Barney

Jack Kay

CHAPTER 1

My name is Grant McArthur. The name means nothing to you, but I do have a remarkable story to tell, so I want you to hang in there and have a read, you will find it a treasure. It is mostly about my dog Barney. I know people love dogs so this is my narrative mostly about my dog. This dog was amazing. He was one in a million. He was able to jump 10 feet to get a toy I threw or a ball. He swam like a fish and he only barked when danger approached. I figured he could understand at least 300 commands and responded to everything I taught him. He loved children and will lick any and all that he meets.

   He loves watching dog shows and movies on television and his favorite is Lassie Come Home. I can talk to him while driving and he usually never falls asleep. Barney is special kind of dog that somehow, I was lucky enough to get into my life. If he knows he has done something dumb as he would always hang his head mostly because he knows that I won’t give him a snack. This short human interest story actually began before he came along.

   I worked at home hardware store. A massive one with lots of employees running around, helping customers, carrying large objects to their cars, or just pretending they know where everything is located. It was not my first job by any means; I had worked at a various assortment of about everything you can think of. I certainly was not management material; I did not seek upward mobility. Most of the managements at my employment, saw me a low skilled worker, earning the minimum wage. I never told a soul that in reality I hated work, vigorously.

   There were lots of old guys working in the place, some who were extremely hard of hearing and others who hid out in various departments. There were even so-called sales associates that barely understood English. You know help is hard to get especially at $8.00 an hour. If there had been a union I would have been the representative, I guess because somehow, they all came to me for some reason or another. Girls came because they said they were being treated as sexual objects by the men in the store. I never followed up any of those complaints. I just said it would not happen again. So many people came and went that before you even started checking they were gone. There was one girl who unfortunately never missed a meal and was a real full-figured woman who often stopped me to tell me that one of guys was patting her on her rear end. I never said anything because I knew it was all in her head, I was earning enough to live, but just barely. It was then that lady luck shone a light on me which over time took me right out of the work.

CHAPTER 2

    I lived in a tiny walk-up apartment in Colfax Washington. I had moved out of my parents house at age 17 mostly because they were completely and utterly dysfunctional. For several years they had not spoken to each other. They barely ever spoke to me. We never ate a meal together; I actually ate my meals from the time I was twelve in restaurants or at Mr. Roberts house. He was an elderly man whom I liked very much lived in an Antebellum house nearby. I had begun my friendship with him by doing errands and helping him to walk to the mailbox. He was feeble but took a lot of medications. I would go to drug and grocery stores for him. He told me a lot of stories about his earlier life. He told me about his life growing up in nearby Spokane Washington and his experiences in the war. He had been captain of a merchant ship out of Seattle travelling worldwide before the Second World war. He spoke about his wife who had died several years before.

   He had no children and for me it was like having a grandfather nearby. It seemed as though he had no family and as the time went by, I became like a grandson to him. He bought me a three-speed bicycle which stunned my father who wanted to know if I had stolen it. By now I hated both of my parents and all the relatives that came over for free meals. They were all, including the women red- necks. Forest workers, garbage collectors. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always responded to move out on my own.

   They all laughed except my parents, who questioned me after they left. When I hit sixteen, I quit school and found job in a McDonalds restocking. I pushed huge carts packed up with burger buns and all kinds of their specialty items. I was making $6.00 an hour. I found a tiny bachelor apartment with enough room just to sleep, eat and well you know what I mean. It cost me most of my salary at the BIG MACS After a short timer. Roberts began to give me a supplement of $50.00 a month for doing all his chores. I saved up some money to put a down payment on a small car for $1,000 and it got me to work and on days off to drive my good friend to his doctors and lots of other places. He loved going out for rides with me signed the loan I took to purchase the car as guarantor. I paid it off in 6 months.

   Before I turned 20, I had had 8 jobs, mostly fast-food joints and places like Costco and Walmart. For three months I worked for a roofing company, but I was not for good at this employment and I was let go. I took a delivery job at a pizza place and this appealed to me mainly because of the tips. I was making more money at this than anything I had done. Then the whole thing collapsed when two hoodlums grabbed me one night, beaten up and all my money stolen. My pizza career was now over. I hooked on with the Hardware company and that was my permanent job.

   Mr. Roberts died one night just after I had taken him out for ice cream. He was 92 years old. Somehow, I knew that something was wrong because I always called him even if I did not go over for a visit. He never answered. The next day I went over and banged on the door. Still no answer, I called the emergency Ambulance and the fire resuscitation unit. Police also arrived within minutes. I knew where I could get in through a back window and opened a side door and they all rushed in. He was pronounced dead immediately by the ambulance crew and I lost it for a while. When questioned by the police I responded that he was my friend and that I had tried to take care of him by taking him for appointments.

   I was really at a loss for a long time. He was my only source of diversion. I had no hobbies or actual friends. I continued to go to my everyday job without much satisfaction or drive. It was my income and I needed to survive. I had just put in for my summer vacation of one week when my mother called to say that a thick letter had arrived by mail. I raced over thinking it was an application for another job I had applied for at an electronics store in Seattle. The letter was from a law firm and I was totally stunned by its contents.

Dear Mr. McArthur

This letter is to advise you that in examining the estate of the recently diseased Mr. John Elmer Roberts you have been named as the sole beneficiary. This includes his home and all cash assets, which amounts to a sizeable investment portfolio. You therefore are invited to decide as soon as possible to visit our offices located at five hundred Maple Drive in Spokane Washington to discuss the distribution of your recently inherited wealth.

Yours sincerely

Evelyn L Bertram

Law Partner.

