Steve and Arf had stopped by the General Store on their way back from the research hospital in Jamestown. After talking with Steve, Sam and Katie’s doctors had decided to assign her to a counselor. Since Katie knew that her mother had left her father and her shortly after she learned her baby daughter would never be able to walk, they were concerned Katie had blamed herself. Was that the reason she and Arf had not made more progress since Katie’s surgery?

Steve felt compelled to find Katie’s mother, Dina, whose parents had owned the General Store. Dina’s father,had passed away several years before, and Helen, their mother had come to live with Steve and Katie.

Mrs. Garner, who had worked there for years, was at the store as was Steph, Dina’s younger sister.

“I can’t help resenting the fact that you’re here attempting to get information about Dina’s whereabouts,” Steph said. “You haven’t had anything to do with me since she left. My own mother keeps me at a distance. I’m Katie’s family, too but that isn’t important to you is it, Steve?”

“I was rather busy trying to raise my daughter, with the help of your mother, Helen, of course. I always got the feeling you blamed me for Dina’s leaving. I guess there was enough blame to go around.”

“What are you doing with Arf?” Mrs. Garner asked. “Doesn’t he belong to Miss Bessie?”

“Turns out Arf belongs to a lot of people.” Steve knelt down to pat Arf on the head. “He has trained to be Katie’s therapy dog. He’s doing a great job, but he needs our help. He needs to know why she isn’t doing her part.”

***I wish I could tell Steve that Katie pulled herself up and stood for a minute before easing herself back into her wheelchair. She doesn’t want anyone to know. I’m a dog so I can’t tell them, anyway, but why won’t Katie? She needs to talk. I wish this girl would be nicer to Steve. I wish she would give me a bone. Mrs. Garner always gives me a good bone when I come with Miss Bessie. Maybe you have to have eggs to get a bone. Do they sell frisbees here?

“You said you needed Dina to help Katie,” Steph said. “Is something wrong?”

“She had some surgery recently, and there is a good chance she will be able to walk again. She needs her mother to tell her she deserves to walk. She needs her mother to tell her she didn’t leave because she didn’t want to be saddled with a little girl who would never walk.”

***I don’t know for sure what Steve said, but the pretty girl got big tears in her eyes and so did Mrs. Garner. I hoped that meant they could help him.

“Wait here,” Steph said. “I’ll be right back.”

***While Steve and I waited, Mrs. Garner gave me one of those good bones. I was almost finished with it when the pretty girl came back, She was holding an envelope in her hands.

“I did blame you, Steve. I was so angry I couldn’t see the truth. I received this letter in the mail about a year after Dina left. She asked me not to share it with anyone, especially Katie. I guess she thought she was doing the right thing, but she was wrong, and so was I.”

“Do you mind if I take this with me?” Steve asked. “I have a feeling I will need to be sitting down when I read it. I promise I will return it to you.”

“I never want to see that letter again,” Steph answered. “Please take it with you.”

************************************

Jamie got up early the next morning and rushed to get her coffee before heading up to the attic to explore. Alice was there and insisted she have some breakfast first.

“I know you,” Alice said. “You’ll get distracted and won’t have breakfast or lunch.”

“Whose things are up there, Alice? I thought Brad lost his parents and sister in a fire when he was only sixteen. Didn’t he build this ranch up on his own?

“The house and a few acres were owned by Brad’s Grandparents at one time. I believe they leased it out before moving to a retirement community. When Brad came of age, he learned the house was empty and with a lot of perserverence, he was able to obtain ownership. I think he basically had to pay a lot of back taxes. Since then, He has gradually made a significant amount of improvements to the house, and built quite a sizeable and profitable horse ranch.”

“Miss Bessie says he has a younger brother somewhere.” Jamie commented.

“That’s what I heard,” Alice said. “Now let’s get you some breakfast so you can be on your way to the attic.”

***Steve was outside, and I could tell he wanted to be alone, so I went to the kitchen to see if Alice was going to feed me. Jamie was there! I was so happy to see her, I ran up to her and licked her face. I know I shouldn’t do that, but sometimes I forget.

“Arf,” she said. “It’s so good to see you. I have an idea…how would you like to explore the attic with me?”

***After we both ate breakfast, Jamie took me up some really steep stairs to a huge room that went on forever. It smelled old and I could see a bunch of cobwebbs. It was dusty and musty.

