Gemotions

The clatter of dishes. The smell of dinner. And, the unmistakable sound of a dog barking. John strode onto his front steps, already knowing what awaited him. It was always the same. Shadow, the German Shepherd, was in his garden again, sniffing at his petunias.

John knew the dog better than his neighbor. He paused at the edge of his lawn, arms loosely at his sides. The dog stopped barking, its ears perked, as if it sensed a shift in the air.

“Shadow,” John called out, his voice calm. The dog whined. He held out his hand, and Shadow bounded over, tail wagging. He secured a doggy bag, knowing a quick treat and a scolding, were all the dog needed.