Oliver & I

I loved taking Oliver for his walks. Oliver was the family pet. A small dog, Shih Tzu to be exact and was cute as a button. He was white with a few dark circles on him. Most noticable was the dark circle around his right eye.

Oliver was a very timid dog. He hardly ever barked. And never caused any trouble with the other animals. My family had three others dogs: two Chows named Lucas and Millie and a Poodle named Muffin. We also had a rabbit named Roger, a hamster named Betsy, and a cat named Socks. Oliver by far was my favorite.

One afternoon when I was around 10 years old. I had just got home from school. I sat my bookbag down as Oliver greeted me. He was jumping up and down excited, as I grabbed the leash, from the nail on the wall. He knew what that meant.

As we headed outside I passed by mother. She told me to be careful and not be too long. I had chores that needed to be done inside and homework. But first I must take Oliver for his walk. Everyone knew that. It was a necessity. Just like a fish needs water. Oliver needs ME to walk him EVERY afternoon. Why I hadn’t ever missed an afternoon. I couldn’t imagine what would happen if I had.

As we walked I noticed the pretty yellow flowers that started to bloom. They were all along the house now. I dared not to pick them, only because I selfishly wanted them to be there next time we walked. I liked consistancy. I liked beautiful things and what a beautiful day it was. The birds were singing. The sky was blue. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. It was a perfect day.

Oliver suddenly stops. I take a couple steps forward before I realize he had stopped. I turn around and call his name. He doesn’t respond. Then he starts to growl. I’m shocked. I’ve never seen this behavior before. Oliver doesn’t even bark much less growl. I kneel down beside him and try to talk to him and pat him on the head. Still he shows his teeth and growls.

I’m beginning to get worried when I look in the direction Oliver is looking and I see it………….. there in the grass just barely a foot away is a snake! I scream and drop the leash and run! I ran so hard and so fast, all the way to the front door. Once I got to the front door I felt safe enough to catch my breath. Then I realized, oh no! I left Oliver with the snake! What if he gets bit by the snake!?!?!? I had to go back to get him.

As I walked around back I stopped by the shed to grab a shovel. I had seen my mom kill a snake before with a shovel. I thought if she could do it I certainly could. Even though I had never killed anything in my life I felt confident I could do this for Oliver. I would save him.

I could see Oliver still standing in the same spot when I approached. He was still growling. I slowly tiptoed up to him. I was soon standing right beside Oliver. I waited a few moments as I gathered the courage. Then I lunged forward and swung the shovel! I missed him. The snake took off! I followed him swinging the shovel while Oliver was barking and growling. We were a sight to see. We chased that snake all around that yard. Oliver barking and growling, me swinging a shovel until the snake finally got away in some high grass. At that point we had to give up. The snake had won.

I pick up the leash and take Oliver inside where my mom asks what took so long……