Misty The Freeway Foxhound
The Dog Who Became A Legend
by
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Misty had been living near the interstate for several months when passing motorists began to notice she'd gotten fat from eating all the food people had left for her. Her occasional visits to the nearby truck stop restaurant where employees gave her handouts hadn't helped much either.
Otherwise, Misty rarely ventured from the intersection and always paid close attention to the cars that sped by, as though she were looking for someone special. It hadn't made any difference to Misty. Day and night, she never gave up her watch and had survived for nearly a year living just a few yards away from the heavy interstate traffic.
One local vet finally attempted to befriend the homeless hound and failed miserably in his efforts. The moment he'd gotten within 15 or 20 feet from Misty, she'd ran away.
Another vet predicted that she'd eventually be killed by a car or truck if she remained near the highway. At the same time, he also advised people with good intentions not to attempt taking Misty forcefully because she would dart out into the oncoming traffic in an effort to escape.
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About the Book
Misty the Freeway Foxhound was so named, because it was on a cold misty November morning that she was first sighted. Looking like a discarded old plastic milk jug to passersby, the dog had curled up to sleep in the mud and snow near a lightpost beside a busy interstate highway.
Speculation had it that Misty had once been someone's pet. Perhaps they had let her out of the car at the interchange truck stop and she'd wandered off? Since she wasn't wearing a collar with a name tag, maybe she'd been dumped there deliberately?
When her story made the local newspapers, one man immediately came forward and insisted the dog's real name was Patsy Cline. He said that his initials had been tattooed inside both her ears. The man further contended that Patsy had never returned home from the last fox hunt they'd been on.
A supposed second owner also claimed to have lost Misty while on a fox hunt. He said she had been called Patches.
Whatever her real name was, everyone felt sorry for the handsome looking hound with tan ears and a big brown spot on her side. Many people carried food and water to her, but no one ever got close enough to touch her.
Several people attempted to capture Misty, but she always managed to "outfox them", so to speak. She'd lie in one place, then quickly dart away from anyone she felt came too close.
As time went by, one thing became perfectly clear. This dog had made a spot near the interstate her home and she had no intention of leaving until her master returned for her. Sadly for Misty, that day never came.
This book is not just a story about an old man and a dog, or a lost dog living near an interstate. It explores the phenomenon of unconditional love that flows both ways between human beings and their animal companions. Whether you are a young or a young-at-heart reader, "Misty the Freeway Foxhound" is bound to touch you in some way.
About the Author
M. K. Ramsey, a.k.a. Marilyn Sansom is an accountant-turned pet writer who was born in West Virginia. When she was in grade school, a teacher read one of her stories and told her she should be a writer. Now she is doing what she was destined to do. Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. Her great-grandfather was West Virginia's first game warden, so she comes by her love for animals naturally. Marilyn is currently a member of West Virginia Writers and the CWA (Cat Writers Association). She resides in West Virginia with her beloved pets.