I found a ball and laid down on the floor while Jamie looked and looked and looked. After a while, I wanted to go outside, so I went to find her. While I was looking for her I saw a packet of letters. Since Steve had seemed pretty excited to get a letter, I decided Jamie might want me to bring these to her. Letters, letters, letters. When I gave them to Jamie, she looked through them and her eyes got really big. I’m just a dog, but I sure wish I knew why everyone likes letters so much.

“Where did you find these, Arf?

***Jamie was holding a picture frame.

I thought I would give reading Arf’s story a shot…

It was a quiet ride back to the research hospital. Jack was anticipating his talk with Katie’s physical therapist, Sam. Katie was anxious about learning she was able to stand with the help of Arf. It was the first time she had ever stood in her whole life. She didn’t know quite why she had mixed feelings about the fact that they had made some headway.

***I was quiet because I’m a dog, and I didn’t understand why Katie didn’t want to tell everyone that when she tried to catch a butterfly, she had fallen out of her chair. The exciting part was she had wrapped her arms around me and pulled herself up to a standing position before easing herself back down into her chair. She was as surprised as I was that all of our therapy had made her stronger.Now I have to figure out why she didn’t like being able to do that.

************************************Back at Brad’s ranch, he and Jamie were discussing Jamie’s purchase of Miss Bessie’s farm.”I can’t thank you enough, Brad, for talking to Miss Bessie for me. I was hoping she would see that the farm was just too much for her to handle, now. I also think it’s very kind of you to offer your home to her and all the others who have been staying here.”

“Quite the contrary,” Brad said. “I’m very grateful they want to make this big old ranch house their home. I hated it when the cook and housekeeper were the only other people rattling around here. Mark, the hired hand, prefers to live in the bunkhouse.”

“When are you planning to move to the farm, Jamie? If you need anything in the way of furniture, you’re welcome to look around in the attic for anything you might need or want. There is years worth of things up there.”

“Really, Brad? The house is furnished with Bessie’s things, but I would really like to make the place my own. I’ll start looking and moving tomorrow.”

Bessie had been about to take her dessert plate back to the kitchen when she thought she heard voices. She chastised herself for eavesdropping, but she couldn’t help herself. She felt like she had aged a hundred years since she had made the decision to sell the farm.

“I’m sorry, Harold,” she said. “I hope you’re not too disappointed in me. I know one thing. I’m going to find something productive to do. I never get to see my granddog and I can’t just sit on the porch and rock with Helen the rest of my life.

“And why not? I thought we were friends.” Helen sounded rather dismayed

**********************************

Steve and Arf were on their way back to the ranch.

“Well, Arf,” Steve said. “I guess you’ll be staying at the ranch for the next week. You won’t understand this, but Katie is going to have counseling this week, so she won’t be spending that much time in therapy. When I have a chance, I will tell you all about it, but right now, we have to make a stop at the General Store in town.”

***I didn’t quite get why I didn’t get to stay with Katie at the hospital, but I have a pretty good idea someone figured out that she was getting pretty strong. No…that can’t be it, because Steve would be acting happier. Oh well, I like mysteries. Uhoh…Miss B always says, “Be careful what you pray for.”

Steve and I went to the General Store where Miss B sell her eggs. Remember? Dogs can go in there.

“Hello Mrs. Garner. How are you today?”

“I’m right as rain, Steve. What can I do for you?”

***I’m just a dog, but Mrs. Garner didn’t look too happy to see us. Maybe she doesn’t like dogs.

“I’m hoping Steph is here. I really need to talk to her.”

Just then, a pretty girl came from the back of the store. I remembered her. She came to the farm once when Steve was there. I remember how surprised she looked to see him.

“After all these years, why would you want to talk to me, Steve.” Steph was glaring, I mean glaring at Steve.

“I need to find Dina. I need her to help Katie.”

“Why would you think I would know where Dina is?”

Steve looked as desperate as he felt.

“Because she’s your sister.”

She sashayed through the door. She knew all eyes would be on her. The red satin dress she wore looked stunning with her fur.

Her black hair fell softly from a comb adorned with jewels. She fancied that her fate would be decided by men’s duels.

Her blue eyes sparkled as she turned to face the crowd. She knew not to speak yet. The cheers were far too loud.

She assumed all who came to see her were among the most elite. And like countless times before, they all rose to their feet.

She knew just what to do next. It would drive them all wild. She closed her long-lashed eyes and then ever slowly smiled.

With a white gloved hand she reached to take the microphone. It was then she realized that she was all alone.