   I did not mention the letter to my parents, I told my mother it was a job application for a job in Spokane and she barely nodded. The next week I contacted the law firm and told the women managing the estate I would be there in a few days. I took time off, packed a bag and headed out of town. The office was an incredibly old house on a large lot located in East Spokane.

   The woman was quite elderly but she was very astute, and had managed lots of cases, speaking to several generations of clients.

" This estate Mr. McArthur" she began slowly detailing an overwhelming amount of money which I almost found hard to comprehend.

"The investments and house are valued at a little over one million dollars. This includes assets in stocks and bonds in excess of 750,00 dollars. There are however taxes and our fees to be deducted. The house also needs to be cleaned out and the expense also must be borne by you. I know this is somewhat of a shock but you have three months before this can be probated. In the meantime, we suggest you begin to address the house in terms of whether you want to live there or sell it. We can manage all the legal aspects of selling and disposing of your property." she said lighting a cigarette.

   I sat back and took a deep breath. "I wonder if I can stop work and live off this money for a few years.?" She gazed at me, smiling. "But Mr. McArthur you are a now a rich man you can call your own shots." That is exactly what I did. The house sold very fast, with contents and all, the cash was deposited to my bank account and the investments which were gold seal were transferred into my name with the interest being deposited four times a year into my bank, The death taxes and fees were quite heavy but it allowed me to have an income of $36,000 per year for several years. I had over 150,000 in my bank from his bank account and I got a bank draft for 50,000 which I gave my mother and father. They asked a lot of questions but I told them nothing I owed them something. I quit my job when the first monthly check arrived. I then began my search for a motor home. I went up to Seattle and searched the lots for a good one. I finally found a terrific full size bus style home containing all the bells and whistles.

   It cost me fifty-six thousand and included all the modern conveniences of tables, and chairs. I searched out a campground in Colfax and it was delivered to the place. I had no plan that summer to do any travel, but I gave notice on my apartment with an idea to live in it. It came with a small electric furnace and proved to be comfortable in winter. I purchased an extremely expensive television set with several kitchen appliances. The charges for parking and the electricity were reasonable and I had plenty of room. After six months I began to plan for my first trans continental trip. It was during the planning of my travels that I hit on the idea of getting a dog. I never had had one and I began to ask around of people who I met walking their pet what kind to get. The answers were amazing- they said get a German Shepard, for safety, or a Lab, because they are well suited to trailer park living. But one woman put her finger up in the air and said, best dogs for travel are Jack Russel’s. They are smart and very obedient when well trained. So off I went in a search for the ideal pet for my motor home and along came Barney.

Chapter 3

    I began to make the rounds after I got settled in my motor home looking for a dog. There are several puppy mills nearby, but I thought I would look for a breeder that specialized in Jack Rs. I got the newspaper and began to go to the library where i checked E Bay and Craig’s list. The word was out and before long a woman near Spokane contacted me by mail. I did not have a cell phone as yet. I jumped into my car and travelled two hours to her place which was right on the Idaho border a town called Moscow. She had several dogs in pens and they were all Jack Rs. The pups she kept in doors in a warm enclosure. We spoke for a while and she realized I knew nothing about dogs and suggested that I not buy a new pup but one that was a few months old and to beware of the dog licking my hand because they were just hungry for snacks. When I saw Barney, I knew he was for me. He pretended not to see me and was acting very strange.

   The women said that he was 2 months old and she found he had trained himself and never fouled his cage. He had a knack of knowing about things like not growling or barking except to be let out. He played with the other pups but very often stayed by himself. He was very curious about things which she perceived as a very smart dog. When he went into his enclosure, he slept immediately which she thought demonstrated that he was bored and needed to be allowed to run around. He was still a number so the name would have to come from me.

   The price was steep at 1200.00 and included a Washington state dog license. Spaying would have to come later she advised. I bought him and she also sold me a travel kennel. I drove home to Colfax with him in the back and did as she advised, to speak to him and use his name several times.

   "I started out slowly, with things like "getting hungry Barney, or do you need a need a bathroom break, Barney and looking back I could see he was responding to my questions and his new name. When we got home, I released him from his prison home and he wandered around my motor home smelling all the corners and cupboards, finally resting in a corner on a blanket I had set out for him. He put his head down and fell asleep waking up when I turned on my radio. I had purchased a bowl for his food and another for water. He lapped up the food quickly and slurped the water also amazingly fast. Like all dogs he came for more, but I gave him only more water and a snack. He laid down on the blanket and watched me as I cooked up a meal and came sniffing around my dining room table for scraps, but I held off.

   Within a few days he was waiting in the outside doorway in the morning to go out, his little tail wagging and I picked him up and carried him out. He still had trouble managing the outside stairs. Within a week I found a veterinarian, nearby and he gave me literature on raising a dog properly as well as giving the little guy some shots. I stopped into a big pet store and bought him a dog bed as well as some toys. He was very drowsy when we go back home and I had to put him on the bed. He slept for hours and I sat reading. Eventually he got up and lapped up some water and fell asleep moments later. After 24 hours I was getting concerned but I was awakened on the third night to hear him playing with his toys and rolling his new ball around the floor. On my trip to the pet store, I got a leash and collar but somehow, he did not like it. I was not however going to be put off by him shaking his head at wearing it, so I said there is a $500.00 fine for dogs that are not leashed and for some reason he complied. I was utterly amazed. It was then that I began to teach him a series of commands. I deliberately put items that I held up to his nose in various places in the motor home. Anything I could think of was placed in hidden places including in a closet. It was the most interesting and unbelievable situations I have ever seen. Slippers, magazines, books, if he could carry them in his mouth, a pillow and on and on he would bring to me.

