A Bad Situation
Jonathan's heart started pounding in his chest. He knew following the animal would prove a risk, but he had no idea it would put him in this situation. He lived alone and didn't know how to handle bad situations.
He mustered up the courage and bent down by the street corner. He knew what he had to do, and there was no going back now.
Stray Problem
New Mexico is no stranger to stray animals. Stray dogs, in particular, can often be seen in the state, and between 130,000 and 165,000 are put in shelters annually. This meant that Jonathan was used to seeing these animals every day on the streets of his hometown - Albuquerque.
He never thought much of the dogs. They were just a part of life in New Mexico until one day. Instinct told him to follow one of them. What it led him to was something that would change his life forever.
Jonathan Maestas
Jonathan Maestas was a regular working Joe. He woke up for work every morning at 8 A.M. and walked 2 miles to reach his place of employment. He worked as an I.T. consultant at an office in Albuquerque.
He moved out of his parent's house when he turned 18 and never looked back. Life always dragged on, and after getting this job, he even managed to afford a small place to rent. But he had no idea his dull life was about to change.
A Short Walk
Jonathan's walk to work was a short and sunny one. And it was also normally a dull one. He'd walk through his neighborhood, where he'd greet passing joggers and retired neighbors mowing their lawns.
He had always wished he'd find something interesting along the way. He was tired of being stuck in the same old routine. But Jonathan had no idea that he should have been careful what he wished for.
A Monday Like Any Other
It was a sunny Monday like any other. Jonathan woke up ready to start a new work week. He showered, had breakfast, and left out the front door. It was sunny in Albuquerque. He dragged one foot after the other, just focusing on getting to work.
During his short walk to work, he heard the sound of a dog barking. He didn't pay it any mind. It was just another stray, but he had no idea how it would change everything later that day.
A Dull Day
The work day was an ordinary one. With nothing engaging happening and everything going to routine, Jonathan was on autopilot for most of it. He was just going to chalk it up to another dull day.
He clocked out at 4 P.M. and started his walk back home. He thought about what frozen T.V. dinner he'd make that night. Then, he heard the same bark as in the morning.
A Stray
Jonathan would have ignored it like any other day, but the stray dog was right in front of him this time. It had a pleading look in its eyes and clearly wanted something from him. Normally, he would have kept on walking, but there was something special about this dog.
It also gave shook up his day, so he decided, "why not?" Jonathan got closer to the stray and smiled at her. She wagged her tail and started walking down the street before looking back at him.
Following Her
Against his better judgment, Jonathan decided to follow the stray down the side street he never normally went down. It was going to get dark soon, and he felt a little uneasy.
Even though his gut was telling him to leave the dog alone, he honestly was happy to have anything interesting happen to him. Even if it were a gamble with his safety, he'd soon learn how detrimental his decision would be.
Walking Two Blocks
Jonathan had not walked two blocks with the dog. She was wagging her tail and barking at him any time he'd lag behind. They walked across two intersections, and finally, Jonathan felt that this wasn't worth it anymore.
But just as he thought about heading back home and enjoying his T.V. dinner, the dog increased its pace as if it were nearly at its destination. He was too invested now.
Something Strange
Jonathan noticed a street corner in the distance, the dog was now bolting towards it, and he had to pick up his pace just to keep up. He wasn't a fit man, but he couldn't lose the dog now.
After nearly running out of breath, Jonathan was finally where the dog wanted him to be. He looked around the street corner and didn't see anything at first. But then he looked towards the ground.
Heart Pounding In His Chest
Jonathan's heart started pounding in his chest. He knew following the animal would prove a risk, but he had no idea it would put him in this situation. He lived alone and didn't know how to handle bad situations.
He mustered up the courage and bent down by the street corner. He knew what he had to do, and there was no going back now.
A Puppy
On the street corner, Jonathan knelt next to a puppy. It looked a few months old, but something wasn't right. He knew the dog needed to be looked at quickly. That's when he mustered up the courage to do what no one else around him would.
He would save the animal if he could. He walked into a convenience store nearby and bought a cheap blanket. He ran back outside and carefully lifted the animal into the blanket.
Running To A Vet
Jonathan knew about a vet that was 5 miles away. He started the long trek with the puppy in his arms and the mother running behind him. He had to be quick if he wanted to ensure the animal's safety.
He attributed his stamina to the adrenaline surging through his body. He'd never even be able to run one mile, let alone five. But in half an hour, he was there.
Checking It In
Concerned for the canine's safety, Jonathan checked the dog into the vet. Thankfully they weren't very busy that evening and almost immediately were ready to give it a physical examination.
The faculty told him to wait outside with the puppy's mother to make sure she wouldn't be too stressed. He agreed but ended up sitting outside, looking as worried as his mother.
Overheating
After 15 minutes, the doctor called him back in. He explained that the puppy had collapsed from overheating, and it could have been fatal if he hadn't brought it to the vet. They put the puppy on an IV full of fluids to rehydrate it and told Jonathan to relax.
The pup would make a full recovery. But more so, Jonathan would end up adopting both the puppy and its mother. He would give them a forever home so they would never have to endure that stress again. In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.