I was jogging one evening with my two yellow labs. It had been quite a while since we’d been out; I’d locked myself away after the death of my beloved black lab Duke, only going out when necessary.
But that evening I realized how my melancholy had affected my girls. We started out slowly, three sad sacks moseying down the road. Being outside began to invigorate us and we picked up our pace.
Maneuvering the roundabout, I noticed a Cadillac parked outside a warehouse. As we jogged by, the driver yelled out “Yo, pal! Looks like you lost your dog.”
His words caught me off guard and I stopped. The burly driver pointed to the leash I had tied around my waist – Duke’s leash – for old time’s sake.
“Oh, this” I replied. Before I realized it, I told this total stranger all about Duke.
To my disbelief, this hulking goon started blubbering like a baby, telling me about his dog that died when he was a kid. Just then the warehouse door opened and a couple of intimidating men emerged followed by a short squatty guy chomping on a cigar and sporting a lousy toupee.
“Mama mia, Bruno, it’s been thirty years since Spot died. Enough’s enough. Now say bye bye to the nice doggies and get in the car.”
That’s when I spotted the lustrous black lab in the front seat. My heart skipped a beat.
“Papa’s here, Leonardo” said the man with the cigar. “Andiamo, Bruno! Let’s go home.”
NAR © 2023
The Elephant's Trunk 
Nothing like a dog’s tail to brighten up the day. Unless it’s a dog’s tale!
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Thanks, Liz! Great comment!
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Excellent story.
(But the again), as perfect lifeforms, dogs always pull the Reader.
An old saying, “God created dogs to provide an example of how to live life with others.”
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Thanks, Clark! That is a great saying! I think we need to pay better attention to dogs.
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Your moving tale seems to have stirred up emotions within many of us.
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I’ve noticed. That’s why we write, is it not, my friend?
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Indeed it is!
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Aww! A great story about love and loss! Thanks, Nancy, it moved me! X
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Thanks, CA! My little story seems to be quite relatable to animal lovers, especially those who have lost dogs. It’s nice to know I can make people feel something. Always appreciate your thoughts.
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I lost my lab back in February. He was 12 1/2. He was a gorgeous dog. I miss him so much every day ❤️❤️
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I still blubber at unpredictable times when I think of Grover, the goofy golden that grew up with my kids. He reminded me of Astro of the Jetsons. He was big, nearly 100 lbs., and he’d climb up on the couch and put his arm on mine an talk like a seal and said wello wot, he had trouble with his Hs and Ds. Oh, no. I’m blubbering again.
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Seems like I stirred up equal amounts of smiles and tears with this one. Sorry for the blubbering, D; good, sweet memories of Grover. I have no doubts he loved you just as much as you loved him.
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“He spoke with tears of 15 years of how his dog and him
Just traveled about
But his dog up and died, he up and died
And after 20 years he still grieves,”
~Jerry Jeff Walker
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Pets are so loving and are such good listeners. We don’t have any and really don’t want any. I have a friend who has rescued three dogs and what care she gives them.
I must look like a doggie as she has pampered me during my time of need. lol
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We’ve had cats all our married life. We lost 15 over the years and now have #16 with us. Losing our last one was as painful as losing the first yet we keep bringing them into our lives … or perhaps they find us. I think this one will be our last but I’ve said that before.
I’m sure you don’t look at all like a doggie! Your friend obviously has a nurturing and loving nature.
Truly hope you feel better soon; being unwell, no matter what the cause, is taxing on the body and mind. Keep singing, Sighs, and know a lot of people are wishing you the best. 💕
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Couldn’t be more timely, Nancy. Here’s me planning on getting my first dog since my last, a Border Collie, nearly 30 years ago.
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It’s a Sicilian witch thing, Doug! 😂
I think it’s great you’re bringing another friend into your home and heart; 30 years is a very long time. Happy for both of you! 💫
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Aww, a heartfelt story Nancy.
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Thank you, Sadje. I’m glad you thought so.
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You’re welcome my friend
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Fun piece, Nancy.
And as a dog lover myself, I know how much it hurts each time we lose one.
But we just love the next one, don’t we?
Allez!
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So true, CE, whether cats or dogs. They have a way of making a home for themselves, not just in our houses but in our hearts.
Always lots of love to go around.
Mille grazie, caro! Andiamo!
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Oh, Nancy, that touched a sore spot for the dogs I have known.
I love how you’ve taken that and made a gangster story out of it – showing the tough guys being just as soppy as the rest of us.
(And thanks for the new word – verklempt. It’s a good one.)
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When I started out writing this little ditty, I had no idea the impact it would have on animal lovers everywhere … especially doggies! They certainly do have a special place in our hearts.
Verklempt. The first time I heard that word was on a skit from Saturday Night Live. It’s a great word and fun to use.
So glad you enjoyed my story, dear Jenne!
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Losing your dog can be very painful even years after it happened.
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My husband and I are cat people and over the years have lost 15 cats; each time we lost one we swore we’d never get another but we always did. We’re now on #16!
One of our sons has a St. Bernard and the other is thinking of getting a Burmese Mountain Dog. They both lost dogs a couple of years ago and it was indeed very painful for the whole family.
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I know how Bruno feels. I still get a lump in my throat when I see another Springer, or see a photo of Molly. A thoroughly lovely story, Nancy.
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Thanks, luv. I’m getting verklempt just thinking of your Molly. Bill and I have never shared our lives with a dog (lots of cats!) but we love them; Springers are lovely.
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Verklempt is a good description.
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