Rachel walked by this chain link fence five days a week morning and evening on her way to and from the metro. Never fail, the German Shepherd mix chained to the dogwood tree barked and wagged its tail. The bowl, supposed to be providing water, was upside down.
This was enough. The temperature was already below freezing with snow predicted tonight. The dog had no protection.
She seethed as she opened the gate, but tamped down the anger before carefully approaching the dog at an angle the way the rescue group had instructed. She held out her hand. The dog licked it and then play-bowed.
The house door opened.
“Get out of my yard,” the balding man with a paunch yelled. He caught a glimpse of her face. “You again. I told you to leave the dog alone. She’s my dog and none of your business.”
“It’s too cold out here for her. If you can’t be bothered taking her inside, I’ll take her.”
“That’s stealing.”
“This is abuse.”
“I’m calling the cops.”
Rachel seethed. “Go ahead. I’ve documented the abuse. I have pictures.”
The man thundered toward her. For a moment, Rachel felt fear. She didn’t think the dog would ever hurt her, but this man, probably a bully all of his life, could.
Immediately the dog growled and bared its teeth. Rachel glanced down, expecting a bite, despite her previous self-reassurances. Instead, the dog was focused on the man who instantly halted. She saw his fear. This was why the dog was outside.
“It’s stealing,” he said again.
Rachel opened her wallet and removed all of the cash, roughly eighty dollars and thrust the bills at the man.
“The dog will attack you,” he said.
“I don’t think so, but consider it no longer your problem.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
And, the dog, realizing she was starting on a new path, also leveled two barks at her former master before following the woman to whom she pledged immediate loyalty. The liver treat in the woman’s pocket didn’t hurt either.
end 4/1/2017
S. Darlington
If in doubt, bring liver treats. 🙂
Smelly, but then I’m not the one who has to eat them. 🙂
lol @ Maggie, but great read!
Not sure how this works, is it simply an “A” word, or must it include dogs and etc?
here’s the link: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
It’s a daily challenge excluding Sunday, except for the last Sunday, and you pick a theme to blog about, which much begin with the letter corresponding for that day. Today is A. 🙂
thank you, I went with that as a thought, lol, appreciate your forwarding the information. I chose a is for appointment.
I am often angry when I see people, with dogs, who do not understand the responsibility of an owner starts with love and respect.
I hear you and agree 100%! 🙂
Great start. I know here if someone isn’t providing for their pet (animal abuse) you can take it to the Hunane Society or inform them you have it so the right authorities can charge the man. I thought no though, the guy was just mean and the dog knew it had a chance at a family, a pack, with this girl. Someone with treats and who pets him died by hit him or not feed him. Interested to read what’s next 🙂 Cheers
Thanks, Mandi!
I love challenges like this and I think you did a good job with “Anger” as your first!
Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
I can’t wait to read more!
Hey Sascha, great to see you doing this challenge, look forward to reading your work each day. Hope you can find the time to check out my efforts too, Iain 🙂
Great to hear you’re participating too. I will check out your blog daily! 🙂
Hi Sascha, I really love your challenge and your story. I will start this challenge when I finish mine 🙂
Thank you! Some emotions are definitely harder than others to write about. I shall come check out your challenge! 🙂
I don’t understand why people have pets when they clearly have no intention of taking care of them. I like how you withheld the liver information till the very last line. Very interesting. Love the story.
Thanks. I’m with you. I hate seeing old dogs end up in shelters because they aren’t “cute” anymore and take work.