GUESS

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

Today is my dog Paw's Guesstimation Day! Given the circumstances of his finding us, we are not sure what day he was born. We guessed today! 

When I adopted him around two years ago, he was just a young puppy. He was found on the side of the road, covered in dirt, with worms destroying his tiny body. The first night he was near me, I heard him crying, but I did not realize that he was the one making the noise. 

The next day, I took him to the veterinarian for assistance, who gave him medication. He began to grow quickly, walking, barking, and eating food. During his earliest days with us, we had to warm his food in the microwave and add water because he could not chew it. 

For the past two years, this wild pup has blessed this world with his feisty personality. He frolics in the yard and chases birds, trees, and random animals that find their way into our yard. He loves to be petted on his head and scratched behind his ears. 

My grandfather is his best friend. Each morning, they enjoy sausage and egg biscuits from Hardees for breakfast. I can hear my grandfather now: "He is just so gentle when he takes the biscuit pieces from my hand." I can also picture him mimicking the dog's movements as he takes the said biscuit. 

When my grandfather had a stroke last year, Paw saved his life, giving him a purpose. While in the hospital and rehabilitation, away from the home and Paw, he longed to be with him again. "I just love that dog," he says. 
 
Paw is a tremendous guard and watchdog, incredibly territorial and protective of us, his family. He loves his car rides, especially when they involve ice cream or cheeseburgers. I recently purchased a set of seatbelts that latch to his collar to keep him in place. 

Again, his family is his world. He even enjoys spending time with my grandmother, Helen, who claims not to be a dog person. Most of all, he respects her boundaries. When I wake up, he perks up, excited to hear me moving about the house. When I return home, he is always right there waiting for me, no matter how long I have been gone. 
 
Our hound has brought my family immeasurable joy. I pray God blesses us with many happy and healthy years together!

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