violet

I saw a puppy, and it came to me: “Oh how adorable this thing is… I wish I could keep him.” It was leashed and a bolt secures a no-escape possibility. I wondered how it got there because I see no sign of its owner around. The puppy is a “he” and his name is Violet. Odd as it may seem, but I find him pretty amusing. I sat beside violet and offered him a snack; the pup refused and sat beside me maintaining its distance. It was as if he had been told not to entertain strangers. I was intrigued by Violet’s manner of greeting.

“Hi, Violet!” I said politely. He looked at me—tongue’s out and tail’s wagging. I gave him a pat on his head, down his back and gave him a tight hug. I was pleased because he allowed me.

“I’m Chris… are you all alone?” said I. He nodded, confirming that he is alone. Amazing! I thought to myself. I really want to own this puppy. He’s so cute and cuddly. I sat with Violet that day; telling him stories and playing with him. I wish I could play fetch or chase with him; if only I could free him.

“Hmmm, let me see…” I whispered as I try to find a way to unlock his chain and set him free. Seeing that I am planning for an escape, Violet howled and growled. He was telling me to leave him alone. He grind with his teeth and scared the hell out of me. I screamed and threw myself away from the bolt; away from Violet. I was crying because I got scared and I saw him give me a sigh as though wanting me to know that he did not mean to hurt me. I gathered all my stuff then left for home.

On my way home, I was thinking about Violet—why is he there? Was he waiting for someone? The night was cold and it was raining.

Morning came and I had my usual walk. As always, I brought my camera along with me, my mobile phone, a sketchpad, a pencil, music player, water and snacks. I love taking a long walk. I feel as if I am crossing dimensions and entering portals. My camera helps me capture discoveries, I sketch landscapes, and music plus food kept me going. Then, it came to me; I know this place. Violet is a few distance ahead. I wonder if he’s still there; if he’s all right. I marveled at the thought of Violet; being hungry and cold. So, there was no other way to clear my mind but to check him out.

There he was, sitting like a guard dog, staring at the vast forest. I went for a closer look and it appeared to me that he’s okay. I was about to turn my back and head for my “walk” but I can’t stand the thought that the pup was still leashed. I continued my pace and went straight to Violet. I must say he was surprised at my presence. I said “Hi” once again and gently approached him for a pat. He was warm—maybe he wants to make up for his rude behavior yesterday. I sat with violet and made him listen to my playlist. I was brushing my hands to his hair while I sing my favorite tune.

“Where’s your master, Violet?” I asked. Violet stood and stared at a path leading to a place I’d call “somewhere”.  “Oh” I thought to myself. Violet saw his master leave and was hoping for his return. I looked at his collar and saw full details: Name, Address, and a Contact Number. I told Violet that I could take him home. But he looked unhappy with my idea of setting him “free”. It occurred to me that his owner might have given him strict orders to stay and wait. “My…what a well trained puppy,” said I. I took a picture with Violet and left him some food. I had to continue on my exploration. I kissed him goodbye and left.

The rain came again that night, and I thought of Violet. Is he all right? He might be cold. I went out bringing a thick blanket, some dog food, warm milk, a flashlight, a used tarpaulin and an umbrella. I rushed towards the woods and looked for Violet. I ran as fast as I can and got myself bruised. Wishing that Violet would no longer be there, I felt tears fall down my eyes. There I was, catching my breath, I saw the leash; on its end was a poor pup. I felt pain. I positioned the umbrella and the tarpaulin to shelter Violet—it was almost as good as a tent. Then I wrapped him with the thick blanket to keep him warm and cozy. I fed him with dog biscuits and made him drink the warm milk. He was satisfied yet I saw his eyes struggle to see through the dark path. He was hoping that his master would soon free him. I tried to destroy the leash but I did not bring any tools with me. I forced the collar off on Violet’s neck yet I end up hurting him. I cried. I cannot help him. But Violet remained calm. I never heard him “cry”. I could almost hear his thoughts—“Master, please come back for me.”

The next day, I went straight to Violet. I brought some dog toys with me so that he can play. He was quite amused by the toys but I would still catch him staring, with his sad eyes, on the vast forest. “Violet, I could free you.  I can take you home to your owner. If only you would let me.” I spoke to him. Violet sat still. I took a closer look at the bolt—it’s one of a kind; a kind which can’t be unlocked by a simple hair pin or wires. It needs a key—a special key. No matter how hard I’d try, only one key could set him free. I scouted the place and looked for a key. I was not able to find one. This is me, acting stupid, hoping that Violet’s owner dropped the key somewhere.  Then I got tired. I am sitting beside Violet again.

“Violet, where’s your key?”

I tried to contact Violet’s owner but the line seems to have been cut.

Seeing that I was really serious about rescuing him, violet gave me a cuddle. I was surprised because he was FREE! I mean, unleashed!  “How’d you do that? All this time you could break free! Silly dog!” Then Violet gave me comfort and assured me that he’s alright. And I saw it; he placed the collar back to his neck and he was leashed again. It occurred to me that Violet was never under any order to stay or wait. His owner might have left him there with the intention to leave him. But this little puppy leashed himself and is now waiting for his master to set him free. Then again, he can break free anytime—if he wishes.

“Why do you wish to stay this way, Violet?” I cried. He has this magical way of transmitting his thoughts to my brain. “I want her to realize that she has the key. I want her to see me leashed. I want her to know that she owns me still. She might have left me, but I will forever be hers. Until I choose to leave. The key is with my master. Only my master could set me free. I need her to free me.” That was it. Violet is waiting for his master to return. She might have left him, but she never did set him free.

Leaving someone and freeing someone are two different things.

To Violet’s owner:

You still own Violet. You forgot to take off his collar. That collar you gave him has your name and address on it. That collar makes him think that you're coming back—that you are his owner.You might have left him but he’s waiting for your return. Only you have the key that could free Violet completely.  This pup is waiting for your return. He loves you truly.