Pops, the Emotional-Support Labradoodle | The Bark


I’m here at Beagle Island Park nearly every day, in hopes of seeing my dog—well, I guess, technically, he isn’t my dog anymore. Actually, he was never really my dog; we simply walked as a pack of two when we both hit rough patches in our lives. I’d wake up under a smoke shop’s eaves to his soft snoring in my face. He had the same color eyes as my pops; Pop always said he’d come back as a dog, so I figured, why not? Weirder things have happened.

I park my cart just outside the chain-link fence and sit beneath a densely branched fig tree. I just watch and listen. Those of us who live in the margins of society are basically invisible, so people never worry about what they do or say in front of us. The only time I was ever seen was when Pops was with me—and the watchers were always under the age of six.

Blades of grass glistening with dew leave little droplets of moisture on the noses of curious Terriers and a yellow Lab. The Germans—Shepherd, Rottweiler and Boxer—scent the parameters of the park, drawing clear territorial boundaries while their humans sip steaming cups of coffee. 

This is a strange place, one where cars and canines are markers of status. The men pull up in either sleek, elongated SUVs or high-performance, testosterone-fueled sports cars. The women wear gaudy, blinged-out sun visors and love to boast about their canines’ impressive lineages. 

GET THE BARK IN YOUR INBOX!

Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know.

I’d heard one woman, Ms. Worry Wart, tell another woman that she was able to trace her Pug’s ancestors back to the infamous Pug of Empress Josephine, who’d supposedly bitten Napoleon on their wedding night. Ms. Worry Wart always dressed her pug according to the seasons. In cooler weather, the dog came with a raincoat and galoshes; in the warmer months, Ms. Worry Wart followed her dog around the park with an umbrella, a small battery-operated fan and a water bottle!

I look over at the area I’d nicknamed “the Red-Light District” to see who Mel, an AKC-registered Great Pyrenees, is romancing these days. Two rows of trees had been planted so close together that their branches formed an archway. Anyone over five feet tall (i.e., most adults) have to duck to keep from getting slapped in the face by them. This area had been the site of more than a few trysts that resulted in litters of mixed-breed puppies or a hush-hush abortion before the upcoming photo shoot for Boise’s Bowwow Calendar. 

This occurs despite the city-wide ban on intact dogs visiting the park. However, the ban ceased to exist when a pack of show-dog owners sued the city for discrimination and won their suit. Now, the city urges guardians to use “common sense.” They posted a disclaimer on the entrance gate that says the city will not be financially liable if “unwanted pregnancies” occur. Cracks me up every time.

Mel is notorious for his baritone bark and lightning-fast movements. His owners, Mama-Sees-No-Poop, and her husband, Dogs’ll-Be-Dogs-Dude, are not park favorites. When Mel assumed the inchworm-scrunch position, Mama-Sees-No-Poop usually began digging in her bag for something—anything that would keep her from seeing the giant tootsie rolls snaking out of her dog’s massive ass. Then Mel, feeling a little lighter, would gleefully kick up chunks of mud and grass with his hind legs while locking in on some poor little bitch who was just there to chase a few balls.

Today, it’s Jinxy, an agile Australian Shepherd who is not a fan of Mel’s rape-and-flee maneuver. When Mel mounts the Aussie, her hackles come up and she bares her teeth. We all hear the menacing snarls. Jinxy’s owner yells for Mel’s owners to restrain him—that’s when Dogs’ll-Be-Dogs-Dude shouts that the dogs are just playing; then, like the town crier, he tells everyone that Mel’s premium sperm fetches a pretty penny and Jinxy should be so lucky! He brags that Mel is an AKC Grand Champion. Apparently, he’s been a BOS, BOB and now finally a BIS. He had scored five points in his Division 9 last spring. 

I don’t know what any of that means, but I also don’t care to know—and I suspect no else does either.

It doesn’t look like I’m going to see Pops today. I tug on the cart’s handle and it won’t budge. The left front wheel had been swallowed by a patch of mud. As I kneel down to dig it out, I hear that familiar bark. I turn around and there he is. 

It hadn’t been that long since I’d seen him, but he already seemed different; a little more food and a little less exercise looks pretty good on him. Pops had always been an adventurous sort, never wanting to stay in one place for too long, but apparently, he no longer has those itchy feet. He’d collected more stories in his few years than most people do in a lifetime. He was enthusiastically greeted by the locals as if he was a celebrity. I had to laugh. People only see what they want to see.

I wondered if Pops remembered when we’d last communed together.

***

Officer Engel gently kicked my foot with his boot—unlike most of the other police officers, who kicked me like I was a piece of garbage with a contagion they didn’t want to catch. I hadn’t opened an eye until I’d heard Pop’s growling. 