   It was a very chilly winter and we went out sparingly. He would only come with me for groceries if the weather warmed up a bit and sit waiting in the car. But he would still get two cloth carrying bags from the hook by the door. If he did not go, he would whine slightly but I had learned to put up one finger to discourage him. I soon began to plan out a short trip with my motor home in late spring. I wanted to see how he would react to the travel. I went out in search of a highchair with a place for food and where he could comfortably sit. It would be better than the passenger seat which he would have to stretch to see out the front window. I went to several stores and finally found one which was actually made for young disabled young people. The height was perfect and I attached a comfortable pillow I found in a pet shop for him.

   There was a retractable shelf in front for food and water and also, he could just sleep on the pillow. After a few tries he actually could jump up and climb onto the pillow. The winter snows came in volumes and was piled so high we could not even open the door of the motor home. My car was buried in a snow drift. I was worried that we would run out of food but a neighbor with snowmobile cleaned away a path in front of my door. He was taking orders for food necessities and I gave him a concise list especially for Barney. I could not let him out so I fixed up a toilet arrangement which he learned to use. We survived pretty well through January and February, but in early March with a thaw and slush everywhere Barney jumped around in the remaining snow. A few days later I noticed he was quite ill; he was coughing and stopped eating.

   I suspected he had the flu, so I took him to the vet. He gave me medications and Barney got a couple of shots. He was very weak without eating. He drank extraordinarily little. He hardly moved from his bed, sleeping day and night. I gave him medicine which he did not like every three hours and rubbed his ears. But he hardly moved, not even to play with his toys. Many times, I picked him up and carried him around the kitchen and the limited space in the Bus. I wrapped him up in a comforter and sat him in the highchair and he opened one eye and slept again. I must admit that my little guy was extremely ill and I was very scared for him. After five days he was still vomiting and had severe trots.

   The weather had warmed up, but it was very gloomy, I decided to take him back to the vet. It was extremely busy so I had to hold my little fellow on my lap wrapped in his comforter. He did not even wake up then. Finally, we got in to see the vet who examined him and told me, Barney was losing his will to survive and found most of his solace in sleep. I was shocked to know that this small creature had human traits. The Doctor said he wanted to keep Barney at the clinic fora few days and begin a separate set of treatments. An assistant came in and took him away.

   It is surprising for me that when I walked out of the clinic, I completely lost it. I began to weep and sob like I never had before. On my way home tears fell continuously, at one point I pulled over. Somehow even at my early age this small creature had become not just an adjunct to my life but a living symbol of love and devotion.

Chapter 4

   I could not sleep for more than an hour at a time. I scrubbed the motor home from stem to stern. Washing, wiping, every corner that I could find. One morning my mother showed up with some cake and asked about Barney. I totally broke down when I explained.

  "I have never seen you in such a state" she said hugging me to stop me from balling. I tried to explain, but it was impossible. It was something I never had experienced before. I asked her if she needed any money and she nodded, 'Your father needs an operation , we have spent too much on the repairs to the house, so could we borrow $5,000 , we will pay it back in July when we get a small housing repair grant"

   I walked over to my small corner table and wrote her a check. When I handed it to her, I said "No need to repay this, so don't worry about it. You can use the grant for something else." At this generosity she cried, and we hugged and kissed. She left a few minutes later. I had given her most of the money I had put aside to travel in the motor home that summer but I really was an easy mark.

   The next morning the Doctor called to say Barney was over his ailment and eating them out of house and home. Again, I broke down and for some unknown reason I fell on my knees and thanked God. This became my way of showing my gratitude. I raced over to the vet's office and when Barney saw me, he jumped right into my arms and I held him tight and again cried like a baby. The bill was extremely high and I used all of my savings to pay. I did not expect my payment until month end, and it was two weeks away. Barney jumped around in the car front seat to back and I opened the window so he could stick his head out. He came over numerous times and licked my hands and face. He was so happy to get his life back, I guess. I went around to Home Depot to see a girl I knew named Shelley to borrow $500.00 and she gave me a check. I promised to repay when my monthly money came in.

   She also suggested I try welfare as they usually never asked too many questions. I went to their office and Barney waited with his face against the window. I got seventy -five dollars and went into a grocery store, purchasing enough for two weeks. I got Barney his special dog food and lots of snacks as well. With the balance I bought him two new toys at the pet shop. When I stopped to get my mail, I had a letter from the lawyer’s office with a check enclosed for $500.00 which was a bi-annual bonus payment of interest. I cashed it immediately and searched out Shelley the next day, not only paying her back but also buying her a lunch at a restaurant nearby, she was no hell to look at but she was sweet and exceedingly kind. But I was more interested in how Barney was getting on.

   I knew with limited funds our trip would have to wait but I spent hours with the little nipper. He liked going to nearby park where I used a ball thrower and a frizzby. He had amazing ability to jump extremely high. I taught him to retrieve the ball, bringing to me, then lying down to await the next pitch from the thrower.

   At home I had bought him a truck he could push with his snout that made a bell sound like a fire engine. He would push the thing from my bedroom to the front of the motor home, back and forth over and over again. He found time to have fun all day. I made sure he had tasty food and water as well as meds that I had been given at the vet. He was always searching under my dining table for scraps but I never fed him anything but good solid dog food.

   About two weeks after his illness, he suddenly started sleeping in his bed and not playing with his toys. He would lay for hours not moving and I was becoming overly concerned. He ate all of his food but would immediately slip into his bed. I took him for a run but he would not chase after the ball or move from a spot on the grass. After three days of his "illness" I finally caught on to his strange behavior. I now really learned how smart he was.

