Guardian

Dear Guardian,

Today I was having a terrible day. The world was ending, the sky was falling and my paper cut was going to turn gangrene and I was going to lose my arm. I hid in the bathroom twice to avoid eating someone’s head for breakfast and I moaned to myself that all was lost. Coffee with my husband nearly turned into a spat because he tried to cheer me up and I was determined that the sun was gone forever.

On the way back I stopped at a fast food place to get a little snack when I saw you, a large older German shepherd anxiously walking along the very hectic road. Cars whizzed by and the grey sky seemed quite ominous against your rough coat. You were obviously lost and your eyes were very concerned as you kept pausing to glance about, uncertain where to go.

I carefully pulled over next to you, turning my hazards on. When you saw me and I saw you, I smiled a real smile. You more than welcomed my recognition and I knew just how you felt. To know that you aren’t invisible to the world means everything, and, when you are in trouble, a simple salutation means more then can be said.

“Can I help you?” I asked. You approached me eagerly, your mouth falling open in a relieved grin. I found that your massive nose reached the bottom of my rolled down window. You were really quite startlingly huge.

I got out and hugged your broad shoulders. I stroked your soft thick ears when you shoved your head into my stomach, (knocking the air out of me just a little), and I told you how beautiful you were while you told me how nice it was meet.

I reached for your collar and tags and saw that your name was Guardian. “Hi,” I smiled, leaning down to see your eyes, “My name is Emily.” You wriggled your hello back and as I called the number listed I paid special attention to your ears. There was no answer or voice mail on that number. I consulted your tags again, all four, and called the city Animal control. Using your city license number they were able to give me your home address which was a mere six blocks away. The lady who answered worked out directions with me and then let me know she would try your home number again while we drove over.

I wasn’t sure if you would get in my car, my own dog is fairly wary of strangers but you were very co-operative and willing when I ask if you wanted to go for a ride. Unfortunately for you, my little blue car was a bit of a snug fit and you could not quite lie down all the way.

As I neared the address belonging to a small white house, you gave several happy ‘whoofs’, bouncing my car up and down. I let you out just as an old man came pacing from the back yard, wringing his hands. His weathered face scowled, glared and looked a little scary as he scolded you something fierce. You delightedly hugged him back and ignored the tone of his voice as his hands clutched you close.

And I smiled again, my first real smiles of the day. I couldn’t help it. I was so glad you were home and your old man was so glad too, despite the misleading barking, and you were both full of sweet toothy grins.

Many thanks enclosed-
Your friend,
Emily