Being a mini hero

A few days ago I was driving on 50th heading to Minneapolis when a dog, probably a Labrador, went running across the street. There was a leash attached to the dog.

I followed the dog, intending to “rescue” him and track down the owner. I made a quick right and headed up France ave. I soon found I wasn’t alone. A man on a bicycle, a woman jogger, and another car were all in pursuit. The dog would have none of it, and four blocks later I bowed out.

Why did the dog attract so much attention? Is it because his pursuers wanted to help him, or help themselves?

There are, after all, few opportunities to do something which immediately makes one into a “mini hero” or even a person “doing good.” There are few opportunities to step out of the “usual” routine and have an adventure.

On the other hand, maybe those in pursuit simply wanted to help the dog, and it wasn’t about self-aggrandizement. I like animals, and I especially like dogs. Seeing the dog running across busy intersections caught my attention.

Why people do what they do: never all that clear.