That Old Well House

by Debbie Burns

Bear had always been a playful and energetic puppy, but he lived in a very dark and dirty well house in the countryside. His owner, Mr. Wagner, didn’t want him and had left him behind when he moved away. Poor Bear was left all alone with no one to play with or take care of him.

The well house was old and abandoned and Bear couldn’t understand why his owner had left him there. He missed the warm and loving home he used to have. The darkness and dirtiness of the well house made him sad and scared. It was an old and damp place with a dirt floor.

Bear spent his days playing with sticks and scavenging for food in the muddy yard. At night, he curled up in the damp corner of the musty old well house, where he could hear the wind blowing and the coyotes barking and howling in the distance; it terrified little Bear. He longed for someone to come and rescue him.

One day, an older lady named Mrs. Evans heard about Bear’s situation. She couldn’t bear the thought of the sweet puppy living in such a terrible place. Mrs. Evans lived in a small town not far from where Bear was. She had a big heart and couldn’t stand to see any animal suffer.

Without a second thought, Mrs. Evans jumped into her car and drove to the well house to rescue Bear. She was shocked by the condition of the place. The walls were covered in moss, and there were cobwebs everywhere, the floor was nothing but dirt. Mrs. Evans could feel her heart breaking for the poor puppy.

She found Bear curled up in a corner, whimpering. Mrs. Evans gently picked him up and cradled him in her arms. This little puppy was so dirty and smelly. His coat was stringy, he needed a bath. She knew she couldn’t leave him there a moment longer. Looking into his innocent little brown eyes, Mrs. Evans promised Bear that he would never have to go back to that horrible place again.

As they drove back to Mrs. Evans’ home, Bear couldn’t believe it. He had found someone who finally wanted him and would take care of him. When they arrived at Mrs. Evans’ house, Bear was greeted by the sight of a big, fluffy cat sitting on the windowsill, staring down at him with piercing green eyes.

Mrs. Evans introduced Bear to Jester, her cat. She warned Bear that Jester was very independent and didn’t like anyone except for her. But as soon as Bear started wagging his tail and jumping around, Bear was so excited to see that he had someone to play with. Jester couldn’t resist his playful nature. He jumped down from the windowsill and greeted Bear with his special head rub that he usually reserved only for Mrs. Evans. She was delighted that Jester welcomed this sweet little puppy. Before they knew it, the two animals were chasing each other around the house, having the time of their lives.

But having a puppy wasn’t without challenges. He was just a puppy after all. Soon after Mrs. Evans got Bear home she took him to the veterinarian to make sure he was okay. Poor guy was full of worms, but otherwise in good health. Housebreaking Bear proved to be difficult at first. Bear didn’t know he couldn’t potty anywhere he wanted, that’s what he was used to doing. No one had ever taught him any different. It was the middle of December, those two a.m. walks in the snow and rain were a challenge for Mrs. Evans as well. It didn’t take long for Bear to figure it out though, he was such a smart little puppy. Much to the relief of Mrs. Evans, Bear was soon sleeping all night as well.

Mrs. Evans showered him with toys to play with. No more sticks for Bear. He had balls, ropes, stuffed toys with squeakers, some without, and teething toys to help distract him from the pain of teething. He was always ready for a game of fetch! Bringing Mrs. Evans a toy to throw, letting her know he was ready with a gentle tap with his paw.

From that day on, Bear had a new family who loved and adored him. Mrs. Evans took care of him and gave him all the love and attention he deserved. He loved sitting in Mrs. Evans lap napping and watching TV with her. Jester, who was once aloof and distant, became Bear’s best friend. Jester never thought he would ever find a friend in a dog. But yet they would spend hours playing and snuggling together.

Bear had finally found his forever home, and he couldn’t be happier. He had gone from living in a dark, dirty well house to a warm and loving home where he was adored by his new family and best friend.

Mrs. Evans had not had any plans to get a puppy. Her and Jester were living quite happily as things were. She enjoyed the affection Jester gave her, when he wanted it. And Jester was content being the king of the house. Little did they know how their world would soon change. Bear’s little brown eyes melt her heart every time he’s on her lap and he looks up at her. She thinks how could someone up and walk away from this precious boy.

It’s been a couple of years now since that cold wintry day Mrs. Evans heard about the little puppy in that old well house. Life is full of twists and turns. Sometimes situations may seem very bleak, brought on by the uncaring actions of another person. And sometimes you may be content with your life, not realizing that one caring act can enrich your life and that of another in a way never expected. And as for Mrs. Evans, she couldn’t imagine her life without Bear and Jester by her side.