Stella

Note: I have joined a writing group that is a bunch of fun! Requirements are that the story has to be exactly 300 words. There are also three required words that the moderator of the group chooses – the very first word of the story and two others. I’ll put those words in bold. Enjoy!

Discontent radiates from her eyes as she peers through the bars of the kennel. She exhales a sigh while wagging her tail. I can see she is hoping for respite from the cramped quarters, longing for a chance to run, play and engage in happy dog activity.

My heart swells as it does each time I see a dog, well most dogs. Okay, all dogs except one. A friend’s dog lunged at my throat, recently. I jumped back. Thankfully the cable he was leashed to stopped his forward flight, jerking him backward. I was shaking so hard I had to sit down. I’ve never seen a dog turn from happy tail wagging to a crazy lunging beast.

Maybe I’m naive. Now I’m wary.

I peer at Stella; she stares back with beautifully sad eyes and a hopeful pant of her alligator mouth. I’m uncertain. She isn’t showing signs of agitation. Stella is a Pit Bull Terrier. I’m skeptical.

I’m mad at the unfair reputation Pit Bull Terriers have gotten due to scumbags like Michael Vick and thugs who train any dogs to fight and kill.  I could fill a diary with nasty adjectives about dog abusers. Yes, I’m aware of the horror stories of Pit Bulls attacking children. I can’t help blaming the owners for their stupidity. I wouldn’t leave any dog alone with a child.

Stella loves to sit in my rocking chair and look out the window.

My son opens the kennel door. Stella bounds out tail wagging and joyous spit flying. I squat to get an eye-level view of her. Trying to match her excitement, I shout, “Hello Stella!”

She turns, looks at me with a cock of her head. Pausing for a moment Stella excitedly leaps toward me. Wiggling and licking my face my heart swells again. We have a new family member and I’m no longer wary.