The Motionless Dog

Why wasn't it afraid?

Lacy and Tom strolled through the neighborhood on a warm July evening. They were going stir crazy inside and needed some exercise. Rather than driving to a walking path several miles away like they normally did, they took a long walk around the block, a total of two miles.

Lacy said, “Ahh, look at that little dog by the side of the road in that parking space.”

A car sped past it, but the dog didn’t seem to mind.

“Yeah, cute, isn’t it?” Tom said. “Must be hurt for it not to run away from the traffic. Those cars are getting pretty close, too.”

Another car roared past, not slowing down as it drove by. A truck and a car went by in the opposite direction.

“What is it, a Terrier?” she asked.

“You’re asking the wrong person, Lace. Could be. It’s just a little yapper whatever it is. Still hasn’t moved a bit. Wonder what’s up.”

“Just probably a lost pet like you see on those telephone pole signs. Terrified. Alone. We probably should look and see if it’s got a collar.”

“Think that’s a good idea?” asked Tom. “I mean, what if it’s rabid.”

“Look at it, Tom. It’s not harming anyone. If anything, it’ll run when we get closer. Scared stiff.”

Three more cars passed, now within inches. Tom and Lacy slowed their gait and were thirty feet away. The wind blew and the dog’s ears’ bent a bit as it stared straight at them.

Tom stepped onto the pavement in front of a parked car, pulling Lacy with him.

They froze after taking three more steps.

“You see it too?” Lacy asked.

Tom shook his head and smiled.

“Yeah,” he said. “Two paper bags with shadows juuuuust right. Had us both fooled. No wonder it didn’t yap or run away.”

“And here you were worried that it was rabid,” said Lacy.

“But you took pity on it and were ready to check its collar, so we’re even.”

“Think we should pick it up so other stooges don’t do the same thing?”

“What’s the fun in that?” Tom said. “Besides, we haven’t a clue what’s in it. Could be dangerous.”

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