The dog and the Jockey,

We lived in a nice little town in the mountains and made quick friends with some of our neighbors. One neighbor had two girls that loved hanging around our home.

We know the reason the younger one did was because she loved our dog. The other it was a combination of things, the dog and at that time we had an antique shop we ran from the house.

The older girl was only eight at the time we moved in and wanted to learn about antiques. She found it exciting that we were teaching her things and giving her responsiblity as we learned what she was capable of doing. As we became comfortable with the new additiona to our lives her family did the same. It was not long before our dog was spending more and more time with this family.

They did have a dog but he was really old and would not live much longer. Our dog on the other hand was active and loved to play.

The girls parents also fell in love with this dog and his being around so often helped heal the loss they were to suffer after the death of their old dog.

We were all happy during this time almost seven years of a good and happy life.

Then the accident happened...

The father of these girls was both and owner and driver for sulky horses at Saratoga Spings race track.

One night something horrible and unexpected happened. He was driving a sulky in a race when suddenly the horse though him out of the sulky and in the direct path the horse was traveling. Both the horse and carriage went over his head and other parts of his body.

Before he was stablized that night he had died four times.

After a long time in critical care he took a turn for the better.

He was sent to SunnyView apart of the hospital that helped brain injured people recover as far as they can.

We knew our neighbor was in a coma and remained in one over twelve weeks.

One Sunday when his wife and kids were visiting he opened his eyes and looked around. The doctor had warned them that he might not remember who they right away. When his wife asked do you know who I am? He said no. Nor did he recall either girl.

The doctor was called and and he said that this was really progress. As soon as he remembers someone important in his life he would be on the long journey back to living his life again. With that our neighbor turned and asked the Doctor where is KC? They had to explain to the doctor that it was a neighbors do that he loved.

Everyone started to cry and lsugh at the same time, maybe he could not remember them but he had remembered the dog he had come to love so much.

Our neighbor was never the same again but he is living a good life and you can believe no one ever lets him forget. That he remember a dog before he courld remember his own family.

Years latter this story among old friends still evolks a good laugh.

Learn more about this author, Coral Roberts.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: A dog's perspective on life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!