"A MOOOOD CHANGE" A SHORT STORY

A MOOOOD CHANGE

The black and brown mutt jumped into the back of our waiting van with some effort. But, by the non-stop wagging of his tail, there was no question he happily anticipated another trip to the country with his "aunties".

For years, Mary and I provided boarding services for pets residing in New York City and Buddy was a regular. In his golden years, I really believe he enjoyed, all the more, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for the sights and sounds time in the Pocono Mountains afforded him. There he could lazily sun himself on the deck, listen to the endless chirping of the birds, and catch a glimpse of what deer, actually, look like. Remember, he was cityfied through and through.

I, honestly, think when Bud first encountered the strange animals grazing in the yard, he thought they were the biggest dogs he'd had ever seen. His eyes were wide as pancakes. The hairs on his back stood at attention. And although, I heard the expected growl and bark, it was, at the most, halfhearted. The aging boy knew he had to keep up appearances with his puppy peers, but that's as far as it went. Let the younguns make a ruckus and do the chasing. He was content to watch from his comfortable spot next to the rocking chair. And the wise old cur knew in their absence, he'd get all the more treats.

As we drove away that day, little did our four-legged passenger know, we weren't headed to his favorite retreat, but on an adventure. The three of us were off on a road trip to North Carolina. There was someone special to meet.

Buddy was as enthralled with the little blue bundle as we were. Wherever the baby was, you could bet Bud was protectively hovering nearby. His doting attention couldn't be diverted for a moment. So, when it came time for us all to leave for an evening's engagement, we had no choice, but to include our canine companion.

The "Toys for Tots" charity ride had been a grand success and everybody was back at the clubhouse celebrating when we arrived. Buddy deftly wound his way through the cluttered lines of Harleys and choppers with his talcum-powdered charge always within sight.

The bikers welcomed us and the gang's two new honorary members-Brendan and Buddy. The duo was a big hit with this leather-jacketed crowd. Congratulations and hugs were generously passed around that night, so were ribs, steaks, and roast pork. I guess it's hard work being a bodyguard because I never saw a dog eat so much meat. It's amazing he could budge, but one whimper from the baby and he was up and in defense mode before you could say, "Milk Bone".

Buddy contentedly slept most of the way home. I'd like to think he was dreaming of the grand time he had and all he had done that weekend. Perhaps, the old boy was remembering feeling strong and vibrant again. Maybe, he was recalling being useful and a force to be reckoned with. Or maybe he was just savoring the taste of barbeque.