Dog Story

I think that the experiences I have here are not special, but because of the situation, environment and the way I feel, things seem more poignant...

 

Yesterday, I was loading or unloading (can’t remember which, and perhaps I was doing both things simultaneously) our vehicle.  The day consisted of the same evening haze of heat, and the horizon and sky merged into one as a type of pearlesence (like on the inside of an oyster shell). The blending of sky and sand is not distinct but fuzzy, like a vast smear because of the dust in the air.

 

Suddenly, I felt something, like a presence... (It is that feeling you get when you feel you are being stared at.) I felt it below my line of vision, and instantly I thought of a serpent at my feet and how I would drop my load of supplies onto it and step back.) Of course all this thought happens in a flash...

 

I looked down fearfully, pretending to be bold...At my knees was a small and emaciated creature. Dirty grey-white... It was like a small greyhound. It had a lean and noble head, clear gaze, with ribs and spine showing through its short grizzled coat. It was not aggressive, but merely stood there looking into the vehicle like it wanted to go for a ride...In the past I have trapped such animals on other bases and assisted in killing them. Of course, that was not something that could be done now...Yet, what could I offer it? I could I help it?

 

I found one of those single serving cereal containers and offered it. She wasn't interested...at first...But eventually she came around to gobbling up the little dense rings of "O" shaped wheat and corn...Yet, I had no water for it...I offered only my voice for comfort, and that has never helped anyone...I think I sought to comfort myself more by speaking to it gently and quietly. As if I was addressing myself...As if it was my soul there in that animal, emaciated; padding around the desert desperately looking for water or food.

 

By our accidental presence at a certain time and place, perhaps we happen to be at the right place and time to help someone. But only if we look to do so...

I heard that if a man needs help, it will come to him....Perhaps...