I Live To Serve

I Live to Serve

 

By John W. Vander Velden

 

My name is Mitch.  Isn’t that just the greatest most wonderful name?  Mitch, Mitch, Mitch… I love hearing them say my name.  Oh…I guess I haven’t told you who the “them” are.  They’re Sam and Lisa.  Aren’t those the greatest names any people ever had? Sam, Lisa, Lisa, Sam, Lisa, Sam, Sam, Lisa, they’re the bestest most awesome people, and I live to serve them. 

Lisa brought me home when I was…well I was a puppy.  That was…hmmm…forever ago.  Sam loved me right away, I don’t know why, after all I’m just a dog.  But they tell me that I’m their dog, and they never lie so I know it’s true.  Being someone’s dog is really special, but it’s a lot of work too, not that I’m complaining.  I’ve got to watch things all day, especially when Sam and Lisa go out, and they go out all the time.  I mean I’d like them to take me with them, and sometimes they do.  We go for car rides in the country, or for long walks.  I love car rides.  But other times they just can’t…well they’re gone so long, forever almost.  I miss them, oh how much I miss them, but because it’s Sam and Lisa I know they can’t help it.  I know they would rather spend time here with me than just about anything else, so I understand…really.  So when I’m home alone I listen…Heard that…I’d better go and check that cracklely-creakely sound over there.  Be back in a sec.   

Awwww… it was nothing.  Just a tree branch that rubs against another one.  But it might have been a burglar or maybe something really dangerous like a squirrel or a bunny.  Why just yesterday two crows landed in the back yard.  I sent them packing you can be sure of that.  I only had to bark at the window for fifteen minutes before they got the message.  “Pack it up birds.”  And there’s the guy that comes every day, well almost every day, in that blue-gray uniform, at least I think it’s blue-gray.  I have trouble with colors.  Anyway he comes to the door and puts something in the box out there.  I let him know he had better not come inside, Mitch is on patrol.

There are others that come to the door, but whether or not they ring the doorbell I let them know I hear them and this guard dog doesn’t like strangers around when Sam and Lisa are out.  Nope, nobody has come in on my watch, and nobody’s going to.  You see I’m Mitch, I’m Sam and Lisa’s dog, and I live to serve.

(449 Words)  1-26-2017

 

 

 

Small Dog and Big Hearts

Small Dog and Big Heart

By John W. Vander Velden

 

They say there is nothing like a good dog.  But the Malamute we had years ago was nothing like a good dog.  But I don’t let my difficult experiences with Bear poison my love of the fur covered tail-wagging critters.  Over the years I have been fortunate to have shared time with four legged friends of vast sizes and colors.  Some purer blood than British royalty but most have been what snobs would call mutts. 

Pedigree doesn’t mean everything to this guy…but heart does.  And the size of a K-9’s heart has nothing to do with the bulk that lies near my feet.  On a strange winter day while I was doing tax paperwork, my wife called and wondered if I was open to taking in a dog.  A dog in our household means extra work and responsibilities.  And my beloved knew I would be carrying the bulk of the added burden.  To her good fortune I had just totaled my personal prescription cost for the year…a sizable sum.  So I didn’t hesitate when she called.  I sensed the excitement…the need…she felt.  So Cloey came into our lives…a tiny thing…a Chihuahua mix…with long brown hair and legs with the finest bones I could imagine.

 

This puppy moved into our home and with its immense heart and sweet disposition and became part of our family.  Over the years, our 7 pound protector…though she has gained a few pounds recently…has earned her place…a special place…in our lives.  Our home and our lives are richer because of this tiny dog.  Cloey is smaller than our cat Oliver but has a heart as big as Montana.  Where would we be without her?  I can’t imagine my life without the longhaired, fish-boned, bundle of pure love. Like I said at the beginning, there’s nothing like a good dog, and Cloey is the best.  

 (316 Words)  9-2-2016

True Friend

True Friend            

By John W. Vander Velden

Waiting with patience infinite, gleeful upon your arrival, with friendship unquestioning, to please the only purpose.  Someone always kind, always near, though others may, will never abandon.  When forgotten, holds no grudge, only the greater excitement when remembered once more.  Suffers through harsh treatment…visibly cowering beneath hard words.  Even when punished, yet loves…never returning anger for anger.  By your side as you walk.  Near when you take your rest, a companion beyond measure.  Will never argue, listening calmly to your ranting, your opinions beyond doubt.  An ever watchful eye, on which you can rely...your trust never misplaced.  Standing firmly in your defense…a protector, yes…a companion, more…an enemy, never!!!  Little more can you ask of one that demands nothing.  Do any deserve this devotion unwavering?  There is nothing like a good dog…a truer friend can not be found!!!

(143 Words)