A Friend Sold. Story from Granddad
And he understood me!
It wasn’t a happy time, I realised what a foolish idea it was.
I sold him. He thought it was a game, but then he understoodId sold him.
Times are always different for everyone. For some, all the comforts in the world arent much, while for others, a bit of brown bread and sausage is enough.
We all lived differently, and plenty happened along the way.
I was just a lad then. My uncle, Mums brother Tom, gave me a sheepdog puppy as a gift, and I was over the moon. The pup took to me instantly, seemed to understand with half a word, and would watch my face, waitingjust waitingfor me to tell him what to do next.
Down, Id say after a pause, and hed flop onto the ground, staring up at me with loyal eyes, ready, it seemed, to lay down his life if I asked.
Wait there, Id command, and the puppy would scramble up on his stubby little legs, standing at attention, swallowing in anticipation. He waitedwaited for a treat, something tasty.
But I had nothing to spoil him with. We were going hungry ourselves back then.
Those were hard days.
My uncle Tom, the one who gave me the pup, told me one evening, Dont look so glum, lad. Dont you see what a fine, loyal dog he is? Sell him, then call him backhell come running. No onell see. Youll get a bit of pocket money. A treat for you, your mum, and the dog as well. Listen to your uncle, I know what Im talking about.
The idea didnt sound too bad at the time. It didnt occur to me just how wrong it was. An adult had suggested it, so I thought it was a jokeplus, Id get some treats out of it.
I whispered into Loyals warm, shaggy ear, telling him I was going to give him away, but that Id call him back and he should run to merun away from the strangers.
And he understood me!
He barked to let me know hed do just that.
Next day, I put his lead on and took him to the train station. Thats where everyone sold thingsflowers, cucumbers, apples.
The crowd spilled from the train, busy buying and haggling.
I stepped forward with Loyal beside me on the lead, but no one paid us much attention.
Almost everyone had passed by when a man with a stern face approached and spoke to me, Hey there, lad, are you meeting someone? Or perhaps looking to sell the dog? Hes a sturdy pup, Ill take him off your hands. With that, he pressed some coins into my palm.
I handed him the lead, and Loyals head spun around as he let out a cheerful sneeze.
Go on, Loyal, off you go, mate, I whispered, Ill call you, come to me. So, he trotted off with the man, and I hung back, watching where this stranger took my friend.
That evening, I brought home bread, some sausage, and a few sweets. Mum eyed me with suspicion.
Where did you get all that, then? You havent been pinching things, have you?
No, Mum, of course not! I carried bags at the station, people gave me a bit of money.
Good boy. Go on, have your supper then off to bed. Im exhausted.
She didnt even ask after Loyalshe never really cared much for him.
Uncle Tom popped around in the morning. I was supposed to be getting ready for school, though all I wanted was to run and fetch Loyal.
Well then! he chuckled, Sold your mate, did you? He ruffled my hair, but I pulled away in silence.
I barely slept that night, and couldnt touch the sausage or breadhad no appetite.
It wasnt a happy time, I realised what a foolish idea it was.
No wonder my mum never liked Uncle Tom.
Hes trouble, dont listen to him, shed always say.
I grabbed my satchel and left the house.
It was about three streets away, but I ran the whole way, hardly stopping for breath.
There was Loyal, sitting behind a tall fence, tied up with a thick rope.
I called for him, but he stared back at me sadly, head resting on his paws, tail giving a half-hearted wag. He tried to bark, but his voice came out cracked and weak.
Id sold him. He thought it was just a game at first, and then he knew it wasnt.
The man came out into the yard and scolded Loyal, who tucked his tail in fear, and I knew I had lost.
That evening at the station, I carried bags for people again. I wasnt paid much, but I earned just enough. Heart pounding, I went back and knocked on the gate. The same man opened up.
Aha, lad, what brings you back here?
Ive changed my mind, mister. Here and I handed back the coins hed given me for Loyal. The man squinted at me, took the money silently, and untied Loyal.
Go on, take him. Hes pining for younot much use as a guard dog. Mind you, he may never forgive you.
Loyal gazed at me, forlorn.
The whole thing turned into a trial for the both of us.
Finally, he came over, licked my hand, and nudged his nose into my chest.
Years have slipped by since then, but I know nowyou never, even in jest, sell a friend.
Mum was glad, too:
I was worn out last night, but later I wonderedwheres our dog gone? Im used to him now, hes ours, that Loyal.
Uncle Tom stopped coming round as much after thathis jokes didnt suit our family at all.
