Random reminder

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 32

Random reminder

A DOG’S LIFE Tom’s wife was always on to him to take Sam, the dog, for his walk and exercise to the park. It wasn’t that Tom didn’t like Sam; it was just that he was still a puppy and so difficult to handle once he got outside the gate and on to the street. His nose would go to the ground as he sniffed out every dog in the neighbourhood. His eyes would be on the alert for any movement of his enemy — the cat. Tom succumbed to her nagging

and got the lead. ‘‘Sam will be pleased,” she said as she placed a light kiss on his check. All was well, until Sam picked up the scent of a dog, and with a sudden jerk was off. Tom’s feet barely touched the ground as they sped along. Suddenly Sam stopped — losing the scent — and Tom went sprawling on the ground. Sam looked down at him with a look of disapproval in his eye.

Picking himself up, Tom pressed on until they reached the park. With relief, he let Sam off the lead, and realised too late that every man and his dog had come to the park. Dogs were running and barking everywhere, the owners were yelling curses.

Sam hurled himself into the fun. Tom called frantically, but Sam had gone completely deaf. Suddenly all was quiet as a huge dog stood over Sam with a meaningful look in his eyes. He backed off, turned tail, and walked quietly back to Tom.

By the time they reached home Tom’s arms ached and his hands were red and blistered.

She looked at his flushed face and remarked that the fresh-air and the exercise had obviously done him the world of good.