Apology

So my intention today was to greet everyone that I crossed paths with a  hearty hello, a smile or a greeting.    As I walked today at the dog park with Kaos, I meet a couple that turned right as I turned left.  At the end of the walk, I saw them again, and noticed they had no dog.  So, I asked “your are down at the dog park without a dog?”.   “Yes” they replied sadly, “we lost our dog a few years ago, but still like to walk here”.  It was one of those moments where I wanted to take my foot out of my mouth.  Of course, I meant nothing by the comment other than small talk, but found myself in a difficult conversation.  What to do?  I apologized for my insensitivity.    As it was alright to walk in the dog park, it was ok to walk without a dog, and of course it was alright to do it without questions from a nosy red head.  I know we have all said things that just didn’t come out the right way.  How about when we try and cover them up and make it much worse than the original violation?  Sincere Apology... Its all I could do, and a severe scolding from myself to myself.