   He associated illness with my purchase of new toys! He figured out that if he faked an illness I would immediately run out and buy him a new toy. He was laying in his bed one afternoon, whining and I went into the cupboard and took out medicine he hated. When he saw that he got up and took one of his toys to play with.

   “Well, I guess you really need a dose of this offal tasting stuff to get you up and back on your feet." Isai, which spurred him to run around after his ball. "You have to take these eight times a day now, and no snacks for two weeks." He was now running back and forth and also waiting by the door to go out. I then added insult to injury by saying you will also have to have a bath every day as well. I also might have to take you to the vet for more shots. He instantly had regained his health based on my admonitions. "Shall we head out to the park my funny little faker."

Chapter 5

   The weather in Colfax remained unseasonable, both of us were freezing. I had the heat up full blast in our bus, and I was hankering to get away to a sunny climate. My finances were not enough as yet to travel. It did not dawn on me that I might be able to get a vacation loan from my bank. I made an appointment to see a loans manager. A very pleasant young woman about my age. I filled out the application for six thousand over 2 years, agreeing to pay $300.00 per month. I figured I could manage the pay back and we could travel for about three months using the loan and my monthly payments. I had taken Barney with me, and he waited patiently in the car.

   But when I came back, he was shivering. I cursed myself for being so dumb. I stopped at a pet shop and bought him a dog coat, which he liked as it was warm and cozy. I also bought him a sailor hat, which I thought he would feel comfortable. He just adored his hat, which by some miracle he could put on himself. A few days after applying for the loan it was approved. I also decided to sell my car, insurance on both vehicles was extremely expensive. The money was paid into my account by my bank and at the same time I got my monthly allotment. The car sold very quickly for 1500.00 I began to use a cab to get to my appointments. My mother said I could use her car and so for a few weeks I was set. I went out and purchased over 500.00 of necessities for both Barney and me. He just enjoyed our many trips with his face in the window. I was freezing but the little guy was in seventh heaven.

   Now with the storage areas full, I took the bus in to have it checked over at the motor home garage. There were some issues including a bad tire which was extremely expensive. However, the motor was in decent shape. I got a wash job on the outside for free, so it was well ready for a road trip. Barney knew we were going to hit the road. Every day he stood by our door anxious to move on! It really made me laugh. I went to see my parents before going and my mother made me a great dinner; my father was as usual quite drunk but wished me goodbye. I said I would keep them advised. I also got a call from my lady friend at home hardware wishing me a bon voyage and we had a lunch at a fast-food place.

   She was a nice little thing and we had a kiss and hug and a pat on the bum. I got her address and for some reason she started to cry. I kissed her again, promising to take her along on my next trip. She hugged Barney and the next morning we hit the road. I had a tentative map direction and stuck to the main highway. Barney was holding tight on his viewing spot and I would pull off so he could relieve himself at the numerous rest stops. I was really a novice at managing the bus, so I drove within the posted speed limit all the time.

   My goal was to drive to Seattle and then through Oregon wand along the ocean highway to California. The first night we made it to Blaine. I fed Barney who by now was sleepy. At about midnight there was a knock on the door and I was quite afraid to answer. I opened the inside door and thankfully it was a highway patrol man. "Just checking sir, because your emergency light is flashing.” he said shining his flashlight on me.

   I apologized and immediately turned the light off. I thanked him and Barney came to the door from his bed, The police officer petted him and asked how old he was. I said he is 8 months old, we talked for a few minutes, and Barney licked his hand and got his hat. He laughed at the hat and said "so you are a sailor Barney, and I thank you for your service, Barney wagged his tail like crazy and the cop left with a big smile on his face. He also left me with a map of locations for rest stops in Washington and Oregon.

   I will not bore you with all the places we went but after a month on the road travelling, we reached Dallas Texas. I had been noticing that Barney had an unusual tic where he was flicking his head while looking out on the roadway. He was falling asleep more often as well and whining in his sleep. I asked around at the trailer park where I had pulled for a veterinarian's office and was pointed to one only a few blocks away. A kindly senior said he drive me in his car that he detached from his motor home. It was a huge establishment with six vets, but we had a long wait.

   Barney knew what was going on and as usual he did not like a visit to the vet and hid under a chair. I nearly burst out laughing because he was trying so hard to disguise himself. It was an hour before a woman came and asked for a cash deposit to cover the visit. I had my credit card and paid in advance. Finally, an assistant got Barney and I explained my dog’s problem. She Picked up Barney who started whining and I whispered to him, it will be okay and to behave. He responded by shutting up. She escorted us to a small waiting room and she took Barney in to see the doctor. I sat down and did not notice the certificates hung on the wall.

   After about half an hour he asked me to come in the room and I was afraid he was going to give me sad news. " You have a have a wonderful little pet sir, and I find no neurological problems, he is very smart and responded very well. When dogs have this kind of development suddenly it is because they are very bored. I understand you have been travelling for several weeks and he needs a long stretch of good exercise. My advice is to take a rest here in Dallas and head toa park and let him run around and perhaps see other dogs as well. He is a social little guy and it will do him a world of good. Also, I will give you a prescription for a medication that will help him sleep more peacefully. What is your name?"

   "Grant McArthur " I said getting ready to spell it out when the Doctor's head came up suddenly. "Are you, trying to be funny " he said smiling.

"No I persisted that is my name, I am from Colfax Washington" He began to chuckle, and shook my hand, You can believe this or not but that is where my dad came from and I think you and I are cousins." he said "It is a long story but is your dad Fred McArthur? "

   'Yes- yes this is amazing, I said as I was truly astonished.

