Confines of the competent traveler

May 28, 2010


Henry was a wise old dog. He had traveled around the block a few times. As a stray, he learned to fend for himself. Never knowing but always anticipating where the next meal would come from, he had developed exquisite begging abilities that effectively convinced the naïve humans around him to throw him scraps regularly. His plans always worked and as a hound of the streets, Henry, surprisingly, rarely did without. Henry was keen about meeting his needs and quick to figure out new ways to do so. Henry even had spare time where he could run around the streets figuring out new paths and creating new adventures to keep him on top of his game. He often learned the most when he went on his own explorations!
However, things changed for Henry: One day a nice little old lady saw Henry and decided she would take him in. She had never owned a dog but her heart melted when she saw Henry. With the best of intentions, the little old lady took Henry in, gave him a warm fluffy new bed to sleep on, some fresh water, and heaps of food. Henry was grateful. For the first week, he loved the idea of his new owner. He played in the yard when she was gone during the day, slept on the bed when she allowed, drank and ate when she set the plates in front of him. Henry liked the idea of not having to fend for himself – and he didn’t mind not always having to have a plan. However, as time went on her schedule became more sporadic. And the once new treasure Henry became another ‘thing’ to care for and not a new Best friend. Soon enough, Henry wasn’t sure when his new owner would be home and was often left in the backyard with little room to run and alone for many hours at a time. Although, when she was home, she would occasionally forget that Henry needed to eat and, more often than not, Henry found the toilet bowl his only source of fresh water. Henry began to dream about the good old days when he was able to figure things out for himself- able to explore on his own- and meet his own needs when needed. Henry regretted giving up his freedom to the little old lady, although her intentions were never to harm Henry, she became too busy to realize Henry’s needs. Her schedule became more and more demanding and soon she forgot completely about Henry, so when he disappeared she didn’t even notice.
Once again, Henry was on the streets – living by his own means and never having to worry about someone forgetting about his needs again.