January 18, 2012

I was a dog burglar


For Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop this week I chose this prompt: Write list the names of five dogs from your lifetime, then write about why one sparks a stronger memory to you than the others.

  • Major- German Shepard 
  • Smokey-Belgium Shepard  
  • Bane- Mutt 
  • Cosmo- Lab mix 
  • Charlie- Cocker Spaniel 
                               ___________________________
The cool water of the hose splashed on my legs and feet as I washed away the beach sand, I could hear the phone ringing in the house. My Mom popped her head out the door and yelled down the steps at me standing in the yard," throw on a t-shirt,"she said, "then go down to the bar, your Dad on the phone he has a surprise for you."

I walked out the gate putting my t-shirt over my head at the same time kicking it closed with my bare foot. Why? I don't know since we didn't have a dog to keep in the fence anymore. It had been a year since Major was put to sleep, old habits I guess, that and a bit of hope my parents would relent and let me get a new dog.

As I walked down the block I glanced at Eddie while passing his house I smiled, he waved. He was most forgiving considering not two years earlier I had broken into his house. I remembered going to my Dad and showing him that puppy I stole; telling him about the neglect being filled with one part self righteous two parts scared shit-less. I was fifteen and I was a dog burglar. First he gave that little girl puppy to his friend Richie, then Dad forever a cop made me tell Eddie what I did, and Eddie forgave.

It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust going from the bright sunshine and into the shade of the bar. I spied my Dad sitting at the bar with his friend Richie, and in Richie's arms was a cute little puppy. Then Richie said, "that adorable puppy you (and he cleared his throat) stole had puppies and I brought one for you."  "It's fine your parents said it was OK, take him.

 That gate at our house never contained my dog friend Bane (that's what I named him). He was a great dog but he had a mind of his own and he was really strong willed. Must have been his mothers influence; my life of crime and all! Bane lived until he was 18.

8 comments:

  1. What a great story! 18 years? Wow. How blessed you were to have him so long!

    The longest I had one was 14 years. I lost her in 2009 and cried for days and days... She was "strong-willed" as well, as most Dachshunds are!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So you really WERE a dog burglar! LOL I think it's a great story and shows what a great heart you have! You were very blessed to have him for 18 years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I admit it! I did have a wilder side when I was younger Peg!

      Delete
  3. Love your take on this! It was nice to read about the dogs in a the story instead of each one individually. The dog was very lucky to have you :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. HA!! You were the dog burglar!!
    So proud of you...
    and your writing on this piece is so lovely I might add.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did keep my pantyhose on for this one, I promise :)

      Delete
  5. I'd like to think I'd be a dog burglar in that situation! Thanks for posting, I loved your story!

    ReplyDelete

I'm always interested in what you have to say...
Comments are appreciated!