Home Chapter 6

       Our little  dog strained at his leash watching Destiny down the lane until she disappeared among the trees. Then he lay down with his head resting on his outstretched paws, with such a downcast look that the sadness of his eyes radiated from his whole face and posture.   Actually he is the perfect complement to our family.  He is deeply emotional and like me wears his heart on his sleeve.   But unlike me he doesn't stuff his feelings down deep in his heart.  He broadcasts his feelings in everything he does.  When he's happy, he literally shakes with his joy in his life.  But when he's sad like now it's like his whole world is crumbling in front of him.  Destiny is the world to him.  He is never truly alive when she's not near him.  He loves her with a passion no man could ever match.
      
     Oscar was a dachshund.  In his mind, he stood three feet tall on his short front legs.  He was the most intelligent fellow I ever met.  His barks were as meaningful as any human speech.  Within a very short time one could learn his particular sounds.  He learned our language even faster.  When he stood up in alert mode, I knew that Destiny was in range of his big floppy ears.  Or in range of his extrasensory perception, I never knew how or why; he just knew.  When she appeared among the trees, I unsnapped his leash and watched as his little legs churned like an egg beater to get to her as fast as he cold.  She laid the bags down and Oscar nosed in them until he found the promised toy or bone.  He took possession and proceeded to bark out instructions and warnings.  Basically he was saying " this is mine.  Don't mess with it." 
     Finally he put the prize away somewhere and climbed back into his favorite place in the whole world, Des's lap.  He'd adopted her as his mother when he was a sick, little puppy and formed a bond with her that will never be broken.  They give each other pure, unconditional love.  One could never ask for more.