But as you look into my eyes you seem to understand my anguish.

“Hey pretty girl” you begin. “It’s okay, baby, I won’t hurt you.”

But I was badly hurt by another driver before being dumped out at this truck-stop so you’ll excuse me if I don’t trust you.

I need food and water…I also need love but my fear keeps me at a safe distance from you.

“Come here girl…it’s okay.”

Your eyes reflect kindness and compassion but I cannot allow myself to trust you.

I appreciate you squatting down to my level. That makes me less apprehensive about your intentions. However, I still don’t trust you.

Suddenly another driver approaches and joins you in your efforts.

“Is she your dog, driver?”

“Oh no, she’s been dumped out here and is scared half to death.”

“Oh geese, what’s wrong with these people?”

“I don’t know, driver…but it sure makes me angry.”

“Yeah, me too. They say you can tell a man by the way he treats his kids and animals.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that, too. And you know that dog spelled backwards is God”.

“Yep, that’s true enough.”

“Let me try to get her to come to me.”

The other man nods his head in silence.

“Come here girl, it’s okay, I won’t hurt you.”

I search his eyes for compassion and find it but I’ll not allow myself to trust him, either.

I desperately need water and food and lower my head to lick the wet pavement but it’s not enough to quench my thirst.

Seeing this causes both drivers to jump up in unison and rush off in opposite directions.

Your sudden movements have startled me and I back off even more.

“I’m going to go ask at the fuel desk if she belongs to the truck-stop or if she really has been dumped out!” The second man shouts over his shoulder as he races toward the building.

“Okay, I’m going to go get my Schnauzer’s water and food for her!” The first man replies.

I’ve been abandoned again. Now what do I do? … Where do I go now?

I cringe at all of the strange noises that fill the air around me.