Don and Beady
– Don, Donny, please eat just a little! Theres still water left too Havent you drunk anything? What am I to do with you?
I sat down on the back step beside my dog. Don, my big German Shepherd, raised his head for a moment but then laid it back down on his paws with a sigh.
– I know you miss him I do too! If only you knew how much I miss him! I choked up, but quickly pulled myself together.
Ever since Don came to live with us seven years ago, there has never been a better confidant for me than him. He always picked up on my mood. Don never asked awkward questions, never pressed for details, nor did he offer unsolicited advice. He simply sat with me, licked away the tears from my cheeks, and, when I had calmed down, would bring over his favourite toy and lead. Then wed stroll for hours. Dad called it clearing our heads.
It was Dad who brought home that floppy-eared, comical puppy all those years ago.
– Here he is! Don. His papers say something else, but youd twist your tongue trying to pronounce that one.
Mum was horrified at first, but I laughed, watching Don sit in the hallway gazing all around, trying to suss out his new home.
– There wont be any peace in this house now – Mum sighed as she went to fetch a cloth, while Dad winked at me with a smile.
– What do you think?
– Hes perfect, Dad! But, how come?
– Doctors orders. He said I should take long walks and keep my spirits up so I thought Id kill two birds with one stone. And you know Ive always dreamt of having a dog.
– I know.
– Youve got to live your dreams one day, my girl. I reckon the time has come.
Looking back now, I have no doubt Don kept my dad alive longer than anyone expected. The doctors hadnt given him a year. Hed always been tough, sporty, and healthy, so he was taken aback when the cardiologist shook his head after seeing his results.
– Im afraid theres nothing I can do for you
Dad didnt dwell on how little time he might have had left. He quit smoking, gave up the steam baths, but other than that, carried on as before. He fussed with his roses in the garden, tended to the apple trees, and took Don for long walks, training him every day.
– A dog needs to be clever and well-trained, not indulged.
Dad had prepared Don for everythingexcept, of course, his own departure from this world. That night, I was startled awake by a dreadful sound. I didnt immediately realise Don was howling. Id never heard him sound like that before or since. The pain in that sound made it clear. Somehow, I just knew. I ran to my parents bedroom. Mum looked at me with such dark, hollow eyes.
– James will you take the dog away, darling?
Don stopped howling the moment Mum spoke, watched her intently, and settled down beside the bed where Dad lay.
– He wont leave, Mum. Dont send him away. He loved Dad too
The next few days blurred together, sometimes flying past in a dizzying rush, sometimes dragging on so endlessly I wanted to scream for it all to be over.
We stayed at the cottage instead of returning to our townhouse.
– I cant bear to go yet, James. Here, it still feels like hes around. At least, thats how it seems to me
– Mum! – I hugged her, genuinely worried about her. The headaches returned, and she lay in the dark most days, gritting her teeth through the pain rather than worry me. Migraine was no stranger to her, but while Dad was ill she suppressed it as best as she could. Now, it seemed years’ worth of pain had fallen on her all at once.
I hardly left her side, feeling powerless.
– Itll be alright, James. Just wait it out
When?! I wanted to shout, but I stayed silentshe had enough on her plate already.
Don, who until then had lived on the veranda and rarely ventured inside, suddenly returned to sleep beside Mums bed. I pleaded with him to move, but nothing would shift him. For four days he lay near, refusing food, taking only the occasional sip from the bowl my father had once bought for him. On the fifth morning, Mum woke up without a headachefor the first time in weeks. Best of all, shed slept almost the whole night through. She gingerly sat up, nearly yelping when her feet brushed something warm and furry.
– Don! You gave me a fright! What are you doing here?
Don looked at Mum with such peculiar eyes that she reached down and stroked his big head.
– Thank you
She made her way to the kitchen. I found her later sat on the back step, stubbornly munching a stale sandwich. The bread was rock hard, and there was nothing to put on it but mustardyet, Mum said it tasted better than anything shed ever had.