“Jesús, you’ve gotta get movin’, man.” 

I wiped the crust from the corners of my eyes and sat up. 

“It’s cold out here. There’s a church two blocks up. I asked them to keep a plate warm for you. If you head up there now, you’ll make it before they close.”

“They don’t allow me to bring Pops in, so you know, I can’t go.”

“That’s another thing I need to talk to you about. You know our county passed a breed-specific legislation ordinance that bans the owning of Pit Bulls.” 

I countered, “Officer Engel, you might want to get your eyes checked. Pops here is a Labradoodle. Smell his feet—they smell just like corn chips, which is how I know he’s a Labradoodle.”

He laughed.

“Besides, no one owns Pops here. He’s his own man.”

Officer Engel then reached into his front pocket and pulled out something that looked like beef jerky and fed it to Pops. “I’m sorry about this, Jesús, I really am, but they’re going to be cracking down hard. And street dogs will be the first ones to get picked up.”

“Then what’re ya gonna do—go house-to-house like some kind of gestapo?”

“I suspect not, but what I do know is that Animal Control will be patrolling these parts by week’s end. I can drop Pops off at the shelter for you. Give him a chance.” 

“The chance of slim or none? No thanks!” 

“Then find him a home—a real home.” 

“I’ll get right on it.”

And I actually did. I knew exactly who needed Pops. There used to be a couple—Mr. Bitrot and Ms. Kind Eyes; he was in tech and dressed like his mother still laid out his clothes for him, she was a lawyer for PETA. They had a dog, Homer, who looked like Pop’s twin. They lived in the neighborhood and often walked to the park with Homer during weekday lunch breaks and weekend mornings. Now, it was only Ms. Kind Eyes. Apparently, Mr. Bitrot moved across the country for a new job, took the dog but left her. Ms. Kind Eyes, clearly broken-hearted, still came to the dog park.

I followed Ms. Kind Eyes home that day—but not in a creepy way. I tied Pop’s rope collar to her front door knob. I rang her bell and then hid behind her duplex’s overgrown oleander bush. (I’d left my cart at the park and just hoped it’d still be there when I got back.) 

When she opened the door, she startled. I wondered if, for a split second, she thought her dog and beau were back. She then untied him and read the note I had tucked under his collar: You’re better off without him. I will never leave you. If anyone asks, I’m a Labradoodle. And an emotional support dog. I could see she was moved by my gesture. She invited Pops into her house, and that was that.

***

Now, I watch them walk into the dog park. Pops looks over at me and wags his tail but doesn’t try to come toward me. I understand. He has a new home and a new partner. 

I look at the angle of the sun in the sky. If I leave now, I can probably make it in time for lunch at the church.



Source link

38 thoughts on “Pops, the Emotional-Support Labradoodle | The Bark

  • February 19, 2023 at 7:23 am
    Permalink

    What side effects can this medication cause? Get here.
    https://canadianfast.com/
    Best and news about drug. Get information now.

  • February 19, 2023 at 8:50 am
    Permalink

    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Medicament prescribing information.
    buy prescription drugs without doctor
    Everything information about medication. What side effects can this medication cause?

  • December 20, 2023 at 4:18 pm
    Permalink

    I simply wished to thank you so much again. I’m not certain the things that I could possibly have taken care of in the absence of the actual secrets shown by you regarding such a concern. It had become the scary matter in my position, however , viewing your expert way you handled that took me to jump over joy. Extremely happier for this assistance and thus hope that you find out what a great job you are always providing educating many others with the aid of your website. Most likely you’ve never met any of us.

  • January 20, 2024 at 1:34 am
    Permalink

    I will right away grasp your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  • January 31, 2024 at 7:41 pm
    Permalink

    Насыщенный контент для тех, кто стремится к стильной жизни.
    https://queenie.kr.ua

  • February 10, 2024 at 11:48 pm
    Permalink

    Cialis 5mg
    (Moderator)
    Cialis 5 mg prezzo cialis prezzo tadalafil 5 mg prezzo

  • February 16, 2024 at 8:50 pm
    Permalink

    Hello there I am so excited I found your website, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great job.
    legal betting age in ohio

  • February 17, 2024 at 12:02 pm
    Permalink

    Hi I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
    cloudbet legit

  • February 22, 2024 at 8:26 am
    Permalink

    Hi there friends, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say about this article, in my view its actually awesome for me.
    top online slots real money

  • February 22, 2024 at 10:52 am
    Permalink

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from other web sites.
    best online casino in australia

  • February 22, 2024 at 11:20 am
    Permalink

    Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information about this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have discovered so far. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply?
    gamble sites

  • February 22, 2024 at 11:50 am
    Permalink

    Aviator Spribe играть на доллары казино
    Yes, it is the intelligible answer
    Добро пожаловать в захватывающий мир авиаторов! Aviator – это увлекательная игра, которая позволит вам окунуться в атмосферу боевых действий на небе. Необычные графика и захватывающий сюжет сделают ваше путешествие по воздуху неповторимым.

