I am so afraid. Scanning the parking lot I spot the first driver walking to his truck, so, I decide to follow him at a safe distance. He seemed so kind.

He’s disappeared inside the vehicle so I lower myself to the pavement in front of his truck to await his return. Sigh… there’s nothing for me to do except wait.

Suddenly I hear a small dog barking at me. His words sound angry and menacing.

The kind man has a furry friend in his truck with him! Okay, so he’s not friendly but he’s still a dog like me! … Maybe the man will offer me food and water! I’d be so grateful!

Yes! Here he comes and with a bowl in his left hand!

Okay now don’t come too close or I’ll turn and run…okay, that’s good, right there! Just set it down and walk away…

He actually seems to understand my thoughts!

Oh yes! Sweet water! I am so thirsty! It’s fresh and cold!

As I finish it I back off so that he may claim the empty bowl.

He’s disappeared inside the truck again maybe for some food? I’m hoping.

Yes! Here he comes again and I can see food heaping in the bowl!

Okay now repeat the procedure…set it down and back way off.

Just as I finish the last bite the other driver approaches us and announces that I am not the truck-stop dog nor was I put out of a truck by a dirt-bag driver but rather I live close by and wander over everyday for a bite to eat. He also explains that I’m just a beggar who looks for a “soft-touch”. The two men seem relieved at the news.

“I was going to take her with me if she’d been dumped out.” The second man stated.

“Yeah, I was planning on doing the same thing.” The first replied.

“Do you have any dogs?” The second man asked.

“Yeah, I have one with me and five more at home!”

The other man shakes his head and smiles. “Yeah, I have eight and they’re all with me in my truck!”

I silently decide to move on and find someone else to take pity on me…