Her memories, so vivid, had pushed today aside. But like all dreams that end well, a fitting future was implied.

Did her memories speak the truth? She told her story well. The proof was in her soft sweet voice as she sang, It is Well.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217791331950433021/

Jamie had been at the Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic for two weeks before the opportunity to approach Miss Bessie about selling the farm presented itself. It was actually Brad who was with Miss B when the subject of the farm came up.

“I have so enjoyed my stay here, Brad, but it’s not fair for me to expect your hired hand to continue to take care of the farm. I think it’s time I move back.”

“I’ve been waiting for a good time to discuss something with you, Miss Bessie,” Brad said. “I guess this is the time.”

“I hope you’re not going to, once again, suggest that I sell it. Harold and I spent over fifty years on that farm and I can’t bear the thought of someone else living there and taking over.”

Miss Bessie’s expression showed her mind was made up. As far as she was concerned, the discussion had ended. Brad forged ahead, anyway.

“I understand how you feel, Miss B, but you might feel differently when you learn who is very interested in buying it.”

“For heaven sakes, Brad, just tell me who it is, but I can assure you right now, it won’t make a difference.”

“It’s Jamie,” he said. “As you know, she started her internship at the clinic in town, early. She wants to settle here and she loves the farm.”

“Jamie? It’s Jamie who wants to buy my farm?” Miss Bessie folded her arms but her expression softened. “Where would I live?” She asked. “I can’t stay here forever.”

“Give me one good reason why not,” Brad said. “I wish you knew how much better my life has been since Arf brought us all together. As you say in your prayers each morning, we’re a family.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Miss Bessie was clearly touched by what Brad, who never wore his feelings on his sleeve, had shared.

“Say yes…I’m going to need your help to convince Steve to live here with Katie, and Grandma Helen to stay on as well. It goes without saying that Arf will live here with all of us. Jamie will be close to the clinic and she will love the farm almost as much as you do.”

Miss Bessie didn’t respond at first, but Brad knew he had won her over.

“Tell Jamie I’ll sell the farm to her, but only if she continues to provide eggs to the Sunnyvale General Store. We must keep that tradition alive.”

******************

***Steve took Katie and me back to the clinic for more lessons with Sam. I was one confused therapy dog. A wonderful thing had happened. For the first time in her whole life, Katie had stood up. Why didn’t she want to tell Steve? Would she show Sam, the physical therapist?

I want them to know. I believe that telling them is the right thing to do. I don’t want to betray Katie, but she needs me to help her do whatever it takes to walk on her own. What a great day that will be. I have to find a way to convince Katie not to keep secrets.

Katie had two days to recover followed by two days of tests. She was a real trouper. She never complained from the moment she woke up from her surgery.

Arf did his job well. He alternately comforted her and made her laugh with his antics. He also had passed the test and got to sleep in Katie’s room at night. The only time he left her was when Sam took him for short walks outside. Arf couldn’t wait until he and Katie could start training together. He was really excited about helping her learn to walk.

*****************

Steve was more than a little nervous as he made his way to Dr. Philip’s office. Both doctors would be there. He hoped he could remember all of his questions.

“Hello Steve, thank you for coming. Please have a seat ,” Dr Philip’s said. “We won’t wait for Dr. Jones to arrive. I know how anxious you must be to learn the results of Katie’s tests.”

“Please go on.” Steve hoped he was prepared for whatever he was about to hear.

“I will start by saying that Katie’s condition is a puzzle to us. I know she was just an infant when she was thought to have polio. Am I right to assume that the diagnosis has never been questioned by any other physicians?”

“Katie had the same pediatrician for years. He was the one who made the diagnosis, and no, we…I should say I, didn’t question it. That doctor recently retired and when I took Katie to the new doctor for her yearly exam, he suggested I bring her here.”

“I see.” Doctor Philips was reviewing one of Katie’s tests. “The first thing we did was check Katie’s spine and there appeared to be very little nerve damage. Also, her legs, although she most definitely cannot walk, seem to have gained some muscle strength over the years. Does she engage in some sort of physical activity that would involve her legs? Swimming for instance.”

“I have never seen Katie move her legs,” Steve answered. “We tried braces when she became old enough, but we gave up after it became apparent she wouldn’t be helped by them.”

“She seems like an otherwise determined young lady. Although I’m sure she suffered from a virus that damaged her spine to some degree, there is no physical reason that with a lot of hard work, Katie can’t learn to walk.”

