Crossing the Park

Crossing the Park

By


storyteller

The night is starless and I have to cross the park to get home. My paws hurt from all the gravel I walked through in my rounds, so I can't run and my eyesight isn't that great anymore. I could sniff the air for any traces of danger, but the night is getting cold and my nose is losing its sensitivity.

So why haven't I given up these late night prowls? -- can't teach an old dog a new trick, I guess. That and the thrill and danger at maybe crossing paths with an old enemy like the Boxer down the street. I can still recall those glory years, the years when I ruled the neighborhood. Those were the times! This park was part of my territory, my kingdom.

I guess it's old age, not wisdom that's making me want to change. I’m not that much smarter than I was in my youth and definitely not as strong. I'd say it's all habit. I've never been one to sit on the porch and watch the world go by. Perhaps that's why I still sneak out the open gate and go running around the neighborhood. I haven't gotten myself in trouble in a while, but since that young pit bull claimed the park, trouble isn't that far off. And I'm not sure that I have the strength to challenge him. Still I remember that being top dog does wonders for the ego, not to mention the frolics with the ladies. However, the ladies have all been spayed.

My challenge lately is that goofy cat next door walking along the top of the fence. Cats have no respect for anything. Then there are those noisy squirrels gathering nuts for winter in the yard. They ignore me completely until I manage to get up and run at them.

Doggone it, my hips really ache. Winter must be coming early again this year. I gotta get home before Master gets up and starts looking for me. I don't want to be tied to the tree for hours anymore; I’m too old for that.

I hope Master doesn't forget to close the gate again tonight. Maybe then I won't be tempted to check everything out. Come to think of it, my Master's getting rather old himself. Maybe I should stay home and guard him better. Yeah, that's what I'll start to do.

Doggone it, my paws are really sore tonight. That gravel driveway was murder. I hope I see that cat out tonight so I can get a little excitement before I give it all up.

END

435 words