I STOLE YOUR DOG TODAY
Copyright Jim Willis 2002

I stole your dog today. No, I didn't set a foot on your property, but from
the condition of your dog, I can imagine what it looks like...the word
"junkyard" comes to mind.

I found her along a road, with a heavy chain wrapped around her neck, still
attached to rotten boards from her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails
protruding. Not only did I know that most of the town had already ignored
her, judging by where I found her, but I knew that if she had gotten into
the woods the "cross" that she dragged behind her would have wrapped around
a tree until starvation or thirst killed her. The local populace is usually
deaf to the sound or blind to the sight of an animal in need, unless they
decide to shoot one for trespassing.

That her ribs showed, that her ears were filthy, that her overall condition
was poor and that her coat and eyes were dull, were good indications that
you didn't deserve her. But just to make sure, I checked with the local
authorities for a report of a missing (unlicensed) dog matching her
description and to see if you'd placed a "lost dog" advertisement in the
local newspaper. You hadn't, which I can only surmise means that you do not
miss her. That's rather convenient, because the fact that she is not spayed,
probably unvaccinated, and possibly heartworm positive means that restoring
her health could cost me around a thousand dollars.

Perhaps it may be some small comfort to know that she doesn't miss you. In
fact, her very act of escape made it clear that she'd had enough of your
brand of pet guardianship. It took her about a day to realize that I'm not
you, that I won't hurt her, that despite our brief acquaintanceship, I love
her. It took two days for her to realize that the other animals who live
here accept her and that one of the joys she has been missing has been the
companionship of other dogs. It took three days for her to appreciate the
ecstasy of a homecooked meal and that a couch is meant to be reclined on,
and that she no longer has to sleep outside - in fact, when the thunder
starts, she'll get a hug and her ears rubbed, and I'll make a fool of myself
with baby talk.

She has a beautiful name now. Already in the first week she has come to look
more like she should. Her eyes sparkle and she has learned to wag her tail
in greeting. She has stopped flinching when I make a sudden movement,
because she knows now that I won't beat her, in fact, she rarely leaves my
side. She's even become brave enough to bark at a cat and today I watched
from the window as she initiated play with the other dogs. No, it's clear
she does not miss you or her former life of neglect on a chain.

Of all the things that have become apparent from my brief relationship with
her - such as the forgiving nature of the dog, their wonderful ability to
heal and to trust, the fact that love can work miracles - one of the most
apparent is what a fool you are. She was possibly the most trusting, loyal
and loving being in your life, and you consigned her to a life of filth and
loneliness until she made the best choice she's ever made when she broke
free. Perhaps her guardian angel helped her escape. Lest anyone should
mistake me for an angel, I will admit that one day I hope to be as good as
she; I believe she forgave you within the first twenty-four hours of her new
life for the about four years of her previous "life," while I still wrestle
with the part of me that hopes that one day you will burn in Hell.

It's not clear yet whether she'll remain here or whether I'll find her a
loving home where she can count on more individual attention than I can give
her, but one thing is certain, this is one bit of stolen "property" who is
never returning to you. So sue me, prosecute me, plead with the courts that
she is rightfully yours...I'm convinced this is the best "crime" I've ever
committed. Hardly anything has pleased me more than the day I stole your
dog. I need only look into her beautiful brown eyes to know that she'd
defend my decision with her life. If we have one prayer, it is that you will
not replace her, and if we have one special day to commemorate together, it
is the day I stole your dog and the day she stole my heart.



Copyright Jim Willis 2002 - Used With Permission