Steve didn’t know how to feel about what he had just learned. Had his little girl lived in a wheelchair all of these years when she was capable of walking? He could feel the tears sting his eyes. He should have known. Afterall, he was her father.

Doctor Philips could read the expression on Jack’s face.

“Don’t blame yourself. You’re a wonderful father, Steve. It was a reasonable conclusion for a doctor to reach back then. Dr. Jones and I were convinced it was another polio like virus that caused her paralysis. The important thing now is to establish where we go from here? I would like to keep Katie and her therapy dog here for one more week.” Doctor Philips went on. “They seem to be a great team and I want Sam to have a few days to work with both of them before Katie goes home. In addition, we will see her for one week out of each month.”

The next morning, Sam and a nurse went to Katie’s room. They decided that some fun along with their training was in order.

“Come on Arf. Are you ready to rock and roll?

***I remembered the command and balanced on my back legs in front of Katie.

“Come on, Katie. Arf is asking you to dance. Take his paws and he’ll show you how it’s done. Nurse Smith, do we have some rock and roll music?”

***When the music started, Katie reached out for my paws and I danced… first pushing her arms back and forth and then carefully picking up one of her feet at a time. Lifting and lowering them five times each.

“Arf could use your help, Katie. His tongue is hanging out. We’ll have to work to even this out,” Sam said.

Katie was laughing and Arf was loving the entertainment he was helping to provide for her. He had practiced with Sam and he knew he must let Katie try to push. “Just prompt her to try,” Sam had said. And then he said the magic words. “Katie needs you.”

Steve felt like his heart was breaking. Katie’s surgery was much more involved than the doctors had anticipated. They told him, in not so many words, that he shouldn’t get his hopes up. It would be a few days before they would be able to tell if the surgery had been successful. Katie’s body needed time to heal. After talking with the doctors, and everyone in the waiting room, Steve went to Katie’s room and waited for them to bring her from recovery.

“Hi Sam, I had forgotten you and Arf would be here waiting for Katie. Listen, I need to tell you that the surgery didn’t go as planned. Everything is really up in the air right now. Please don’t discuss any of this with Katie just yet.”

***I can understand a lot of what humans say, but sometimes it’s too confusing to me. Steve and Sam seemed sad and Katie wasn’t here yet. She should be here so I can help her.

“Here they are,” Steve said as they wheeled Katie’s bed into the room. She was barely awake.

“She will be pretty groggy for a while,” the nurse said. “This might be a good time for you to grab a bite to eat.

I doubt she’ll have a need for her therapy dog, today.”

*** That lady didn’t know what she was talking about. I went over and put my paw on Katie’s hand. Her eyes were closed, but she smiled. Steve told the nurse that Katie would feel better, faster knowing I was there and Sam said I could handle this and he would be back in a couple of hours to take me outside.

Since Katie wouldn’t be allowed visitors for a while, everyone from the ranch decided to head home. I was a little worried they might take me, but guess what? I’m still here.

“There’s my girl,” Steve said as Katie woke up enough to recognize her surroundings. He was grateful for Arf. He would distract Katie from asking questions he wasn’t prepared to answer.

“Daddy, you’re here…and Arf, too! Does Arf get to sleep in my room, now, Daddy?”

“I don’t know, honey. We’ll have to see what your doctors say.” Steve could see his daughter was drifting off again.

“Daddy, I had a dream, and Mommy was in it. I don’t remember her, but I know it was Mommy. She said she loves us.”

Katie was back in dreamland before Steve had to respond.

*** I stayed with Katie most of the next few days. Sam told me I was “on duty” and I know what that means. Steve was there most of the time, too. On the fourth day, they took Katie away for a while and Sam took me for a longer excersize time.

“Maybe you’ll be able to start training with Katie next week,” Sam said. “She won’t be ready for her two weeks at home until the two of you can work together.”

************************

“Do you think it would be appropriate for us to talk with Miss Bessie today about selling the ranch to me?” Jamie and Brad were on an early morning horseback ride.

“Have you thought about who will do the chores? My hired man, Mark, has been going over each day, but I really need him here.”

“Mark can teach me how to do the chores, it can’t be that hard,” was Jamie’s answer.

Brad had to stifle a grin. We’ll see about that, he thought.

“Okay,” we’ll talk with Miss Bessie this afternoon.”

“Thanks, Brad…I sure hope she’ll sell it to me. If anyone can convince her, it’s you.”