Message In A Bottle

[Andrew, Jr.]

I am walking with Dino in the woods on the walking path. We are alone. Nobody but us is in sight. Dino and I enjoy our time together walking and talking. Both understanding each other.

We come across a sign that reads "NO DOGS ALLOWED". We continue our walk. I am getting tired, and Dino is panting up a storm. It is time for us to head back home.

We turn around and head back. We both are startled to see a man under a tree. He has a large bowl of water. He tells me that I can have a drink from the bowl using my water bottle. No mention of Dino. Not a word or look. I thank him, give Dino water, pour some on his body, and offer the gentleman water, then take a drink of water for myself. I ask him where we are. He smiles, and says Heaven. Hell is a place where someone who would read the sign and leave their beloved dog behind, and walk on.