The traffic monitor had traffic stopped so the cars from the other end could single file in the one open lane past us. Sitting there awaiting our turn to go, I noticed a small crossbred shepherd collie running up to every car checking to see if her family had returned to pick her up, I assumed, after dumping her. I know this scene well, having seen it dozens of times over the years.

"Should have taken another blood pressure pill this morning", ran through my mind as I felt my raffishness rising at the site of this beautiful, loving animal searching the cars for her lost family.

Easing my big SVO powered 4WD over into the ditch near her I got out.

She ran to me slightly cowed, but happy to see a tender, friendly smile. Her tongue was hot and dry. No telling how long she had been in that sweltering heat with no water.

I carry clean bowls and plenty of fresh water with me for Ms. Doogie and situations such as this. She lapped a quart up as fast as I could refill it then looked at me with those loving golden brown eyes and smiling as big as Texas. She was a heart grabber for sure.

I snapped a spare collar and leash on her and into the backseat she went much to the chagrin of Ms. Jealous Doogie who rides up front wherever I go as co-pilot. Walking into the vets office with her I noticed three women, two with dogs and one just sitting there. One

of the dogs jumped up to sniff and investigate Ms. Happy(I had already named her) when her owner commanded, "SIT HERE".

Her dog promptly obeyed AND so did Ms. Happy by my side while looking up at me for further instructions. We could all see the happy enthusiasm in her eyes, ready to fulfill another command.

"Lay down", I spoke gently to her, and she did.

I was amazed. A trained dog and dumped? No collar, nothing to identify her as we later found after scanning her for a chip.

One of the desk ladies (they all know me) asked, "What do we have today?"

"Another rescue, found her on the side of the road, guess we need to check her out and find her a loving home", I told her.

She was sitting, pushing against my leg when I felt her body start to wobble like a big tail wag was commencing. The lady that was sitting there who had no pet with her was reaching out to pet Ms. Happy. I said, "go ahead" and she went into the arms of the lady like a shot, filling her lap and lavishing her with kisses on her arms and neck.

Hugs and kisses was all we could see for a few minutes then the lady looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "could I have her? I just lost my eighteen year old companion today."

The vet had come into the lobby where we were and said he thought she would never get any better care and more love than with the lady. They seemed bonded so I agreed.

"What luck for all of us", I thought to myself as I left, getting into the truck with Ms. Jealous Doogie. My wife has always said Ms. Doogie owns me, not the other way around. Guess that may be true?

(C)Mark Crider, raffish and picaresque heteroclite.