Maxel
was a beautiful cream and black colored German shepherd dog who belonged to the
Abners’ closest neighbors, the Landauers. These people lived in the large
front house of the estate on which the Abners also lived. A steel fence
surrounded both houses and garden. Most of the time Maxel was tied to a chain in
his dog house. He was a new addition to the estate and had come only a few days
ago. Droozy immediately fell in love with him. Daily she went over to pet and
talk to him. She was so sorry for the poor animal, as she believed he was lonely
for his old master and furthermore was a prisoner here. Maxel showed his
appreciation by licking Droozy’s hand and by barking softly and wagging his
tail when she came near. One
evening Droozy came near Maxel’s house, when he crept toward her with his back
lowered, his tail wagging and a wincing sound coming from his throat. He seemed
to say: “Let me loose, let me loose, I want to be free.” The collar and
chain appeared to be hurting his neck, especially as he strained to be near
Droozy. The child stroked his back and said comforting words to him. She then
cautiously looked around to see whether anyone was in sight. After a walk in the
garden she found that the Landauers were playing cards on the patio, which was
far removed from Maxel’s abode. Droozy tiptoed to the garden gate and opened
it quietly. There was a faint creak as the steel door moved in its hinges.
Droozy stood flat against the side and waited for someone to find her out. When
no one appeared she completed the job. She walked over to Maxel, who stood up
erect with his ears straight up in the air, as if expecting something. He was
very quiet now, his tail scarcely wagging to and fro. Droozy fumbled to unleash
the chain from the collar, and after what seemed like hours, she unhooked it.
With one leap Maxel headed for the open gate and disappeared into the night. The
next morning Mr. Landauer knocked on the Abner door to ask whether they had seen
his pet. He related how the gate had been left ajar, despite his instructions to
the When
Maxel returned this time, at the hands of his master, he appeared much happier
and more satisfied in his new home, especially since he no longer had to stay on
a chain. He was permitted free run of the garden. He expressed his gratitude to
Droozy by happily barking, wagging his tail and jumping up on her whenever he
saw her. Those two shared a secret which no one would ever find out. |
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