On the street where I grew up, people were always driving fast. My mom hated it and would never let me play in the front yard, so she bought a dog to keep me company in the back. One day the dog, "Barker," got through the gate while I was coming out, and ran out into the street. This guy in a car was speeding down the street, and next thing I knew I heard a loud yelp and a thump and tires squealing. I ran out there and Barker was in the gutter, his legs all twisted sideways. The guy sped off. I knelt by my dog and tried to help him but Barker snapped and snarled at me, then tried to crawl away. He didn't get very far before passing out. I cried as they took away his body.