OLD DOG Last summer I was going to down town and went through a nice neighborhood. As I approached a house at a cross street a huge police dog ran out toward me barking with his hair straight up. I get along with dogs, so I stopped and said softly, �What�s with you, big boy?� The dog stopped short and looked at me. An older man came from around the house and said something to the dog. The dog sat down and dropped his hackles, almost smiling at me. The man came out and snapped a leash on the dog and said to me, �I�m sorry he frightened you. He has never bit anyone, but, like most dogs, he has the equipment.� �He really did not scare me� I said. �He was just protecting his territory. I doubt that he would bite me anyway.� I put my hand out, palm down and the dog started licking it. He just wanted to be petted. The man said, �He�s getting old, now. 19 years. I don�t know what I�ll do when he goes. Lost my wife of 48 years, six months ago and he stayed with me all through it.� �I�m so sorry, Sir,� I said. �19 years for a dog is a really long life and I can imagine how you feel about him. Especially with your recent grief.� �You know, I think he misses her, too. He has stood by my side ever since she died and I think he feels her loss also.� �I suspect he does. Animals are a lot smarter than most people think,� I said, �And he was leaning on you just like you have leaned on him. God Bless you, Sir.� �Oh, He has!� the man said. �After Emily died, I sold the business and me and this dog took a trip. Just the two of us. We drove to Southern California and I saw my almost new great grand daughter, Emily, after my Emily. Now, mister, God blessed me many times over, this dog and my Emily were the greatest.� I pushed the control to full speed and got out of there fast. Around the corner I stopped and wiped my eyes...
|
BACK TO WHEELING AROUND MENU