Every evening he ran to the hospital, waiting beneath the windows, hoping for a wave or a call from his master. And then, always on the last tram, he would head back home. Everyone at the hospital knew him by now; he had been making this journey for a second year running.
The tram hummed steadily along the dimming streets of London, its wheels rattling over the tracks as if it were grumbling at the weary passengers inside. The city was winding down, the roar of thousands of cars and scattered voices dissolving into a comfortable hush, settling the city into its familiar nighttime lull.
Tired Edward sat slumped in his seat, fighting off sleep after a relentless days work. He was an animal wrangler for a major television studio, which often felt like a never-ending circus. The morning had started poorly: first his car had refused to start, then he’d spent hours in a crowded garage, only to have a crucial moment during filming go terribly awry.
During an on-location shoot, their star a restless, long-legged English Pointer named Oscar had bolted from the set, sending the whole crew into chaos as they chased him through the streets, desperately trying to coax him back.
Now, at last, the long day was nearly over. Edward had dodged the heaving Underground for the gentle clatter of the tram, his mind looping around work troubles. For two weeks hed been searching for the perfect dog to star in a new drama series by the studios legendary directorwithout success.
Dozens of canine candidates had been paraded before the director, but none passed muster. With deadlines looming, Edward wondered where on earth he would find the right dog.
At one stop, an unusual passenger hopped aboard. Without fuss, the dog leapt up onto the front bench and gazed thoughtfully out the window. A wiry little terrier, ginger-furred with dark-tipped ears, back, and taila proper bearded old fellow.
Despite his scruffy appearance, the dogs sturdy leather collar and dignified bearing made it clear: this was nobodys stray, but a well-kept pet.
The bearded chap sat perfectly still, his ears only twitching slightly at the sound of each stop. Edward, intrigued, took a seat beside him and introduced himself, palm up in invitation.
Well, hello there. Fancy being friends? he murmured gently.
The terrier looked at Edward with bright, intelligent eyes, and then, after a pause, lightly set his fuzzy paw atop Edwards hand for a moment before turning away to resume his silent contemplation of the passing city.
Edward approached the driver. Excuse meany clue whose dog this is? Whys he riding solo every night?
The driver chuckled. No idea whose, but hes been riding with us for agesfrom the hospital stop to the very end of the line, always on the last tram. Used to come with an elderly womanseems hes learned the route. Quiet fellow. He bothers no one, not at this hour anyway, so we let him travel for free. The driver grinned.
Right Its just, hes special, clevermakes you wonder, Edward replied, his mind spinning with possibility.
He let his own stop pass and rode with the terrier to the end of the line. The little dog strode purposefully to the entrance of a tall block of flats, glanced up at the intercom, and settled by the door. Edward hovered beside him.
The terrier eyed Edward warily. He knew all the neighboursand this stranger was not one of them. What business had he, standing there? Why wasnt he coming in? The dog grew uneasy.
Their wait was briefa car pulled in. A woman greeted Edward as she let herself in, and the dog was first through the door, heading straight for the stairs, ignoring the lift. On the fifth floor, he stopped before a metal flat door and looked expectantly at Edward. After a silent exchange, the terrier rose onto his hind legs and pressed the doorbell with a front paw.
Now youre a champion! Edward laughed, and the terrier proudly repeated the trick as if to say, Did you catch that?
A gentle knock sounded inside, then a soft voice: Baxter, is that you?
The bearded dog barked once, and the lock slid open. An elderly woman, walking sticks in hand, peered at Edward in surprise, while Baxter wagged his tail, delighted to be home.
Evening, Edward said with a warm smile.
And to you Youve brought Baxter home? Thank you, but he usually manages on his own. Has there been some trouble? worry creased the womans brow.
Edward introduced himself and asked if shed mind chatting about her remarkable dog. Baxter placed himself between them, alert and watchful, though he relaxed as Edward spoke gently and respectfully.
Seated around a steaming teapot in the tiny kitchen, Edward listened as the womanwhose name was Edith Warrensighed deeply and began her story.
A shivering pup, found in the dead of winter behind some crowded garages, had been brought home by her husband, George. It took much care to save the little fellow. Later, with the help of a family friend who trained police dogs, George taught Baxter every trick in the book: fetching slippers, bringing in the morning paper, even passing the TV remotedelighting his owners with everyday joys.
But George fell ill, refusing hospital treatment until it was too late. Even the operation was in vain. Ediths voice faltered, tears gathering in her eyes.
For nearly six months, Baxter journeyed to the hospital each day, waiting below Georges windowhoping for a wave, a sign. Then, hed catch the last tram home. Hes kept it up for two years now.
Me these days I can hardly get about, Edith whispered, He keeps me going. Hes all I have left.
Edward took the plunge: Edith, what would you say if Baxter became a star in a television series? Would you consider it?
In telly? Do you think he could do it? You wouldnt take him away, would you? Ediths voice trembled.
Never, Edward promised. Thered be a contract. Hed only be away for filming and come home every day. Thered be a decent payment, too.
You mean theyd pay us as well? she gasped, hope flickering in her eyes.
And enough to help you with groceries, medicinemaybe even an operation, confirmed Edward.
The decision was made there and then. Edward felt certain that, even if the director objected, he’d convince him. Now, he owed responsibility not only for a show, but for the fate of these two souls.
The screen test was a triumph; Baxter aced his audition instantlywinning the role of a former stray who became the beloved pet of a wealthy family.
Over the next year, Baxter worked with single-minded diligence as if he understood that his performance would shape the future for both himself and Edith.
When the series premiered, it became a sensation. Thanks to his intelligence, gentle nature, and Edwards care, Baxter became a star.
After Ediths operation she steadily recovered. Supported by her stick, she could walk Baxter around the garden herself at last.
Youre my breadwinner my life-saver she whispered to him gratefully.
Baxter no longer rode trams to the hospital. Not because hed forgotten, but because he knew his master would not be thereand yet, George would always live in his heart.
With the first payment, the very first thing Edward and Edith did was commission a black granite headstone for Georges grave, engraved with the words:
In loving memory, from your wife and Baxter.
Eventually, Baxter appeared in several more productions, attended film festivals alongside Edwardwho had become as dear to him as family. In his final years, Baxter lived at Edwards parents cottage in the countrycherished, cared for, and adored.