– Mum
– James, this is a disgracethe cupboards are bare! What have you and Don been eating? He must be starving!
– He wont eat, Mum. Ive tried persuading him every way I know
Don, sprawled out next to Mum, just grumbled and closed his eyes.
– Hes always like that now.
– Your father would have something to say about all this Get some water out, see if weve got any meat lefthe needs fresh food.
So now both of us tried coaxing Don into eating, but nothing worked. Eventually, he got up and with slow, heavy steps, trudged out into the garden. Mum and I exchanged worried glances.
– He needs a vet. Well lose him at this rate. Mum straightened up resolutely. Get the car, Ill get ready.
While I was sorting the gate, Mum called for Don.
– Don! Donny! Come on, boy!
Silence. She went into the garden, along the paths Dad once made. His favourite apple trees were weighed down with nearly ripe fruit. Soon it would be time to pick them. Hed been so proud of the harvest that year! Mum shook her head. No sense longing for what couldnt be returned.
A rustle in the raspberry bushes made her pause. Don was stood by the low fence there, grumbling over something.
– Whats up, Don? A rat? A hedgehog?
He barked in annoyed reply and Mum peered closer. There was definitely something in the grass.
– If it were a rat, it would have bolted by now. Lets see – She stepped over the little fence and parted the grass.
– Oh, thats all we need! Just look!
She lifted a tiny kitten out from the bushes. Its voice was barely a squeak, and it groped blindly for her hand. Don backed up, surprised, as she held the little creature to his nose.
– Whats this then? Afraid of such a scrap? Donny, it’s barely bigger than your paw. But what do we do with it? Its still blind.
Don grumbled but sniffed at the kitten. The little thing nosed its way straight into his muzzle, and Don froze. Mum smiled, watching Dons face soften, and brought the kitten closer.
– What do you think?
Don gently sniffed again and, unexpectedly, gave the kitten a lick or two.
– I see. Well then, lets see what James makes of your new friend.
I stared as they came up the steps.
– Mum, where have you been? And whats that?
– Dons found us a problem, Mum said, setting the kitten down on the step, with Don right beside it, licking and warming the little stray.
– Wow! What now?
– We need to figure out how to feed it, but Don already looks ready to be a nanny.
That kitten became a little saviour to us all. Don perked up, and after a scolding from me, finally started eating again.
– If youre going to play at being a dad, you need your strength I pushed his bowl over. Cant raise a kitten if youre on your last legs, can you?
Don sighed, shuffling his paws, then, giving the kitten (who had crawled towards his bowl) a halfhearted growl, resumed eating.
– Oh! Looks like youre already starting parenthood, Don! I smiled in relief, realising that, if not for this tiny ball of fur, we might have lost Don altogether. Were all stubborn types in this family. Even the dog was no exception.
Mum insisted on taking the night feeds for the kitten, telling me to rest.
– Love, youve got to finish your university courses let me deal with the baby, even if it’s just a feline one.
The kitten soon thrived, and to our delight turned out to be a she.
– What shall we call her? Mum balanced the kitten in her lap, fending off Don, who was desperate to borrow his ward, and fed the kitten from a bottle. Don! Behave, let her eat!
– I dont know – I fiddled with the turquoise beaded bracelet Dad once gave me. Nothing special, just a string of tiny blue beads, but I loved it. Suddenly, the cord snapped and beads scattered everywhere. I crouched down, almost crying.
– Oh no!
– Dont cry, youll save them, and well restring it good as new. Waitthats it! Mum scooped up the now full little kitten, Beady! Its perfect for her, dont you think?
Don, realising feeding time was done, gently picked up his daughter and took her to his bed, where he started grooming her.
– Never thought a serious old dog could be such a doting dad.
– Me neither! I collected the last bead. Mum, promise youll string them for me
But before I could finish, Don dashed out into the garden.
– Whats up now? James, dont go yourself! Mum hurried after me.
