Slim Randles is my Wednesday’s Guest today with a poignant story about a dog and an old man. They are so good for each other.
If you are looking for some humor today, you could hop over to The Blood-Red Pencil where I have a post about the fun of writing with kids underfoot. They are so helpful, especially with editing.
For our treats, I thought I’d give Billy something for his loyalty, and maybe Pop would like a good strong cup of coffee. Then there are cinnamon rolls all around. Help yourself….
Billy’s been a busy guy ever since he became the official town dog here. Sally had been the town dog until she passed away on Doc’s porch, and then Billy’s owner died just two weeks after that, so it was something of a natural progression.
Sometimes offices are filled without an election.
The high school wood shop boys built Billy a dog house next to the school crossing, but Billy preferred Aunt Ada’s couch in the cold months and a nice dog depression under an oak tree when it’s warm.
Billy was making the rounds this morning. He had snacks at the Gates of Heaven Chinese café (back door, of course) and the Mule Barn truck stop, and conned a granola bar out of some kids just leaving the convenience store. Then he headed down the main street, turned right at the drug store, and ended up on the porch of The Rest of Your Life Retirement Home. A brief scratching and whining gave him access, and he cruised around, being petted and loved, until he found Pop Walker.
Pop can remember what happened in World War II right down to the mess hall menu, but he has a tough time with names and if he’s had breakfast today or not.
“Uh …?” Pop looked at the lady in the nurse’s uniform.
“I’m Jean, Pop.”
“Oh sure … Jean, okay if I go outside with the dog?”
“Only in the back yard, Pop. Okay?”
He grinned. “Okay.”
Pop and Billy walked around back there for a while, and Pop found a stick and threw it for Billy a few times. Then they went to a bench in the shade and Billy laid his head on Pop’s knee and got some free ear rumples.
Pop looked down at the dog.
“I’m glad you came over today … Billy,” Pop said.
Pop remembers World War II, also.
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Loved this, brings back memories of another old man and his beloved dog!
Yup. Thought of him when I put this post up. 🙂 Lots of poignant memories.
Just knew you had to be thinking of him!
Of your dad and mine. My father sure loved his little “smiley” dog. The dog was a mongrel who would bare his teeth in a smile on command. Daddy would get the biggest kick out of having the dog smile for the grandkids and seeing the kids’ reactions.
what sweet memories of our dads and their dogs!
Yup. Very bittersweet. Prompts a smile and a bit of a misty eye.