The Day Austin Called 911

Children are hilarious. There’s just never a dull moment when you have a little one around. I have a special place in my heart for kids, especially those who have special needs. My nephew, Austin is 14 now and has been hearing impaired all his life. He does very well with his disability. He strives to be as mainstream as possible, but sometimes I think his challenges may actually help him cling to his innocence just a little longer.


One of the funniest stores I could tell about Austin, who is now a Freshman in high school happened when he was about 9. He is a lover of pets. Much more than anyone I have ever met. I have determined that he loves animals more than people. On this particular day he was outside playing and enjoying his many animals. His grandmother was just across the yard tending to her garden. She always tries to keep a close eye on Austin…many would say she is overprotective. On this day she stopped cold in her tracks at the sound of his frightening scream.

Immediately she began running toward where she had left him. She stumbled and twisted her ankle which slowed her progress, but still she hobbled toward the house. Just as she rounded the corner, she saw Austin running in the back door of her house. As she got closer, she saw the problem. Two of his dogs were “hung up.” The male had actually turned around and was trying to run away from the female, but things just weren’t working the way they should, or maybe they were working too well. You get the picture.

It was too late once my mother finally caught up with Austin in the house. He was already on the phone with a 911 operator. “My dogs behinds are stuck together,” he exclaimed! Mom finally wrestled the phone from his hand and explained the situation to the very professional operator. She reassured her that Animal Control did not need to be dispatched, the situation as under control.

It took hours to calm Austin down and of course he was full of questions. His grandmother was not prepared to explain, so she simply referred him to his own mother for answers. His mother, my sister was apparently taken aback as well and simply told him the two dogs had sat in chewing gum in the yard and accidentally backed into one another. I know…she took the easy way out, but what would you have said to a 9 year old?

Later that day I stopped in for a visit. He met me at the truck before I could even open my door. “Uncle Rob….whatever you do…don’t spit your gum in Grandma’s yard!”