Homeless

There he was again, pressed tight against the building, his sorrowful eyes searching each person passing by, hoping against hope for help. Even a kind word of acknowledgement would have made his day a bit brighter. Sadly not a single person even took notice of his presence. He was totally invisible to them. But he wasn’t to me.

Before I left the house, this morning, I had put together a little care package with a blanket, some food and water. The homeless have always tugged at my heart. Vincent has told me many times that I can’t save everyone. I know he’s right but still, I can at least help in some small way.

As I closed the door of the car, his head jerked up, his eyes meeting mine. I could see the fear and apprehension immediately.

“Hello,” I said, my voice warm and cheerful. “I have something for you.” Approaching slowly, cautiously. I was horrified at how frightened he appeared. He was almost shaking as he pressed even tighter against the building. His eyes darting back and forth looking for a way to escape.

“It’s ok. I’m not going to hurt you. You can trust me,” I commented tenderly and I inched my way closer. Maybe if I just set the blanket and food down without meeting his eyes, he would feel more relaxed.

“I hope you like chicken. We had extra so I thought I’d bring some over to you,” I explained as I placed the blanket beside him, along with a plate of chicken, vegetables and a cup of water. Gradually I lifted my eyes, tentatively meeting his. Although obviously still quite fearful, there was also a hint of curiosity.

“My name is Catherine,” I offered quietly. “I have seen you here so often. I hope you don’t mind me bringing you these things.” He didn’t reply, just continued watching me guardedly. Maybe he wasn’t able to speak. That’s ok. I will figure out a way for us to communicate. “You don’t have to tell me your name, but I would like something to call you. What do you think of ... let’s see ...

how about Oliver?” No response. Undaunted I smiled softly. “It is nice to meet you Oliver. I hope we can become friends. Sadly I have to go to work now, but I will come back during my lunch if that’s ok?”

I couldn’t believe how time seemed to move extra slowly this morning. When my lunch break finally arrived I practically flew down the stairs to get outside. But when I turned the corned to get to where Oliver stayed, my heart dropped. He wasn’t there. The things I had brought for him were right where I had left them, but he was no where to be found. I couldn’t go back inside. Not with my eyes filling with tears. So I headed over to my car. I’d sit and wait until I calmed down. Maybe Oliver would come back before my lunch break ended.

Sadly, the time came when I needed to get back inside. But before I did, I went over to his area. Straightening the blanket, food dish and water, I was just turning to leave when to my happiness he came around the corner.

“Hi Oliver. I was afraid you’d left. Would you like some of my sandwich?” Holding out my hand, offering the half I couldn’t eat. Again he refused but this time it wasn’t with as much fear as earlier. Laying it down on the food dish, I stepped back, and smiled softly before heading back into the building.

Needless to say, my mind was not on work. All I wanted to do was get back outside to see him. My mind filled with every possible dangerous outcome if he continued to stay there. Someone was going to complain, that was a guarantee. Maybe if I could persuade him to come to the house with me, Vincent and I could figure out a plan for his safety. Taking out my cell, I gave my husband a call.

“Hello,” he answered on the second ring, surprised to receive a call from me before the day was over.

“Hi baby,” I responded warmly, a little hesitant about what I was about to ask.

“What’s up, Cat...” Vincent questioned, having fully expected this call and knowing exactly what was coming next.

“I saw Oliver today,”

“No doubt. Did he enjoy your chicken?” Vincent asked, wondering how long before she proposed inviting Oliver back to the house.

“I think so. It was gone by the time I came down during lunch,” I commented. “I was wondering....”

There is was. Vincent grabbed his keys and headed out to his truck. “I’m on my way, baby.”

I couldn’t help but smile. What a truly amazing man!

Before Vincent arrived, I ran upstairs and told my partner I was taking the rest of the afternoon off; then back downstairs to spend some one on one time with Oliver before Vincent pulled up.

“Oliver, would you like to come home with me? My husband is on his way and we would love to have you as our guest for a few days. He should be here soon,” I added, hoping against hope that he would agree. Taking a seat on his blanket, he once again pressed tight against the building as far from me as he could possibly get. My heart sank. This was not going to be an easy task.

“We are having steak for supper tonight. Vincent is fabulous at BBQ-ing. I know you’ll love it. We also have a huge backyard, completely fenced so it is super private. No one would bother you. I promise.” I tried to speak gently...encouragingly. Up until now I had avoided looking at him, but when I slowly turned to face him, I was pleasantly surprised to see him actually listening to me. He didn’t seem as anxious or fearful. Maybe there was hope after all.

Just then Vincent pulled up in his Denali. I stood and walked over to meet him. As we embraced, I whispered that Oliver was not as tense as he had been this morning. With a soft kiss on my cheek, Vincent released me and began to walk leisurely over to where Oliver was sitting.

“Hey buddy, it’s nice to finally meet you. Cat has told me how much she has enjoyed speaking with you. As she said, we’d love to have you come back to the house. Do you think you’d like that?” Vincent had such a way about him...so calm...so gentle. He instilled confidence in everyone he ever met. Getting Oliver’s trust should be an easy feat for him.

