A routine Saturday evening dog walk in Monona, Wisconsin turned frightening for Carly Major when a man began following her. Rather than head home and risk leading him to her door, she changed course toward Buck & Honey’s restaurant. The man removed his shirt and ran across four lanes of traffic to cut her off. She got inside, found the staff, and said she needed help.
What the restaurant’s all-woman crew did next is worth remembering. They formed a protective barrier around her, hid her from view, directed the man back outside, and called 911. One employee described it as everyone reporting to their battle stations, each person doing their part. The staff stayed with her until police arrived and removed the man from the area, then offered her a shift meal, water for her dog, and a ride home.
Her message afterward: strangers who don’t know her cared about her, and knowing people have each other’s backs means everything. For those of us on the Suncoast, walking the Legacy Trail, crossing the Ringling Bridge, or taking an evening beach stroll, this one hits close to home. Trust your instincts, head for people and light, and speak up loudly when something feels wrong.
What’s your go-to safe spot when a walk starts feeling off?
