Bernie Ties the Knot!

Bernie had heard that marriages were made in heaven. Many are, he surmised…but unfortunately too many aren’t. He pondered, ‘What is it that makes a relationship last?’  Many have offered their theories but the solution still remained unresolved.

Bernie and Marion’s first meeting was unexpected and coincidental. Timing and fate played a hand in their attraction. Opposites often attract. How else to explain why the young black Labrador retriever and the springer spaniel…who in spite of their opposite breeds…were drawn to each other?

The world often frowns upon non-conformists. It is as though some were suspicious of those who dared to be different and were finally shunned for their daring choices. So, Bernie and especially Marion knew, that if their loving relationship led to a mating…they would have to deal with reality that their union would be fraught with problems. From the moment Bernie helped Marion escape from the villainous Bruno…they became inseparable. Marion saw in Bernie’s kindness, someone who gave to her an assurance of happiness and security she had never known.

From birth Marion like many pets were at the mercy of whoever chose to become their master. The sweet and obedient spaniel had the misfortune of living with a cruel and insensitive owner. She was abused and used in a way that either human or dog would consider a ‘hell on earth!’ Was it any wonder that Marion couldn’t believe she could ever trust again?

Bernie was a handsome, warm and trusting retriever. His life was the exact opposite of Marions. From the day the Fallons chose him from a breeder’s litter, he never witnessed or felt hostility, or lost his sense of innocence. Being a city dog, the Fallons had no desire to have him mated, but once they had moved to an urban environment, spaying was delayed.

It was Gladys the cat who first learned of the Fallons plans of taking their month’s summer vacation in Europe. The family had never visited the continent, and decided that Janet would profit from the experience. However, their plans didn’t include their pets.

‘Oh, my,’ Gladys thought, ‘Uh, oh…I don’t mind being alone…been there…done that…but never for so long.’ She eyed her water and food bowl…and became even more disturbed. ‘In the city I usually had a neighbor visit and handle it…but usually they overlooked my litter box…and I couldn’t blame them…but I have to live with it…once they closed the door…they’re off the hook!’ She continued to ponder the situation. ‘Hmm, that means they’ll be no petting for a month! What will there be to purr about? Well, at least I’ll be getting lots more sleep…but what about Bernie and Marion? Where will they be? Humans can be uncaring. I mean…aren’t we a part of the family? We’d never think of doing such a thing to them.’ Gladys’ thoughts grew inconsolable. ‘I’ll bet they’ll never even think about us when they’re gone. There should be a law that gives us a voice in how we’re treated. This isn’t the time when people were put to death for listening and talking to us…like what happened to the Jesuit priest, Pequot. Oh, sure, if something happened to us…they’d suddenly become concerned…but how long does it last? In time either they’d find another replacement or decide not to offer a pet a home. Oh, well, there’s no use in fretting over it…what will be will be!’

Marion entered the kitchen where Gladys sat forlornly. The spaniel instinctively realized that Gladys was troubled. They had become close over the months and enjoyed each other’s company. Cats and dogs usually seem distant and at times hostile, but Marion’s temperament and sensitivity belied that premise. They often were found sleeping nose to nose and enjoying the companionship they shared. “Good morning, Gladys. I hope you slept well.” Gladys remained deep in thought considering the dilemma she was about to face. It wasn’t that she was being rude, only concerned.  “What’s wrong, dear?”

Gladys nodded her head and sighed. “Nothing much.”

“It’s a beautiful morning…” Marion looked over at Gladys’ food bowl and noticed it was empty. “Oh, you haven’t been fed. Well, they’ll be up soon. “It’s not that. Even if my kibble were there…I wouldn’t have an appetite.”

“Oh, dear…then something is wrong. What is it?”

“They’re leaving us!”

“Who?”

“The family…I heard them talking about going on a vacation.”

“Well, that’s nothing to be worried about…we’ll just be going back to Carson’s Island. That’s wonderful…I’ll be able to see Alfred.”

Gladys hovered over her water bowl, took a sip and sighed. “They’re going to Europe.”

“Oh, dear, for how long?”

“A month.”

Marion realized why her friend was depressed and tried to gather her thoughts. She pondered, then said, “Well, I suppose I should tell Bernie.” She looked back at Janet’s room, where Bernie remained asleep on her bed. “I’ll wait till he wakes. He’s such a dear. Last night he told me the story of Romeo and Juliet. It was so sad. “So is this!” Gladys added, “Who knows where they’ll put us? I mean…we can’t stay here alone…for so long.”

“Yes, I know. I suppose we’ll be put in a kennel.”

“They don’t have kennels for cats. I suppose I’ll be living at the vet. In a cage.” Gladys sighed, “Maybe I should run away!”

Marion was stunned by Gladys’ remark, “Now stop that, silly! Where would you go? What would you do? Besides you’re too old to become an alley cat!”

“I know,” Gladys remarked. “I know.”

Marion nuzzled her friend and tried to comfort her. The spaniel’s long ears brushed against Gladys’ face as she whispered, “Don’t worry…I’m sure everything will