Page 16 of Special Agent Joseph

“No. Another dog at the vet’s office did this. Never mind. I’m fine. What I want to know is this. Why do you say I’m afraid of my own dog? I don’t understand.”

Maria searched his features before replying. “When you brought him home last year, you told me that he’s only to be a guard dog. And when you let him free into the yard, he’s trained to attack anyone roaming the grounds.”

“Okay, let me get this straight. I bought him to be a guard dog. But why does he hateme.”

Maria looked away, obviously uncomfortable.

“Maria, I saw it in his eyes. He wants to eat me.”

Smiling slightly, Maria backed away pointedly, but she still answered. “That beast, he hates everyone. You train him that way. I think all the times you kick and tease him, makes him meaner and meaner. When I bring him his food, I have to slide it through the fence now. Otherwise he growls, threatening me. Like that.” She pointed to the animal who had suddenly stumbled to his feet, shook himself, and let out a low, guttural warning.

Unwilling to stick around, Maria rushed from the room. Joe heard the kitchen door close and had a feeling that Maria had fled the house, afraid for her life.

Not knowing what to do, reluctant to lock the animal away and yet not anxious to get mauled either, Joe led the dog inside. Jack instantly backed as far from him as possible and lowered his body against the wall. Dropping his leash and ignoring him,Joe sat on the sofa and searched his phone for a number that had spiked his attention earlier.

“Officer Hardy speaking.”

“Hi. I’m Special Agent Joseph Marcus. Look, I have a dog here that I believe might have been with the K9 squad previously, and I’m thinking you might have been his handler.”

“Could be. What’s the dog’s name?”

“Jack.”

“Holy smokes. He’s alive. Yeah, right, he worked with me a few years ago. Unfortunately, he became stressed after one too many drug busts. That glorious animal was the best we had in the K9 squad. But after he was shot, he shied away from doing any sort of work. Instead, he moped around, refused to function normally, and became more stressed each time I tried to get him in and out of the van. Finally, I arranged an adoption for him, but I understand it didn’t work out, and they eventually sold him. You must be the man who bought him.”

“Looks that way. I’m thinking he’s got a new character flaw. I kinda get the feeling that he wants to eat me for lunch. Any advice on how to change his mind?”

Laughing, Officer Hardy said, “Just be patient. Treat him kindly, feed him his favorite steak once in a while, and for God’s sake, don’t piss him off.”

“Right. Easier said than done… but thanks.” Joe looked over at the animal laying in the doorway, watching and waiting.

“Agent, I’ve got your number here so I can text you a few links that will explain how to deal with this behavior. Unfortunately, some dogs cannot be rehabilitated. Back in the day, Jack had a huge heart and was a true warrior. Don’t know what’s happened to him since.”

“Weirdly, the vet just informed me he’s a killer, so I’m slightly concerned.”

Laughing, Office Hardy answered, his voice lighthearted. “Like I suggested, watch the videos. If you can’t see any improvement after trying those methods, euthanasia might be your only answer.”

Laying his phone on the table next to him, Joe looked over at the dog still crouched as far away from him as possible… his head now resting on his paws but his hostility still obvious.

“Looks like it’s you and me, buddy. You want my leg for lunch or wanna share a steak?” Standing slowly, Joe made his way deeper into the kitchen, leaving the door open behind him. He reached into the fridge and brought out the big ribeye he’d seen there that morning.

Then he went to where the pans were hanging over the large island and selected the big cast iron one. After seasoning the meat, and turning on the gas flame, he soon had dinner sizzling. Permeating the room with pleasing odors he hoped Jack appreciated, he took his time to set out his utensils and two plates.

After letting the steak rest, Joe placed a good portion of the meat on his own plate, cut up another large piece into chunks, and slid them on a second one. Then he grabbed the salad already mixed from the fridge and filled a bowl. Finally, he put the dog’s plate of food on the floor. Lowering himself along with his own dish, he called to the dog. “Jack, come.”

When Jack stood but refused to step forward, Joe used his foot to push the dog’s portion closer to where the animal waited and said quietly, “Come eat Jack. And not me. The steak. It’s delicious, pal.”

Drawn by the command, the animal slowly inched closer until he stopped a few feet from the plate, his head hanging warily, eyes hooded, and a confused expression on his face.

Joe lifted a forkful to his mouth, always watching for any moves that might indicate the growling animal would attack.After some time and a few more urgings, the dog quieted, slunk on his belly toward the dish of sweet-smelling food, showing a wariness of everything yet daring to overcome his fear for his favorite meal.

Swiping a piece at a time and backing away with each bite, Jack revealed his unease. His gulping the food quickly made Joe believe that Jack wasn’t sure if the meat would get taken away… or he’d be punished for doing as ordered. This behavior showed Joe without a doubt that in the past, Jack had been horribly mistreated just as Maria had said.

Confused and sickened by the poor animal’s performance, he had to question the one thing that made no sense. By Jack’s behavior, Joe could have sworn that to this dog, he was a virtual stranger.

Chapter Eleven

“Lucia, stop it. I’m not your enemy. Neither is your grandfather. What he does for a living is his choice and none of your business.”

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