I truly love dogs.

Paul Martin and his brother Samuel were very tight. They were brothers who dearly loved each other , but nothing really made them too much alike. Paul was athletic and always up for a challenge , while Samuel was more of the book reading, logic driven thinker. Samuel was completely conservative and his hair cut was the best indication of his style that he just wasn’t willing to change , Yet. Samuel was ten months older, but all thought Paul was the older of the two. Probably because of assertive aggressive personality. The two brothers adored each other as did they love their father, Alfonso Martin’‘. The three men lived together in a small well kept house, for which they paid almost no rent because they maintained the Church right next door. Samuel loved dogs and had begged the home’s management to please accept his dog into their home. He assured the manager the dog was well behaved and he also explained that he saw to all the dog’s needs , so, there shouldn’t be any worry about disturbances. Management agreed. Samuel’s dog Chickie’‘, was a combination of Golden Lab and German shepherd . He’d gotten the female puppy for his last birthday from his dad and brother. They hadn’t too much , but they had each other. The three men divided responsibility for the maintaining of the church. Paul, being more popular had many friends , but always dedicated time to his brother and father first. However, it was Paul’s birthday rapidly approaching now and one of his friends brought up the idea of asking the church for permission to host a small celebration for his eighteenth birthday. Well, Paul and his family support all approached management and again they agreed. It was a small get together and that’s all. The night of the party arrived and the party finally got underway and it was , as promised, just a small celebration. Everyone danced and even Chickie’‘, Samuel’s dog and best friend had been invited and help the festivities along, but the night had flown by as time always does when fun is being had. They agreed to pick up lightly and the following day they would all clean the churches basement as part of Paul’s birthday. The men reminisced for a while then went to bed pleased that the night had gone well. They were all asleep when Chickie, a large dog, began to frantically bark and pounce on each of the men methodically . Over and Over again. Samuel had trained her a little but this was more , there was something wrong. The man quickly organized then spread out to find out what was wrong. They searched the house very fast and nothing , but the dog kept leading them away . Finally Samuel watched her. And this time followed her. It’s the Church! ‘’, Samuel yelled. The three ran out toward the church and they saw flames just starting to come through one of the windows. The firemen arrived very quick as the church was in the center of town as was the firehouse. They searched all they put the fire out and management appeared and glaring at the young men and saying; ‘’That party wasn’t a great idea", was it?’‘ Samuel felt badly , but was glad that there wasn’t anyone inside. The following day again management appeared briefly but a little threatening. Angered obviously because the guys were young and this was the kind of thing that Steve, the manager was afraid of. He stated ; One of your friends did something and it’s not good. Three days later the Steve appeared at the door and the three men had been waiting for this uncomfortable moment. This time Steve seemed quiet and apologetic even. Boys’‘...it seems that I owe you an apology’‘, Steve continued... It wasn’t that one of your friends did anything.’‘ I have just been Informed that there was an electrical problem in the basement of the church and truth is’‘,.........if it weren’t for your great dog and your great work here ‘’, the church might be on the ground right now. Samuel and Paul I am sorry’‘. Steve went on apologizing and offered the boys all kinds of privileges , but they declined gracefully and just insisted that Chickie’‘, Samuel’s dog be rewarded. That night Steve returned with a huge steak for Chickie’‘, it was now her birthday celebration. Little late , but that was fine by her. The end copyright © 2005 Rich Criso Suarez