The dog dropped his head when he saw his owners, but he didnt budge an inch.
It all kicked off in December, when a thick blanket of snow had already settled across our estate, covering every path and driveway.
Rexa big old German Shepherd with a greying muzzlesuddenly turned up outside the second block, as if hed just materialised straight from the winter air.
That dogs whining under the window again! grumbled Arthur, roughly yanking the curtains aside. Cant you hear it, Martha?
I hear it, Arthur, she replied wearily.
Youd have to be deaf not tohis whining went right through you.
The young couple from flat twenty-three, Sam and Holly, had moved in only in September. With the dog. Every evening, Rex used to meet them at the door, tail wagging, leaping up, licking their handsloyal as clockwork.
But as soon as the first frost hit, everything changed.
Weve decided. A dog in a one-bed flat is just a nightmare. Hair everywhere, that awful doggy smell. And the neighbours complain about the barking. If you want him, take him. Hes got a pedigree, papers and all, Holly was saying into her phone to her friend, right on the landing.
Clearly, her friend wasnt keenMartha figured as much when Rex started spending his nights camped out on the stairs between the floors. Curled up on the freezing concrete, shivering from the cold.
So what now? Arthur wasnt having any of his wifes bleating about the dog. Weve enough problems of our own.
He was forty-five, and after his heart attack last year, hed become jumpy, short-temperedat times, even towards her.
Hes not a stray, Martha replied quietly. Hes got people. They live in number twenty-three.
Well, let them take him in then. If they dont, we call the council and get him collected.
Easier said than done. How do you explain to a dog that hes been dumped? That the people he adored have betrayed him?
The next morning, Martha couldnt take it anymoreshe went down with a bit of sausage and a slice of bread. Rex lifted his heavy head, meeting her eyes in quiet gratitude. He didnt dive for the food, just took it gently, so polite.
By evening, shed made up her mind.
What do you think youre doing?! Arthur stood in the doorway, face flushed with anger. Whyve you dragged that mutt into the house?
Rex shrank into a corner of the hallway, already knowing hed triggered a row. Ears down, tail tuckedalmost apologising for even being there.
Just for tonight, Arthur. Its freezing. Hell die out there.
For one night, is it? Then tomorrow whatjust one more night? Then just this once? Martha, have you lost the plot? Were already spending our last quid on your medicine, and you bring home another mouth to feed!
She stayed silent, stroking the dogs trembling head. What could she say? Of course he was right. Money was always tight. His disability benefit was next to nothing, and hers not much better.
So whos buying the dog food, then? Arthur was working himself up. And taking him to the vet? We barely get by as it is!
Arthur. Her voice was soft but determined. Hes old. He wouldnt survive out there.
Let him be, then! Hundreds of dogs die every dayare you going to save them all?
Rex flinched at the shouting and tried to make himself even smaller. Martha knelt down, put her arms around his neck. Thick fur, all mattedno one had brushed him in ages.
Not all of them, she muttered. Just him.
For five days, their home felt like a powder keg. Arthur slammed every door, moaned about every stray hair on the carpet, demanded they get rid of the lodger.
Rex clearly knew he was on thin icebarely ate, rarely entered the rooms, his eyes forever apologising.
Then, Sunday came, and so did the owners.
A loud, impatient thumping at the door.
What do you think youre doing? There stood Holly, draped in her fur coat, Sam beside her in some fancy jacket. Youve nicked our dog! Thats theft!
Theft? Martha was flustered. He was sleeping in the stairwell.
Hes our dog! Sam cut in. Weve got his papers, his passport. You took him without permission!
Hearing their voices, Rex padded out of the kitchen. His tail trembledshould he be happy, or worried?
Come on, Rex! Home! Holly ordered.
The dog sniffed her hand, but just stayed put next to Martha.
Whats going on? Sam was getting angry. Rex, here! Now!
Rex lowered his head but didnt budge.
Sorry, Martha began. But he was sleeping out in the cold, all night on concrete. So I
Dont think! Hes not your dog, not your problem! Holly snapped.
“In a freezing stairwell?” the pensioner finally broke.
On the balcony for all I care! Hes ourswell do what we like! Holly returned.
Just then, Arthur entered, holding a newspaper, still in his old garden trousers from working the night shift at the allotment as caretaker.
Your wife stole our dog! cried Holly. We demand you give him back at onceor were calling the police!
Marthas stomach twisted. Lord, a row with the law was all they needed. Arthur was already furious about the dog.
Martha, give them the dog, and lets have done with it, he sighed. We dont need the police after us.
But when he glanced at Rexstanding by his wife with that desperate looksomething in his face changed.
Show me the paperwork, Arthur said suddenly.
What? The owners were thrown.
His papers. You said youve got them. Bring them and well talk.
Sam and Holly exchanged glances.
We, erm left them at home.
Then go fetch them. Well talk when youre back, Arthur said, now sounding like steel.
Youre mad! Sam started shouting. Thats our Rex!
If hes yours, whys he out freezing in the stairwell?
Thats none of your business!