   He invited me and Barney to dinner at his house and picked us up and brought me back. His wife was from Tulsa Oklahoma and she was also a vet. Barney fell sleep after a nice dinner of a new type of dog brand dog food. He lapped it up and my cousin gave me a case of cans. They had a small dog of some unknown breed named Robby.

   He would not accept any money and told me it was on the house for the house for my visit. we stayed in Dallas for a week while I took Barney out for walks and runs in local parks where it was permitted. Barney ran around like crazy, sniffing and jumping, meeting other dogs, and just having a wonderful time. Every night he flopped down and slept like a baby. I fed him the meds as prescribed and just before we left my cousin came over to wish us a good trip. He also brought a full set of bottled meds for Barney in the case he needed them. It is an exceedingly small world indeed.

   We headed on I-10 to Florida, my last stop before heading home. I was now concerned because it was ten days before month end and my cash was running low. The price of gas was my main concern. Every fill up cost over $100.00 and I needed one every other day. I searched for cheap gas but it was tough. I wired the lawyers for a cash advance of a thousand dollars and they sent it immediately asking if I was in trouble. My bank loan was coming due as well, so I cut down my stay in Florida because it was 50.00 a day to park my bus on a trailer lot. I went to a grocery store and bought enough food to get us by for at least a week and hit the road.

   Barney was okay as we drove through Georgia and the southern states. My plan was to drive as far as Michigan and then turn west through Chicago on I 90. It was absolutely great fall weather. The trip went well. I stopped every night that I could at rest stops, fed Barney and we went for a walk, everyone would stop and pet him and he just loved the attention. He started putting on his sailor hat with a result that they took his picture for which he would pose. I never could stop laughing about the fact that he was such a ham. When I entered the Chicago area, I could not wait to get out. It was even busier than LA. The amount of honking and cutting in was absolutely terrifying. Barney really made me laugh because he started closing his eyes when he saw all the traffic.

   I stopped at every place they had a rest stop. I got him to run on his leash. He needed the runs and frankly so did I. I was with a sense of boundless joy when we finally hit the Dakotas. When we hit the I 95 coming into Spokane I was completely and utterly exhausted. I stayed in a RV park for three days and we rested up. On the third night I took a cab for groceries. Barney goes to bed early. I bought a pile of stuff and cabbed back. I had shopped at the Wall Market store and found a new dog movie that I thought he would like. What a mistake because as I found out dogs can get really scared easily.

Chapter 6

   I was awakened by a sound of Barney crying and whimpering and sat up right by my bed. He really looked forlorn. Surprisingly, you can tell if dog is frightened by something in his facial features. I jumped out of bed and picked him up in my arms. I went out into the living area and grabbed hold of his blanket and wrapped it around him and he snuggled up to me. I spoke softly to him but of course he was unable to tell me what the matter was. Within few minutes he began to settle down and I held him in his blanket on my lap. He was getting a bit big so I was not able to hold him exceptionally long so I sat on the couch and put him beside me and he put his head on my leg. He was still whimpering very softly. The reason for his sudden fear did not come to me until I too began to fall asleep. The little guy was bothered by the movie! In the film the dog had been chased by wolves in the forest. I could see he would be now terrified.

   He was at times still dreaming about what he had seen, he was shaking and took hold of him. I guess for me it was more of a shock to know that   this little fellow was able to both understand and feel the sensation of both loss and fear. It also told me something that I now know that this Barney was something incredibly special. My future plans called to just get him Walt Disney cartoons which he really loved and could feel safe.

   Barney was my sidekick; he and I lived in the motor home until the parking rental was in excess of what it would be for an apartment. The problem was that renting an apartment with a dog was a tough process. He was really manageable but people just did not want dogs in their buildings. I saw no other way but to seek a small house or a condominium garden home and try and get a mortgage. That proved to be a nightmare. My income was not sufficient to make the payments. I then began searching trailer parks for a used permanent home. There are only two of these types of development in town so, I had a limited opportunity to buy one that was in reasonable condition.

   My vehicle was now worth less than one third of what I had paid. The entire matter was settled when a senior couple said they would like to make a deal with me. They had a house trailer in good condition they would trade for my motor home and I would have to also give them twenty thousand dollars. Their property would be complete with all their furniture as well. They wanted to move to Florida and get away from the wintry weather. We bargained back and forth and I made a deal to pay them the money over twenty months at a thousand a month. I knew I was getting in deep but I needed a permanent home. I guess I did not think the deal out very carefully because with the 1K to pay the elderly couple and the monthly rental fee for the house trailer of 500.00, as well I needed transportation in the form of a small car,

   I was going to go under quickly. I had to do what I hated from the very beginning namely go back to work. I applied at Home Depot and I was hired on the spot. It meant Barney would be alone all day, but we needed the money. I thought it out I could do a late shift working nights from closing time to 5:00 am. It paid better than day jobs. I worked Monday through Friday and I was home Sat, Sunday, and all-day Monday. When I left a tonight Barney was asleep.

   Fortunately, with work money and my monthly so-called annuity I was making the payments and had enough left over to look for a car. Somehow luck proved to be a lady!

   I took Barney out everyday walking, running as well as playing with his air toys like a rubber ball he liked. We were walking to the nearby park when he stopped to look at brown Labrador Retriever that I noticed was a seeing eye dog. Barney went over to greet the big guy but he stayed with his master.

   "Beautiful dog " I remarked to the young woman whom I now realized was blind.

  "His name is Toby, I have had him for two years, he never leaves my side, I can sense that he is slightly lurching which means you also have a dog, what kind is it?"

   Barney went over and licked her hand and she chuckled; He sat down right beside Toby and muzzled him. 'His name is Barney he is a terrier, a Jack Russel, and is my soul mate, I guess. "They are very smart " she responded with a smile. I told her my name and she answered by saying my name is Alison, Alison Hammond, like the organs. she laughed.

