"No matter how wet he was. No matter how
dirty. No matter how stinky.
No matter the crowd. No matter the load.
No matter what.
She was always there for a quiet moment.
And always there to listen."
A visit to the local park with his person leads a young beagle to a meeting with a new friend. He sits at her feet and admires her quiet nature. She doesn't move; she doesn't talk. She is nothing like his owner whose constant care makes him feel grateful: a long walk, treats, warm greetings each morning, and compliments. He ignores this new friend, just as she ignores him. There is no chatter between them. There are even times when he chooses not to look at her.
Despite the inability to be real friends, he notices her from season to season. She is always there when he returns to the park. She provides a happy space for leaning, jumping on, and even taking a nap on her head. She doesn't mind if he smells. She lets children climb all over her. Best of all, she is always there to hear what he has to say. She does not make rules she expects him to follow the way his owner does. In the end, he realizes that the three of them - owner, dog, statue - are not perfect. In their own ways, however, they are just right for one another.
Children are sure to fall for this charming pup whose attitude toward a new friend is genuine, despite their differences. Observant readers will find joy in the many exceptional details Mike Deas uses to add context. The story is simply told, and engaging. It's great fun to read.
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