Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Ow! (01/07/10)
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TITLE: Please...Rescue Me! | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
01/12/10 -
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As morning light came through the one small window in the ward, he woke from a brief and uneasy sleep to hear voices. They seemed to be discussing his case.
The first one spoke in a sweet lady-like way.
“This is one of the worse cases of abuse I’ve seen in a long time, Doctor. What do you think his chances are?”
“Well, Sally…with the excellent care you always provide your patients, I’d say he has a better chance than most. It’s the one in the next bed I’m concerned about.”
“Yes Sir,” she whispered with a touch of sadness, “He was brought in last night so dehydrated and malnourished, it’s a wonder he is still alive. That’s his second bottle of IV fluid. In a few minutes we’re starting the antibiotics and vitamins you ordered.”
Since English was not his first language, Gus listened with all his might, trying to understand what was going to happen next. That’s when the one they called Sally laid her soft hand on his warm forehead and reassured him. Her touch was cool and comforting. She brought fresh water and helped him raise up enough to swallow a small amount. She was gentleness personified as she changed his bedding and turned him to his other side. She hummed a lovely tune as she worked. Still unable to respond, he knew he was smiling on the inside.
“I’ll check back in a little while,” she said, in her kind and responsible manner. “Maybe you can go to sleep and have some good dreams for a change.”
Gus was so tired he couldn’t help but drift off-- but they were not pleasant dreams he had. Someone dark and sinister and wearing big boots kept kicking him. He tried to hide but the mean figure grabbed him in a choke hold and threw him down stairs. He awoke with a start and heard himself making a gut-wrenching noise…a plea for help. Sally came running.
“Oh my dear. You’re shaking.”
She put her arms around his bruised and battered body. In spite of his obvious post-operative bandages she hugged him as well as she could.
“Don’t worry, my friend, you’re safe here. If I can help it, you will never be a victim of this outrageous behavior again.”
He detected tears in her voice. Not only did she smell wonderful, she was truly an angel of mercy. He decided right then and there he was in love, and vowed never to leave her…that is, if she would have him.
After a few weeks, Gus got his miracle. All his wounds and fractures mended. With beautiful Sally to care for him, the horrible memories began to fade as well. He had a new lease on life.
When he was discharged he remembered his former ward-mate whose bed had been empty for some time. No one had to tell him why. Those injuries, also from total disregard for a living, breathing being, were too bad to fix. For a moment his heart ached for all those who are beaten, starved, treated with malice and anger, and thrown away. He heard Sally call for him to hurry.
“Come on, Good Looking! We’re going home. There’s a juicy steak there with your name on it.”
He fell in step beside her until they got to the car. She had to pick him up to put him on the warm and fluffy blanket on the back seat.
“Ahh,” he sighed to himself. “This is what a real dog’s life should be.”
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*Sadly, thousands of domestic animals are maliciously abused and starved every day. I believe the Lord expects us to do what we can to prevent such atrocities. Who else do they have to take a stand for them but humans? Since they don’t verbalize our language, please listen for the unspoken “OW” on those sweet pet faces. Maybe they just need a hug.
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As a dog-lover, I appreciate this so much. As a writer...I'm in awe.
Mona