A Home

     I was born on June 25th in a rural community located near West Plains, Missouri.  I have two sisters and a brother.  I never met my dad but my mom is a nice lady who takes good care of me.  She feeds me and teaches me what I need to know during the first six weeks of my life but now she says it's time for me to get out on my own.
     "I like it here. Why do I have to find a new home?"
     "Because you're growing up and it's time for you to find your own family."
     "But I already have a family. I have you and my sisters."
     "They'll be looking for new homes too. Your brother already has a new home. The next time someone comes to see you, you must be on your best behavior. Show them how well mannered you are and give them your best smile. The cutest puppies always find a home quickly."
     "But what will happen to you once I leave?  Will I ever see you again?"
     "I'm afraid not. My place is here, this is my home. Someone's coming and I'm sure they're here for you and your sisters. Now remember what I said and you'll have a family by the end of the day."
     Just then two hands reached into the kennel and picked up the little puppy and his two sisters.
     "Bye mom, I'll always love you."
     "Good-bye son, I'll always love you too."
     The three puppies were carried into the house and turned loose to run and play. The two sisters ran and rolled around the floor together but their brother lay down and rested his chin on the shoe of one of the strangers.
     "He sure is calm for a puppy," the stranger said. "Are you sure he's not sick?"
     "He's fine.  They've all been checked out by our vet. He's just always been the quiet one."
     "Well, that's really what I'm looking for. What do you think dear? Do you like this puppy?
     "Yes, he really is beautiful and I do like his calm nature.
     "Okay, I guess we have a new puppy." The man picked up the puppy and put him in his wife's arms. They exchanged names and phone numbers and paid for the puppy and said their good-bys and got back into their car to leave. No one noticed the tear that slipped out of the little puppies' eye as he cuddled in the lady's arms for the ride to his new home.  He lifted his head just enough to see out the window. He caught one last look at his mom as the car pulled away and headed to his new home in Arkansas.
     The little puppy didn't hear the rest of the conversation as he fell into a light sleep. By the time he opened his eyes they were pulling into the driveway of his new home. He didn't know it yet but he now had a name, Baxter.