    Играйте в Aviator Spribe казино играть с друзьями и зарабатывайте деньги прямо сейчас вместе с нами!
    Aviator игра позволит вам почувствовать себя настоящим пилотом. Вам предстоит совершить невероятные маневры, выполнять сложные задания и сражаться с противниками. Улучшайте свой самолет, чтобы быть готовым к любым ситуациям и становиться настоящим мастером.
    Основные особенности Aviator краш игры:
    1. Реалистичная графика и физика – благодаря передовой графике и реалистичной физике вы почувствуете себя настоящим пилотом.
    2. Разнообразные режимы игры и миссии – в Aviator краш игре вы сможете выбрать различные режимы игры, такие как гонки, симулятор полетов и захватывающие воздушные бои. Кроме того, каждая миссия будет предлагать свои собственные вызовы и задачи.
    3. Улучшение и модернизация самолетов – в игре доступны различные модели самолетов, которые можно покупать и улучшать. Вы сможете устанавливать новое оборудование, улучшать двигательность и мощность своего самолета, а также выбирать различные варианты окраски и декорации.
    Aviator краш игра – это возможность испытать себя в роли авиатора и преодолеть все сложности и опасности воздушного пространства. Почувствуйте настоящую свободу и адреналин в Aviator краш игре онлайн!
    Играйте в «Авиатор» в онлайн-казино Pin-Up
    Aviator краш игра онлайн предлагает увлекательную и захватывающую игровую атмосферу, где вы становитесь настоящим авиатором и сражаетесь с самыми опасными искусственными интеллектами.
    В этой игре вы должны показать свое мастерство и смекалку, чтобы преодолеть сложности многочисленных локаций и уровней. Вам предстоит собирать бонусы, уклоняться от препятствий и сражаться с врагами, используя свои навыки пилотирования и стрельбы.
    Каждый уровень игры Aviator краш имеет свою уникальную атмосферу и задачи. Будьте готовы к неожиданностям, так как вас ждут захватывающие повороты сюжета и сложные испытания. Найдите все пути к победе и станьте настоящим героем авиатором!
    Авиатор игра является прекрасным способом провести время и испытать настоящий адреналиновый разряд. Готовы ли вы стать лучшим авиатором? Не упустите свой шанс и начните играть в Aviator краш прямо сейчас!
    Aviator – играй, сражайся, побеждай!
    Aviator Pin Up (Авиатор Пин Ап ) – игра на деньги онлайн Казахстан
    Aviator игра предлагает увлекательное и захватывающее разнообразие врагов и уровней, которые не оставят равнодушными даже самых требовательных геймеров.
    Враги в Aviator краш игре онлайн представлены в самых разных формах и размерах. Здесь вы встретите группы из маленьких и быстрых врагов, а также огромных боссов с мощным вооружением. Разнообразие врагов позволяет игрокам использовать разные тактики и стратегии для победы.
    Кроме того, Aviator игра предлагает разнообразие уровней сложности. Выберите легкий уровень, чтобы насладиться игровым процессом, или вызовите себе настоящий вызов, выбрав экспертный уровень. Независимо от выбранного уровня сложности, вы получите максимум удовольствия от игры и окунетесь в захватывающий мир авиаторов.
    Играйте в Aviator и наслаждайтесь разнообразием врагов и уровней, которые позволят вам почувствовать себя настоящим авиатором.

  • February 28, 2024 at 5:38 pm
    Permalink

    I’m also commenting to let you understand of the fine experience my friend’s princess undergone checking your site. She came to find so many details, which include how it is like to possess an ideal helping nature to let many people smoothly gain knowledge of various advanced topics. You actually exceeded readers’ desires. Many thanks for providing those helpful, trusted, explanatory as well as fun tips about that topic to Kate.

  • February 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
    Permalink

    Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
    bcasino bonus terms

  • February 29, 2024 at 9:04 am
    Permalink

    Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    booi no deposit bonus

  • February 29, 2024 at 9:36 am
    Permalink

    This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am actually happy to read everthing at one place.
    club player casino online

  • March 1, 2024 at 3:59 pm
    Permalink

    3d, 3д панель на стену Алматы — отделочный материал для фасадов. Структура материала фактурная, внешний вид полностью копирует деревянную доску.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.