An Unexpected Encounter

I was perhaps ten years old when I had
a dog. It might have cost me a lot of running, but it was definitely
worth it. I was visiting my grandparents in Mexico and had already
been there for about two weeks. It was a hot dry climate and there
wasn’t much scenery unless you like looking at dirt, but as far as
wealth goes there didn’t seem to be a lack of it in my
grandfather’s home. He had bought the house as a “youngin'” he
claimed, and had been adding to it ever since, to date he has built a
second story, and pool on his own. It was some time in the afternoon
when I was told to go for a walk, I had spent too long inside and
hadn't socialized with any children. The walk of course was like any
other, I went around the neighborhood avoiding people and animals
alike, until of course -- a dog found me, and naturally when he
started barking, I ran. With all the noise it was making I knew it
was going to be like yesterday’s walk, and that having been agreed
upon, I found myself forced to climb a tree – which I proudly to
this day say I climbed in a matter if seconds, with only minor cuts.
The pack of course was there in a matter if minutes. In front of me
I had a pit bull, some other dogs I can’t place, and because it was
Mexico, there was also a chihuahua. I spent an eternity, perhaps
even two, praying for them to get bored and leave, until finally my
prayers were answered and they did just that. A few minutes after
they left I stealthily got down and padded off. Having seen the dog
take the main streets I decided it'd be wise to take the alleys.
That’s when I met him, he was perhaps as big as I was and I nearly
screamed when I saw him, but a great Golden Retriever was lying on
the floor watching me, but not viciously-- it was a curious if
anything. Because it didn’t attack me I hoped to make it my friend
instead. I sat down cross legged and looked at him as I saw him look
at me, and seeing that I had no intention of leaving he sat upright,
and waited for me to get closer. Finally, after some coaxing and I
got him to follow me home. I have no idea if it was bad luck, or
destiny’s version of a joke, but the pack showed up as we were
making our final turn home. But the pack wasn’t looking to chase
me this time, they looked poised and ready to strike, growling in a
tone that made my lungs shake. Ready to run I glanced at the dog I
brought with, feeling sorry I had put him in this mess, sensing my fear he
walked and stood poised in front of me snarling back at the leader,
and with one final bark sent the alpha of the pack whimpering, tail
in between his legs, his pack watching and then following him in
turn. Upon seeing this happen I ran home with
the giddiness of a 4 year old who has just been given a new toy, and,
in my mind, eloquently begged my grandparents to keep him. His
name was Roger.