“He has large brown eyes,” I explained.
“Lots of people have large brown eyes, sweety,” the cop said.
“I didn’t say it was a person sir,” I whispered.
“Look little girl, I don’t have time for people like you,” he growled.
“I’m not a little girl! I am seventeen years old. My parents left me a year ago with only a broken down car to live in and the only friend I have is my dog,” I cried.
“Well...” he wasn’t able to get another word out before I interrupted him.
“Look here mister ‘cop’ if you don’t help me find my dog, I will go to your boss and tell him that you’re just a lazy jerk who goes around to every Shipley's Donuts to make sure the place is ‘safe’,” I snapped.
“I’m sorry but there is really nothing I can do. You can try calling the local animal shelters, but right now I have more important things to deal with than finding a lost mutt,” he said and then walked away. I went to the nearest payphone, picking up change off the road as I walked. No one seemed to have found him so I walked back to my car.
When I finally reached my car I noticed something wiggling in the back seat. I slowly walked closer and there he was! Sitting in the back seat wagging his tail waiting for me to pet him. I couldn’t believe that he had come back. I entered the car and sat there for about two hours petting his long soft hair, when all of a sudden I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the cop that I had just spoken to walking towards my car with a woman with a clipboard. They knocked on my window and asked me to come out. I stepped out of the car. “Who are you?” I asked.
“My name is Lisa I am the Director of The Loved Shelter for teenagers who have no place to go. Sergeant Bert was just telling me all about you.”
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“I’m here to let you know that we have an apartment setup for you and your dog. We have also set up in school and found you a job at a children’s hospital for you and your dog to go visit sick patients. If you come now you will have time to get settled and still make your school program class at three,” she responded with a smile. Why were they doing this? I’m a kid? Why do they care about me? Should I take the offer?
“Wow,” I was stunned. “I..I..I..I..I..I will take it. When can I move?” I asked timidly.
“Right now. Pack your belongings and lets go.”
“I don’t have any belongings, just my dog.”
“Great! We have a walk-in closet full of clothes waiting for you! Now let’s go!” She smiled as we started walking towards my new home.