Walter

I DON'T LIKE DOGS

The afternoon had been good to Codger. He and his owner had stopped to see an old friend at a house that had lots of older people in it. Many of them sat in chairs with big wheels on them and some of them walked with canes like his owner did.

The one thing they all liked was Codger. Whenever he rounded a corner or walked around outside, their faces would brighten and they would smile. Calls of 'puppy' would be followed by plenty of petting and the occasional treat.

He would thank every one with kisses and would place his head on the laps of those who had problems moving so they too could pet him and call him a beautiful puppy.

Once while visiting, his owner had taken off his leash and he had wandered the halls and had found people everywhere, happy to see him. Those lying in bed seemed especially happy to have him there. He would lick the water that escaped their eyes while they smiled and laughed, letting them pet and hug his head as best they could.

Today's fanfare of well wishers was no different. His owner had asked one of the boys who was here regularly if he minded taking him outside to see the folks sitting in the garden.

He liked the boy. He was nice to him and usually let him off his leash as soon as they exited the building. Outside he ran through the garden, seeing old familiar faces and a few new ones who were just as happy to see him.

Walking past one of the benches, he came across two very old gentlemen. One had his arms crossed and wouldn't look at him. As he walked up to him, he placed his head in the man's lap as he sat in front of him.

Tucking his ears back he simply sat there looking up at him until the man returned his gaze.

It took a few minutes, but the old man eventually looked down at him and said, "I don't like dogs. Now shoo. Go away."

"Don't believe him puppy, he's just a grump," said the other man.

"You mind your own business, you old coot. Besides, shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"Ready for what?"

"You forgot already? Didn't you tell me an hour ago that your son and daughter were coming over to visit."

"They are? Well, I'd better get going," said the old man.

The man got up and slowly made his towards the building, his friend watching as he made his way.

"He'll get to his room and probably won't remember why he's there," said the man to Codger.

"Probably just take a nap anyways. His kids aren't coming to visit, they're coming tomorrow. I just wanted to get rid of him, the old fart."

He sat silently listening to the old man. He may be grumpy, but Codger liked him for some reason.

Every once in while as he talked, his arms would slowly uncross and he'd pet Codger behind the ear without looking down at him. Whenever someone walked by, he would cross his arms again and pretend that he wasn't there.

"Looks like you've made a new friend," someone had commented as they walked by them.

"Not my friend," he would reply. "I don't like dogs."

Soon a boy came running up to them. "I wondered where you'd gotten to, Codger."

"Is this your dog?" the old man asked.

"No sir. It's my grandfather's friend's dog. I just take him out when they visit."

"Well, take him away. He's been sitting there for ten minutes just looking at me. I don't like dogs."

"I will, sir. I'm sorry," said the boy.

Codger watched as the old man covertly reached for his cane and pushed it, making it land between him and the boy.

As he leaned over to pick it up, the old man put his hand on Codger's shoulder to brace himself as he picked it up.

He whispered, "Thank you boy," to Codger as he grabbed his cane, giving him one last good pet before getting up and walking back towards the building.

When the boy's back was turned, the old man smiled at Codger and then turned around and headed inside.