Your faithful, loyal friend is waiting for you right beside the road where you left him. He's not looking very good right now. His ribs are sticking out enough that you can see them at 45 mph as you pass. It's obvious he hasn't eaten in a long time, and just as obvious that he hasn't been brushed in months.
He stands there right on the shoulder, panting in the Florida heat, watching every car that approaches. He's looking for you.
Other people stop and try to help. But he darts away, because there's just one person he wants. Hungry, lonely, but loyal, he's sure you're going to come back. You always did before.
He stays in the same place so you can find him. He won't let anyone else near because he doesn't want to fail you by being gone when you return. He's drinking muddy pond water, and probably has worms now.
And he's not eating, because, you see, he never learned to hunt. He's used to food coming in a bowl from your hand. He doesn't have the skills you just assumed he'd have to take care of himself.
The cops have tried to catch him. The animal control officer gave up after he ran into the woods. To hide, because he's a good dog and he's waiting for you.
The one thing I want to know about you is why you did this to him. There are so many places you could have called who would have taken him. Even a vet's office will let you sign the dog over rather than allow this to happen.
But you didn't care enough about your friend to find another way. So he's out there still waiting. And he's going to be out there still waiting when he can no longer stand, no longer drink, no longer move.
Because he's faithful and loyal..to the end.
Rachel
Show/hide comment form