   We talked for a few minutes before it came to me. 'You live in this park, are you able to live on your own.?" "Oh yes, some what, my parents and my sister are really great."

   She had an overly broad smile and I realized that she was quite attractive. Genuinely nice complexion and absolutely gorgeous curly hair which fell down halfway down her back, she was as I could tell an overly sweet girl. But that is something I knew extraordinarily little about.

   The idea to see her again just swept over me suddenly and without thinking I asked her if she would like to go fora coffee sometime. "Thats the best offer I have had today, so how about tomorrow at 10:00, at the Windy River coffee shop here in the park" she said taking hold of Toby's leash and waving like she could see me. I agreed and took Barney home all the while feeling giddy.

   I was incredibly surprised at how she lived normal life. She knew exactly where the shop was located in the shopping area. Alison brought Toby but I left barney at home because he was not permitted in the shops. I hated tying him up outside because he could be easily dog napped. We met and spoke for an hour; she had been born in Australia but came to the US at age two. She was blind at birth but overcame the obstacles by going to a regular High School and an advanced school for blind students. She had a computer as well as special phones.

   She was very bright, so I let her do most of the talking. After a while she excused herself and headed to the washroom on her return Toby pulled on the chain at which time she said Well that is it for today, Grant. I was about to get up when she said, “Meet you again to morrow if you like, I have enjoyed our discussion" I agreed, with the result that it became daily occurrence.

   After awhile she would seek to hug me and I would kiss her cheek. We also met at each others’ Trailers, but I just held back on anything other than a buss on the lips. She, however, was a bit more needy than I was. I could understand, I was most probably the first guy to take an interest in her. I just felt I did not want to take advantage of her; it would be a terribly rotten thing to do. I was however getting quite aroused when she hugged me. so tightly. I did admit to her that she was the first girl I had been with over extended period of time. She did not comment. It was not until she broached the subject that we had a talk about where we were going with our relationship.

  'What would you like us to do Alison; I am finding that I have become very interested in you? "

   The next day i ventured down to Golden Nugget Jewellers and searched for a diamond ring. I was already up to my neck in debt but I could understand something clearly at last at the end of the tunnel. I was still working nights but I slept in the afternoon and did walk quite a bit with Alison. Decision time had come; I wanted a woman in my life. She was a beautiful young girl that I could relate to, and despite her major drawback I was willing to take the leap. I bought a nice size ring for her and I was able to use my new credit card which I had gotten from my bank. The cost was $3700,00.

    I still owed 5,000 on my car and 16,000 for my trailer. I was earning 1700.00 from Home Depot and with my 2800.00, my income was 4500 each month. I had steep payments but after discussing the matter with Barney, he gave his permission. Since Alison wound never see what I had purchased Imade sure it was excellent quality. The presentation was met with tears of joy by both of us. The next weekend I was invited to meet her parents for lunch. I drove over in my beat-up Ford and parked next to her dad's Lexus! Somehow, I realized this was not going to be a celebration lunch. Alison introduced me and onto me like an umbrella in the rain.

   Her parent's names were Joe and June. Both were Australian and it took me a few minutes to pick up on what they were saying. Alison was just gushing over me. She hardly ate any lunch and kept showing her parents her ring. Her mother was overly cautious about it so I knew the questions were about to begin after the coffee.

   Her dad walked over to Alison and asked her to go out in the yard and give Toby a run and that they would like to speak with me.

   Joe started out with the usual questions how long I lived in town and where I went to school.

  "You ever been arrested asked in a confidential tone." No sir I am just a working man."

   Her mother kept silent as he asked about my family. I told the truth -that I came from a dysfunctional home where my father was a heavy drinker. I was then asked the kicker!

  " Now Grant to begin with you are working in an exceptionally low paying job, although Alison has a small income which we subsidize, you will I think have financial problems right off the bat. WE really care and love her and she is not very worldly, although she says she adores you, she is still not a mature 26-year-old woman. She will need care right through her life are not absolutely sure that this is the right direction for her.

   Although I might say you seem to be a nice fellow, she is a beautiful girl with extraordinarily strong and sensitive emotions. We wanted her to live by herself so she could be better acquainted with life outside of our home. So far, she is doing okay especially with having Toby to lead her around. You know she needs more care than just a normal wife."

  He ceased speaking looking at me with the idea that he wanted me to speak.

   "Well sir, to begin with, I am not very worldly myself, I never have had a girlfriend. I have never been with a girl if you know what I mean. I have been with your wonderful daughter for three months and never would I dare to touch her in any way except to hug and kiss her. I have too much respect. I can’t tell you what a feeling of love is in my heart for her. not because I feel sorry but because I know she will make a terrific wife. Hopefully, we can have children, grand children for you. As far as support I have an annuity from an estate for a man I took care of for several years.

   I am only working to pay off a short-term loan I have, to buy the trailer. My car is temporary as I will geta new one in a year. I could sell my trailer and we could live in Alisons or the reverse. I have a terrific dog names Barney. He just adores Alison and Toby. My annuity is for the rest of my life, with monthly payments as well as twice yearly interest payment. I am in good health and I am out walking almost every day. "

   They both began to nod at everything I said. Alison's father suddenly got up, and walking over to me took my hand and said " Well Grant McArthur welcome to the family.

   When Alison felt my arms around me, she laughed “Well my darling honey I guess you passed the interrogation.

  " I responded by saying " the lie detector is next."

