7.09.2009

Lost Dog

Parker and I ventured out for a walk on this steamy summer morning. It wasn’t particularly as early as we usually go, but it was early enough. As we walked along down the main street of our neighborhood we encountered a loose dog.

I’m not sure what kind of dog it was, but it was small to medium sized. The dog’s coloring was mainly black, with a large fluffy tail. It was very cute and seemed somewhat friendly as it wandered right up to us. Where did this dog belong? Who is the owner?

I looked around and only saw a runner far off in the distance. I coaxed the dog closer and noticed a dog collar w/tags.

“Come here little doggie, let me get a closer look at that tag.”

On one side of the tag it said, “Diva” and on the other side it said, “Bear” with the imprint of a phone number. I found myself talking aloud to both the dogs.

“I’m thinking I’m going to call you Bear, because you don’t really strike me as the diva type.” (a little giggling ensues) “But great, what am I supposed to do with you now? There is no address and I don’t have a phone. And I don’t have another leash. Parker- what are we going to do?”

I decided I couldn’t leave the dog, so I kept asking Bear to follow us as we headed to a friend’s house around the corner. Bear did pretty well following along. At one point I thought I may have lost her to the other side of the street. But after a whistle and a call she came right to my friend’s porch. I guess now you can officially begin to call me the dog whisperer.

I knocked on my friend’s door and waited. Uh-oh, she must not be awake. Then I heard her dog stir and start yapping like crazy after I rang the doorbell for the second time. A voice started to crack behind the closed door:

EBV - “Who is it???”
Rachiley - “Rachel”
EBV - “Rachel…what time is it?”
Rachiley - “I dunno, but I need your help…”


The door slowly opens to reveal my bed-headed friend looking at me like I’m crazy. I start to explain:

“You see, I’ve found this lost dog and I don’t have a phone with me. Can I borrow yours?” (as I motion to the black dog and plead my case in 5 seconds)


She looks at me frozen with her head cocked to the side. Maybe she's a little stunned from the bright sunlight creeping into her house. But a few seconds later she shuffles off and returns with her cell phone. I look at Bear’s tag and dial the number imprinted.

Bear’s Mom - “Hello…” (crackle, crackle, crackle)
Rachiley - “Hi, I’ve found…”
Bear’s Mom - “Hello…” (crackle, crackle, crackle)
Rachiley - “Hi, I’ve found you…” ( getting louder)
Bear’s Mom - “Hello…can you hear me” (crackle, crackle, crackle)
Rachiley - “Yes, I can hear you. Can you hear me!!!” (almost screaming)
Bear’s Mom - “Now I can hear you. You’re quite loud.” (in a tone of frustration)
Rachiley - “Hi, I’ve found your dog this morning on the main street. I wasn’t sure where you lived, but I have Bear at my friend’s house”
Bear’s Mom - “She must have gotten out? Where is your friend’s house?” (with a little concern)
Rachiley - “Near the intersection of Rose…”
Bear’s Mom - “Oh, well I live right around the corner. What’s the address? Oh wait I’m not dressed I just got out of the shower.”
Rachiley - “Well I have to walk back that way…”
Bear’s Mom - “Great, I’ll leave my front door open and be ready by the time you get here.” (sounding somewhat more chipper)
Rachiley - “See you…” CLICK (from Bear’s mom)


I handed the phone back and thanked my friend. She seemed delirious and will probably only remember this as a sleepwalking episode. I headed with the dogs toward Bear’s home. About 2 houses away a lady came out of her front door. This was not Bear’s mom, but the neighbor. Needless to say, the neighbor ended up escorting Bear the rest of the way home.

As I passed by the house, the neighbor pointed at me. Bear’s mom shouted:

“Where did you find her?”

I mentioned a few streets away. She shook her head, said something to Bear and continued talking to her neighbor. And that was it. It was almost like I didn't even exist. There was no thanks, thank you or have a good day. There was just a point, a question and continuation on with whatever their discussion was about. I now realized that maybe Bear’s mom was the DIVA in question from the dog tag!!!

Even though Bear’s mom didn’t seem to care what I had done, I knew I did the right thing. I would hope someone would do the same for me if Parker got out. I decided to continue my walk with Parker, but had to control myself from saying something sarcastic as I walked away.

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