Baibhavi Padey
“Benny, Fetch”, said my owner Emma, grabbing my attention. I stopped digging the ground and went after the toy.
Emma was a fun and humorous lady. She always spoke politely with everyone she met. I personally loved having her as my owner because she always fed me my favourite treats. As per me being a very adventurous dog, I feel she is the only one who is able to understand me. She was adventurous too; we would go hiking together every week.
I fetched the chewy toy and dropped it in front of her. “Good job Benny!” Emma said. She pet me on the back and played with my golden fur. I suppose it’s irresistible to hold back when a fabulous golden retriever such as me is standing before you.
“Benny, where’s your collar?”, Emma asked.
What did she mean by that ? I was wearing it around my neck a second ago. As I realized it wasn’t around my neck, I thought of looking in the pit I’d just dug up. But, to my surprise, it wasn't there either. Emma looked really worried. Not that I was bothered any less; that collar meant a lot to me. Emma had gifted it to me on my third birthday, and I wore it ever since. It was red, had a bell charm, and my name, address and Emma’s phone number engraved in it. Emma thought it would be good help if I ever got lost. But, who would've thought the collar would get lost first?
“It’s probably somewhere around the park Benny, we must look for it.” said Emma.
I agreed and started looking. As I was investigating like the best detective, I heard a voice from afar. “Looking for something ?” I looked up and saw Milo The Cat, my friend. Well, we weren't that close. It’s just that we would play together in the park, sometimes. I told him about my lost collar and asked for his help. Milo instantly agreed and we started looking.
We were 30 minutes into the search. I was sweating and filled with doubt on whether I’d ever find the collar or not. However, Milo’s accompaniment gave me some relief. Perhaps it was also because I enjoyed adventures. All of a sudden, Milo jumped looking up a tree. “What is it Milo, did you find the collar?” I asked. “I think so,” Milo replied. I cannot tell you the amount of happiness I felt at that moment. I was also a bit confused on how it got there. Either way, I looked up the tree only to see a rusty piece of metal. I was furious. As I was going to scream at Milo, he ran off like there was no tomorrow. I controlled my anger and we continued the search.
Milo jumped in excitement again, looking far off at the park. “What is it this time Milo, did you find the collar?” I asked. “Uhhh, nope”, Milo replied awkwardly “But I was just struck with an extraordinary idea!” My twinkly face suddenly turned pale, but I listened anyway. “What if we asked Cindy The Hetc-” I interrupted Milo, “What?!? Cindy the Hetchog? No way I’m going near her!” I never liked Cindy. She always thought so big of herself and wore that strong perfume. That smell could be sniffed from a mile away! Her high pitched voice always seemed to manage to irritate me. “But Benny, Cindy somehow always knows what’s going around here, she’s the perfect help. Besides, what other option do you have instead of hopelessly looking around the park?” I hate to admit, but Milo was right that time. Plus, I guess half a loaf is better than none. I reluctantly agreed.
We knocked on Cindy’s door. That disgusting smell of her perfume wanted to make me vomit. She opened the door applying lipstick on her plump lips. I swear- some bee probably had to go through the torture of stinging those. “Ahh- Ms. Cindy, wonderful meeting you. You look adorable”, complimented Milo. I don’t know how he has the talent to make a lie sound so believable. Anyway, Milo asked for her help to find my collar. As usual, Cindy asked, “What will I get in return if I help you find your collar? Red, with a bell, and engravings, perhaps.” How did she know that that my collar? She mysteriously knew everything.
That was no big deal though, Cindy agreed to help once I promised her some of my favourite dog treats. I found out that they’re liked by animals- and birds- just a few months ago when a pack of birds and a hungry pig ate my bowl of treats. Back to the search, I was quite pleased we recruited one more member in our team as this time, we actually knew what we were doing. Cindy led the way to the kids’ section of the park. There I saw my collar on the slide.
Ohhh, I remember. It must have fallen off when I was playing on the slide earlier. I completely forgot! I was really relieved. I took my collar back to Emma. Emma put the collar around my neck. I could not tell you how grateful I was towards Cindy that day. I still could not tolerate the scent, though. But, I tried. After all, it was because of Cindy I found my collar. Of course I cannot forget Milo, who wasn't much help earlier, but suggested the idea of asking Cindy. Emma later gave me a bowl full of my favourite treats, which I shared with Milo and Cindy. What an adventure!
