It's sad for sure, and yes, I remember learning as a kid to not get in a dogs face.
I don't think the lady deserved it by any means, but it says she does an animal bit weekly, it seems she'd know that 'rule'. I don't know why she'd put herself in that situation. My guess is she got caught in the moment of compassion for the pup & let
her "instincts" slide by.
Very sad still. I hope there's a good outcome for both of them. As to why the dog wasn't leashed I really can't understand that at all.
