By Angelica Ingram

Published Nov. 1 2016

It started out just like any other journey.
I was heading home on a Friday night after a long day of work.
With a hot take-out pizza resting in the front seat of my car I began making the trip home ready for a weekend of relaxation.
Five minutes later that all changed.

Just a little way outside of Haliburton Village I was driving along in a row of cars when I saw something jump out from the right side of the road onto the pavement in front of the car I was following.
At first glance I thought it was a few foxes so I began slowing down bracing for a swerve.
But as I got closer I saw the animals were not foxes but dogs and to my surprise the car in front of me did not alter its course.
What happened next was a bit of a blur.
At first I thought the dogs must have made it safely to the other side of the road. At least that was what I was hoping.
I’d like to say the car in front of me stopped. But it didn’t.
The car in front of me drove off into the night.
As I continued on I realized one dog had not made it to the other side of the road and was lying very still in the middle of the pavement.
I pulled over horrified.
Thankfully the two vehicles behind me pulled over.
There we were four people and one dog who was no longer a part of this world.
At first we didn’t know what to do. The shock was setting in.
Fortunately one of the other drivers volunteered to go to the home across the street and make some inquiries.
The driver who was following immediately behind me went to the animal and moved him off the main part of the road.
I stood there shaking.
Thoughts were running through my mind. Why didn’t that car stop? Why didn’t I pay attention to the licence plate? Who could do this?
A few minutes later a truck pulled up and a man with sadness in his eyes emerged.
I knew instantly this was the companion of the now deceased dog.
After some conversation and condolences the man picked up his friend and placed him in the truck.
I felt a deep pang of sadness.
I have lived up here for seven years now and know that driving these roads at night is not fun. Many are not well lit and the wildlife always makes for interesting encounters.
I have seen three bears three moose countless deer and I’m sure hundreds of squirrels raccoons rabbits and more.
Living up here means we get to enjoy a plentiful amount of nature and its inhabitants.
But it also means we have to be extra careful when driving.
Drivers should take their time always make sure their car lights are in working order and pay attention to their surroundings.

This upcoming weekend marks daylight savings which means we set our clocks one hour back gaining a precious hour of sleep.
But it also means that it will get darker sooner.
When you’re out on the road make sure you stay safe and look out for those around you.
Accidents do happen but your reaction to them is completely in your control.