The Dog Park

As the blinding brightness draws closer, I’m captivated by the beauty of the eerily impending danger-mesmerized by something that I can’t stop; but may have unwittingly set into motion. I’ve heard before you die your life flashes before your eyes. I’ve never believed it- how many people do you know that died have lived to tell you about it? But today I get to see if the myth lives up to the hype.

The motion picture of my life begins by ripping off emotional band aids also known as my awkward childhood, uncomfortable teenage years, segueing into an insecure adult. I helplessly observe the days that put in motion this cluster fuck of doom, shaking my head, thinking this may have started because of a damn dog.

* * * *

After work, I take my ten-year-old corgi Franklin to the dog park across the street from our apartment. Despite his age, Franks is active and enjoys running and playing with other dogs. I love the convenient location of the park, so my friend can remain active- even though I can’t relax because of his recent tendency to wander and “discover” items at the park.

Yesterday, while looking in his bag for the ball, little Columbus darted off while I was preoccupied. After I had the ball in hand, I discovered I had no dog to throw it to and scanned the area for my rogue companion. I wasn’t afraid of him getting nabbed or being violent- I was terrified he’d swipe something and leave me with the embarrassment of apologizing. It’s one of those moments that introduced me to my now ex-boyfriend-but I digress.

I was about to call his name, when I saw the little guy barreling toward me with a cellphone in his mouth. I expertly gauged his moves and crouched as if I was receiving a fast pitch. I braced myself for impact and scooped him up at the right moment and wasted no time scolding him. I took the item out of his mouth and surveyed the direction he’d darted from- so I could return the item to the owner. My eyes were drawn to a handsome man playing extreme frisbee with his greyhound; it wasn’t his handsome Mark Consuelos like face and stature that caught my attention; it was the fact there was a gorgeous man in an Armani suit and shoes, playing with his dog in ninety-five-degree weather and wait for it- not breaking a sweat. I felt embarrassed by feeling moments from bursting into flames from the hundred- and five-degree heat index- while the running, smoldering, business suit wearing Adonis appeared cool, relaxed, and “dry”.

“Oh, to be one of the beautiful people.” I thought and sighed.

My mind returned to my task when the phone vibrated; the screen lit up and revealed a picture of the beautiful man and dog posed by a red Maserati.

“Please don’t sue me.” I thought on repeat while I jogged toward the man - briefly slowing my stride to reattach Franklin’s leash to let him walk.

“Excuse me sir, I hate to interrupt- but I believe I have something that belongs to you.” I said apologetically with his phone in my outstretched hand. After the gentleman smiled kindly and retrieved his phone, I continued.

“Let me begin by making it clear, I’m not a thief and embarrassed to admit my dog has a problem. I’m trying to get him help, but he still hasn’t admitted it.” I said and laughed nervously, hoping to lighten the moment.

The kind eyed man laughed and shook my hand warmly.

“Dogs have their own personalities- some can be quirkier than others I imagine.” He said and glanced at a nearby bench. The gentleman thanked me and excused himself to inventory the items of his open attaché case and expelled a noticeable sigh of relief when he pulled out a small black book. With a satisfied feeling that a crisis was averted, I waved goodbye to the gentleman and walked away quickly before he changed his mind.

* * * *

The next day, before we go in the dog park. I kneel and cradle Franklin’s face and stare at him seriously.

“Franklin Barnabas Jones, I’m not with the sticky paw shenanigans. I had a long day, I’m tired, hungry, with no energy to apologize for “your” actions. Find a friend and play; but keep your mouth and mitts to yourself- Please.” I plead before unleashing him.

With eyes locked on the slickster, I scrutinize every move. His eyes scan the surroundings until something catches his interest. My eyes follow his line of vision and see our neighbor and her mini-Doberman pinscher. Franks looks at me, then back to his friend-his cue that he wants to go play; and my cue that he would like the only toy that he shares with his friends- a rubber squeaky taco my mom gave him for his birthday six years ago. I retrieve the faded taco and throw it; Franklin catches it midair and trots off to greet his friend. I’m hot on his heels as I follow my ward, pausing to speak to his friend’s owner- Mrs. Johnson. I engage in polite conversation about the weather and current events- all the while, my eyes are glued to Franklin. The sweet elderly lady talks about her new grandchild and distracts me momentarily when she shows me a picture on her phone. I look away for a few seconds, but that’s all the stealthy klepto needs to slink away. I hear Mrs. Johnson’s dog playing with the taco, while my eyes search for my escaped bandit. I politely excuse myself to patrol the area, and just as my last bit of patience peels away- Franklin mysteriously reappears running full speed, looking guilty. I know this receive is going to be difficult and am grateful I wore the right shoes as I dig my heels into the grass. The moment I am supposed to catch the speeding bullet, he changes course- forcing me to do a leap and catch.

