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All Rights Reserved
As Published in the Springer Annual
I was late. Rushing around, dodging traffic and the ever-persistent traffic jams which plague most major cities. Even at 9pm, the traffic was at a complete standstill at the tollbooth, and I still had several miles to go.
One of my rules is to always arrive early to give me an opportunity to solve last minute problems or make any necessary arrangements. The traffic jams had blown my margin of error and I would be rushing to meet someone I'd never met. If they were early, I could miss them or any number of things could happen. If they were late, I'd sit back, take a deep breath and make everyone believe that I was on my normal schedule.
I swung the van into the parking lot only to find it was full. Around the building I went, once, twice and finally on the third lap, a parking space materialized. I stuffed the full size van into a space marked for a compact car, and took off with JJ, my Springer, at a run.
As we cleared the doors, we both stopped. The place was empty. Walking around searching for an employee, I noticed, pushed far back into a corner, an empty crate. The door hung open and on the airbill was written my name. My heart sunk. I was late, she was early and something had happened. She was gone.
JJ went up to the crate, sniffed and quickly pulled me down a long hallway. At the end was a locked door. He pawed and scratched at the base of the door. Knowing and trusting my dog, I pounded on the door.
As the heavy door opened, I heard laughter and suddenly a tiny bark. There on the floor was my new puppy being cared for by the entire night staff. She had toys, a water bowl and a couple of cookies and was holding court. JJ rushed in gave her quick once over, snatched a cookie from one of the employees and dropped on the floor to finish his treat. He'd stated his stamp of approval that she would fit in with the rest of our crew.
I swung her up into my arms. The breeder had told us she was elegant. As I looked I saw
a nice head, full collar, lots of bone . yes, she would fit in. As we drove home, traffic
was light. Without slowdowns or accidents I scratched her head, daydreamed and smiled.
Although she had been arranged to be my wife's new show dog, I secretly knew she
would also become a part of my tracking program.Oh, she does not have a name yet, but I've already started calling her Penny. Like a lucky penny, she'd been lost and subsequently found.
© 2003-1996 - Ed Presnall - All Rights Reserved