Out of the cold, rainy, winter’s night-

He came.

He stopped, suddenly, at the edge of the light

            from a single, naked bulb.

What would ‘they’ do?

He was big.

From his hang–dog appearance, his hair looked stringy, matted, and dirty; perhaps for eons of time.

His head lifted at the smell of beer, whiskey, and peanuts.

The legs began to tremble; weak, tired, almost exhausted legs.

Nervous laughter quickly faded.

A hush fell over the noisy group.

Some were puzzled others confused.

They were alone, secluded, far from town.

Frightened: they stared.

“What does he want?” was spoken almost sötte voce.

From back of the room someone sarcastically barked,

“Give him some Kibbles and Bits!”

At the familiar words, hope caused the long, thin,

hung–down tail to wag.