The Small Stone
Is any ripple of water greater than another? Even a small stone makes a swell in the water It is not I that should ponder its rings and route But thank God that the stone has been cast out. - CKSharpe
The House of Paws
“I’m not lost,” said Luke, the dog. A uniformed man swung a brown paper bag in front of him. Luke stared at the animal control officer and growled.
Are you for real? That old Nummy trick won’t work on me. There are plenty of treats at the Darcy farm. He took off toward home.
Officer O’Connor raised his pole net from his shoulder and chased Luke. He panted as he ran along the country road. Luke darted left and right, but could not avoid the net on the long pole. He dragged his feet through the gravel as the sweaty officer returned him to the Atler County Animal Control truck.
Luke was bound for the pound.
“Gotcha!” Angry Officer O’Connor banged the truck gate shut. “Next stop, the House of Paws,” he muttered. He took his place behind the steering wheel.
O’Connor drove straight there. He parked behind the animal shelter. He twisted around to ensure no one saw him before he pulled Luke from the cage.
Snap! Off came Luke’s collar and name tag. He shoved them into his pocket and brought out a plain collar from another. With one click, Luke lost his identity.
O’Connor pulled Luke to the indoor kennels. The kennel hinges creaked shut as Luke plopped in defeat. As O’Connor left the room, a crooked grin spread across his face.