Its very much my business, when animals are neglected under my roof! Arthur stepped forward, his voice dangerously calm now.
Neglect?! Holly looked scandalised. We didnt neglect him! Are you serious?
You didnt? Kicking an old dog out into the cold, thats not neglect to you? Arthur took another step. Martha barely recognised himso forceful, so sure.
We didnt kick him out! Sam protested. Its just temporary! Were having work done!
What DIY, for heavens sake? You moved in three months ago! Whats left to do?
The young couple hesitated, caught out as plain as day.
Its our private business, Holly said, her voice trembling now.
Is it your private business to mistreat an animal? Arthur raised his voice. Ill tell you whattake your dog now and treat him right, or clear off and never show your faces again!
Marthas jaw dropped. Shed expected anything but thisher husband had been the one demanding they get rid of Rex!
Arthur, are you sure?
Quiet! he cut her off, eyes still focused on the couple. Well, are you taking him or not?
“Of course we’re taking him! Holly said, trying to sound bossy. Rex, come on, home!
The dog lifted his head, eyed his former owners and promptly lay down, right there in the hall. Almost as if to say, Im not going anywhere.
Rex! Sam barked. Up, now!
He didnt budge.
What have you done to him? Hollys voice had gone shrill. Youve turned him against us!
We havent done a thing, Martha replied softly. Hes choosing for himself.
Hes a dog! He doesnt choose! Sam snapped.
Hes a dog who doesnt trust you anymore, Arthur said, voice ice cold. And you know why? Because dogs dont forgive betrayal.
You know nothing! Holly screeched. We loved him, fed him!
And then you chucked him away like so much rubbish! Arthur replied, now properly fuming. So heres your choice: take him back into your flat and keep him out of the cold, or walk away now for good!
And why should we listen to you? Sam demanded.
Because if you dont, Im ringing the RSPCAand the police. Animal cruelty is a criminal offence!
Youre bluffing!
Give it a go if you fancy it.
Rex lay panting quietly on the floor. Martha joined Arthur, hardly believing it. Was this really her Arthurthe same man whod wanted Rex gone that morning?
Well think about it, Sam muttered.
Youve got till tomorrow night, Arthur said flatly. Decide by then, or Rex is staying with us.
Youve got no right! Holly wailed.
And neither did you, chucking him out on the street! Arthurs shout echoed through the stairwell.
Doors started opening, neighbours poked out their heads.
Whats going on? Mrs. May from the fifth floor called.
These two left their dog freezing in the stairwell, Arthur announced.
I saw him, poor soul was shaking like a leaf, confirmed old Mr. Peters from next door. Told my wife, Whod be so heartless?
Then Mrs. Taylor from the fourth floor joined in, and even the Smith family from the ground flooreveryone started gathering, like it was a public trial.
Disgraceful! You get a pet, you look after it! Mr. Peters shook his head.
My hamsters got it better than that dog! added Mrs. Taylor.
Sam and Holly found themselves at the centre of a circle of disapproving stares. Holly was in tears now; Sam glowered at everyone.
Right! barked Arthur. Decide now: take him back into your home and treat him properly, or leave him here and never come back!
And what if we take you to court? Holly sobbed.
By all means! he retorted. Just make sure you tell the judge why your dog spent two months freezing in the stairwell!
The neighbours murmured approvingly. Martha looked at her husband, amazedwhen did he become so brave? So resolute?
Fine! Sam suddenly burst out. Keep him! We dont want him!
And with that, the pair stormed off, slamming the main door so hard the glass rattled.
Rex lifted his head and gave a faint, mournful whine as they left.
Gradually, the neighbours drifted home, still discussing what theyd seen. Only Arthur, Martha, and the dognow officially theirsremained.
Rex stood up, walked over to Arthur, and nuzzled his hand.
Well, mate? Arthur crouched, ruffling the fur behind his ear. Staying with us?
Rexs tail began a slow, hopeful wag. Seems that was a yes.
Arthur Martha began, at a loss for words. You were so set against him.
I was, Arthur nodded, straightening up and brushing his hands off. But something changed when I saw what they did to him.
What changed?
Arthur was quiet for a while. Then he sank into his chair, and Rex immediately flopped down beside him.
I realisedwere not so different from them. Living side by side, each in our own little world. Me with my aches, you with your worries. Like strangers, almost.
His wife felt a twinge in her chest.
And then I thoughtwhat if someone did that to us? Just threw us out when we werent wanted? He stroked the dogs head. It scared me, Martha. Really scared me.
She sat on the arm of his chair.
So we keep him? she whispered.
We keep him, Arthur smiled, for the first time in ages. Lets be a real family. Right, Rex?
The dog licked his cheek and dropped his head in Arthurs lap.
Within a week, the whole estate noticed: Arthur from number two out every morning, walking the dog, cheerful as anythinglike hed shed ten years overnight.
As for Sam and Holly? They say they moved to another part of townquietly, without a word. Maybe it was guilt that made them go.
I feel a bit sorry for them, to be honest. Rex could have forgiven them, I think.