My knees and elbows get most of the abuse as I stick the landing- hard, but I’m victorious. After ensuring my fugitive is secure, I rise from the ground in pain- quietly emoting a novel of obscenities that would impress George Carlin and embarrass my mom. I secure the leash, take a deep breath, and pry the plunder from Franklin’s mouth. My heart drops when I see a little black book with strange writing engraved on it. Thinking the worse, I survey the area- praying I don’t see yesterday’s embarrassment. Just my luck, I see the same gentleman dressed in shorts and t shirt, tossing a ball to his four-legged friend. I quietly continue cursing and contemplate ditching the book close and going straight home; but my conscience will not allow it and compels my legs forward.

I take the walk of shame and give Franklin an ear full. I know he could care less- but want him to be fully aware of the consequences. While I convey my disappointment, I feel a weird aura emanating from the book that hastens me to return it. As I build my courage, I continue voicing my displeasure to Franks until the gentleman notices us and approaches. I drop my head apologetically and with outstretched hand transfer the belonging to the man. I feel the dread from the book become enhanced by the fear masked by the stranger. I’ve never felt fear like this- not because of the man, but the book. Relieved to be rid of the menacing item I plead.

“Please accept my apology and promise that this won’t happen again. I was watching him and looked away for just a moment. I will get him obedience training and therapy- if therapy is even a thing; I’m begging, please don’t sue me.” I babble nervously while looking down at my wringing hands. Surprisingly, the gentleman is only grateful for the returned book; I also detect a masked sense of relief.

“I’ve never heard of a kleptomaniac dog, but I appreciate you accepting responsibility. How did you know the book was mine?” The stranger asks. I explain I recognized it from yesterday’s fiasco and once I retrieved and saw him, knew it couldn’t be a coincidence.

“I appreciate your honesty- I am sure it took a lot of courage to apologize and return two items to the same person.” He says and laughs lightly. He excuses himself and returns with his bag and places the book inside and retrieves a checkbook.

“I would like to help you rehabilitate your pal, as well as reward you for just being a good person. After this encounter I will never take my eyes off my bag again. I should thank your friend for the wakeup call.” The stranger says with a smile and separates the check from the book and hands it to me. I’m floored when I see the amount.

“Are you sure?” I ask in astonishment, staring at the amount of twenty thousand dollars made out to cash.

“You have no idea how important this book is, so it’s the least I can do” The stranger says and pats the case. Even though I am still in shock, I find my voice and thank him again.

I politely excuse myself and go to the bank and cash the check. Later that evening, I sit in bed with my tablet and scour the internet and find a locally recommended obedience school with next day availability. Breathing a well- deserved sigh of relief, I anticipate the upcoming Saturday and glance at Franklin who is snoring lightly.

“That’s right get your rest.” I chuckle before turning off the light.

When my alarm sounds, I jump up with exuberance as I prepare for the day. Even though the last two days were awkward I’m thankful for the windfall. Able to afford quality obedience training, pay off some bills, and still have some for savings- I’m on top of the world. There’s a lightness to my feet as I pour my coffee, feed Franklin, then glide to the sofa to watch a few minutes of nationwide news. My cup drops when I see a picture of the park stranger on an already in progress breaking news story captioned “National protector, victim of car bombing.”

“It’s rumored the gentleman was the undercover protector of information that may contain knowledge of various global elimination procedures that have been developed by past civilizations and generations. If speculation is true, it could spell disaster for mankind if the information from the missing book falls into the wrong hands…”

I turn off the television and silently think how I’m one of the last people to see him alive and held a book that contains mankind ending information- no wonder it had such a weird doomy feel to it- my body shudders. I shake myself back to reality and clean up the spilled coffee and finish preparing for the day.

In the parking lot, I secure Franklin in the backseat, close the door, then lean against the car. With eyes shut I take a few calming breaths and enjoy the feel of the sun-my mind wanders to thoughts of the mysterious, now departed stranger. My trance is interrupted by an alert from the National Broadcasting System, advising people to take shelter immediately. A panic washes over me as I get Franklin out the car- praying the alert isn’t related to the news. I turn to run, but my eyes are drawn to the sky and a brilliant brightness enveloping everything it touches. As the blinding brightness draws closer, I’m captivated by the beauty of the eerily impending danger-mesmerized by something that I can’t stop; but may have unwittingly set into motion. It is rumored that before you die your life flashes before your eyes, today is the day I get to see if the myth lives up to the hype.