Dog Days

by Doug Love

In honor of my family dog Samson, a great friend we lost last week, a real estate dog-incident seems appropriate:

“They’re gonna off the dog, bro!” said my old mentor KDV.

We were in his car, speeding toward a country property he had sold.

“I heard from the listing agent that the seller plans to rub out this dog, man. Wait till you see him. He’s like a lion. And the thing is, their kid loves this dog, babe. This will not stand!”

The car sped up; KDV’s breathing was hard. My own breathing sped up a bit as he cut the curves and shot the straight-aways on the winding road into the foothills.

“My old lady aced my Terrier, Buddy, when I was a kid, man. I loved him like a brother.” KDV faced me. “And there’s no love like a dog’s love, am I right?”

I nodded and pointed toward an oncoming big-rig.

We bumped down a dirt driveway. Ahead, a man lowered the tailgate of a pickup and motioned a dog the size of a small pony to hop in. A boy, about ten, with a tear-streaked face, stood to the side.

“Good morning Steve, my man,” said KDV. “I was telling my compadre here about your fine dog, King. I hear you aren’t taking him with you.”

“Gotta put him down,” said Steve. “It’s not fair to move a country dog like King to the city. We’re headed to the Vet right now.” King sat regally in the truck bed. He looked Lab with maybe some Great Dane.

“Hold on, Steve,” said KDV. “My compadre here lives on acreage and he’s looking for a dog just like King.” He winked at me. “Right, babe?”

“Huh?” I said. I was about to say “No way,” but the boy looked up at me hopefully, wiping his eyes.

King filled the back seat of the car as we drove back down the hill. He had a natural smile with strong white teeth, and a long red tongue; kind brown eyes and a wet black nose.

“Good work, bro,” said KDV. “That boy back there really brightened up.” He looked at me and said, “Don’t worry, I know you can’t take him. I’ll find a family for King to love.

“And there’s no love like a dog’s love. Right, babe?”