Chapter 7

The next few months were a blur, we took short jaunts in the car to get ready for the wedding which we planned at the recreation hall, in the trailer park. It was free as we were residents. but the food and service would be costly. Alison's dad said he would pay for her wedding so, I was off the hook on that one. Alison goat caterer and a small orchestra to play. He sisters Beth and Rhoda were going to stand up for her and I asked a n old friend Thad to be my best man. He relented after I said Barney was not standing up for me!

   The wedding went off like a charm, both of us were in a state of excitement for weeks. My Father stayed sober and my mother was in second heaven. A few of my cousins came and even better my cousin from Texas came as well. He said I was just a great guy and was extremely happy to attend. We had invited 75 people and they all showed up. The gifts were fantastic including 3,000 in cash gifts, which I gave to Alison to salt away.

   Alison's father drove us to the airport in Spokane and we flew out to Seattle and thence to San Francisco where I had a hotel booked for six nights. Both Toby and Barney were with her parents and I was happy how well they took to Barney. Alison was dressed to kill and I kept hold of her, so tightly that she said she was going to be black and blue. We arrived after dark and had a meal in our hotel coffee shop. We headed up to our hotel room and kissed and hugged each other. I explained carefully where everything was located. The fact is that we were completely dense about love making. When Alison took hold of me as I suggested she kept saying WOW, WOW until I broke into a laughing jag. WE did quiet down after a while and human nature took over, in terms of discovery. After our first tryout Alison said the inevitable, that it was the blind leading the blind.

   We had a wonderful honeymoon in San Francisco, made love every chance we got ate like pigs and flew home to Spokane through Seattle. Now dear reader you may have thought we lived happily ever after but unfortunately both of us it did not work out that way.

Chapter 8

   At first, we settled in at her trailer and I put mine up for sale. Barney and Toby played with each other when Toby was not needed to guide Alison. They slept in the same dog bed and were very compatible. I suggested to Alison that we get a Queen size bed for us and she agreed. It cost me over 1500.00 but it was amazingly comfortable. I began to realize that Alison was surfing the internet to learn about sexual positions to try. Sometimes she became even despondent when her monthly cycle arrived. I was still working early nights from nine to two and when I came home, she was in the nude waiting for me. I was very tired but we made love, not once but twice.

   She had really started to become quite demanding, not only about sex but other matters as well. Two months after we came home from our honeymoon I sold my trailer. I paid off my bills and began looking for a sturdy car. She wanted to know what I was doing with the money and I explained. She told me directly that she wanted the money placed in a joint account. I was against that as I told her and she pouted for two weeks. I explained several times that I had bills to pay and I wanted a new car. She insisted that we buy a new car. Even her dad said my idea was the best for us because we could avoid repairs for at least five years. Frankly, I just was not able to fathom why she wanted an old car when she could not drive or even see it for that matter. She began to act weird which scared me.

   Then, she began t complain about my precious Barney. She said he whined when I went to work which I knew to be a figment of her imagination. I thought out the situation and, on my nights, off I listened to see if he was making noise. It just wasn't taking place. I usually cooked the meals, some in advance and others when I was home.

   She began to complain bitterly that the food was terrible. I tried to sooth that over by buying prepared meals which raised our grocery bill. She used her computer to find conduct places and insisted that we order in, pizza, Chinese food, and chicken. My budget went to hell and I asked her to contribute from her monthly disability pension but she replied that I had promised her dad that I would support her. She never finished any of the food saying we would have leftovers but that never took place.

   Barney knew there was something wrong and when I was away, he hid out most of the time making strange with Alison. On one occasion she needed to go to the dentist. The trip cost a month’s salary which screwed up all my expenditures.

   I did not buy a car, simply because I was growing very impatient with her. Very often, she failed to look after her own private affairs such as flushing the toilet and bathing regularly. I did mention it to her, especially after having hot and heavy love making. Fortunately, she did accede to this demand. As my anger grew, I went to see her father, he was shocked to hear my lament. But they did not seem to be able to correct her odd behavior. She needed to speak to a professional psychoanalyst, but she blamed me for the problem. Before long I slept on the couch in our small living room, which drove her nuts because she wanted sex, and she began to scream at me, by saying she needed to fuck.

   That is all I heard, fuck this, fuck that, she was slowly falling to pieces. Barney was becoming frightened and Toby just sat on the floor and slept through the harangue. One day I went to the bank to draw out some money and I was told that the account was empty. She had withdrawn over $4,000 without anywhere to spend it. When I confronted her about it, she said the money was now in a safe place.

  "Yes Alison, and as a result there is nothing left for groceries and other various expenses. I want that money immediately or I will just move out, understand? "

   She went over to a kitchen drawer, threw the money on the floor, and headed for our bedroom. "I hate you Grant, why did I ever marry such a brutal man."

   I gathered up the money and immediately took it to the bank for deposit, I also wrote out a note that any attempts to withdraw any money must be certified by me.

   When I returned home, I tried to speak to Alison, but she refused. It was dinner time and had to go to work at 8:30. I cooked up two nice sized Pork Chops and potatoes. I called her but she did not come out of our bedroom. I tried the door and it was then I became aware that some how she had barricaded the door!

   She began screaming when I tried to push it open. "I will call the police, that you are abusing a blind person, “Barney and Toby were very frightened and ran to the outside door. I let them out onto our porch. I told them to sit and wait until I came out. Next, I went to the phone and called Alison's parents who said they would be over quickly. I grabbed a few mouthfuls of my cooking and left the rest for later. I gave both dogs food and water and then put them into my car.

