but you are not responsible and should not beat yourself up over it.