A “Tail” of Love and Loyalty

By Brenda Black

He puttered along with no specific destiny in mind, meandering through a maze of people. The crowd moved as one large amoeba, without shape, but held together as they blobbed their way from one spot to another. They congregated around large equipment and used furniture or squeezed closer to old records, glassware, or outdated toys that equaled both junk and treasures. I saw the auction crowd as one, but my eyes were drawn to the frail, little man in the yellow-checkered, wool coat who ebbed and flowed from the pack.

Near his side, she strolled along with no question as to where she belonged. She followed the plaid coat and the faded britches on the legs of her best friend. Her black and white coat clashed horribly next to his, which made the couple even more conspicuous amid blue jeans and solid jackets. When he walked, she walked. When he stopped, she stopped. When he sat, she often lay down. No doubt, the Dalmatian demonstrated the utmost of loyalty to her master.

After watching for a couple of hours, I made my way nearer the small fella and his faithful companion. He was talkative and she was silent. He told me they had been together for seven years. She went everywhere with him and was never left home alone.

She had no obedience training, yet behaved better than the most high-bred of canine. While we visited, she shyly welcomed my slow approach toward the top of her satiny head. Then the spotted side-kick moved in closer for a little more contact that included scratches behind the ear, strokes across her fat back and brushes under the chin. She was calm. Her tail never wagged, she didn't try to lick. Her paws never left the ground in any attempt to jump up or demand more attention.

A picture of contentment, she was happy at the feet of her master even as she enjoyed my gestures. As I walked away, she remained, not tempted in the least to follow someone who just befriended her. She plopped back down and never gave me another thought.

Again from a distance, I watched their unspoken affection for one another. This time, he sat on a ledge and she was perched right next to him. He wrapped his slim arm around her as if she were his child and with the slightest, gentle touch, he rubbed her soft form with his thumb.

I was filled with a sense of peace and a pinch of sorrow as I studied them. While they perfectly suited one another and their compatibility brought a smile to my heart, I wondered if my new elderly friend lived all alone except for his four-legged partner. But what a companion to have constantly near – one that adored him and gave him so much joy. And what a fine caregiver this seasoned man who kept that dog so happy and content.