   The Hammond's drove up and quickly explained what had taken place. Mrs. Hammond put Toby in their car. Her father went in and began to talk to Alison quietly; it took over a half hour to get her out. He placed his arms around her and led her to his car and told me he would take her home for a while. He asked if I could gather some of her clothes and personal items, which I did, placing them in a large gym bag. Mrs. Hammond took some other items leaving without saying goodbye. I then left for work, and my idea was to take Barney to collaborate with me.

   I had a job as the shift supervisor giving me a small cubicle where Barney could sleep on his blanket. There was no question that he was plenty scared. He muzzled me as I drove and kept licking my hand when I changed gears. Poor little guy needed to be near me so he would know everything was okay.

Chapter 9

   Over the period of the next few weeks, I did try to see Alison but she would not agree. I did see Mr. Hammond for coffee and he said she was an emotional mess, for some reason.

   I gave him 2500.00, which was part of her money as well as extra money for her necessities. He was thankful but I got the feeling that they, that is all of them blamed me. I even got a visit from her sister, Haley who said as much. " Alison told us that you were demanding sex from her day and night. I wont repeat what she said about all the different sexual positions.

   She said that your meals were unbearable as well as the fact that your dog stunk, as well as being a nuisance, whining all the time. You wouldn't give her any money, so she withdrew enough to buy a few snacks and your response was to order her to give up the money or you would leave. May I ask what your response to this disgusting cruel treatment of Alison."

   I waited until her anger had subsided and then launched into my own diatribe. "Haley, as far as the sex was concerned, she was the one who was looking up all this information on the internet. You can check her computer where you will see she was on about every website, she could find. Every pornographic site is saved, and she knew how to access them. Every night except when she was having her period she was in the nude waiting for me to get into bed. A far as meals are concerned, she ordered in four or 5times each week. I did cook and she loved everyone and ate every morsel. I took Barney to the Dog Wash place on Elm Street along with Toby every week, and Barney never whined when I went out, he always went to sleep. She just made that part up. Now to the situation with our money, Alison asked for and received 50.00 per weeks spending money, which I gave her freely. I also told her that if she needed more, I would gladly give it to her. However, she took a cab to our bank and suddenly without warning withdrew 4,000.00 in our checking account which was to pay our monthly bills."

   I reached into my pocket and handed her the withdrawal slip which I had retained when she threw the money at me. "Everything she has told you is absolutely opposite to what has happened." I stood back and waited to see her reaction.

“She wants you out of here as soon as possible, just take anything that is yours and get out, that is her request regardless of what you have said."

   "So, I see, I am wronged and I have to move out, I can's even take few days to find a place, I am out. Okay Haley, I will go but just remember that I am the wronged party, not her, She is blind and I was understanding of her disability, not once did she go without, I am working to support her and she has gone out of mind for some reason, but from here on in , she will get nothing from me, nothing do you understand."

   "Just get out Grant, fuck off, go, and take what is yours including that mangy dog of yours."

   I took every item I could find, of my own. Three bags of clothes, Barney's stuff, and my toolbox as well as some personal items. I just threw everything in the car. Haley stood on the trailer porch waiting for me to leave. She ran out to me screaming "I want the keys, Grant." I handed them to her and drove away. It was, for me a very unsettling time. I had to find a place and I did not want to go to my parents. I had my cell phone handy and called a few people including Mary Ann Cummings a fellow worker that I had known since school. She told me that her folks had a basement suite for rent, and I whipped over as fast as I could. It was unfurnished so I had to geta sleeping bag until I could get a bed.

   However, they said no dogs so that was out. Next, I looked at the month rates for motels and that proved to be out of my budget. I was in a quandary as what to do, without asking to go to my parents when I saw a sign on the road that said small trailer for rent. I found the house and knocked on the door. It was answered by a grizzled old man who by all appearances was an angler.

   “The trailer is a Boler parked down near the Palouse River, and I would like 50.00 a month but I need it in the summer when I goes fishing." he told me. I said I needed it for a month, and it was October so I would have it for at least 6 or 7 months. He started petting Barney and he licked the old geezer’s hand.

   "How badly do you need a place," he said.

   "Like right now " I told him chuckling.

   "I tell you what, I have a cabin on Highway 95 about five miles from Colfax. I just finished the bathroom facilities and I was going to use it myself but if we could come to some agreement, you can rent it for as long as need it. I want $100.00 a month and you pay utilities " There is a good parking lot and your dog would feel free as it has a small backyard. There are two rooms, Galley kitchen, dining room with a separate bedroom the bathroom has just been finished. You will need some furniture. What do you think?”

   I took it sight unseen and it proved terrific. Barney loved it, he ran around in the small backyard and it was very quiet. It took me 15 minutes to get to work. I gave no forwarding address to anyone and within a year I was promoted to manager of the lighting department and worked days. The guy's name was Gilbert, Gil for short and he visited a few times every month, mostly to see Barney. I furnished it from work with rugs and a stove and fridge.

   I bought another good bed and some other living room stuff. Gil was happy in the way I had fixed the place up and never asked for more money. Surprisingly, I had not heard a word from Alison and her family until one day I met her father in a coffee shop. He did not seem to be annoyed at me. We sat talking and he explained that Alison was in a home that specialized in persons with emotional problems. Her blindness had come home to roost, he told me. She was constantly going off her rocker as he explained. I actually thought |I was off the hook but he did blame me for some of what occurred. Extremely hard to figure that because I thought I was doing an excellent job of marriage. He said that she needed to be cared for day and night.

   This happened over 15 years ago. I have had several girlfriends but I had no future plans in that regard. Barney died last year, I was heartbroken, and Gil cried more than I did. Barney was a wonderful, smart loving dog, and he proved the old adage that dogs are very often better than people. The few friends I have, tell me to get another dog, but       I never will, Barney was one in a million. His type of character will n ever pass this way again.