Kneeling down on the blanket, Vincent reached out his hand. I was shocked! Although I am not sure why all things considered, but Oliver started inching toward him. As Vincent continued speaking quietly, Oliver actually moved even closer. In no time, he was laying stretched out beside him, his stomach exposed. Vincent tenderly began scratching the furry belly and was quickly rewarded with the steady thumping of Oliver’s tail.

That man of mine could perform miracles; just one of the things I loved about him. As we exchanged smiles, Vincent began to search for a collar. Shaking his head slowly, he again focused his attention on Oliver.

“Shall we go, Oliver? I think there’s a steak at home with your name on it,” Vincent commented as he stood and stepped away from the blanket. Oliver was immediately alert, his eyes glued to my husband as if begging not to be left. “Come on buddy...let’s go.” Oliver jumped up and padded over to Vincent’s side; obviously claiming him as his person.

I watched, my heart full, as my husband opened the passenger door of his truck. Without saying a word, Oliver jumped in and made himself totally at home on the front seat.

“Guess I have a dog,” Vincent commented, his smile conveying all the happiness and excitement of a new pet owner. This was the first opportunity we had to fulfill his longing for one.

Gathering up the blanket, food and water, I made my way to my car. I was filled with such a strong sense of anticipation, that it took everything I had to stay within the speed limit. In no time at all, I was pulling into our driveway just in time to see Vincent and Oliver go into the house.

My mind began to go over everything we would need to make this the perfect home for our new pet. But first he desperately needed a bath and a good brushing. Then we should have just enough time for a quick trip to the pet store before supper.

Seems Vincent had the same thought. When I entered the house, I heard the water running in the upstairs bathroom. By the time I got up there, he had Oliver sitting in the middle of the tub; the water half way up his back. I would have expected him to not be happy with this new development but the look of total devotion in his eyes as he looked at my husband, told me there wasn’t any place he’d rather be. Leaving them to continue bonding, I went to the kitchen to call our local shelter to see if anyone had reported him missing. Waiting for the receptionist to check her records was pure agony.

“Ma’am, we don’t have any reports of a missing lab. Guess he is all yours.”I thanked her and released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. We had a dog!!!!! Our very own dog!!!! Taking the steaks out of the fridge, I placed the ones for us in the prepared marinate, leaving Oliver’s untouched. Maybe supper should come before shopping.

Suddenly I heard a huge commotion from upstairs. First there was splashing, followed with laughter. Next I heard Vincent gasp. This time the laughter was briefly interrupted by Oliver bounding down the stairs and straight into the kitchen, soaking wet but with a distinctly playful look in his eyes. It was such an amazing sight that the fact he was getting water all over the floor and everywhere he had been, was totally irrelevant.

“Be careful you don’t slip, baby,” I cautioned Vincent as he came downstairs. Stifling a laugh at seeing his soaked tshirt and jeans, I walked over and hugged him close. “You really are incredible, my love. Thank you for allowing this.”

“No need to thank me, sweetheart. You know how much I have wanted a dog. There are no coincidences in life. I truly believe this was meant to be.”

“I agree,” kissing his lips lovingly. “I called the shelter. No one has reported missing a lab, so the lady said he is ours.” Vincent hugged me tight, his happiness enveloping me.

Oliver thoroughly enjoyed his steak and broccoli; his tail wagged the entire time. Once supper was over and everything was cleaned up, it was time to take this beautiful boy to the pet store and spoil him a little more.

Instead of taking Vincent’s Denali, we took my Trailblazer. With Vincent driving, Oliver sat obediently in the back seat. But before we reached PetValu he had inched his way closer to us and actually looked over at me. His eyes no longer held the fear or anxiety. In fact, if I wasn’t mistaken, they seemed to be showing gratitude and acceptance. I reached out my hand and was rewarded with a gentle lick. Tears filled my eyes as I tenderly stroked his head. His fur was so soft and silky and smelled slightly of coconut. “You used my conditioner on him?” I asked, feigning shock and displeasure. Vincent only laughed as he pulled into the parking lot.

“Wait here Oliver. I will be right back,” Vincent explained. “We need to get you a collar and leash to keep you safe.”

In spite of the huge selection, it took no time at all to find the perfect set. Vincent paid and was out and back with Oliver before I had time to find a bed, let alone toys and treats. For the next hour, we scoured the shelves for chewies, healthy treats, flea drops, and beds – because he needed more than one after all. It was amazing! I’m not sure which one of us enjoyed it more. Once we had everything we thought we’d need to make Oliver’s transition from homelessness to owned and loved complete, it was off to Starbucks for a pup-cup. Again, Oliver was thrilled with this new taste sensation.

Back at home, we set up one bed in our room and the other in the living room by the fireplace. All his toys fit nicely in the toy box we purchased, with his treats and chewies having their own place on the kitchen counter.

Later, as Oliver slept soundly on his brand new bed, the logs in the hearth crackled and snapped, filling the room with a peaceful ambience. Vincent and I sat quietly on the sofa, his arm around me, my hand resting on his thigh. No words were needed as we watched the newest member of our family. There was no doubt in our minds that we would do whatever necessary to ensure this precious creature bloom and thrive. What started as a day of uncertainty became the beginning of years filled with love, laughter and devotion.

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