Best Friends

Warnings had become standard fare for Mercy's dog Spike.

““This is your last warning,” Mike told Spike. The dog wagged his tail and sat, looking up at its master with devotion.

“How many times are you going to say that?’” Asked Mary, She finished scraping egg off the couples breakfast plates and dropped the contents in Spike’s bowl.

The dog ignored the treat. He was totally focused on Mike, waiting silent and sure. “He wants you to take him on his walk. You know dogs love routine and its about that time.” Mary shook her head, She watched Mike and Spike stare at each other, and began cleaning up the dishes.

“There’s the dog’s mess to clean up.” Mike began picking up torn litter from the room’s garbage can. “Here Spike.” He put a piece in the dog’s mouth and pointed. “There.”

“Well you look at that.”

Spike dropped it in the can, then retrieved another. “He’s finally got the idea.” Mike stopped and watched Spike finish the job. Mary turned to watch. “He’s a keeper.”

Finished, Spike trotted over to his closed toy box, sat and waited, tail wagging.

Mike looked ashamed. “You’re right. I should be actively playing with you more. Then you wouldn’t be getting in the trash.” He opened the container, got Spike’s favorite ball and tossed it in the air. Spike caught it, rolled it back to Mike, and barked his approval.

Mike was slow to get things, but always finally did, if given enough encouragement, Spike had decided. Besides, the man was so cute and attached to Spike.

Man was a dog’s best friend.