Saturday, January 10, 2015

Edward On Duty


Edward On Duty
The big white dog waited by the door in spite of the temperatures tumbling outside in the late afternoon air.  Normally in these few waning moments of daylight he would be found romping round the back garden in a last burst of daytime energy before settling down in front of the fire for a restful, dozy evening.  But The Lady wasn’t home yet, and he was worried.  She hadn’t been herself when she left and though she’d said nothing, he'd known it.  And so he waited, head on paws, ears pricked.

Hearing her car pull into the drive, he sat up and stared at the doorknob.  Seeing it turn, he stood.  One look at her and he knew he’d been right.  She didn’t feel well.  She gave him a slight pat on the head and headed immediately out through the kitchen and down the long hallway to the bedroom, letting her coats, shawls and gloves fall behind in her wake.  She fell into bed.  The big dog stood at the door and watched.

Right.  He knew what he had to do.  Wheeling around, he went to find Apple, his furry black housemate, and told her there was to be no unnecessary barking at squirrels or chipmunks for the foreseeable future.  He then trotted into the den and under the piano where lay his new Christmas toy.  “You never know”, he thought to himself.  “She might like to play if she feels better.”  He made his way back down the hallway to the bedroom door and stopped, stock still.
  The door was closed.
In shock, he dropped his toy.
Lifting one large white paw, he demanded entrance.
Bang, Bang, Bang!
The door shook.  And opened.
“Sorry, Edward.”  The Man stepped aside to let him in.
Refusing to allow his annoyance to dent his dignity, the big white dog trotted into the room with his head held high and jumped as lightly as a bird atop the fluffy bed.
The Lady placed her hand on his head and he lay close beside her.
And there he stayed.

Cold itself drove down through the clouds that night, led by thundering steeds of wind that raked the bare trees and screamed past the cottage eaves.  Still the big dog stayed close by The Lady, refusing to move.  As the temperatures dropped past fifteen, past ten, The Lady slept and the big dog kept watch.  In the afternoon he would reluctantly leave his post to tear figure eights through the garden, kangaroo-boxing with Apple, playing tag round the hemlocks, in a pent-up burst of unexploded energy.  Then he would calmly return, quiet and somber, to take up his post once again.  

On the third day he overheard The Man talking in the other room.  
“Yes, it’s fortunate.  We caught it early.”
“Must have been a mild case”.
“Very thankful.  The medicine did the trick. She’s on the mend.”

The big dog chuckled to himself.
Medicine, nothing.
Whatever would they do without him?

They are curled up together tonight.


20 comments:

  1. Edward, we know the truth...

    Bart, Ruby and Otto

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  2. Edward knows the truth and is the Cure...

    xox

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  3. This post brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy Edward took such good care of you and that the medicine worked and you're on the road to recovery.
    Xo,
    Karen

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  4. Good, no great, news! So glad you did catch it quickly and the meds. are working dear.
    Edward's closeness must help, just know he's even more cuddly than the fluffiest duvet!

    Be well soon. Pamela.
    Best wishes - Mary

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  5. Sweet,,,and good to know you are feeling better...!!

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  6. Hello Pamela,

    A beautifully told tale.

    It is so true that there is no better medicine when one is ill than to have those whom one loves close at hand. Edward is exceedingly wise about these matters.

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  7. The power of love. Glad to near you are on the mend.

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  8. What indeed would you all do without that good faithful Edward. Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Keep warm - essential.

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  9. Prayers continue for you good health
    Edward knows his love helps heal

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  10. Wonderful posting! Indeed, the Power of Love, Devotion and Duty pays off again .... and a bit of that medicine too! Most grateful and glad that you are on the mend!

    Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  11. Oh the amazing comfort of a vigilant and loving dog! So glad to hear you have survived this onslaught! God bless and keep you all!

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  12. This was such a tender post, of the Love Edward showed, when it was most needed. He, indeed was a factor in helping his beloved owner get well.

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  13. Good for Edward and good for you...love is powerful medicine.

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  14. The love of a dog can cure anything though sometimes it is wise to take the medication just to keep every one happy! Sorry to find you are not well now I have returned x

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  15. Such a sweet story. I hope you heal well Blessings Jeanne
    Kisses to your fur angels

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  16. and she must be feeling better to share this enchanting vision of the terrible interruption of such a homeful of joy and cheer.
    so glad she has the song writer and little apple and most of all the white dog with the greatest of hearts and understanding! XOXO

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  17. Hello Pamela
    I join Edward in sending you love and prayers during this time. Hurry up, get well and play tug of war with Edward
    Helen xx

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  18. Magic..the powers of Edward. So glad the Lady of the house is on the mend. Sending warm wishes from Saigon...xx

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!