Ralph's Rags

     When my middle child, Adam, was almost two years old, and the oldest, Andrew, was close to five, our family became friends with an elderly couple in our church.  Their names were Ralph and Maisie.  They had a Cocker Spaniel named Rags.  The kids loved to go over to their house and see Rags.  At first, Rags was wary of two very little boys, but Ralph showed them the way to Rags' heart.  Dog biscuits.  It became routine when we came to visit for the boys to give Rags a dog biscuit.  Then he was their friend. 
     Ralph had cancer.  He had battled it before, but this time the doctors said there was nothing more that could be done.  Ralph lingered for many months and we visited regularly.  He didn't get up and move around much, and Rags was his constant companion.  I forgot to mention that Rags was a bit chubby.  Ralph liked to give him the dog biscuits just as much as the boys did. He gave them to him off and on throughout the day, every day.  Then when we came through the door, Ralph would call the boys over to him and hold out the box so they could give them to Rags, too. 

     Of course, Ralph passed away.  Maisie and Rags ended up moving several states away and we gradually lost touch.  Young as they were, both boys still remember giving dog biscuits to Rags.  It isn't so odd that a five year old would remember that time, but Adam is usually the one who brings it up.  He was only two, but the memory of that early interaction with the dog left a lasting impression. 

 

(This was written by my daughter, Karen.)