Hours passed. Kind words and an occasional pat on the head reassured him
somehow. No one came. No one he knew by scent or sight came out of the
busy store. Still he sat and hoped. All he remembered of the early
morning was a push from the car, the door slamming and the car speeding
away. They will be back and I’ll be back on the old wooden porch soon.
The familiar sights and sounds now seemed a lifetime ago. The world as
he had known it had changed.
He was forced by nature, heat, and exhaustion to move to the sidewalk of
the shopping center. He couldn’t see the grocery store anymore but he
knew they would be back.
People passed. People said, "Oh poor puppy." Still no one came for him.
Now he doubted his senses. He smelled everyone. "Get!" that was the
scolding he got from most people when he approached them. He meant no
harm. He just wanted to go home.
Night fell. It was quieter now.
Not so many cars now. The furniture store had closed. His hunger began
to gnaw at his stomach. He had to move on. Find food. He could smell the
hamburger cooking at a nearby drive-in. Perhaps my people are there. He
almost pranced with hope and anticipation toward what he hoped would be
the comfort and safety he once knew. Some old french fries lay on the
oily concrete. He devoured them but still he was hungry. Cars came and
went.  More words from strangers were spoken.. He could not understand.
He did not know any of these people. He found a piece of hamburger and
more stale fries. His stomach burned from the bad  food and awful
loneliness.
He began to remember the safety and love he once knew with his litter
mates and his doting mother. What joy there was! The wonderful scent of
his family! He ached for his mother. He ached and longed for his family.

All alone now, he suddenly began to be very afraid. Where and why am I
here? What did I do wrong? Why was I left alone? Finding the shelter of
a dumpster, he fell into a fitful sleep. He was tired. He was on his
own. He would find his family tomorrow.
He was awakened by loud crashing noises. The dumpster lifted into the
air. He yelped and cried with fear as he ran away from the horrible
noise of the garbage tuck. The dim light of the morning reminded him he
was not at home. The busy highway nearby began to whiz and whine with
trucks and cars. Could I find my people on the other side of this noise?
I’ll go back to the place I was left. I’ll go back where they put me out
of the car. They will come get me…..they have to or I will die.
He found himself in a terrifying world in which he could not cope. He
turned away from the noisy highway and stinking dumpster. He tucked his
tail between his legs . His spirit was gone. His hope was gone. He knew
he was truly alone now. The sun was rising now and the heat of the day
would soon be upon him.

This is the beginning of a story I will develop and edit later. This is
not a fictional story. A little dog I saw at Caterberry station inspired
me to begin this essay.  So many animals are abandoned only to die a
terrible death. Very few find a new home. They are slaughtered on
highways, die of decease, or simply starve to death.
If you have an animal you no longer want or you can no longer take care
of , please call the local newspaper. Give your pet away. People will be
glad to take your animal. There is no cost to place your ad. Please be
kind to animals. Domestic animals depend upon human care and kindness.

"Denise Parker ©2000"