Continuing the A to Z series of USA2025 recollections today ‘B’ is for Brownie. Who can forget that emotional meeting with a friendly dog on day 66.
My blog recalls “I reached the road and could see a storm approaching.
There was a rumble of thunder almost immediately. I wasn’t concerned and pushed on.
I went past what I think was a farm. I looked around and a dog approached me. It joined me on the road. Its tongue was hanging out and it looked parched. I gave it some of my water. I think it was just after a bit of attention and affection. I started to stroke its head just like I would to Órlaith back home. To have that connection with a dog again felt very special. I half jokingly said “are you coming to California with me?”.
It didn’t return to its home. It was just me and her (as I half guessed) on the road for now. I kept asking her to “go home”. It continued to follow me.
The thunder was rumbling by now and it started to rain. The dog was on the road with me and I had to gesture to numerous cars to slow down. Being the big softie that I am, I found the situation distressing. At the same time, I was enjoying the company of man’s best friend. That was short lived as we were now on a busy road to Lakin. She simply led the way, almost as if she knew my route.
The tears were streaming down my face as I kept telling her “you need to go home”. That’s a phrase that I could have been telling myself under the circumstances.
As luck would have it, I flagged down a passing police car. I told the lovely police officer, Sheila, about my journey and the current predicament with the dog. Officer Sheila was absolutely lovely. She radioed for assistance because the dog could not go in the police car.
We talked some more and officer Sheila responded to the dogs request for a belly rub.
“I wonder what her name is?” I asked. Officer Sheila named her “Brownie” right there and then. When I was happy that Brownie was in good hands, I continued on the road to Lakin.
I sobbed buckets. Despite the briefest of encounters I will miss Brownie. It’s got a lot to do with the fact I’m missing Órlaith back home. Also, those eyes staring up at me, just wanting some love and affection. That’s an image that will stay in my mind for a long time.”
When I ran across the USA in 2011, I was “chased” by dogs most days. I wasn’t a dog owner back then and not really what we call a “dog person”. If I had have been, I’m sure I would have seen the dogs I encountered back then in a different light.
Officer Sheila made a kind donation to St. Benedict’s Hospice a few weeks ago via www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025. She left the following message which revealed Brownie’s real name.
“Keep up the great work! It was a pleasure meeting you! Oh, the dog’s real name was Ginger.”
Despite that, I will always refer to my little friend as Brownie.
