Phantom Felines And Other Ghostly Animals - Gerina Dunwich 2006

Forgiveness
Hounds and Hauntings

by Robert Cruz

Chica was half-chow and half-beagle. I got her when I was fifteen.

I still remember the day she had to be put to sleep. I was up the street at a friend’s house, when my mother stopped by with Chica in the car and asked me if I wanted to say good-bye to Chica. I told her no, I didn’t care about her. I think now when I look back I just wanted to look tough in front of my friends.

Months went by after Chica was put to sleep. One night while going to sleep I heard a scratching noise at the door. But every time I looked to see what it was I saw nothing. When I finally went back to bed I heard the noise again, but this time I paid no attention to it. I just tried to go to sleep. I heard the noise again and this time the sound was right by my bed. It sounded like a dog scratching on the wall. I was scared to open my eyes, but then I heard a dog breathing with excitement, the way dogs do when they’re about to get a treat.

Finally I opened my eyes and there, I swear to God, was my dog Chica, licking me and wagging her tail so happily. I couldn’t believe what was going on. But (it gets even stranger) there with Chica was a boy around twelve years old. He told me Chica wanted to say good-bye to me. He said not to worry, that he would take good care of her. The boy then said to Chica, “Come on, girl, we have to go,” and Chica jumped off the bed and went with him.

I will never forget the look she gave to me with her tongue hanging down. And then, all of a sudden, they disappeared. I got up and even looked outside, but I couldn’t find them. I was scared and happy at the same time. I went and woke up my mother and told her what had happened and she told me that Chica really cared for me.

I regret the day I didn’t say good-bye to her, but I believe she came back to forgive me.