Trying To Get Home

"George, have you lived outside long?" I asked.

"Hmmm, the snow was melting, days getting warmer, when I got lost.  Now, the days are getting shorter.  About half a year."

"Wow!  I've only seen the stars a few times so far.  Before losing my master, I'd never slept outside."

We were looking for food where we often saw big and little people eating.  Sometimes they dropped food, particularly the little people.

Just as we came to a "food place", two other animals appeared.

"Hold," George whispered.  "Know what they are?"

"No I don't."

"Cats.  They hiss, scratch, stink.  They can't be trusted."

"They don't seem too different.  What are we?"

"You really are young; dogs of course!"

"Gee, my master had a cat.  We kept each other warm on cold nights."

"What are you, a freak?"

"No!  Just want to find my way home.  They might help if they know the one I lived with."

"Go ahead and try.  Learn the hard way," said George.

"Hey guys!  Can you help me?  I'm trying to find my home, where I had a cat friend named Muffin."

"Ha, ha, ha," laughed the larger, rolling on the ground.  The smaller just looking on.

"Muffin?  Too much," the laugher said.  "Come here and I'll muff you."

He strutted away.  The other started to follow, then turned back.

"I was in a rescue house with a Muffin.  She was taken by someone who gave a South Main address.  That's two streets over," she said tossing her head to the right.

"Tell Muffin that Kathy said hello," she added before leaving.

There was the house, my master and Muffin.  I was so happy to tell Muffin about Kathy.

George was right and wrong.  Not every animal can be trusted, but friends of friends, yes.