SYLMAR, Calif.--It was a hot September day. I approached the first census address of my shift. The only entrance to the property was a sliding metal gate at the driveway. I jiggled the gate and it was unlocked. I could see that the front door was opened so I called out a “Hello”.
I waited a minute for an answer and then rolled the gate open enough to get through. I was halfway up the driveway when I heard the loud barking and realized I was in danger so I turned tail and ran for the gate. I could hear the dog gaining on me. I squeezed through the gate and started to push it closed when the German shepherd snapped at me and got hold of my jeans. I pushed as hard as I could and the dog backed off but continued snarling. An older man in his 70’s came out of the house and brought the dog inside. He came back outside and apologized for the dog and wanted to make sure I was okay. Luckily, the dog only bit through my jeans and did not pierce flesh!
I caught my breath and told him I was with the U.S. Census Bureau and was there to complete a questionnaire for his address. He said that he and his family were immigrants. He knew about the impact of the Census and was happy to complete it with me.
He came out of his driveway and we sat in broken chairs under a tree by the curb. He told me about his family and all of the people who lived at the address. After the interview I went home to change out of my torn jeans and grab a cold drink before I continued to the next address with a renewed knowledge that being a Census enumerator can be a dangerous job but it is a very important one.
—-Walrus71167
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