The owner scolded the old dog and went to work, and when he came back, he was crying!

Stories
By Maya Rivera

In a quiet town, a bond was formed in the early days of high school between Mark and a Labrador named Baby. They were inseparable companions, sharing adventures and moments of youthful joy. But as life often dictates, paths diverged; Mark left for college and then a city job, leaving Baby with his parents. Over a decade, their interactions dwindled to brief, joyful reunions during sparse visits home.

Tragedy struck when Mark’s parents were involved in a terrible accident, leaving Baby to Mark as an inheritance. Now in his late twenties, Mark had to reintegrate Baby into his new, urban life, a transition they both navigated with surprising ease. Baby adapted to apartment living, and Mark welcomed the familiarity of his old friend.

However, the weight of shared memories and lost time sometimes cast a shadow over their new beginning. Baby, in moments of quiet night, would howl — a sound of longing and remembrance that Mark knew all too well. It was a reminder of what they both missed, of who they both missed. Comfort came in gentle gestures, a scratch behind the ear, a soft word.

As time softened the sharp edges of grief, Mark and Baby settled into a comfortable routine. Baby, ever the affectionate companion, made sure to remind Mark of his need for attention, following him around with a wagging tail, especially in the mornings and evenings. Mark, for his part, never hesitated to reciprocate with cuddles and playful banter.

One rushed morning, however, the harmony of their routine was disrupted. Mark woke up late, his alarm failed him, and the stress of an important business meeting loomed large. In his haste and frustration, he snapped at Baby, who had been expecting their usual morning walk. Words that Mark didn’t mean — “Phew, not you! You’re just a bother! Get out of here!” — slipped out as he rushed out the door, leaving Baby confused and hurt.

The business meeting was a success, hinting at a potential promotion, but the victory was hollow for Mark. Guilt gnawed at him, overshadowing his professional achievement. He knew he had wronged his faithful friend, who had done nothing but love him unconditionally.

Compelled by remorse, Mark skipped the usual post-work celebrations and hurried home. The moment he opened the door, Baby’s excited footsteps greeted him, all earlier grievances forgotten. This simple act of unconditional forgiveness brought Mark to tears. That evening, he made it up to Baby with a long, leisurely walk and a special dinner, celebrating their friendship and the unspoken promise of never taking each other for granted again.

Mark and Baby’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of forgiveness and the deep, enduring bonds we share with our pets. It teaches us that in the rush of our daily lives, we must not overlook the feelings of those who depend on us most. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of pause to appreciate the pure, forgiving love of a pet, and to remember that in their eyes, we can do no wrong.