The Painted Dog

by Linda Hawkins
(Claremont, CA)

Fred: Before and After

I was mourning my 18 1/2 y/o dog Maggie when I ran across Fred.

I was driving down the street and saw a dog spray painted with green stripes and a weird haircut. I made a U turn and called him. He had no collar and was a bit ragged looking. He was barking at dog in a yard across the street and I thought he would run across the street and be hit. I thought Fred would be an appropriate name for this silly looking dog.

I put him in the car and took him home even though hubby had said, "No more dogs."
When hubby got home I said, "What should we name him?"
He looked at Fred and said,"derogatorily...Fred."
I told him I thought that was a great name...hee hee

Fred was hyper and afraid of the car and the dark. I took him for rides around the block and when he hunkered down I stopped and put his paws up and made him look out the window. On the third day the kids at the school were at recess and the laughing and play got Fred's attention. Boy did it! He almost jumped out the window. Good thing I had gotten a car seat leash for him. Fred loves to go with me in the car now.

Hubby now loves Fred as I do. He wants Fred to stay with him when I visit Lisa and Scylla but I take him with me. Last year he and Scylla wore me out just watching them run and wrestle constantly. This year was calmer and Scylla let him know when she had enough. My Grand daughter was taking a short trip and left her little Rat Terrier, Mojo, at Lisa's to be dog sat. The three dogs had a great time. I am home now from my visit with Lisa and Scylla and I think Fred is lonesome.

I know Hubby says no more dogs....but, I am thinking of a playmate for Fred. Should I or shouldn't I? That is the question.
;-)