Elma Dandić, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Things appear bigger than they are when we’re afraid
Author: Elma Dandić
Today, I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a captivating melody that immediately transported me back to my youthful days. Such tunes have a way of evoking cherished memories and taking me back to the most delightful moments of my life. This particular song whisked me away to nearly thirty-five years ago, when my children were little. It was a time of scorching summer days when my husband, children, and I would regularly seek respite along the shores of the Bunica River, at a nearby picnic spot near Mostar.
We would scout for the most shady area by the river as our children merrily swam. The tunes of beautiful melodies would fill the air from our portable transistor radio, and it was precisely one of those melodies that transported me back to that time. We didn’t know the names of the people who, like us, sought solace in that spot. But we felt a sense of comfort and security. Discussions of thefts, murders, or arrests were absent from our conversations. It seems those topics didn’t even exist back then. Instead, we spoke of pleasant things, celebrating our children’s accomplishments and sharing tales of their school achievements.
Bunica was a lush expanse of greenery, untouched by human hands, as the trees and natural vegetation grew without deliberate interference. Every effort was made to preserve the harmony between this natural haven and its surroundings, minimizing any alterations to its original form. It remained an unspoiled beauty, unthreatened by human impact. No one expected a custodian to come and tidy up after us; we taught our children the importance of cleaning up after themselves. It’s quite shocking to hear that today a municipal service fee is required, a far cry from those times. Moreover, back then, there were no abandoned dogs roaming around Bunica. It was a place for recreation and family outings, where special care was taken to address the needs of stray animals, particularly dogs. Sadly, it appears that the situation has changed today.
I have a fear of dogs, and while I don’t wish them any harm, I wouldn’t choose to have them as pets. My fear is completely justified, especially because of a very unpleasant and terrifying incident that occurred near Bunica involving stray dogs. It happened right in front of the Namex supermarket. I had gone inside to buy groceries for the day, and when I came out with my bags and started walking towards my car, I suddenly noticed two large dogs just a few meters away from the entrance. Fear can make things seem much bigger than they actually are! In that moment, it felt as though two enormous dogs, one brown and one black, with their mouths wide open, were charging towards me from the north, while two other dogs were circling around me.
In a panic, I dropped my purse, bags, and umbrella, and let out a scream. They continued to approach me, barking incessantly. When I used to visit Bunica with my children, I never encountered stray dogs roaming around like that. But now, I found myself surrounded by four dogs. That’s when I noticed a man with a ponytail and a stylish appearance, sporting earrings in his ears. He was accompanied by a young girl, around ten years old. Until that moment, I had held certain biases against men who wore earrings, considering them to be unserious. But this man calmly instructed the girl to stay put and came over to me, placing a gentle hand on my left shoulder and reassuringly saying, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
I witnessed a saviour in him, someone who showed me that there are people willing to help others selflessly, regardless of their religious, national, financial, educational, or any other backgrounds. I was in a dangerous situation, and he approached me without hesitation, even at the risk of being bitten by the dogs, to offer his assistance. Surprisingly, the dogs stopped in their tracks, sensing his fearlessness. He kindly asked, “Where are you going, ma’am?” and I replied that I was heading to my car, my legs trembling with fear. Overflowing with gratitude, I expressed my heartfelt appreciation, amazed by the existence of such genuinely good-hearted people who are ready to lend a hand to those in trouble. I will never forget this act of kindness. When I asked for his name, he humbly stated that it wasn’t important, emphasizing that he didn’t help me for recognition but because I was in distress and the dogs sensed my fear, prompting their attack.
As he unlocked my car door, he advised me to proceed slowly, close the door, and lower the window, while he carefully placed my groceries and bags inside the vehicle. During our conversation, he explained that these dogs were abandoned by their owners, a consequence of people neglecting their responsibilities and no longer providing care for their once-beloved pets, which explained their behaviour.
This encounter made me realize the importance of supporting and addressing the issue of stray dogs, as they are an integral part of our daily lives and deserve our care and compassion as living beings. Abandoned dogs should not roam the streets, especially considering the fear and anxiety they can cause for individuals like me. It is our responsibility to strive for a better and safer life for both ourselves and these animals.
Despite the incredible help I received from this compassionate young man, I have made the decision to no longer visit Namex, even though it was the closest supermarket to me.
Bunica, a place I used to love for its beauty and charm, has now become tarnished. The plantings at the picnic area and by Bunica are damaged, trash bins are overturned, and benches are broken. I wonder who would visit Bunica in such a state. I compare this to the aspects of Bunica that I once cherished, the things that brought me joy and made my heart leap. When I heard that song today, it transported me back to a time of happiness and contentment, when my family members were alive, and when I connected with people regardless of their race or religion, recognizing that those divisions were insignificant.