How could you?

No, ker je danes za mano ze tako ali tako poln dan solza pa moram objavit se tole zgodbico, ki sem jo prebrala na netu (http://blog.vodovnik.com/). Bolj mi je vsec angleska razlicica, vendar pa na sledecm linku obstaja tudi slovenska verzija. (Ce slucajno tema ze obstaja se opravicujem.)

It’s not something I normally do, but after reading this story here, I really wanted to post it.

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics andmade you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes anda couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was“bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask“How could you?” - but then you’drelent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My house training took a little longer than expected,because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember thosenights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams,and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.We went for long walksand runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the conebecause “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sunwaiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and onyour career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited foryou patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments,never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings,and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a “dog person” - still Iwelcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. Iwas happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I sharedyour excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and Iwanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, andI spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how Iwanted to love them, but I became a“prisoner of love.”

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clungtomy fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes,investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything aboutthem and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I wouldhave defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries andsecret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produceda photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past fewyears, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being“your dog” to “just a dog,”and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city,and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.You’vemade the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was youronly family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived atthe animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.Youfilled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.”They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing amiddle-aged dog or cat, even one with “papers.” You had to pry your son’sfingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No,Daddy! Please don’t let themtake my dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught himabout friendship and loyalty,about love and responsibility, and about respectfor all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, andpolitely refused totake my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline tomeet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probablyknew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me anothergood home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busyschedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. Atfirst, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you -that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream…or I hoped itwould at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized Icould not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, obliviousto their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end oftheday and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. Ablissfullyquiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears andtold me not to worry.My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a senseof relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was moreconcerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I knowthat, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as atear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort youso many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As Ifelt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body,I lay downsleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’mso sorry.” She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to makesure Iwent to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, orhave to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from thisearthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thumpof my tail that my “How could you?”was not meant for her. It was you, MyBeloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so muchloyalty.

The End

(jim willis)

EDIT: Vidim, da presledki zopet nekaj nagajajo, bom probala popravit, ce se bo sploh kdo lotil branja!