I met a friend in need today at the Woods. When I exited the Subaru, a beautiful black-and-grey pup came up to me as if I were long-lost family. His ribs were showing, and it was 19 degrees. He had worn a collar at one time, but no longer. I called the Visitors Center, and soon two women came with dog food and love. My New Friend found two more New Friends, and they took him to St. Francis Animal Shelter. The Little Guy had trusting eyes. He loved everyone and knew that everyone must love him. Thank you to these wonderful Good Samaritans!

The Old Man reflected on his few minutes with the little accepting dog. Little Dog trusted that the Old Man would solve his problem. He had lost his trusted master and did not know where to find him. Little Dog stood by the Old Man, watching the birds at play and preparing for the chase. The Chase was such fun, and the snow flew under his fast-moving paws. He had been someone’s Good Boy, and he wore that title with pride. ‘I see your wide-brimmed leather Outback Hat,’ Little Dog said. ‘You carry yourself as a man of the world and master of all that you see,’ Little Dog said with some real admiration. ‘The manner in which you pulled up with your Subaru, which is a car designed to travel through the snow, had made me a fan before you emerged, lighting your Swisher Sweet Cigar,’ Little Dog with the visible ribs noted. ‘I am hungry and cold, but then again, no one said life was a bowl of cherries,’ Little Dog said. ‘OH OH, there goes another bird…Now I will run my heart out…the Old Man will solve my dilemma. ‘The Old Man obviously understands how to stay warm and dry on a day such as this when it is so damn cold,’ Little Pup thought. ‘Old Man will come up with the solution that will replace my lost masters,’ Little Dog said with a smile and a tail wag.

‘I don’t know what to do for Little Dog,’ the Old Man thought. ‘He is counting on me, and when I look across the winter horizon, there is no one else to be seen,’ the Old Man continued. ‘Little Pup is frolicking like he has found his new master, and I wonder what the answer is,’ the Old Man thought. ‘Yes…I am with the Little Pup now and will wait with him until you come with the food,’ the Old Man said on his iPhone. ‘Little Pup took off again in pursuit of another bird while the Old Man called out, ” Stay here…lunch is coming!’