Courage

The Slipper

You know how Jack always tries to be mister perfect. He’s afraid of doing something wrong. He’s scared he might get sent away.

One morning mom forgot to tell me to drop whatever I had in my mouth before we went outside. It was still pretty dark and she wasn’t awake yet. In my rush to be the first one out the door, I took dad’s slipper with me.

Once outside I didn’t want the slipper any more, so I dropped it in the garden. When dad got up he started looking for his slipper. Mom looked in all the usual hiding places, but she couldn’t find it. She asked me where I put it – as if I were the only possible suspect. Dad was getting impatient. Finally mom looked outside. Voila! Le slipper!!

The slipper was fine. Oh, it was a little cold and damp from the dew. But it’s not like somebody went pee on it. A few minutes in the dryer and it would be as good as new. But the humans were grumpy and when mom handed dad his soggy slipper, he said he was going to lock me in the garage if I kept stealing his slipper. I knew he was kidding so I was about to give him a sloppy kiss when Jack spoke up.

“I took the slipper.” Jack said. “Ash had nothing to do with it.” The room became very quiet. Mom and dad knew Jack was lying to protect me. Dad put the slipper down. Tess and I stood real still.

Jack

Jack hung his head. Tess and I were both crying. We understood Jack was willing to risk everything to save me from being locked in the garage. Jack was sure mom wouldn’t want him if she thought he took the slipper and he was prepared to be sent away.

Mom knelt down in front of Jack. She took his big scarred head in her hands and told him everything was okay. She said I wasn’t in trouble and nobody ever got locked in the garage, no matter what they did.

Mom kissed Jack on his snout. Jack gave her a soft lick. Dad ruffled Jack’s fur and kissed him on the top of his head. Jack extended his paw. Tess licked my eyes to get rid of the tears. Mom quietly asked me and Tess to sit. She got treats and gave the first one to Jack. He took it gently from her hand. Tess and I did the same. It was a moment I will never forget. It’s how love grows.