A Dog and a Man(Marla) Steve was taking a walk when he saw the man. The man was walking alone, which was concerning, and he looked a bit lost. He kept glancing around, as if he hoped to see something familiar. Steve was a sensitive dog, and his heart felt a small pull. He’d help the man if he could. He put on his friendly doggy smile and wagged his tail. He crossed the street and walked toward the man slowly and cautiously. He stopped when he was still several feet away.

The man stopped and regarded the dog. Then he said, “Hi’ya, buddy.” His voice was hopeful and quiet.

Steve kept smiling. It was a funny thing that humans often used that phrase. Had they decided this at a meeting once? The thought of men meeting together to discuss such a silly thing made Steve grin even bigger. He waited.

“I have a dog,” said the man. “But I don’t know where he is.”

So, Steve had guessed correctly. He gave a small bark and turned to walk the opposite direction. He took a step and turned his head to look back at the man. The man took a step. Good. He was well trained. This wouldn’t be difficult. Steve took two more steps and checked to see if the man followed. He did. At this point, Steve was confident that he could continue walking, pausing only every few minutes rather than every few steps to check on the man. In this way, they continued on. The shelter wasn’t far, less than two miles.

They arrived and the man followed Steve through the sliding glass doors. Steve led the man to a couch in the waiting room. Another man was there, as well as a young woman. They were both watching the television. The man sat down with the others.

Steve went to the desk and after the customary butt-sniffing with the dog at the desk, said “I found him on Pine Street. He clearly has a dog. I’m not sure how long he’s been alone, but he smells like pizza and sadness. Do you want me to send out the message?”

“Sure,” answered the other dog, Trixie. “I can get a room ready for him.”

Steve smiled at Trixie. “You can, but I don’t think you’ll need to. I’m sure his dog is out searching for him. I mean, look at him.”

Trixie took a few steps and peeked into the waiting room. The man had settled in, but he didn’t look happy. He looked as if he greatly missed his dog. “Aww, poor guy,” she said.

Steve went outside and gave the necessary call. “Man. Early thirties. Recently ate pizza, or perhaps eats pizza regularly. Was on Pine Street but seemed lost. Pine Street is likely not his street. Most likely the only human in the house. Could not detect another human by scent. He is waiting at the shelter."

Satisfied with his announcement, Steve went back inside. He checked on each of the humans and allowed them to pet his head. He shook their hands and then lay down to wait, content that he’d done a good job and that the dogs would soon come for their humans.

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