Short Stories and Nonsense. W.R. Lacy

      Wolf

      One day, I was walking along a road that was close to some woods when I heard a ferocious growl come from a nearby group of trees. At first, I didn’t know what it could be, but as I listened, my imagination began to take over. I could just see a huge gray wolf with two-inch fangs and long claws charging out of the timber. I figured he would eat me up in one large gulp. You know how your imagination can run away with you? What do I do? Do I stay where I am or run for the hills? I knew I would never make it because wolves can run faster than any human. I could just see the wolf hot on my heels, breathing down my back like a welding torch. I could almost feel the hot, burning torch blistering my skin. What to do? I couldn’t make up my mind.

      As I stood frozen in place, a strange thought entered my head. If the wolf ate me, I would go to heaven where I would see my mother and daddy. Oh happy day! On the other hand, if he just mangled me, I could end up in the hospital in loads of pain. I was so lost in thought that I did not see the parting of the trees. There emerged a ragged, dirty gray puppy. I assumed he was a puppy, for he was very small. He was growling and barking to beat the band! He was trying to appear larger than life, and he was doing a fairly good job at it! I was so relieved that I started laughing. “Where did you come from?” I asked myself as if he could answer me. Cautiously, I bent down and offered my hand, but he refused to come to me. I talked softly to him, and he finally stopped barking at me. He came forward very slowly, quickly smelled my hand, and jumped back. I continued to talk to him, and he came forward again. He smelled my hand, but this time, he stayed close to me. I continued to talk to him, and he stayed close. I reached down very slowly, put my hand under his chin, and scratched him. He almost fell down. Very, very slowly I reached for him, and he jumped into my arms! He was wiggling and squirming so that I could barely hold on to him! I really could not tell much about him except that he was a mess. His coat was matted and so tangled, I couldn’t tell much about him. We started back to where I had left my car. As I was walking back and talking to him, I noticed he was nothing but a bag of bones! So thin. He seemed excited about having someone to hold and talk to him. We finally got to the car, but he wasn’t too sure about getting into it.

      I took him to the local vet ER, and they immediately took him back to examine him. Several hours later, they brought out a dog that I did not recognize! They told me he was in good shape, except he was malnourished. They told me he was a very good puppy and tolerated everything they threw at him. He did not growl or try to bite. He was washed, trimmed, and given his shots. He passed inspection with flying colors! The vet said now all he needed was plenty of good food and loads of love. I told him I was certainly capable of doing that. What a different dog. His coat was a beautiful silver. The vet didn’t know what breed he was but suspected he had some wolf in him. Wolf seemed like an appropriate name, and so it was. I took Wolfe home, and he certainly made it his after a thorough inspection. He made himself at home immediately. I don’t know where he came from or how he got lost in the forest, but it seems like he has always been part of my life. I have never walked down that path again. I guess I’m afraid another wild animal might come into my life, not that I would mind. I would certainly welcome another animal into my home, but I don’t think my heart would stand the scare. Right now, I am very happy with my puppy, and I wouldn’t want to push my luck!