It was a warm day. The air was still except for the sounds of birds, almost silent. I sat in my chair, in the living room reading a book. My wife Shelly was with the kids shopping in Charlottesville, and wouldn't be back till the next day. Suddenly, I heard the sound of my van being started. As I rushed to see what was the matter, I saw the vehicle accelerate with fury, screeching the tires as it went.
I was dumb founded. Who would do such a thing? As I returned to the porch, I petted my dog of many years, Shadow, mentioning that ``He was a good boy.'' I sat down in the living room, almost not believing what had happened. I once knew people who had their cars stolen, and finally understood the violation they must have felt. I rose to my feet just to check again, as if it would make a difference. To my amazement the van was parked in it's normal spot.
What had happened? I thought perhaps it might be some teens joy riding, but why would they return it to it's original spot? That seemed a bit too daring. I returned to a combination of reading and napping, in my favorite chair.
Then, once again, I heard the distinctive sound of my van starting. I ran outside as before. And once again the van screeched as it turned onto the road, and accelerated away.
Now I was mad. I told Shadow to stay on the porch, which he obeyed. I figured the perpetrator would be back again, so I hid in the woods near the end of the driveway. In the distance I heard the screeching of tires and knew it wouldn't be long. As the van turned the corner into the driveway, I noticed the sliding door, was wide open, allowing me to see the rear passengers. To my amazement, I saw my horses Dusty and Twix riding in the back, with a party like expression on their faces. Running after the van, I then saw the reckless driver, Nipper, my puppy.
Now unusual as it might be to have two horses in the back of a small van, that didn't make me mad. What caught my anger was the Nipper's recklessness, and deceit. Her expression was a familiar one. Her tongue, hung out the side of her mouth, in a frustrating daze of innocence, just like when I catch her digging holes in the yard.
Well I have to say, I look at Nipper differently now.
Bad dog, stay! Stay away from my car!