Dogs in Delaware

The skateboard swagged from side to side with the English bulldog Lalina enjoying every second. She was just a pup but she held her own on the rolling vehicle. Down the streets of Dover, Delaware her owner, her human cut in and out of traffic.

Then all at once, a group of dog owners and dogs on skateboards raced down the sidewalk. It was a confluence of riders on the boards.

There seemed to be an air of camaraderie despite the boardists not knowing most of one another. The dogs just looked so content. They appeared to be enjoying the ride thoroughly. They kept their paws on the boards and never left their humans.

In all the great deluge of human and canine produced a sense of empowerment for all those involved.

Clark Gentingson rolled by with suave moves and a confidence that matched the other rollers. With the excitement of the dogs being able to sustain their balance on the boards, Gentington knew he could meet up with a human female.

He slid past a young lady named Nania Fullhouse. She had pink and blue streaks in her hair and all kinds of graffiti on the Lamborghini. But the face was clear of any tattoos. It was a sign she probably worked a steady job but could let her colors show on the weekends.

When Gentington rolled up close to her, Nania smiled. She kept skating and her Terrier clung to the skateboard.

“How long have you been doing this?” Gentington asked.

“What?!”

“How long have you been skating with your dog?”

“Oh. Four months.”

“He’s beautiful.”

“Thanks, she’s a looker, too. That is a she, right?”

“Yes, she is. And thank you.”

“Did you want to get something to eat or something?”

“Sure. Where do you want to go?”

“Let’s go to Lester’s on Second.”

“That sounds good.”

The both of them exchanged numbers and then retreated to their respective homes to cage their canines.

Once they arrived at the restaurant and sat to eat their bison burgers, they knew it was time to discuss their dogs.

“Awwww,” Nania said, responding to a picture of when Lalina was just born. She shared photos on her phone of Colfax.

“He’s a champ!” Gentington exclaimed and took a bite.

“Thank you. He’s my everything. If it weren’t for my dog I would’ve never gotten through those eight months of pt.”

“What happened?”

“I was in Iraq. I got blown up and fractured both arms and legs. I take pain pills and I’ve gotten used to rollerblading again. It’s been a journey, to say the least.”

“Wow, thank you for your service.”

“Yeah, thanks. I mean I was the fortunate one. Two guys died and the other lost his eye. I know there’s no God so I like to thank my own drive and passion for life.”

“That’s actually a good attitude. I’m atheist, too. And the only thing I ever broke in my life was my arm in little league sliding to first base. I can’t even compare to you.”

She laughed. “It’s okay. I’m proud of my battle scars. And I get a deposit every month tax free so it’s all good.”

“Do you work anywhere?”

“I work from home, making designs for computer games to stream on devices. It’s fun. You?”

“I live with my parents but I’m mainly supporting them. It’s a bit different than you see on television or movies. I got an inheritance from an aunt. She left everything she had to me. It’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me,” Gestington acknowledged. He finished his burger.