Dons loud bark led us to the biggest apple tree.
– I see I laughed, watching the wide-eyed faces of some scruffy local boys who were perched high up on the branches, legs tucked in, afraid to move.
Don leapt below, trying to reach them.
– Don! Here. Sit!
The boys were amazed to see how instantly Don obeyed my command.
– Hes clever – the grimiest lad whispered.
– Of course he is. Now tell me, what are you doing up there?
They fidgeted, eyes down. Finally, the lead boy muttered,
– Your apples are lovely.
– They are, but theyre still green.
– Still taste good! Especially with a bit of salt
I grinned, holding Dons collar.
– Werent you worried about the dog?
– Nah. He didnt even bark lately, just moped on the porch.
– So youve been watching us, have you? I frowned.
– Not you, the dog Whats his name, anyway?
– Hes Don. Are you coming down?
They shook their heads nervously.
– Dont fret, he wont touch you unless I say so. Ive got him.
– Come on now! Mum appeared. Too early for apples, but when they’re ripe, you can pick them. Ive got some buns and jam for now. Will that do?
They came down like a shower of conkers. Don considered them, but when they reached out intrigued hands, he switched from guard to generous uncle.
– Can we pet him?
– Not scared now? I laughed. Go ahead.
They demolished the whole pot of raspberry jam Mum had made for wintera meagre batch, but she smiled, moving the teapot and jam closer until there was none left.
– Tuck in, lads!
– Whats that? Matty, the ringleader, nodded toward Beady, happily curled between Dons paws, letting Don clean her.
– Your Dons found himself a new daughter.
– Shes a good un. Looks just like Mrs Rayners cat.
– Ah, thatd explain her Mrs Rayner next doors always got kittens around.
– But her cat wont take her back now Matty nodded sagely she smells like a dog now.
– And Don wouldnt let her go, would you, old boy? Mum looked at the table. Had enough?
– Yeah! Ta very much! they chorused. Mrs Allen, can we come again?
– Of course! Mum laughed. But theres no more jam left.
– But the buns are tasty. Matty stroked Don once more before dashing off. Were off for a swim!
– Isnt it cold for that?
– Perfect! Were tough, arent we boys?
Mum and I watched them run to the gate. Next morning, I woke to odd noises and found Matty and the boys pulling up weeds between the paving stonesDads job, in better times.
– Morning, Mrs Allen! Got any of those buns?
– Plenty! If you keep this up, Ill even put raisins in them!
The boys became regular visitors, helping around the garden, earning afternoon tea and treats. Mattys mum, Mrs Smith, couldnt afford a tutor for him, so Mum offered to help him with schoolwork.
– After all those years teaching, feels good to use it!
– Mrs Allen, I cant pay – Mrs Smith hesitated.
– Did I mention money? Dont insult me! What Matty does for me, thats payment enough.
Matty wasnt keen at first, but after his first top mark, he stopped complaining.
Beady grew into a beautiful, lively cat, darting through the house and garden. Don was devoted to her, letting her do as she pleased. Watching them curled up together, I said to Mum,
– Funny, Mum, how she turned up just when we needed her most, like a guardian angel for us all.
Autumn arrived in earnest, rain coming down in sheets. Mum began to think about moving back to town. Then I blushed and confessed that David, who Id loved since schooldays, had finally proposed.
– Good job Dad fixed the place up, right? The flat is yours, and Ill stay here with Don. Well all be fine!
– Mum, can you manage alone?
– Like everyone else. This isnt just a summer cottage, after all. Therere plenty of neighbours. Besides, youre only a short drive away if I need you.
David and I married quietly in November, and by Christmas, Mum learned shed soon be a grandmother. Preparing the table for David and me, she hummed cheerfully.
– Don! Take Beady outside before I trip over her! Go on, both of you, off you go!
