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Best Friends, by Jim Bartlett

17/1/2020

 
Frank stops just ahead, waiting for me to catch up, his eyes overflowing with patience and caring. You couldn’t ask for a better friend.

Wasn’t too many years ago I’d be the one bouncing in the lead, maybe with a little less patience. Probably with none at all. But the old bones ain’t what they used to be, and even with the all the pills I take with breakfast and dinner, the joints creak and groan with each step up the trail.

“Come on,” he encourages. “We’re almost to the top.”

Yeah, right.

We’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember, a daily ritual – weather permitting – after he gets off work. The trail leads over this “small” hill and then drops down to the beach, where we sit at the edge of the sand and reminisce about “the good ol’ days.” Used to be we’d chase a wave or two, maybe even toss the Frisbee, and then head back, taking the longer bluff loop to the car. But with me slowing down, we’ve pretty much made the crest of the hill the turnaround point.

“See, that wasn’t so bad.”

Easy for him to say.

The return is the part of the walk I enjoy the most. Yeah, it’s all downhill – that’s a bonus – but Frank rattles on and on about his day at work, telling me every last detail of how things are wearing him down. He’s still got a few more years until he can retire, and I guess the stress is piling up. But I must be a good listener, because by the time we get to the car, that smile of his has brightened and takes up most of his loveable face.

Once we’re in the parking lot he does that little clicker thing to unlock the doors, and then opens mine first, ever the gentleman. Used to be – there’s that phrase again – I’d hop in and push my nose to his window making faces while he went around to the other side. Now, he has to pick me up and set me in the chair.

But not a complaint one. He actually seems to enjoy it.

“Who’s the good boy?” he asks, making sure to give me one of those wonderful rubs on the top of my head.

Well I am, of course.
marjan sierhuis
17/1/2020 05:46:57 pm

Wonderful story, Jim presented from a dog's perspective. Of course the reader doesn't realize this until the story is read in its entirety. Love the twist at the end.

Frank comes across as a caring and sensitive individual.

Jim link
17/1/2020 06:06:36 pm

Thanks so much, Marjan. I'm a bit biased (okay, a lot biased), but I find that people who like animals, particularly dogs, are usually pretty good folk.
Thanks for the read and comment.
Jim

Michael mccarthy
17/1/2020 07:05:13 pm

This is superb, I loved the idea, so well presented, of their long established routine. An enduring friendship.
Lovely

Jim link
17/1/2020 07:18:41 pm

Thanks, Michael. Really appreciate your kind comments!
Take care
Jim

Mary Wallace
17/1/2020 11:52:25 pm

Jim, how very lovely. Well done. Or should I say good boy.😊

Jim link
18/1/2020 12:53:02 am

:-) Thanks much, Mary! Have a great day -

Jim

Mike B
18/1/2020 12:20:15 am

Loved it Jim, brought back memories of my boy Zeke... He was a Great listener, many times I wondered what he was thinking...
Very heart warming, the Special relationships we have with our K-9 Family members...

Jim link
18/1/2020 12:54:13 am

Yeah - I wonder, too, what they might be thinking of us silly people. But they sure seem to love us unconditionally, and that is what makes them so special.
Thanks Mike
Jim

Candy Brown
18/1/2020 01:20:29 am

Awesome as usual.

Jim link
18/1/2020 02:43:36 am

Thanks so much, Candy! Always appreciate your kind words!!

Thanks
Jim

Kathy S.
19/1/2020 04:11:31 pm

Well written Jim with plenty of personal experience included. 🐾
I love talking to my lab. She never interrupts unless she has an itch. I tested her to see if she really understood what I was saying. So, in a sweet, singsong voice, I said, ”You are a real jerk Jade. I hate when you wake me at 6 AM for your morning walk. I hate picking up your mess. What do you think dog?” I received a great big kiss and a tail wagging. 😂😂 Tone is everything.

Jim link
19/1/2020 05:10:35 pm

They just love that you're talking to them (and picking up their poop ;-) Labs and goldens are just big lovable teddy bears and want more than anything to be with their people.
6 am!! What a good dog mom you are! Jade's a very lucky girl to have you! Our poor Maddi doesn't get up at 6 any longer - she catches every last wink we'll give her. And, unlike our friend here in the story, going uphill isn't in the cards any more. Level, easy, and short. Thanks so much for the read and wonderful comments!
Take care
Jim


Comments are closed.

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