Columbia Star

1963        Celebrating 60 Years      2023

Charlie

It’s not a criticism; It’s an observation



 

 

There’s a new dog roaming our neighborhood. A cute little devil named Charlie. He belongs to a neighbor’s young daughter and is as personable and friendly as a critter can be. And I think he has a crush on Lacie, the sometimes three-legged dog that allows me to accompany her on daily walks.

Most of the folks in our area consider keeping dogs restrained to be a violation of their rights. Many also are against getting them fixed. I guess they think if the Lord makes them pregnant, who is mortal man to question that.

One day as the lockdown was getting started, Lacie and I were wandering down the street when this tiny, black mixed breed came bounding up and began playing. Lacie loves playing, and will approach any dog in the neighborhood. Even Sadie, the Rottweiler mix who has no sense of humor. I have to carry Lacie past Sadie just to keep her from being bitten in two, which would greatly surprise her—she thinks the dog is just having fun, while baring teeth.

Lacie and Charlie began an understated relationship. Each morning as we appear, Charlie bolts from his house, chases her a bit, and then leads us down the road until we turn around. Charlie doesn’t hang with anyone. He’s too adventurous. Likes to see what’s new in the neighborhood. One day we disappeared from sight as he barked at Sadie from a safe distance. Not sure what to do but pretty confident he was already close enough.

Lacie’s arrangement with Charlie went on for several days, and eventually became part of most daily walks. I worried he would be hit by a car since that’s what happens to loose dogs where fast-moving cars are plentiful. But he kept appearing at the roadside to greet us.

Charlie also found time to explore the extended area around our roads and houses. No matter which way we went he would dash ahead and come racing back a few minutes later. He even somehow charmed Sadie.

One day they were walking side by side toward the edge of the street. Even legendary Quigley gave Sadie a wide berth. But Charlie had worn her down. That and the fact she’s so old she probably doesn’t know he’s a dog. I always imagined a gruesome death in Charlie’s future, partially because that’s the first conscious memory I have. Seeing my dog killed by a speeding log truck. But he continued to run loose and safe.

Then one day while nearing Charlie’s house, as I searched for his speeding shape, a horrible screeching sound, filled with despair, echoed close by. I located Charlie, chained to a line that allowed some freedom but not nearly as much as he normally had. He cried and cried trying to get to us. I felt guilty just taking a walk. As sad as Charlie seems, I know he’s better off.

He doesn’t comprehend the danger and just thinks people are being mean to him. Glad humans are more intelligent than that. We understand freedom includes responsibility to others, and don’t question temporary restrictions for everyone’s sake.

I still feel bad for Charlie.

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