Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Farley's New Friend

So, the day before my parents got home from their cruise, the doorbell rang. I answered the door, and it was a young man of about 10 years or so, asking if I had any dogs. The incessant barking should have given it away. He asked if he could take them for a walk, so I told him he could take Farley. I dug Farley's leash out of the closet, and watched them walk down the street together. After they turned the corner, panic set in. I mean, I didn't even know the kid's name! And what if he didn't bring my dog back? What would I do?

About 45 minutes later, this pair came strolling back up the driveway. The smaller half of the pair was just black with mud and puddle water, but he was also grinning from ear to ear, tongue hanging out happily. I thanked the young man for walking my dog, and proceeded to take Farley down to the basement for a bath. Halfway through the bath, I realized that the kid probably wanted to be paid. Oooops! I couldn't even go to his house with money, because I didn't know his name. I figured he'd never come back, since I was a bit of a deadbeat LOL

A few days later, he showed up again. My dad called me at work, and before I even really thought about it, I told him it was fine. I STILL didn't know the kid's name! But again, Farley made it back in one piece, albeit dirtier than heck. This time the kid's mom came to the door as well, and they introduced themselves. I paid the young man for walking the dog and apologized for not doing so before. Mom explained that their dog had died in January, and they couldn't get a new one, so the boy was missing his dog. How could that not tug at my heart strings?

Farley's new friend has been back a couple of times now, asking to walk his buddy. He now gets the leash out of the closet himself, and Farley is happy to have the outings with his buddy. I, on the other hand, am slowly going broke. Also, my back's a bit sore from the baths. But how do you say no to such a happy pair?

5 comments:

Visichy said...

Awwww, what a sweet story. I don't think I could deny the kid either. I'm glad you finally found out his name though LOL.

Anonymous said...

Awwwww.... Yeah I couldn't say no to that either. How cute is that? Maybe you could give the kid like 20 bucks a month to walk him 2 times a week or something. Very cute!

Louisa said...

Ohmygosh, that nearly made me cry (at work, no less). That's so sweet that they found each other. The boy would probably understand if you said you couldn't pay him as much each time. Walking Farley is probably reward enough.

Mickel said...

Oh goodness, what a kind heart you have to let him walk your beloved dog! I'd talk to his mom and work something out with the payment thing, I'm sure she would be understanding. Such a sweet boy though, missing his doggy.

Anonymous said...

Kelly it's late, i'm tired and now I have tears streaming down my face. This was the most touching story i've read, seriously. I think you need to give that little boy a huge hug (dirt and all) I am convinced that Farley was put on this earth to make children happy and that little boy well what can I say, the smile on his face said it all didnt' it??? Farley will probably be that little boys most treasured memory when he grows older. I wish i could have been there to see Farley all muddy and the huge huge smile on his new best friends face. I hope they still get to have walks every now and then!!!!!!!!!
thank you Kelly for giving this little guy a reason to smile and thank you Farley for just being the gentle soul that you are.
HUGS to all of you
Donna