First published through The Paris News on July 16, 2018. The article can be found on their website at http://theparisnews.com/free/article_fb54655a-890e-11e8-8126-f383867c725b.html

This column is dedicated to The Lamar County Humane Association.

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I can’t wait until he gets home. We’re going to have so much fun. We’re going to play tug-o-war and fetch, and then we’re gonna take the best nap ever.

Oops. I just knocked over one of his boxes. I still don’t know what he’s doing with so many of these. Every now and then I’ll see him pick them up and carry them to his wheelie thing, and each time he closes the door, he looks at me not as happy as he did before. But that’s OK. We’re going to have so much fun when he gets home, and I’ll change that look.

He’s home. He’s home.

Why does he look so sad?

“Hey buddy. Want to go for a ride?”

Of course I do.

“Hold on, let me grab your collar. I’ll be right back.”

I love going on rides with him. He always takes us somewhere real fun, and I sometimes get a good snack when he talks to a machine.

I wonder where we’re going. I bet it’s the park. When he lets me off the leash, I can run fast and chase squirrels. Oh boy, I hope he brings the tennis ball.

“Alright, you ready?”

Oh boy, am I? Wait, he doesn’t have a tennis ball. Maybe we’re just going for a walk. That’s fine. I love smelling things while we walk.

“Jump in the car, and let’s ride.”

No leash? Just the collar? That’s all right, I’m curious where we’re going.

He still looks sad, and we just passed where we go walking and the park. I hope he’s not mad at me.

The boxes he put in the car emptied the home, I wonder why he cleaned the house and took everything out.

Why are there tears on his face?

“Alright buddy, we are here.”

Where are we? I don’t think we’ve ever been here. Looks and smells weird, and why are there so many dogs barking? I don’t know any of them.

“Owner surrender?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Owner surrender? What does that mean?

“Put this leash on him, fill out these papers, and you’ll be able to go.”

Oh, there’s the leash. I was curious. I bet we’re going to go for a walk now. Right? Please don’t cry. I promise I won’t walk too fast this time.

“Bye buddy. I wish I didn’t have to do this. I wish I didn’t have to leave you here.”

Leave me here? You don’t have to leave me. I can ride in the car with you wherever you go.

Why is she pulling on the leash? I don’t want to go with her. I want to go with you. Please don’t leave me here.

“Come on buddy. We’ll get you some food.”

I’m sure he’ll be back soon. I’ll eat and wait for him to come back.

How are there so many dogs in this one place? Last time I saw this many was when they had a special play day at the park. I’m sure they’re all waiting on their best friend to come back.

That gate shuts pretty loud. I hope he gets back soon, it’s kind of cold.

“I hope someone comes for you soon. You’re too cute to be here.”

Oh, I know. He says that all the time. I’m sure he’s not going to be gone too long.

Well, the food isn’t too bad. I guess I’m gonna sleep. I hope he’s here when I wake up.

“It’s hard to believe you’ve been in here so long. You’re trained so well, and you’re so cute, I don’t see how anyone has not adopted you yet. Come on buddy, we’re going to go to the back room.”

It’s kind of cold back here. I wonder where he’s been. It’s been so long.

Ouch. That prick hurt.

I’m sure he’ll be back soon. I’ll just lie down and take a nap.

I can’t wait to get to nap with him again.