by Donna Chirash-Templeman
Wingless Guardian
It is said that man's best friend is a dog. Although many cat lovers may disagree, this writer does not.
I lived in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, GA. Upon returning home from school one afternoon, I was surprised to see a note from my mother on the back door. It said, "careful of the puppy - talk to you later - love Mom! ". I opened the door. There, trembling in the corner of my kitchen under the table was a frightened and hungry black puppy with a white star on her chest. I coaxed her out with a piece of chicken and some warmed milk. We bonded immediately. She allowed me to bathe her and I tied a red bandana around her neck. Later she fell asleep while I held her close to my heart. Her name was KC. She became my best friend. For the next several months, we spent every possible minute together.
That Christmas I made plans to drive to New Jersey, to see my aunt. Our trek back north began just before dark. My mother packed us sandwiches and soda, and she gave me a bag of coins for phone calls. KC and I drove many hours into the night. We rested often at lighted truck stops along our route. But by 11pm., my eyes grew heavy and I knew we would have to delay our arrival and sleep. The only rest area we found was one that was poorly lit with few cars and no trucks. I let KC out to survey the grounds nearby, while I called my aunt on a pay phone. I was exhausted as I began to walk back to our car. Within moments, an ominous figure appeared from the shadows. He mumbled several words, as he reached into his pocket, walking faster towards me. Fear rendered me motionless. The feeling of death crept over me. I could not think clearly. Before he could attack, KC appeared from the darkness and stood in front of me obstructing his path. She was barely a year old but she was 100 pounds and very protective. The hair on her back stood straight up and she bared her teeth as she growled her only warning to this intruder. He slowly backed up and got into his car. I ran as quickly as I could to our car and started the engine. KC continued to hold her ground, until I called to her. She heard my voice, turned, and with a wagging tail, jumped in. I drove to the nearest state trooper facility and gave them the description of the man and vehicle.
Had my life been spared that Christmas? Had God sent this wingless guardian to me just 6 months prior to keep me safe? KC went back to God a year ago. One day soon we will meet again at the bridge outside Heaven's gates, where we will walk together, side by side, me and my best friend.
By Donna Chirash-Templeman