Mum opened the door and chased the pets outside. She inhaled the cold, crisp air, pausing on the threshold. At last, it had snowed, turning the garden into a Christmas card. She watched Beady bounding through the drifts, laughing.
– Don, keep an eye on her or well never find her!
She hurried back inside to finish her cooking. David had been raised by his grandmother after being orphaned young, and Id known him since childhood. Mum always said shed be lucky to have a son like him. Since his granny passed, hed grown even closer to Mum who, in turn, treated him as her own.
– Youll make a fine man, Matty, as long as you keep at it.
– You think so? Matty still stuck his tongue out in concentration when he was working hard.
– I know so! Now lets see what youve written here
Mum genuinely enjoyed Mattys writing. She was amazed by how many ideas whirled around inside his head. Sometimes they tumbled out all muddled, but she encouraged him.
– This bit is brilliant, just wonderful! Youre a star, Matty!
Just then, Don began barking wildly outsideunusual for him lately. Mum glanced out and saw Don frantic at the gate, desperate to get out.
– Whats going on? Don! Stop! What is it? She slid into her boots and threw a shawl round her shoulders.
At the gate, she froze. Don was alone. No sign of Beady.
She flung the gate open, heart pounding. David and Matty had fixed the fence only in autumn, and even boarded the bottom to stop Beady getting out, since stray dogs roamed the street. But nimble Beady had found her escape: the old apple trees overhanging branch made a lovely little ladder. Don tried to catch her, but she flashed past on the trunk. She hadnt meant to jump outsidethe sudden shower of snow from the branch just knocked her down onto the road, right into a ring of stray dogs.
Mum held onto Don for dear life as he struggled to break freeto defend his kitten daughter. Beady arched and hissed her warning at the pack.
– No, Don! Theyll tear you apart!
Suddenly, a snowball soared over the neighbours fence and walloped the lead dog in the face. Another followed, and another, then an avalanche of snowballs rained down. The pack, startled, lost heart and scattered. Then, with a loud bang, a firecracker went off. Don finally broke free, placing himself protectively between Beady and the remaining dogs.
Mattys voice rang out as he perched on the top of the fence, ready with another snowball.
– Leave Beady alone!
– Matty! Thank goodness youre here! Mum clung to the gate, legs like jelly. What are you doing?
– We were letting off fireworks for New Years! Dont tell Mum or shell have my head.
Just then, a car pulled up and Matty grinned cheekily.
– Got to run! James is here. Mrs Allen, will you make buns tomorrow?
– Therell be a cake and whatever you want, my boy! Bring the lads. Well see in the New Year together! And Matty
– Yes? He readied to jump down.
– Thank you!
He nodded, hopped down, and was gone. Mum watched as Don grabbed Beady by the scruff and carried her safely home.
– Ill get your daughter a harness next. Youre a hopeless father!
That night, Beady stuck by Don, still shaking, not going near anyone else, not even me. Only near dawn, when I finally went to bed myself, did Beady jump up and curl next to me, pressing her tiny nose into my belly. I curled an arm around David, a hand on Beady, and fell asleep just as Don stole into the room and settled by our bed.
Two years later, Mum was making a big jam pot on the stove and peeked into the garden where I was helping Matty pick apples.
– Still sleeping? she called, stirring the jam.
– Out for the count.
– Want a peek?
– No need, Mum. Shes in good hands.
I reached for a branch, while Mum covered the jam and stepped onto the veranda. My daughter slept soundly in her pram, arms wide. Beady lay purring beside her, and Don sprawled protectively on the warm wooden boards. When Mum approached, Don lifted his head, as if asking if all was well.
– Its fine. Everythings alright. Let her sleep.
Mum ruffled his ears, tickled Beady, arranged the blanket over her granddaughter, and smiled.
In all this, Ive learned that grief can be a deep, lonely pit, but sometimes, comfort comes from where you least expect it. From loyal dogs, from little strays, and even from jam-stained boys who become family in their own way. Life moves on. Somehow, the heart always finds new ways to heal.
