I went into a regular grocery shop – just to get bread, milk, batteries for the remote control.
Everything was familiar, until I stopped by the tool department.
Right between the boxes and light bulbs sat a dog.
Calmly, as if she were part of the interior.
The leash was on the floor, no one around.
No owner, no signs of leaving.
I was expecting someone to run up, call her.
But no – the dog just looked at me, no whining, no trembling.
Just waiting.
I tried to ask the shopkeepers, but nobody knew anything.
No one had ever seen her in the shop before.
I was about to take her home, I couldn’t leave her like that.
But then the manager came over and said quietly:
“This is Ritchie. His owner got sick right here in the aisle.
We called an ambulance, and they took him to the hospital.
And Ritchie stayed.
He always went with him, always held his leash.
When they took the owner away, he let go of the leash, but Richie didn’t leave – he just waits.
I stood there, I couldn’t believe it.
Ritchie was alone – and still waiting, believing, hoping.
I left my number with the manager – if the owner doesn’t come back, I’ll take Ritchie to my place.
I wish all people were as loyal as that dog.
