I went back inside to talk to the old man. “Are you sure you want to sell her?” I prodded. “Yes, Ma’am,” he insisted. “But sir, she’s amazing. She’s a talking dog.” “Did she tell you about being a spy in the Kremlin?” “Yes. Unbelievable.” “Hell!” he said. “It’s unbelievable because she’s spent her whole life out here in the Midwest. Raised her from a newborn pup myself. I’ll give you a discount. You can have her for ten bucks.” “But why?” I couldn’t understand why he’d want to give her up. “Because,” he banged his fist on the counter, “she’s a damn liar!” I peeled off a Hamilton, the dog jumped in the front seat and she and I were on our way back East. She was great company for the trip. (She didn’t like listening to country music, though, because the songs are always about dogs dying. She liked talk radio.) These days, I dress for my dog. I was tempted to wear pajamas for a walk around the neighborhood, but she gave me a look and asked, “Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?” “What are you talking about? I have to look cool standing next to you while you poop in public.” Perhaps my retort was a bit snarky because she was annoyed. “Is there anything else you want to complain about? Let me remind you I saw you licking your ice cream bowl.” “Don’t you dare tell my secrets!” I was in a huff. “Awww. C’mon, Rosie. You know I can keep a secret. I was a spy with the CIA!”
QualityCare 40 Providing
for over
years.
GETZ
PERSONAL CARE HOME • Assistance with Tasks of Daily Living • Delicious Home-Cooked Meals • Extensive Entertainment, Social & Wellness Programs • Medication Management • Family Atmosphere • A Scenic, Country Setting
1026 Scenic Dr, Kunkletown, PA 18058 Route 534 at the Village of Jonas www.getzpersonalcare.com • (570) 629.1334
About the writer Roseanne Bottone is a regulatory compliance training instructor, former Peace Corps Volunteer, cancer survivor, grandmother, MBA, and freelance writer. She travels the country teaching business people about environmental and transportation safety regulations, and is a newspaper columnist. She’s a homeowner in East Stroudsburg and lives with her daughter, grandchildren, two cats and a Rottweiler.
July/August2019 2020 Pocono Family Magazine © | 49 March/April
