Shadow and Phantom
Shadow, was my dog. He was actually the family dog, but since none of my siblings have a blog that I know of, I can claim him as my own. He followed me everywhere. Shadow was a dachshund, a 'wiener-dog' to some people, although I'd have never been disrespectful enough to call him that. He was a great dog. He was protective, yet loved people. He was also very smart. I don't remember him ever being tied up or leashed, yet he always stayed with his family.
Phantom, was my friend Lisa's dog, he was a husky-mix, with blue eyes and lots of fluffy fur.
Every summer Lisa would spend a few weeks visiting her grand-parents, the Wycoff's. I loved it when she came to visit. We went swimming at her grandparent's private beach, and picked blueberries, and played Michigan Rummy with her 'Nana'. My sisters and I would gather our pennies together and head down to the 'turn-out' (cul-de-sac in today's terminology). The Wycoff's house was small yet inviting. Mr. Wycoff was meticulous about keeping his yard and porch tidy. He was always out and about, sweeping and raking, until he lost his legs to diabetes years later, but that's another story.
That summer it felt like forever before Lisa came to visit. I saw her car drive down the dusty dirt road, and a while later I headed down to say hello. My Shadow followed close behind. As I came around the corner I heard a loud bark. It was a big dog tied to a chain. I had never seen him before. I started up the driveway, he barked again at me. My Shadow barked back. I turned around and shooed him yelling for him to, "GO HOME!" but Shadow wouldn't leave my side, instead he ran up to face Phantom and show him who was boss.
It was a tangled mess of fur, teeth, and dog chain. Before I knew it, Shadow was yelping and limping his way toward home. I ran after him. He was bleeding.
I never saw Shadow again after that.
I've hated Phantom ever since. I blamed him for something that was primarily instinctual, and partly my fault... I could have picked up Shadow, and brought him back home instead of shooing him away...
Phantom and Shadow are pseudonyms for two dogs who spent some time in Hickory Hills in the late 70's.
NAVAL LANGA said...
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January 26, 2009 4:08 AM
paisley said...
poor thing.. you and shadow .. what a terrible memory to have to carry around with you,, and your poor shadow... he was only doing what he thought was right.....
January 26, 2009 4:39 AM
danni said...
oh - michelle --- this is such a sad memory - made worse by the fact that it's a kid's memory i think --- you told this so very well and the lump is in the throat as i recall life losses - both the furry ones and the two legged ones!!!
January 26, 2009 3:08 PM
Tammie Lee said...
ah that is a sad tale of a brave little dog.
January 27, 2009 1:23 PM
Tumblewords: said...
Dogs are so protective and wonderful. Sorry you had the experience - not a pleasant one for a young child.
January 28, 2009 6:01 PM
Shawie said...
ah, that's what we call creative writing, very nice story although a little tragic... thanks for sharing the memory...
February 3, 2009 10:41 AM
Neil Bytes said...
What happened to Shadow?
February 3, 2009 5:30 PM
Michelle said...
My parents took him to the Vet's. He was bleeding too much and they couldn't save him. His real name was "Buddy" and he was the best dog!
February 3, 2009 6:59 PM
Regina Marie said...
Oh..how sad...and the picture. I have grown to appreciate dogs especially - more than ever. Though we (husband & I never leashed them..the one we have now is an inside dog. She goes back and forth to his shop where he works -next property and our house. Oh, there are just not enough words! This is the first time I can give so much back..they are soo deserving-
We have the same template (cool huh-ha) I have a picture over mine. Cough cough-
February 7, 2009 12:04 PM
Andy Lai Ser Wei said...
aww..Michelle..when i see yr daschund, he/she reminds me of Jingle Bell, my daschund.. he went missing when we went out one day.. someone in my house accidentally opened the gate and didnt realise JB went out ... it was really awful.. we really miss him a lot.. someone must have taken him and only God knows where.. sigh..
hope he has found a better home.. that is all we can think of...
February 12, 2009 11:17 PM
AAA said...
Thank you for becoming a follower of my site (BMP). I know the feeling about loosing a dog. My dog, Abby, died when I was on a business trip away from home. When I came back, the person who was taking care of her in my abscence told me she had to burry her. I was devastated. I never said good bye to her. I still think about her up until now (it has been 10 years). I need a closure.
February 14, 2009 7:56 AM
luckysanjana said...
hey im new to blog spot and new to your space as well..........have been just scouting around.....if you are a dog lover its tough......as in you feel really bad for your own dog while you are fully aware that it was not the other dogs fault either........tough spot to be in.........
your narration reminded me of an incident with my niece me and her she was just three years back then we were coming down the stairs and two of my neighbors dogs who thanks to my wonderful neighbors were unleashed came charging up the stariway and they jumped on my niece thankfully i was there it was not the dogs fault i think but when you stay in apartments ina building and are aware that people use the stairs all the time the least you can do is to make sure that your leash your dogs or atleast you are around to get a grip on their collars...........
February 22, 2009 10:46 AM
Wenda said...
Oh, what a heart-breaking story and what a heavy burden for you to carry. I imagine your Buddy would like to lift that weight off your heart, if he could, with the same loving and protective instinct he demonstrated that day. Such a tenderly told memory.
February 23, 2009 7:32 PM
Margo said...
awww, what a great (sad) story. You tell it very well and I'm glad I stumbled by today :)
March 21, 2009 10:56 AM
Tina said...
what a sad story. he looked like a lovely little boy. i hope he managed to stay healthy and got better wherever he is
March 29, 2009 8:01 AM
~PakKaramu~ said...
Pak Karamu reading your blog
July 30, 2009 3:30 AM
Smita Tewari said...
Thank you for being such a dog-lover.
My dog, too follows me everywhere- he is my life!
October 24, 2009 8:45 AM