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what follows happened a few years ago. it took place at the same animal hospital mentioned in yesterdays post. yesterday was the first time i had returned to that hospital.
he gave me the leash and the dog didn't even notice the hand off. i opened the tailgate and encouraged him to jump in but severe arthritis made the leap impossible. i interlocked my fingers under his rib cage and lifted him into the vehicle. his weight surprised me. the dog seemed a little confused but trusted me as the neighbor guy.
the short ride to the vet's office was long enough for me to realize my neighbor was an asshole. his dog, his problem, my day ruined. why did i agree to such an undertaking? how could i have denied his request?
at the vet's office, they asked me if i wanted to say goodbye to the dog. i didn't know what to say or feel. i had no attachment to the animal, but felt crappy that i was the last person he would recognize. i silently scratched his head and nodded to the nurse. she led him to the kennel.
the nurse returned to the desk and gave me the leash. when i got home i didn't give the leash back to the neighbor, i just hung it on the garage wall. I should have discarded it, but that didn't seem right.
every day i pull in the garage, the leash greets me with the memory of my evil deed.
Posted by griff at October 10, 2002 05:23 PM